Learned many things about North Carolina including that it has 16 universities, few communities are built on a grid system, you don’t get to choose your own standard license plate, and that those in the know order their tea half and half.

Visited Foggy Pine Books in downtown Boone. Was surprised by their intense COVID protocols. I was given a mandatory mask, asked my name, given the choice to wear gloves or use hand sanitizer, told I was allowed to touch the books but had to put unwanted ones in the designated carts, and had their customer inside the store limit policy explained to me.

Added 9 birds to the life list thanks to copious amounts of walks, porch sitting, park and garden visits, and one patient friend that now vows to notice the bird sounds around her. Species spotted included Eastern Bluebird, Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Brown Thrasher, Black-Throated Blue Warbler, Northern Parula, Carolina Wren, and Red-Bellied Woodpecker.

Spent my first night in North Carolina at my friend’s new rental house, which happened to be her very first night there. Noticed an interesting and unknown button on the toilet. Ignoring our instincts we inadvertently bideted ourselves with toilet water. Coined the phrase, “Friends that bidet together, stay together!”

Had family dinner with folks that self-identified as swingers. Thoroughly enjoyed myself and was absolutely tickled by the novelty of the evening.

Marveled at all the brick buildings in North Carolina as this So Cal kid never saw any thanks to them being unsafe in earthquake country.

Enjoyed many Southern inspired foods while visiting North Carolina including fried cornbread, biscuits-regular and frosted, chicken sandwiches, hush puppies, and beer with actual blueberries floating in it.

Spotted a rather tall mailbox while walking and couldn’t help but wonder how on earth the mail carrier would manage. Then noticed the word Bills painted on it. Touché.

Ordered a burnt mallow latte because I was feeling festive. It arrived and while delicious, was eerily charcoal gray. Proceeded to worry if my teeth would match.

Accidentally called 911 and only noticed because I heard the operator inquire about my emergency. Offered frantic apologies and vowed to be more careful in the future.