Saturday, August 20, 2011

Where is my voice

I've awoken to a fog so thick that I can barely see the trees at the edge of the property. The dog somehow knows when I'm awake because he scratches at the front door until I answer, and letting him in, I see that he's soaking wet from the moisture in the air and the dew on the ground.

 

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This morning will be spent cleaning. I haven’t done this for weeks except for the occasional vacuum or sweeping and I can no longer stand the mess. If you came here, you’d ask, “what mess – what are you talking about?” And then you would look closer and see the dust and the dog fur and the soap scum. And I’ll stop now.

I hope I don’t sound depressed. I’m not.

It’s just that I’ve been writing this blog on a near-daily basis since the end of 2007 and am wondering, as I do sometimes, if it’s worth it to keep going. If you blog, don’t even tell me that you haven’t thought this yourself. I haven’t cultivated ‘friends’ like so many other serious bloggers do, mainly because I simply don’t have the time.

: : :

And now, a few questions for you, because inquiring minds need to know on this quiet, fog-enshrouded Saturday morning . . .

1. What is your favorite way to travel (train, plane, automobile . . .)?

2. Who is your favorite person to travel with?

3. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken?

See you in the comments, my friends . . .

123 Signature

73 comments:

Country Girl said...

1. What is your favorite way to travel (train, plane, automobile . . .)?
I would have to say that it's by car. You can see so much more, and I love being in my own little cocoon.

2. Who is your favorite person to travel with?
My friends Karen and Adrienne.

3. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
When we took the boys to Cape Hatteras, NC one year when they were very young. I love the beach.

~ C.G.

Cassy said...

1. What is your favorite way to travel (train, plane, automobile . . .)? BY PLANE

2. Who is your favorite person to travel with? MY EX-BF

3. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken? That was with my ex-bf when he spent 3 weeks in my country for a vacation just to see me and my family. he's from america. I so missed him already.

Cassy from Acoustic Guitar Lessons

Cheryl said...

First of all, I do hope you don't stop blogging. I enjoy visiting this place....
My favorite way to travel is by train. I love the sound. I love the relaxed feeling when I am on board. I love that people have traveled this way for years.
I used to love traveling with my husband. He was always so organized, and we enjoyed every place we went.
The best vacation I've ever taken was a European Cruise with my husband. It was for our 25th Anniversary. Ironically, Kenny had just been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia. The doctor told us to travel while we could, and the memories I have from that trip I will have forever.

deb said...

Way to travel.. by car. That way if i see something interesting i can stop. Set my own pace

Hands down its my hubby, close second would be my daugher.

Best Vacation.....i think that one is still out there waiting for me. I won't one wheres theres no schedules to keep , no place i have to be at a certain time. To wake up with no schedule.... I'd say the closest i've come is hiking in the Guadalupe Mtns.

Deb said...

I like to travel by car...you can see so much....I enjoy day trips with my hubby...we don't get to go on a lot of vacations having our own business...my favorite vacation was a weekend at the lake with my kiddos when they were younger...they were old enough to be fun...and young enough to enjoy time with the parents....

Anonymous said...

Favorite way to travel?

Used to be by car but since a serious head on collison I have so much anxiety on the road.
Favorite person to travel with?
I used to love to travel with anyone adventurous on the drive...stopping whenever and even getting lost on back country roads. Best vacation? visiting family in Conneticut...
I love your blog Kate....Kim :)

Best

Sarah said...

Favorite way to travel - by car, definitely!

Favorite person to travel with - my husband, definitely.

(Reason? We have the time and solitude to discuss things we rarely discuss at home. Also, we are not looking at each other - this isn't just for getting kids to open up to you - it works wonders for adults too.)

Best vacation we've ever taken was a car trip to Niagara Falls with stops at delightful B&Bs in NJ and PA. It was a week after a very stressful situation and the relief was enormous!

And don't stop blogging! Ever. Or taking photographs and posting them on your blog.

Snap said...

1. Favorite way to travel? By car. I have a bad back and going by car lets me stop when I need to and run around the car!!!!! I'd like to try a train sometime.

