Yes, Jill, I heard you...

...and I'm finally updating my blog! LOL! Would you all please tell me I'm not the only one unable to keep up with life? And if you are one of those perfect people who has all your gifts wrapped and under your beautifully decorated tree, your holiday candies made, your dinner parties organized, festive attire awaiting the next holiday celebration, handmade Christmas cards already mailed...well, I admire you and I HATE YOU! LOL! Just kidding! That used to be me...not anymore. Good Lord! I'm so behind. I mentioned in my last post how I have one tree decorated and the other patiently waiting to be "dressed". Well, I have nothing else to report...my poor tree is still waiting for me. I did take time to fluff the branches, adjust the lights and add a few ornaments last night. Here's hoping I finish tonight. I truly hate to complain about being behind. It has been my choice to focus my energy on other things so I have no room to complain. I'm taking time to spend time with those who mean the most to me...pretty good reason to not sweat the unadorned tree, don't you think?

This past weekend was my girl's trip to Boston. What a trip it was!!! Although we had a rocky start, it was a fantastic weekend. You know, I think I sound like a broken record these days...every good event seems to begin with a challenge. This time it involved flight delays. I have never been one to enjoy flying. Makes me very nervous. Thursday was an extremely windy day meaning a very bumpy flight. What better way to ride out the air-born potholes than with a little Goose and Juice under your belt. Barbara shares my dislike of shaky flights so we downed a drink before boarding, thinking it would help. Ummmm, we didn't account for the hour+ delay in boarding as well as the 45 minute wait on the tarmac. Yep, the nice little buzz was long gone. Which is probably a good thing. Once we made the quick 30 minute flight to Atlanta, we had less than 10 minutes to get to the other side of the airport as our next flight was already boarding. We had missed our original connecting flight but the Delta agent had booked us through on the next one. And it appeared we weren't going to make it either.

Not being the wisest traveler, I was wearing clogs, a heavy winter coat, thick scarf and carrying a heavy tote bag. And a 10 minute sprint across the massive Atlanta airport was required. We took off running...at a fast pace...which became a little slower as we went. We finally made it to the tram that would transport us to our gate but had missed it and the next wasn't due to arrive for another 3 minutes. I knew we could run the distance faster than the wait would be. OK, so I thought I knew it. My workouts are serving me well, but I've learned I need to work on increasing speed and endurance. We arrived at the gate huffing, puffing and sweating profusely just as the agent was closing the door and stating the flight was closed out. Darn!!! Unable to muster up the energy to be upset, we just stood at... well, hung over...the counter waiting to see what our options were. Fortunately, she decided to let us board. And we were on our way!

We arrived around 7:30 but our luggage didn't. No worries, a quick trip to Walgreen's to purchase a T-shirt for sleeping and life was good. When we awoke the next morning, our luggage was waiting for us. And we were off to explore the city. Friday was a day to shop til we dropped...literally. Twelve plus hours of roaming the malls and the streets and our bodies had had enough. We were in bed by 9:00. We're such party animals. :-) The weather on Friday was beautiful and spring-like. We even enjoyed lunch outside at a cafe. Saturday was rainy and cold. But that didn't stop us from sight-seeing. We boarded a trolley and went to the North End where we followed the Freedom Trail for a bit and toured Paul Revere's house. The wind and rain eventually got the best of us and we returned to the hotel and mall for more shopping. Sunday we awoke to snow and bitterly cold temperatures. The wind was brutal. Our walk to breakfast was less than comfortable. But we enjoyed it nonetheless as it was our last moments in the city. By 8:00 that night, we were home, sweet home. There is something warm and comforting about coming home after a trip.

I have always loved Boston and my time there only proved to strengthen my love for the city. But the best part was the time with Barbara. Reconnecting with old friends is the greatest!!!

I would say I will be back soon, but I've been a liar of late. So I will leave you with well wishes and cyber hugs. I will be back as soon as I can!!!

Love to all,
L

P.S. I thought I would share another layout from my current Serendipity kit. As I mentioned, there is something special about returning home...and this layout supports that statement. I scrapped my mom's door from a Christmas past with the saying "at the holidays, all roads lead home". This year I'm focusing on home...the "home" found wherever I am surrounded by those I love.



(You can click on the photo for a larger image.)