Loony, I've a feeling we're not in New England anymore

You might think moving from Massachusetts to Florida wouldn't involve much culture shock because they are both part of the United States. Mostly this line of thinking is correct, but there have definitely been moments when I've thought to myself, "Oh Bethany, you are not in the Northeast anymore."

Here are some of the sights and experiences that have brought on these moments:

• Spanish Moss and Palm Trees are everywhere.
• Bird of Paradise grows right outside my front door.
• Roadkill I've seen several times is...an armadillo.
• When driving, watch out for the Sandhill Cranes, not moose.
• The ocean water is warm! Quite pleasant, but the natives think it is quite cold.
• U-turns are common - on major roads. People make u-turns all the time. We just don't drive that way in Massachusetts.
• Stores and malls are everywhere. The number of stores and restaurants I drive past every day is positively overwhelming. Especially after spending several years at Houghton College.
• There's a Christian music radio station. Oh wait, there are two! (Shhhh, don't overwhelm the girl by telling her that there are even more...)

So, I'm adjusting.

I spent the weekend with a Houghton friend and her family. They just moved down here last month from Pennsylvania, so we were able to compare notes. Among other fun-ness, we created this gem:

Chickens, beware!