2. My favorite person to travel with? Was my husband. Now that he lost his battle with cancer and has gone on to the stars, I'm looking at some girlfriends as possible travel companions.

3. Best vacation? We got in the car one October and said we are going to end up in Ashville, NC and we took off. Went where we wanted. Stopped when we wanted and made it to Ashville. Had a wonderful time.

Jeannelle said...

Don't even consider closing up the blog shop. You are an excellent blogger! I quit for awhile once but feel better now that I'm blogging regularly again.

My answers:
1. Automobile
2. Myself or children
3. I love beautiful scenery and am happy to travel wherever such can be found.

Barb T. said...

I don't like to travel that much, but I would say car.
My boyfriend or my sister; together, no!
A number of years ago, I spent time in London; I loved that, but now it would be to Maine for the first time. I loved it so much, I am moving there.
I, too, hope you don't stop blogging, but I certainly understand if you do. It has to become a chore, and when things become a chore, perhaps it is time to let them go.

Country Girl said...

I love responding personally to your answers, but some of you don't have your e-mail enabled.

Cassy,
I love that your American ex bf did that.

Cheryl,
I was so saddened to read that about your husband. But what wonderful memories from that one single trip. xo

Deb,
Hiking in the Guadalupe Mountains? OMG. Wow.

And Kim,
Geez. I'd be road-scarred too. Love that your favorite vacation was simply visiting family in CT.

~ C.G.

Country Girl said...

Dear Barb T.,
Your e-mail was also disabled, but I wanted to respond and say "yay" for you that you are (gasp) moving to Maine. This is something we've been thinking about for years but it's just so far away from family that it won't work. I wish you much luck. And hey, thanks for the kind words. Not a chore yet. Just thinking of cutting back some.

~ C.G.

Gone Country said...

First off... PLEASE don't stop blogging! I'll admit it, I'm begging! I love your photography and I enjoy your blog style... after all, you were my inspiration to start blogging! I'll admit, I'm at that point as to whether I want to continue or not. I've stalled on new followers, the followers I do have rarely comment... it's getting frustrating and depressing.

Enough about that...
I like to travel in our truck pulling the 5th wheel! Home away from home!
My favorite person to travel with is my hubby!
It's hard to pick one place because they've all been so unique and special in their own way!

Have a great weekend!

beth said...

you know, i've had those feelings, too. and when i do, the best thing is to take a break or only blog once or twice a week. it helps. well at least it helps me. and always i come back to the point of "what was i thinking, i can't leave this behind. this is part of me. part of my world"

1. CAR without question
2. the hubby without question
3. seaside florida multiple times without question

ps. i'm so easy and simple sometimes :)
xo

On The Road Again said...

1. What is your favorite way to travel (train, plane, automobile . . .)? In our motor coach. Used to love to fly, we had our own plane, I loved my husband being the pilot, but after I had to have my knee fused, no more flying, so motorcoach. Can't beat going down the road in a recliner! haha

2. Who is your favorite person to travel with?
my hubby, it's always just been me and him.
3. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
That is really tough, it seems the last one was the best. And I know the next one will be better.

Don't stop blogging, I enjoy your blog, but I am one of those people who stop by and don't comment, I am trying to stop that.
I saw your comment about not having email enabled, that has been in my comments section before, but I have not read anywhere how to enable comments. I guess I need to do some searching. Hope you have a good weekend.

Gail said...

I understand...at least you have lots of followers. I am still hanging under three hundred and wonder why I continue. Then I realize, it is not for the response or the numbers, it is for me.

Take a blogcation...we would miss you but it's okay.

At least you have friends in real life...I am always working here or there and really have no time for friends at all. How sad is that?

The Weaver of Grass said...

We all get bloggers' block sometimes but I consider blogging an important part of my life now. I have done it for three years and have met half a dozen or so in 'real life' and we have always met like old friends. If you were to stop now I must say I would really miss you.

Christie - Fine Lines said...

