If you’re wondering why it’s been a little quiet around here, it’s because I took a little R&R. This past December, I headed back home to the great state of Vermont for some much needed family time and to soak in as much snow as possible. Each year, I begin to pray for snow around September on my forthcoming annual holiday trip. I’m not sure everyone back home feels the same way I do (definitely not my grandmother) but it’s what winter is all about! I was greeted in such delight. As beautiful as a postcard. No wait, it’s better than anything that could ever be captured on a postcard.

It almost doesn’t seem real to have grown up in such a beautiful place! One of the things that I love the most about being home (besides the beauty) is the relaxation. It’s astounding really. Letting go of everything that is hectic and just taking in what the world has to offer. Life slows down.

Then, as in most cases, I do what I do. I went for a drive…

Montgomery has to be one of my favorite little towns in Northern Vermont. Small town everything – ski shop, grocery store, B&B’s and the “Covered Bridge Capital” of the United States. Some would call it a ski town with Jay Peak right up the road. It’s also a prime area for the “Vermont” photographs we love so much.

Finally, the mountains. Do I love my Green Mountains. Jay Peak resort is a short drive from my parents home. It’s where all the “locals” learn how to ski and ride. The resort has changed quite a bit in the last few years but there’s one thing that remains the same, the beautiful, awe-inspiring view from the trails.

Don’t let these photos fool you. It’s was the crisp snow colored trees everyday right up until Christmas Eve. A few friends say I brought up warmer weather from Texas. I brought the rain.

I’m proud to say that I grew up in a place where everyone knows your name. Sometimes it seems like a hinderance – with word traveling fast but at the same time, it’s really nice. Franklin County is a community. It’s a place where if you need something, someone will be there to help or will know someone who can. Where you can go to the grocery store and see friendly faces instead of strangers. There’s a comfort in that. More importantly, it’s a place where some of my absolute favorite people are.

I’ve mentioned a few times that there’s a group of us that have grown-up together. We’ve literally known each other since we were five. When we get together, it’s as if we haven’t skipped a beat. We are family. While I was home, I met up with a friend who is married to someone I went to school with. She said “You do know the bond you all have isn’t normal right? Not everyone has that.” and I kind of laughed. She then followed it up with “It’s not normal but I love it. It’s incredible.”. That’s what sets this place apart from all others. We’re a pretty lucky (and funny) bunch.

Christmas came, family and friends gathered and shared laughs and as quickly as December 2014 came, the holiday festivities came to a close. It was time to come back to Texas. I even had a great sendoff with this view. As always… amazing.

I hope you all had a great Christmas and holiday season. It’s hard to believe that it’s 2015!

Stay tuned! I’ll have lots more to share about my trip including sights, events and some things that are very, very sweet!