On my road-trips from the big smoke, I always know I’m getting close to home, because other drivers give me the one-finger-wave. You know, that typically country gesture when they lift their index finger off the steering and give you a “wave” (friend or stranger, high speed or low, it doesn’t matter). It’s also known as the country wave or the bush salute.

I was surprised at first and got flustered about the correct amount of enthusiasm to show on the return wave (wild, full hand waving IS NOT the answer – unless you actually know the person, and then it’s OK). But now I’m used to it, and my index finger raises the correct 2 inches from the wheel in return. Last week, I missed a wave and felt bad about myself for at least two hours. It wasn’t an intentional oversight. I was just off my game.