I, too, understand your feelings -- I don't post nearly as frequently as you (at the most, twice a week), but sometimes still feel the pressure of "What to write?!" Since my site is pretty specialized (for art teachers) the content is focused on the work kids do during the school year. It is only during the summer that my posts meander to other topics. Also, I have only been blogging for one year now (almost) so the novelty factor hasn't quite worn off. At any rate, for selfish reasons I hope you don't give up your blog -- I would miss it (and George) greatly.

Now, on to vacations:
1. Love vacations, hate traveling to get there!! I prefer plane if it is non-stop, car for within 2 days or if I am with friends.

2. Traveling companions - my college roommate and her husband

3. Italy/France in 1995 -- What a great trip that was -- we still talk about it!!

By the way, it is a foggy Saturday morning here in California today, too!!

Marianne said...

Don't you dare stop blogging! I'm just getting started and your blog is one of my inspirations. And I'll be your friend even if you don't have the time.

On to the questions:

My favorite way to travel is by automobile. I love to drive!

Any family member makes a great travel companion.

Best vacation ever: Egypt and Jordan. Fantastic!

Michelle said...

Fog makes me introspective, melancholy. You, too?

1. Now that I knit and spin, any way is fine as long as I have some projects with me and someone else is driving!

2. My husband

3. To a vegetarian spa resort in Mexico with my mom and sister

Anonymous said...

1. Automobile... I don't really like airline bathrooms.. ugh.

2. I prefer traveling alone. Love Hubby, but he's a pain in the... well, you know.

3. Best vacay was to Key West. I need to go again.

Yes. Blogging takes an incredible amount of time. I have on idea how mothers of young children, or ladies who work outside the home manage it all.

Kay said...

Please don't give up! I enjoy reading your blog and the pictures you share are wonderful!

I like to travel by car, but the places we have been had to travel by air.

My best traveling buddy is my husband.

Best vacation...was a trip he won years ago to Puerto Rico, what a beautiful place.

Ashley Sisk said...

Haven't we all been there - love that image. And I love to travel with my husband...by plane...or car - so I can sleep. :)

Cindy said...

My favorite way to travel is by car with my husband. One year we drove from our home in Alabama to Colorado on as many two-lane roads as we could find. It was great fun!

One thing I love about your blog is that your blog-voice (you know what I mean?) is so real. So, I hope you will do what is best for you. Maybe a blogging vacation is just what you need. I'd be excited when you came back!

Country Girl said...

Dear On the Road Again,
Here's how to do it:
Readers who have blogs can do the following:

Open your blog and click on the Customize link. It’s in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
Click on the Dashboard link, also in the upper right hand corner.
Now click on Edit Profile, on the left hand size of the screen right next to your picture.
This takes you to the Edit User Profile screen.
Look in the Privacy section.
Check the box that says, “Show my e-mail address”.
In the Identity section, enter in an e-mail address.
Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click on Save Profile.

~ C.G.

mrs mediocrity said...

Well, I mostly travel by car, but I really do like the train.

My favorite person to travel with is...myself. Strange but true.

Best vacation, I drove to the Adirondack Mountains (alone) on a whim late on a Friday, no idea where I was going, where I was staying, and the only thing I brought with me were notebooks. I found a lodge late that night in the pouring rain. It was fabulous.

I've only been doing this for a year and a half, but I know what you mean, sometimes it is just one more thing to do. And my house is in exactly the same state right now and I will also be cleaning today.

I would miss you, if you stopped. But I would also understand.

sharon said...

1. What is your favorite way to travel Car, but I've always wanted to travel across the US on a train.

2. Who is your favorite person to travel with? MY Husband

3. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken? My husband and I went to North Carolina. Loved the greenery and sights, although now that I think about it..When the kids were younger we traveled down the Oregon coast. That was fun.

Anonymous said...

the photo is divine

i am so moody about my blogging ~ i have no regular posting ritual ~ i've let my funky feminine ever changing mood lead the way, which at times it goes completely dark, i gave up blogging for over a month in the spring, which surprised me! so i appreciate your inquiry and enjoy your questions...

1. i like all three but if I have to choose it would be auto.

