Home for the Holidays

I've had a fun week traveling on-the-road enjoying middle American pleasures. Discovered a nifty cross-stitch shop in Alpena, Michigan (Stitches N' Blooms) which sells Mill Hill patterns; swam laps twice at a delightful LA Fitness pool in York, PA.; found a cheap chick novel at a Borders (Lisa Scottoline thriller); stayed at a state-of-the-art Motel 6 in Youngstown, Ohio; ate a plate of crab stuffed mushrooms at Red Lobster; and drank a few ice coffees at Dunkin' Donuts. All that was missing was catching Jeff Bridges in the remake of Tron or True Grit.

I know I sound like a commercial for crass consumerism and indulgence-of-self, but all these visits are extra-special treats when you live off-the-beaten path vs. mainstream-mall-America.

Now I'm heading back home to enjoy a quiet Christmas in the north country where the pine trees, frozen lakes, fierce hawks, and graceful deer are abundant. (God's treats for the eyes and soul.) Fish ... not as much as you might think ... but that's fodder for another blog entry.