The Slice: So maybe we do know what we’re missing

So it turns out that I am the only adult in the Spokane area who has never been to the Oregon coast.

I’m not really sure how this came about. It just sort of happened.

I was going to go once back in the late ’80s, but that trip fell through. And since then, well, things keep coming up.

So, anyway, I know what you’re thinking: “Oh, Paul, you don’t know what you’ve been missing.”

Actually, I do. See if my list conforms to the reality of your experience.

On the Oregon coast …

You can read 16 novels in a week and still have time for long walks.

You find yourself viewing life through a prism of Zen calm.

You eat all you want and not gain an ounce.

You like how your hair looks and how your clothes feel.

Strangers think you are smart and funny.

You are reminded that you live in the laid-back Northwest, not East Angryville.

Daydreams seem as if they are the work of a brilliant filmmaker.

Suddenly you have all this energy.

Spokane seems far, far away.

Today’s Slice question: First, a story of gentle identity theft.

New acquaintances often believe they know Spokane’s Joyce Rowan Wright from somewhere. They just can’t put their finger on it.

So she tries to help them narrow it down. “I go down a list of where they live, shop, yard sale, volunteer, go to church, et cetera,” said Wright.

None of that clears it up.

So Wright then makes an allusion to “The Andy Griffith Show.”

That’s it! She reminds them of Aunt Bea.

“Nine times out of 10,” said Wright.

She freely admits that even some of her mannerisms are like the pillowy Mayberry homemaker’s.

Which brings us to the question.

In the Inland Northwest, which character from that classic sitcom has the most real-life lookalikes?