2. my hubby #1, trips with girlfriends #2

3. family vacations in california ~ meeting up with all my siblings & spouses & parents & nieces & nephews with the sun & surf ~ so much FUN!

Country Gal said...

First off , not having you blog would be like your favorite author not writing any more so please dont stop blogging ! I look forward to your blog as do many others !

1. Automobile

2. Papa and our Miggy

3.Camping under the stars with Papa
Have a great day !

Heather said...

Kate, I've said it before and think it often, as well...blogging, keeping up. And, what are you talking about? You have many friends, here. Everytime I pop in on you, you've had dozens of lengthy comments from the same friendly faces.

I don't have the time to cultivate friendships online, or offline, for that matter, either....but I have some who've been as family here. The kind that return when it's convenient but always know that I love them, and they feel the same.

Jo said...

Hi, Kate. That fog looks very interesting ~~ sort of Alfred Hitcockish.

I'm not a serious blogger either. The blogs that have one theme running through them are the ones that seem to have more longevity, because the blogger posts about basically the same subject. My blog is all over the map. I have often said things on my blog that were not meant to be offensive, but folks occasionally have taken offensive and have stopped visiting me. *sigh* *heh* So over the years I have learned to take it all with a grain of salt.

In the blogging world, people come and go, and most of the time they are not really, truly friends. I have met a couple of my blogging friends personally, and they are wonderful, but for the most part, folks in the blogging world are *ships that pass in the night*, and probably would not recognize them if we passed them on the street.

That fog picture is a beautiful photo, by the way. :-)

Cheers!

Jo

Unknown said...

oof, I know a thing or two about fog! hello san francisco SUMMERS!

Corinna

Linda said...

I have not blogged nearly as long nor as often as you have but (no pressure) I would miss seeing your photos and George:) If I were as accomplished a photographer as you are I would be happy to just post photos. A picture is worth a thousand words they say:)

1. What is your favorite way to travel (train, plane, automobile?
I like the car as well. I like being able to stop or take a side trip when the mood strikes.

2. Who is your favorite person to travel with?
Not my husband…he does NOT like to stop or take a side trips. :)

3. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
New Hampshire, Lake Winnipesaukee. So relaxing and the Loons! So wonderful.

Hilary said...

Was George out all night? Aw...........
By car, with my daughters and grandkids, to maine.
That was easy.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

Hope you never stop blogging, cause I enjoy stopping by, but I hear you. I sometimes lean to the melancholy, and that's when I stop posting. Maybe I'm afraid I'll reveal too much.
I do love your quesions so here goes!
1. I like to travel by car because I really like to "see" all I can. I'm a white knuckle, sweaty palms flier--I will fly, but only because I'm motivated by getting to go somewhere I want.
2. I enjoy traveling with my childhood friend, "C", because there is always good conversation. I like to travel with hubby too, but he won't go much and he's definitely a man of few words.
3. Best vacation was the cruise "C" and I took a couple years ago. Puerto Rico was a place I'd like to see more of!

Have a great week, Kate!
V

grammyscraps said...

First off...I would so miss your blog..it is in a very short fav file called "favorite blogs".

1. What is your favorite way to travel (train, plane, automobile . . .)?
Depends on the distance or the reason..I love to travel by train but most often it is in our truck with the 5th Wheel following along. The convenience is outstanding!!

2. Who is your favorite person to travel with?
My dear hubby of 36 years

3. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
Traveling to Indiana, from our home in Washington State, to pick up our 5th wheel from the factory. We took 5 weeks to get back to Washington.

Reena said...

Beautiful fog pic and what the heck was George doing out? Carousing?
You would be missed, dear friend, if you stopped blogging. Your words and style is so peaceful and beautiful.

Travel:
Definitely plane (I can sleep, work & read!)
Hubby and I travel very well together.
Favorite vacation: Mmmm, that's rather tough since we travel quite a bit ... but it would be a tie between Ireland, a South African safari and Italy. ~sigh~

Lee Owenby said...

I love your blog. I look for it everyday ... but ... I could understand if you only did it a couple of times a week.

