Truths of the Road

2025 miles later, we're in Houston.

We've learned some truths.

1. I have nothing good to say about the mid-Atlantic states. Maryland, Virginia, lower Pennsylvania. Three separate times we took an exit to get gas and ended up seven miles from the interstate to get to the gas station. That is incomprehensible. I felt like I was part of the "dollar-bill-on-the-fishing-line" trick, where, right when I reached for the dollar bill, Exxon yanked the station away.

2. No Shoney's sign has every letter working. It's always S oney's. Or Sho ey's.

3. Jeff Tweedy is one of the greatest songwriters of our generation.

4. With sunflower seeds and XM radio, I can drive forever.

5. I am willing to dehydrate myself in order to not have to stop to go to the bathroom. I'm normally a pretty heavy water drinker and receive criticism for how often I have to pee. I am willing to make myself dizzy by drinking only enough water to wash the sunflower kernel jabbing my throat down.

6. Where there's a Waffle House, there's cheap gas.

7. As you go further south the gas station attendants get friendlier.

8. We have a strong marriage. Want to test your marriage...get in a car for 34 hours (8 on Tuesday, 11 on Wednesday, 10 on Thursday, 5 on Friday.). If you can make it without an argument, then try it with two dogs. If you still have no arguments, you're in good shape.