Sometimes You're the Windshield ...

and sometimes you're the bug, and other observations from driving to South Lake Tahoe -- and back.

• Ninety-five percent of drivers would most likely benefit from a re-edification around basic rules of the road.
• Cows out to pasture appear to have a care-free existance, albeit short-lived.
• I'm in favor of a national policy mandating cleanliness in public restrooms -- or at least the option of functional soap dispensers.
• Highway 16, Nashville and X Country are the most compelling satellite radio options.
• If the car ahead of you is speeding, it's OK for you to do the same.
• Mud slides are unpredictable.
• However, the DOT frequently over-estimates road-clearing-times.
• Which is good news.
• Snow-capped mountains and year-round Christmas trees are addictively appealing.
• RV drivers are pretty gutsy.
• Eddie Rabbit rules.
• Relaxing weekend road trip essentials: glasses, cork screw, luxurious wine, iPod.
• Relaxing weekend road trip non-essential: 118 steps to the front door.
• Silver lining: super-quiet snooze time & breath-taking mornings.