BoMass.

I'm not sure if I have ever mentioned this; one of the items on my bucket list is to visit all fifty states.  Of course, there are stipulations.  What constitutes a 'visit' is either an overnight stay, or driving across the longest dimension of that state.  Airports of any kind are not considered.  Furthermore, visits do not count if made before the age of 18.  I think these rules sound pretty reasonable, but I must admit that I lost credit for quite a few, just with the over 18 determination.

To get to the point, I crossed Massachusetts off of the list.  I had been to most all of the states in New England as a child living in New Jersey, but since becoming an adult, I have had to start over.  So when the prospect of Thanksgiving with my own family was squelched  by the obligation of work, I was not so difficultly coaxed into spending the week in Beantown with Stace and her family.

A few thoughts:

-The young men in this town dress like they ought to be ready to row something at a moment's notice.  It's such a stereotype, but it's true.  They all look so collegiate and distinguished.  I wanted to spill on their Brooks Brothers tailored shirts and step on their shiny loafers, it's the destructive streak in me.  I was happy to observe and tease them in my mind, however.

-The historical significance of every building, sidewalk, light-post, and mailbox in that town is overwhelming.  You amaze at the seeming nonchalance of the locals.  Do they KNOW that the garbage can they just spit their gum into sits RIGHT ON the Freedom Trail?!

-The 'burbs in New England are not like the ones in the West.  The houses sit right on the God-made landscape, set upon hills and around creeks.  The roads wind haphazardly and the woods are relatively untouched.  In the West, the suburbs are carved out by bulldozers, and then lined up neatly.  Perhaps that's why I have such distain for them?

-I don't care what anyone says.  There is something charming about the accents.  They aren't particularly pleasant to the air, but the distinct sound of them is so unique to me that the merit lies in the local flair.  I don't sound like I'm from anywhere.  That makes me boring.

Another state closer to the Bucket List Item fulfilled!  note: most of my missing states are in the Southeast.  Who wants to invite me to the Grand Ole Opry?