Learning Curve

As we continue to settle in to life in Georgia I am learning many things about my new home.

1. Out in the "country" (where we live) it is DARK at night.  Really dark.  Streetlights are not plentiful out here.
2. The "highways" are NOT highways at all, in the California sense of the word.  Most "highways" are two lane roads...one lane in each direction.
3. Although I'm a planner, I need to step it up a notch.  The closest grocery store is about 4 miles away and the closest Target is about 6 miles away.  On two lane roads these are not short trips.  No more "Oops, we're out of milk!" trips.  Shopping is more of an event now.
4. The "highways" typically don't have protected left turns.  I've been honked at a couple of times because I forget to go on green when I don't have an arrow.  Or maybe I'm being honked at for my California plates.
5. Speaking of dark...the sun doesn't rise til 7:30.  Soren gets up around 7:15 and it's practically pitch dark.
6. We are totally unprepared for the coming winter months.  A California jacket for my kids can't serve as a Georgia jacket.  We learned that this morning.  Brrrr!
7. Back to the highways...why must the highway change names four times in an eight mile stretch?  It doesn't help a newcomer get around.
8. Southern hospitality exists.  People are kind.  They wave, even if they don't know you.
9. Basements are godsends.  No more junk in the garage.
10. Yard work is not my thing...especially when said yard is .4 acres.

Quickie

Just a brief update to let y'all know we're alive and kicking.  Life has been crazy with the move, Dad's surgery, and now Mom is in the hospital, too.  Last night she had emergency surgery to repair her ruptured colon.  Seriously, I just want my entire family to be FAR FAR AWAY from hospitals.

I'll write more soon.  Truly, there is lots to share.  For now, just keep my family in your prayers, if you would.  We appreciate them greatly.