Top Nine: States

I have decided to add a new feature to this blog - top nine lists. Very similar to Top Ten lists, but only 90 percent of the work for me! Another difference is that I will start at number one, since I can't stand the suspense.

So without further delay, here are the top nine states in which I have spent time:

1. New Jersey My home. I know that Jersey suffers a bad reputation, but I think it's great. We have the best boardwalks in the world, good weather, and a wide variety of activities. It's also the home state of Bruce Springsteen, even though I'm not a big fan of him (don't tell anybody, I might get deported!)

2. Pennsylvania My parents have a vacation house in the Poconos, so I have spent a lot of time there through the years. Beautiful scenery, plus PA also has the Steelers.

3. Delaware I went to the University of Delaware, so it will always have a special place in my heart. Go Blue Hens!

4. New York There are a lot of great things to do in New York City, but don't forget upstate. I went to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown with my Dad; it was a trip I'll never forget.

5. Maine I've been up to Maine several times to visit my aunt and cousins. It is a beautiful state in both summer and winter, but I liked summer better.

6. Alaska I had the great opportunity to take a 2-week Alaska cruise several years ago. It was amazing; unlike any place else I've ever been. We got to pan for gold, take a helicopter ride to the top of a glacier, and witness sunshine at midnight. (I think winter might be another story).

7. Florida I first went to Disney World as a kid; I since have been back to Florida for a wedding and also to see a spring training game. They all were great trips.

8. California I spent two weeks here with my family as a teenager; we spent time in both San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as driving down the coast between the two cities. I especially enjoyed the tour of Alcatraz.

9. Vermont I have only been there once; it was a trip to see Calvin Coolidge's birth place. That site is also a farm and small town to tour. Coolidge's grave site is just down the road, I think I have a picture of my at the tombstone.