26 Things I've Learned in the Past 2 Months

1.  Traveling with a dog isn't nearly as difficult as I had expected.

2.  Packing up a house is a terrible, torturous thing to do.

3.  A moving van always holds more than anticipated.

4.  Really sweet friends take the time to bring lunch over for all the moving help on moving day.

5.  Saying good-bye is not one of my strong points.

6.  West VA allows "totally nude" dancers at, ahem, "Gentleman's clubs."  Ahem.

7.  So does Missouri.

8.  The Mississippi River can easily escape notice, due to its unusually low level.  Or maybe some people should pay a bit more attention during geography.  (And I mean myself)

9.  NEVER stay at a Microtel.  Gross.

10.  GPS devices were created to mock us.  Though I did appreciate the ability to locate the closest Starbucks at the touch of a button.

11.  I had the greatest co-pilot.

12.  Legos are the greatest toy ever made.  Except when Mom gets mad and throws the box out the car door in Utah.  Then it's hard to find all the little pieces.

13.  Echo, UT has a scary rest area.

14.  There are very few coffee shops in UT.  But lots of Golden Corrals.  Thanks, Macy Reece, for the suggestion!

15.  Wyoming goes on forever.

16.  Old houses have persnickety plumbing.  At best.

17.  Lead paint wears like iron.  I say we bring it back.

18.  Paneling should be outlawed.

19.  One bathroom is easier to clean than two.

20.  Rain and humidity are both equally bad forms of water.

21.  Everyone should drive across the country at least one time in their life.  Truly the best experience we've every had.

22.  S&B Donuts cannot be beat.

23.  Old houses have a lot of character.  And living in old houses builds a lot of character.

24.  I'm glad to be "home."

25.  I really miss my other "home" in VA.  And my friends.  And my Walmart.  And my library.  And Raleigh.  And Roanoke Rapids.  And Winchester.  Heck, I even miss Blackstone!  (There's a really great antique store in Blackstone)

26.  I think I've learned that "home" is not just one place, but really lots of places--each one filled with great people (sometimes family, sometimes friends), happy memories, and always the six of us.  Or seven counting Vader.

Now, this is by no means a complete list.  I've learned lots more, for sure.  These are just the ones that come to me easily.  Oh, and I just thought of one more:  I totally miss my Amish friend, Emma.