Mobile, Alabama

The graduate. Good times to be had by all at University of Southern Alabama. Hands down, the best graduation I've ever been to. Short. Sweet. To the point. With A LOT of personality. After the graduation, we headed to the close suburb of Fairhope, Alabama. Fairhope has entered the competition for places Ann will move next. Still front runners: Maine and Vermont. Fairhope: close second. While in Fairhope we checked out the local art show, went to the Christmas Parade, and watched Neil Diamond perform some of his greatest hits. Fairhope = the highlight of the trip (besides, Claire, of course).

Saturday we went to the Botanical Gardens where there was yet another art show, and checked out the local master gardeners. Most people wouldn't try and bring home greenery. On a plane. From Alabama. But I did. And it survived.

Who doesn't love the beach in December?

Basically, I loved the trip to Mobile. Before leaving, everyone I talked to before the trip said things like, "There is nothing to do in Mobile."

Oh how they wrong. I loved Mobile. Now, I've been told by many friends and family memebers that I am not a good baseline for whether or not people will like the places I visit. I tend to like most places.For instance, I really like South Dakota.

I love Baltimore.

Here is what I've determined: I like basically everywhere I visit. But here is why: I seek out what I like.

I like art. I like photographers. I like gardeners and farmers. I like beaches. I like being outdoors. I like communities, and people who care about those communitites. When I go new places, I find like-minded people.

Therefore, I like most places I visit.