uff-da. holidays are fun, warm, & wonderful, but exhausting as well. i have just returned from a road trip to missouri, to visit my partner's family and friends. it was a great trip, and i found myself warmly welcomed by very dear people, superb food, and regional brews. there was missouri- made cranberry wine served with locally harvested venison tenderloin- that was delightfully wrapped in bacon and tenderly grilled. there were locally smoked hams, sausages made right in the neighborhood, home-made sweets, and apricot wine (that was unveiled from the back of a fridge)that was amazing! i will gladly endure the lull of the jet-lag, to have experienced the wonderful trip to the tucked- away towns of missouri and southern illinois.

celebrate the return of the sun and the new year. give more love. give more hugs. travel more. eat. write. live. this seems to be my list of accomplishments for 2011. i know that it will be a splendid year for myself, and my dears. happy new year, folks!!