Jeanette said...

I love fog! Whenever it's foggy out I always want to go walk around in it! You seem to get plenty of comments when you post something so people are definitely reading you and that's worth blogging for, to me anyway! I am thrilled when I get 10 comments! Now as for the traveling part:

1. Definitely by car! I love road trips!

2. My favorite person to travel with is my husband. We always have a blast together.

3. The best vacation I've taken (so far) was the cruise we took with our kids and their spouses in January, 2009. We had cruised before but this was their first time and to see the looks on their faces and the fun they had was so wonderful!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Jen at Cabin Fever said...

1. What is your favorite way to travel

Automobile. Having control of my destination and the wheel is key. Plus, even if I am not driving I am so spontaneous I love to stop on a whim :)

2. Who is your favorite person to travel with?
My husband... but oddly he hates traveling long distances.


3. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken?

When I was 19, after my freshman year in college, my then boyfriend and I took a summer long roadtrip of 13,000 miles cross country in his pickup truck that we outfitted with a bed, a power converter, and other comforts of home. We saw everything from the Pacific Ocean to Amish country and everything in between. The trip lasted a full two months and I would LOVE to do it again... while that probably won't happen I at least journaled every single night we stopped somewhere so I have that to reread and remember.

Cabin Fever in Vermont

Anonymous said...

My favorite way to travel is by car but I sure don't mind traveling the high seas via a cruise ship. :)

I like to travel with my hubby.

One of my favorites places to vacation is Big Sur California. Amazing views. We are headed back there this Fall.

Love your blog. I visit every day and I do appreciate the time you put into it. I also have a huge crush on your dog! :)

Debbie from Illinois

Tammie said...

Yours is the first blog I click on at the end of a long day. I would sure miss you.

I like traveling by car best, only if I'm in the front seat.
With my daughter because we both make bathroom stops and I can drive in the early part of the day and she is better the later it gets.

Best vacation was with my ex husband. 1976, we drove from Colorado to San Francisco in a TR6 convertible. I grew up in Wyoming and had never seen the Golden Gate Bridge or Trolly cars. I cried when we left.

A New England Life said...

You know I understand the feeling of letting a blog go. Several very popular blogs I used to follow have folded.
I only blog when I feel like it. There seems to be huge gaps in between posts lately.

1. By car.
2. I always loved traveling with my parents. My family, not so much. Everyone gets grumpy.
3. Probably when we drove to California when I was kid. Those trips with my parents were always special because I got to spend time with my dad.

Anonymous said...

I don't blog for the same reason you stated. I don't think I have anything to say.....but I sure do enjoy reading your blog. Hope you don't quit!

tj said...

...Gorgeous photo! Love. :o)

...Been there done that with the quitting blogging. I lived to regret it but now I'm back at it again and I'm taking a different approach to it. No pressure. If I don't have anything to post or anything to say I just say, "fuhgetaboutit"...lol ;o)

...I for one would hate to see you fold up your blog Kate. I say don't quit altogether but just take it at a snail's pace for awhile and see how you feel then. You're probably experiencing a funk, take a break. You deserve it. :o)

...But know, if you do so, I'll miss you. And George. And your husband's backside. And your killer photography. And the Country Girl Manor. (((you)))

...Wishing you a joyful weekend my friend!

...Oh, and:
1. Automobile.
2. Me.
3. Never been on a vacation. :o\

...Blessings :o)

Ladylisabear69 said...

1. What is your favorite way to travel (train, plane, automobile . . .)? Automobile, thank you. Much easier to veer off the planned path for an adventure.

2. Who is your favorite person to travel with? My husband, and now my son.

3. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken? One of my favorites was driving and hiking through Scotland for our honeymoon. The other was driving and hiking through Glacier National Park with my parents.

I'm sorry that you are not settled with blogging. I'm newer to your blog but I've been enjoying the garden, bird, dog, house stories and photos.

Jeanne Walker said...

