Random Thoughts in No Particular Order

• I have learned that the word "barbecue" means a VERY different thing in different places. In Texas, it's brisket; in Utah, it's hamburgers and hotdogs; and apparently in South Carolina, it's pork butts (what are those?) with a mustard based barbecue sauce. So when David and I were asked to throw a barbecue for our church group when we have never been to a South Carolina barbecue, we were a little intimidated. We decided to change it to a tailgate party and simplify. Hopefully people aren't disappointed.
  
  
• South Carolina drivers are very courteous. I don't think I've heard a horn honk since we've been here - even when it was warranted.
  
  
• In South Carolina, no one seems to be in a hurry. The speed limit is 55 MPH and no one races by, even on the freeway.
  
  
• Boiled peanuts are disgusting. They're a hit here, but seriously they are gross. They are dark, soggy and must be spit out at once.
  
  
• There is no good grass here. The land around parks and homes looks more like forest ground. I miss grass.
  
  
• There is a lot of water here and many directions are given based on a water landmark: i.e. Broad River, Bush River, Lake Murray, etc.
  
  
• We may never pay for television again. We get movies from Netflix streamed to our TV with a Blu-Ray player. If I really want to watch a current program, I use hulu.com. For ballgames, there's channelsurfing.net. We have 100% control over what comes into our home through the television. No more inappropriate commercials or other surprises. It is great. Plus, I don't waste time flipping channels and watching something I didn't really care to see.
  
  
• I love having some diversity. There's not as much as in Houston, but definitely more than in Utah. I love that my children see black faces every day, even in church.
  
  
• I think I’ve been feeding the hummingbirds boiling water. Can the sun heat my hummingbird feeder to unacceptable levels?
  
  
• "Palmetto bug" is just a nicer way to say "big roach."
  
  
• Turtles stacked up on a log are cute.
  
  
• Baylie is a wild sleeper. The only person who comes close is my sister Tiffani.
  
  
• Jalen is a fast crawler. The only person who comes close is my nephew Asher. (Same goes for wriggling ability while being changed or dressed.)
  
  
• Does anyone think “catfish nuggets” sound appetizing? (They sell them in grocery stores here.)
  
  
• I am seriously stoked that my dad splurged and got us tickets to the South Carolina - Alabama game. Now I just hope the aforementioned tailgate party doesn't conflict with the game.