The Big 5-0

Well, I did it. As of September 16, 2011, about 1:30 p.m. PT, I have been in every state in this grand country!

(In case you’re curious, No. 50 was Oregon, where my sister and I visited with a longtime friend and had a delightful time reconnecting with one of our cousins and his wonderful family. No. 49 was Idaho, the day before. But more on Boise another time.)

Under the Rigney rules, a state doesn’t count unless a. you leave the airport and b. buy something.

In response to some questions people have asked:

–Trip that generated the most states? Spring break, 1977, to Daytona Beach, in a bus that left from the University of Northern Iowa. I racked up Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. That also was the only time I was in Tennessee, so am grateful that we got off the bus and had a meal. That, by the way, was my first exposure to grits.

–State I’d most like to go back and revisit: Tennessee (see above).

–State in which I spent the least time: Montana. I was in junior high, on a trip to South Dakota’s Black Hills and Wyoming’s Devils Tower with my family. My father drove the few miles to Montana so he and Mom could buy cigarettes (the taxes were lower there). I bought a candy bar. I counted it.

State I’ve seen enough of: I plead the Fifth. After all, I’m an aspiring novelist and don’t want to tick off any potential fans!

What’s next: New Year’s Eve in Oklahoma. It’ll be No. 49 for my sister… who plans to make a special (and solo) event of New Mexico for her No. 50.