Happy 2011

 

Wow, what a difference a week away from work, my computer, and multitasking can make! I admit that I'm a little reluctant to jump back into the swing of things, but so it goes (and I figure it's certainly one way to stay warm in the frigid Iowa January!). Vacations are good.

I was at the Jersey shore for the holidays—an area I love in the winter because it's so very quiet and peaceful—and I was one of the lucky ones who got to witness the crazy east coast blizzard the day after Christmas, and yet, wasn't really impacted by it. Sure it meant that I stayed holed up in the house for an extra day, but that's what the holidays are for anyway, I figure. It also bought us an extra day with part of our family who decided to wait for the roads to clear up a bit, so it was a big win in my book. Other than shoveling, the time was filled with sewing (my dress), eating (ravioli, panettone, crab cakes, countless cookies, and much, much more), sitting around the table telling story after story, and taking long walks bundled up. It was lovely to have such an extended bit of family time.

After the shore, we visited my sister and her hubby in State College, PA—which is home to the part of my father's heart that is not filled by his family...he is one proud alumni!—and Josh got to see where many of the stories that were told around the dinner table took place. And while I didn't go to Penn State, I've spent so much time there over the years visiting my sister, a good friend, and cousins, that it feels like a very familiar happy place. As a bonus, we even managed to go for a good hike (and steered clear of the hunters) in a local state park.

Our extended road trip was definitely a lot of time in the car, but when that just means quality time with the one you love, you learn to be grateful for the hours. And I definitely was.

Meet me back here on Wednesday for a peek at a few of my favorite homemade and handmade gifts!