I’m thinking of little Mischa, now 8 months old, all bundled up in her winter cocoon which looks like a round baby sleeping bag – deep and warm. She’s lying in her stroller, nicely tucked in, protected from wind and snow by a seethrough plastic cover. She can see out, but she’s snug and warm inside.

That’s how I feel now that I’m back from my wonderful Christmas in Toronto.

I hate to travel. I say that flat out. I tell stories of why – and I feel as if I’ve spent so much time and effort “working on it”. By now, my children can say to me in response to all these issues that come up ahead of each journey: “Oh Mom, it’s because of impending travel”. Can that be true? ALL of them?

I invent – or some part of me invents – new hurdles every time. And my “Woe is me!” goes into high gear as the time to depart approaches.

And sure enough, this time was no different.

Now I’m back.

It was SO worth it spending Christmas with Hunter and Lynn and Artemis and Samsun and Amanda and Mischa. And Lynn’s family, too. I was spoiled rotten. How can I not want to visit again?

And if I hadn’t gone?

On the flight there, I would’t have sat next to a guy who was able point out Squam Lake when we flew over, and then each town and lake and beach en route in Canada. ~ I wouldn’t have had my photo taken from every angle in sepia and brown and blue by a budding young photographer whose first camera offered a printed photo in a matter of minutes ~ I wouldn’t have tried to eat just as much delicious lobster or garlic tofu as this same youngster ~ I wouldn’t have traipsed through blinding snow and wind beside the snug little one to reach the incredibly fun art museum . Of course, I’m talking about Artemis (the artist/photographer/tofu lover) and Mischa who loved our time looking at art – for her: people.. Need I mention their taller cohorts- the parents? Everyone was taking THE best care of me.

I’m back in New Hampshire now. I traveled out of my “safety zone” feel invincible. That’s how I always feel once home.

I DID IT! (But… will I remember this a year later??)

It’s icy and cold outside. Before I left, I hiked every morning. The trails now are treacherous. But me? II go out for short intervals, with crampons on then… I’m glad to be inside.

To be wrapped in my cocoon. Warm and snug. Home.

.I’m glad to be home too – Peaches.

Thank goodness to Heather and Mark (and Jan) for all their kind help, taking me on the LONG drive to get me on my way,

And bring me…

Home.