I love to travel in a motorhome because it's your home on wheels. You get to sleep in your own bed at night and have your own bathroom! You never have to use those at rest stops or elsewhere! I have only traveled with family (eons ago) and with my husband. He and I don't appreciate the same things, and his wants (and complaining) have always trumped mine. I do not have a travel buddy at this time, but would love to have one! I've been to Paris and London and to most of the lower 48 states and Canada, but my all-time favorite trips have been to the Rocky Mountains, especially Colorado and Wyoming.

I love checking in on you to see what's going on up at the Old Homestead and with George and you, and your awesome photographs and entertaining narratives! You have inspired me to be a better writer and to buy a digital camera. I am taking a free class this fall at a community college on dslr cameras and photography!!!
I can only imagine that doing this blog on a daily basis has to be quite burdensome. With that said, I would not blame you for curtailing your posts to a lesser amount each week. But I pray that you won't give it up completely. Even though we've never met, I consider you to be a 'friend' and would love to have our paths cross one of these fine days!
Hugs, Jeanne

Annie said...

1.I love traveling by air when it is a short trip. I don't mind the beginning and the end of the longer haul ones! ;-)
I love traveling by train when going to and from airports, so stress free.
I would love to travel by car, if I had the right person/s with me.
But I now have to stop too often to stretch my legs to avoid blood clots, so anyone who travels with me, would have to be very patient.

2.Favorite person...was my late husband. We were always going somewhere interesting. I miss him. Now it is fun to go with the kids places, especially to see new places or to the beach. I don't mind going on my own occasionally for short stretches, and my sisters are fun to be with too.

3. Where. Anywhere. New places. Have loved seeing a little bit of the states, especially New York and other places. But, like you Kate, I love the beach. The kids all get together every second year at a little place called Bribie Island not far from here. So wonderful to be all together...next time will be with the now nine grandchildren! Can't wait.

Thanks for asking Kate. You'll have fun reading all the answers!

Annie said...

ps Meant to say, I love your blog Kate. It is such fun to read it every day, even though I rarely comment.
But I know the feeling about giving up sometimes, and I don't even try to write every day. For me it is more like a diary really in a way, than for other people. Though others are welcome to read, and of course one always has a wider audience in mind when writing!

It is just lovely to read from someone who loves the little and ordinary things of life, and has such a sense of humor in relaying these things. Blogging is a great medium for such writing and photography.

Donna S. said...

1. Plane travel has become a nightmare so I have to say car. Never have taken a train trip but would like to one day.

2. Husband but some trips girlfriends are just the best traveling companions.

3. A couple of family vacations to the beach!!

Now you know I love your blog. I can only imagine how hard it is to keep up with, but what would I do????

Annie H said...

1. What is your favorite way to travel (train, plane, automobile . . .)? I haven't traveled by train as of yet but I hope to in the next year or so! I actually love to travel by car. I love the time spent just watching the scenery. I'd enjoy traveling by plane more if it wasn't so intrusive and such a hassle.

2. Who is your favorite person to travel with? My family.

3. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken? I love vacations at home. Just enjoying family without anything on the calendar.

By the way - I wonder also if blogging is worth it. I don't have any following. Then I realize. I didn't start with the intent of having a following. I just want to document my life and share. I love looking back and seeing what we've done.

linda said...

favorite way to travel ~ planes to get there quick. Train or car to get there eventually. The only time we did a train trip was from Ohio to Hershey, PA. LOVED IT. Car if my plane phobic friend wants to drive.

favorite person to travel with ~ my bff ~ but she will not get on a plane. See above.

best vacation ~ Cape Cod. Maybe again if the fates allow. Drove with plane-phobic BFF. Each of us nursed a parent through hospice and promised each other that when it was all over we would take ourselves to Provincetown. I'd love to sit on that beach again.

Understood about blogging burnout. It's difficult to cultivate and maintain friends IRL, hope you know how much you mean to your readers. I think many of us think of you as a friend. You share so much!

JaneK said...

first of all, please don't stop blogging. No pressure to do so daily... just from time to time at least. I love your photos and your stream of consciousness narration.... don't stop!

