Missing Something?

We had the opportunity to go Chicago for Chicagopex a couple of weekends ago.  And, whenever the two of us travel, we often amuse ourselves by observing.  

Yes, you heard me correctly.  Observing.

Sometimes we try to pay attention to the number and types of raptors we see as we travel down the road.  We've been known to play the "license plate" game (how many different states have we seen and can we catch the elusive Alaska plate?).  How many people are looking at their phones as they pass us or we pass them?  Are there any interesting signs along the way?  

We don't just limit ourselves to those thing.  Sometimes we're just doing what we can to be open to the unexpected.  Or, there are the moments where we do a double take... "Did you just see that?"

We had one such experience as we got into the car to begin our trip back to the farm.  I noticed a very large flag rippling in the breeze and my brain told me something wasn't quite right.  Apparently, according to this flag, one of the United States fell off in the wash.

No, seriously, check the third row from the bottom.  There's only 49 stars on that flag.  

If you count from left to right and top to bottom, this would be the 35th state, West Virginia - if we can actually assign the stars in that order.  According to the American Legion, there isn't any official rule for this, but they indicate that it makes sense if you want to do it.

I certainly have nothing against West Virginia.  But, it appears someone with a flag making factory is holding a grudge.