Unplugged

Our holiday retreat in Small Town, IL

We have returned from our wonderful visit to Small Town, IL, and though I had full intentions of blogging about our IL happenings while we where there, I found myself truly enjoying being unplugged from technology. Even my phone was roaming most of the time. Instead of answering emails, responding to Facebook posts or blogging, you could find me in the warm house watching the snow fall, playing with babies, spending time with family, taking pictures, taking naps, rearranging furniture, working on Adam's stocking, or, naturally, eating holiday delights. We felt like we were away. And it was wonderful. Ten days goes by amazingly fast.

We returned home late Tuesday night and I spent much of Wednesday in my pajamas, trying to shake my post-holiday/post-vacation funk. Thankfully we shared dinner and our last gift exchange of the season with my parents, which was just what I needed to perk up. I had to get back on my game -- family visitors were on the way! This afternoon Michael's sister and her family arrived to spend the New Year's weekend with us. Can I just publicly pat myself on my back for an impressive dinner of roast chicken, baby Bella mushrooms, herb potatoes, roasted tomatoes and homemade rosemary bread??  (Thanks, Tyler Florence!)

For the next few days I am going to stretch out the holidays and enjoy our company. I choose to remain unplugged until the New Year. Next week I'll try to catch you up on our visit, Christmas, snow and more. I hope all of you had a blessed and meaningful Christmas, and I wish you all the joy in 2011.

Signing off for the last time in 2010.... Happy New Year everyone!