I have to admit, I started out in the Great Plains of Eastern South Dakota and after 30 years in Florida I have picked up a bit of a southern drawl. It just grows on you after years of hearing it. But I still don't say words like "Y'all." I still use proper English and no southern speak like Jeff Foxworthy always makes fun of. I kind of talk like a midwesterner with a southern drawl if that's possible. Weird combo.

My dad was born and raised on Long Guyland, NY and one would have never guessed. He didn't ever tawk like a New Yawker. But his brother sure does. I don't know how he ever lost that accent or if he ever had it.

I'll tell my family about your "an at." My old neighbors used to be from Pittsburgh and lived there in the summertime and here in the winter. I don't remember how they talked though.

But a long, long time ago I have girlfriend from Boston and they really talk funny to me. Pahk the cah. I bought a Rhode Island Dictionary once and still have it. The whole dictionary has words the way New Englanders say them. With pronunciations and definitions. It's pretty funny reading it aloud. LOL