Why was Mrs. Watson angry about her husband driving straight through Birmingham? Why was she pleased? Give one reason for each.

In the story, Mrs. Watson was a little angry when her husband drove straight through to Birmingham because his unilateral decision had put a dent in all of her 'notebook planning.' This just means that Mrs. Watson, who had the trip all planned out, including the stops the family would make, did not get to experience the journey as she had envisioned. Therefore, this made her upset.

However, she was also secretly pleased, as driving through to Birmingham meant that they did not have to pay for overnight lodging. According to her proud husband, he drove for eighteen straight hours and almost a thousand miles to Birmingham. He also told his family that a song playing on the radio, Big Daddy Was a Truck-Drivin’ Man, further spurred him on. When he got tired, Mr. Watson also remembered his friend, Joe Espinosa, who drove all the way to Texas without stopping.

In due time, the family reached their destination, and everyone greeted Grandma Sands.