It sure is cold in Texas, and it's supposed to snow tomorrow! We've driven through 16 states so far, for a total of almost 2,900 miles. I've mapped out the route we've taken in this picture, with each of the stops we've made. I'll add to it periodically to show our progress.

I've been trying to really notice the differences and similarities from place to place. Different birds, trees, landscapes, but also the kinds of cars we see, and restaurant chains (today we saw the transition from Hardee's to Carl's Jr.). The similarities are striking - suburban America's shopping plazas are carbon copies. Going to Target in Memphis I easily found the items on my list with no surprises.

On one hand, this consistency is comforting, but on the other hand I wonder what kinds of unique local flavor have been sacrificed in the process. Communities frequently resist big box stores in favor of their "Mom & Pops" but I think many people just drive to the next closest location.