1. I used to like to fly; now I panic; driving in the car is too tedious; and I've never been on a train, but that would be tedious and bumpy. But for practicality, I like a plane; for the "romantic" taking it all in kind of trip, the car. Actually, I wish I could just blink my eye and i would be in my destination. But once there, i would rent a car and explore :)
2. Right now I do not have a favorite person to travel with. In the middle of separation/divorce and haven't travelled with friends in eons. I'm looking forward to enjoying travelling with someone again.
3. I went backpacking with 2 girlfriends back in 93 to Australia/NZ; that ties for the second trip down under in 2000 to the Olympics with a week in NZ as well...

spindrift,maine said...

40+ comments (not counting your replies) must show you something about the people whom you have touched, and their affection for you. That having been said, whether you blog or not needs to come from what YOU need, not anyone else. Maybe this is just a fallow time, instead of a coming to the end. Certainly we all go through times when it is best to turn inward to rest, or to prepare for something (whatever it is--even if we don't know what it is!) A little time away without committing one way or another might clarify things for you. We have ALL thought about how often we post, or what we might say or not say. Or if we even want to anymore. Be gentle with yourself, Kate. What to do will reveal itself in good time. xoxo ;o)

1. depends--I like them all if I am getting away!
2. my daughter (also my husband when he was well)
3. Venice in springtime, with my husband.

(GBS) NewsFromTheHill said...

I hope you overcome the blogging blues. I'm trying hard myself not to feel pressured to post a certain number of things a week etc. Just letting it flow (or not) as I have the penchant.

I'm another RV lover. Took my four sons on 5 week trips with our Suburban and travel trailer every summer for 11 years. (DH would fly in and meet us for a week along the way) After 8 years we'd met our initial goal of seeing 48 states. We had such amazing adventures together.... I miss those times!

jmm said...

Your post is so true. Keep writing. You may never know who your words helped. But your words do help to make the world a better place.

Kanelstrand said...

You've got 56 comments and you believe you haven't accumulated friends? I would believe that statement if you had a comment or two, but 56... there must be people who love to frequent your blog!!

And yes, dogs have the ability to sense when you wake up, it has often amazed me but it is so reassuring.

1. My favorite way to travel is by car. It is slow and gives me the time to appreciate the places I pass by and to ponder.

2. My favorite person to travel with is myself. I simply love the quietness I offer myself. When I get tired of myself I love to travel with my husband who is a walking encyclopedia and a source of all super creative activities.

3. The best vacation I have ever taken is the one I am on for the past 3 years! Norway - day in and day out.

trump said...

Id like to invite you folks to come to Amish Stories for a recipe for "Famous Pennsylvania Dutch Sticky Cinnamon Buns" along with a book signing schedule for Wanda Brunstetter for Pennsylvania and Ohio as well as a contest to meet her. I hope everyone so far is having a great weekend. Thanks everyone. Richard from Amish Stories.

Lili said...

Your blog is always such a breath of fresh air, just in case you wonder how we see it. I marvel at how you consistently manage to do that, and you always do, even with daily posts! You are one talented lady Kate.

1. What is your favorite way to travel (train, plane, automobile . . .)? I enjoy a good car trip as long as I'm prepared with knitting or what not and of course with yummy food stops along the way.

2. Who is your favorite person to travel with? no big surprise here...my Henri.

3. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Well, I have to say it was taken right here in Maine, in the fall, the year we found and purchased our little spot on the lake.

Sheila said...

Best way to travel is by car. In the past we have flown to a certain destination and then rented a car. Especially good if you only have a short vacation. Have plans for a cross country road trip when my husband and I retire.

Best person to travel with would be my husband. He seems to always take care of all of the details and I'm there to enjoy the vacation.

Best vacation, it' hard to say. A few years ago we bought a small seasonal cottage on a lake and go there on the weekends. I tell everyone "I am on vacation every weekend They are all good.

Not sure when or how I found your blog, but do enjoy all of your stories and your pictures are beautiful. Have a great rest of the weekend!

Alan said...

