On the surface, it seems a little odd to consider people I've never actually met face-to-face as friends. Further internal examination begs the question: What makes us consider another person a "friend" over an acquaintance or passer-by or even a not-friend? "Not-friend" being someone I don't like and don't want to be friends with.
I believe it comes from knowing more about that person. Knowing enough about them that is personal - how they think, what they believe, sense of humor, whatever is important to you about people - and then comparing those things to our own set of the same things. That's how I choose friends - or not-friends.
Based on that criteria, I have several friends here, in this forum. Many acquaintances, some of which may be friends someday. Very few not-friends. I hope to meet many of you face-to-face if location and time allows.
Anyway: No real point to the above. Just thinking out loud.
The purpose of this post is to share my great new adventure with my friends and future-friends: In just a couple weeks, we're moving the whole fam-damily from Southern California to North Carolina. It's going to take the whole summer to complete the journey and I will likely not be on here much during that time. I dis-assembled and packed my office last night so it's already begun. I'm posting from work today (don't worry - I've already quit so they can't fire me!
) and this is my last week here.
Initially, we're taking our RV on a long route across the North to check a few more states off our bucket list item titled "See all 50 States" and we'll see the shores of all 5 Great Lakes to boot. Of course, many National Parks will be visited and sights will be seen. I will occasionally check in using my tablet when wifi is available and make notations about the travels and travails.
For those interested, a sequential list of States: California, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and finally North Carolina. Seven of these are new to both my wife and myself and only Wyoming we have visited together in the past (other than the two home states: California and North Carolina).
The astute geographers among you might notice what appears to be a gap between Michigan and New York. It will be filled with the Canadian Province of Ontario. We will also enter Canada earlier in the trip from Minnesota and re-enter the US via the Mackinac Bridge, after traveling along the North shore of Superior. Another fun geographical note is we will see three totally different sets of water falls: Twin Falls ID, Amnicon Falls MI, and of course Niagara Falls ON/NY.
My final US crossing will be alone hauling all our crap via I-10, I-20, and I-95, through 3 States new to me; MS, AL, and SC. I have several friends (including a son) along this route so although driving alone, I will spend evenings with company.
Wish me safe passage and no breakdowns!
I believe it comes from knowing more about that person. Knowing enough about them that is personal - how they think, what they believe, sense of humor, whatever is important to you about people - and then comparing those things to our own set of the same things. That's how I choose friends - or not-friends.
Based on that criteria, I have several friends here, in this forum. Many acquaintances, some of which may be friends someday. Very few not-friends. I hope to meet many of you face-to-face if location and time allows.
Anyway: No real point to the above. Just thinking out loud.
The purpose of this post is to share my great new adventure with my friends and future-friends: In just a couple weeks, we're moving the whole fam-damily from Southern California to North Carolina. It's going to take the whole summer to complete the journey and I will likely not be on here much during that time. I dis-assembled and packed my office last night so it's already begun. I'm posting from work today (don't worry - I've already quit so they can't fire me!
) and this is my last week here. Initially, we're taking our RV on a long route across the North to check a few more states off our bucket list item titled "See all 50 States" and we'll see the shores of all 5 Great Lakes to boot. Of course, many National Parks will be visited and sights will be seen. I will occasionally check in using my tablet when wifi is available and make notations about the travels and travails.
For those interested, a sequential list of States: California, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and finally North Carolina. Seven of these are new to both my wife and myself and only Wyoming we have visited together in the past (other than the two home states: California and North Carolina).
The astute geographers among you might notice what appears to be a gap between Michigan and New York. It will be filled with the Canadian Province of Ontario. We will also enter Canada earlier in the trip from Minnesota and re-enter the US via the Mackinac Bridge, after traveling along the North shore of Superior. Another fun geographical note is we will see three totally different sets of water falls: Twin Falls ID, Amnicon Falls MI, and of course Niagara Falls ON/NY.
My final US crossing will be alone hauling all our crap via I-10, I-20, and I-95, through 3 States new to me; MS, AL, and SC. I have several friends (including a son) along this route so although driving alone, I will spend evenings with company.
Wish me safe passage and no breakdowns!
Having lived in the south [Florida, Texas] before coming home to SoCal, I just can't imagine anything...ever...making me want to go back to the south. But I realize I'm not you! 
Comment