I think it's about time I said it, I'm enjoying living in the South. I was a West Coast boy for decades, moved a little bit East to Idaho, and then suddenly planted myself in the Deep South more than four years ago.

I have seen a lot of it. Several great road trips have exposed me to the Southern States, and I've loved everything I've seen.

But sometimes it's the little things that amaze me. Back West when someone is walking out of a door in front of you, the door swings closed. Here, and I think it's due to respect for the elderly, they stop and hold the door open for you, before they exit.

Today I saw a funeral procession coming down the busy four lane highway 43, and that road came to a stop! Everyone pulled to the side of the road in respect, even traffic in the opposite direction. Tears welled up in my eyes at this tradition.

I'm an agnostic, but I respect these god fearing, church going people. There is something amazing about the friendliness and spirit of good will among them all.

And then there is the food, and the traditions that have grown from poverty. It is unlike anything I've experienced from the pretentious West. Down home real cooking, and they don't eat escargot here...