southern loves.

It's true that the little things are often forgotten in life. Since moving back home, I have rediscovered the essential loves of a Southern life. I've compiled a small list that makes for good ol' Dixie days.

• America (except for the federal government)
• Ancestors
• Land (especially if it’s a farm or in the country)
• Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Country music
• Elvis Presley
• Pick-up trucks
• High school football games
• Scarlet O'Hara
• Rhett Butler
• The little country Church
• Goo Goos
• RC Cola
• Our accents
• Azaleas
• People who are "just folks"
• The “blues”
• Duck hunting
• Flirting
• Fried pies
• Home
• Hospitality
• Tradition
• Living at a leisurely pace
• Pecans (especially in pies)
• Quilts
• Soul food
• Potlucks
• Parades
• Bluegrass (both kinds)
• The Grand Ole Opry
• Fireworks
• Tailgating at ballgames
• Cedar Christmas trees
• The beach
• Magnolia trees
• Restaurants that serve breakfast anytime
• Griping about politicians and damn Yankees
• Country ham
• Hunting
• Fishing
• All-you-can-eat buffets
• Chicken-fried steak
• Biscuits
• Family pictures
• Good manners
• Slow talkers
• Driving fast
• Loafing
• Piddling
• Dinner on the church grounds
• Watermelon
• Vacation Bible School
• Big hair (and blonde too!)
• Baptizing in a creek
• Mud boggin’
• Afternoon hymn sings
• Porches
• Tractors
• Ugly dogs
• Barbecue
• Golf
• Iced tea
• Lemonade
• Sunday dinner
• Confederate flag
• Dixie
• 6-1/2-ounce Cokes
• The church softball team
• Air-conditioning
• Stock-car racing
• Moon Pies
• Mama and Daddy
• Family
• Gospel music
• Chinese buffet restaurants
• Song "Freebird"
• Song "Sweet Home Alabama"