Hello @lynda.north.carolina and welcome to the Community Forum 
It’s lovely to hear that TrustedHousesitters was recommended to you by a friend in England and what a great way to describe your feeling of joining, I think most of us on here feel that way too! The list of possibilities is endless.
If you are already signed up as a member you can also add your TrustedHousesitters profile on to your profile on here, by following the attached link, should you wish. This will then enable others to offer you helpful advice and feedback.
You mention that you would like to explore some of the beautiful cities near to you which is actually a great way to start to build your reviews on here. A lot or members start off their journey of house sitting on here by completing local sits.
I have also attached a thread that you should find helpful.
If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to ask, we are all more than happy to help. 