Things learned while out west . . .

1. The second most popular Jelly Belly jelly bean flavor is Buttered Popcorn (which I find unappealing). Number 1? Very Cherry.

2. There are such things as U-Turn lights and grapples.

3. West Sacramento just opened a new high school that contains water slides.

4. Despite having a reputation as being laid back, north California has meter maids that will give you a ticket if your tire touches the line in your parking space. This seems to especially apply on Sunday, a day most would not expect to see meter maids at all.

5. We need a Nugget Market to move to Connecticut. Stat! Same with Fry's.

6. We need Fat Tire beer to be available in New England (This is a lament I always have when I get a chance to have a bottle when west of the Mississippi. You Carolina folks are lucky.).

7. A Jeep Wrangler Unlimited can fit into a parking space labeled "Compact Only."

8. Police cruisers DO hide behind billboards, Dukes of Hazzard style, waiting for speeders.

9. In-N-Out Burger has a secret menu (though it isn't very secret).

10. Standing in the middle of a vineyard, with vines stretching as far as you can see in every direction, makes you realize how small you really are.