"From the baylands of Georgia to the Deserts in Texas to the Palm Trees of Southern and Northern California".. Sounds like a the next verse of America the Beautiful doesn't it? When those were my thoughts as Afton and I drove across the US, literally from coast to coast. I have been curious to see the cities planted along the Southern US for quite a whilte and I finally got the opportunity! Here are 10 highlights that we experienced throughout the 3000 mile journey:

1. Borrowing Michael and Karen Ferguson's GPS system. I love to play with new toys. Afton and I changed the instructional voice from "American English" to "British English" and got a kick out of hearing the British women inside the GPS system tell us to "Proceed 1.3 Miles and Turn Left at Exit 112" in her refined, monotone voice. Don't people with British accents sound more intelligent or is it just me?

2. Afton seeing half a boat lying on the side of the freeway (I-12) while passing through the New Orleans area

3. Walking around downtown Houston. I was surprised to see how clean and modern-looking the mid-town district was.

4. Splitting a hamburger at the Hard Rock Cafe in Austin, TX on 6th Street.

5. Raiding Aunt Leann and Uncle Rick's fridge while passing through El Paso, TX for the night.

6. Observing the "Don't pick up hitch hiker" signs while driving through New Mexico's border with Mexico.

7. The "Eat Beef" Billboard in Arizona.

8. Learning from "The Salmon Incident." I won't go into the details but it involves smoked salmon extract, a retched smell, and our car seats.

9. Seeing the crazy people on Hollywood Blvd trying to sell their souls to make it in the movie biz.

10. Observing the new look of our carport with the our brand new car in it.