I like to fly

With wife Lisa or sister June

Hard to say been lucky to travel quite a bit, so here r a few fav's in no special order

NY City with Lisa and her brother's family to see my niece sing at Carnegie Hall

VA with Lisa to visit June and go see VT Football game in Blacksburg

LA with June, for a week everyday brought adventure and lifelong memories

Alan said...

Oh BTW
I for one am very happy that U BLOG! :)

Marcie said...

I think we've all asked ourselves the same questions - on occasion. The why's..and what fors.

Favorite way to travel - train.
Favorite person with whom to travel - myself.
Best vacation - Italy.

Kerri Farley said...

Yes, I do know what you mean about blogging. For me - my blog is therapeutic for myself, even if there were no readers - I think I would still do it because it is sort of a "need" in me. However - when/if I don't "need" it any longer - I would probably quit. What I'm trying to say is - you need to blog for YOU - not for others. With that said - I DON'T WANT YOU TO QUIT - because I LOVE visiting and LOVE seeing what super images you've got for us - or what cool place you are going to visit next (I visit NYC vicariously thru you) and I would have George withdrawals terribly!!

Now for the answers to your questions:

Travel - LOVE to by train - but most of what I do is by car.

Person to travel with - My hubby :)

Best Vacation - Hubby and Me - our first visit to Pine Knoll Shores, NC back in 2005

Linda said...

Don't give up!
We need you in blog land!

My motorcycle, with my husband, and it has to be Mexico with our children. A long time ago!

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Sometimes if you focus too much on a crossword or jigsaw puzzle you become frustrated and can't see what fits where because you've been staring at it so long.

If you take a step away, even for a minute, and look at something different and then come back, you see exactly where things fit.

Or at least you are able to move forward rather than becoming frustrated at your stumbling block.

Regardless, there are many readers who know why you should continue blogging even if you wonder yourself.

Keep doing it. If it doesn't bring you joy then stop or take a break.

But it brings joy to your readers.

Including me.

Carol E. said...

car
husband
Olympic Peninsula

Mary said...

I love your gentle focus on your everyday world and how you show us the beauty that is there. Your photos enhance your blog or your blog enhances your photos, hard to say. I admire all the hard work you put into creating this beautiful work that is your blog. I hope you get great enjoyment from it, I know I love to visit.

barbara l. hale said...

I understand what you are saying about keeping up the blog. It's tough every day. I only do my blog once or twice a week but still have trouble with it sometimes. Oh, well...

I love traveling by car best. You see so much more and can stop when you want. I pretty much hate plane travel but do it to get to places I want to go.

I travel with my husband Greg. We are good travel companions most of the time because we like many of the same things and he is tolerant of my slowness and addiction to photography.

The very best vacation I have ever taken was the two weeks we spent in Scotland last year. I looooove that place!

Anonymous said...

We have taken a couple of family vacations that were absolutely wonderful. But...my favorite trip happened this past February. My husband and I went to Savannah for a long weekend to celebrate our 30th anniversary. It was the most relaxing trip ever! We were free to explore and do whatever we wanted, with no agenda. Normally, my husband plans any trip so that is pretty packed with fun things to do to be sure everyone is happy. We were totally spontaneous and it felt wonderful!

Ola said...

I like planes (comfort) or ferries (vews)
I definitely like to travel with my husband and my sister
It's Greece, each time I go there I just love the views:)

GailO said...

First, I don't know how so many of the bloggers I love manage daily blogs as well as keeping up with others! I am impressed! I also feel incredibly awful that I have only been posting once or twice a month lately...how am I going to save memories that way? Thank goodness for OXOXO where there is no pressure to write much...I wouldn't blame you if you slowed down posting but I sure would miss it!

As far as travel...
1.I have to say car but I have loved our sailing vacations...and I would like air travel if I could afford first class:)

2. I love love love traveling with my husband...he loves the things I do and has absolutely no fear of getting lost and never rushes me when I take forever touristing:)

3. Every vacation is the best so I can't pick just one...probably our trips to Italy are top on the list though:)

Mary said...

Oh yes, I have been feeling the same way lately! Frankly, I don't know how you post so often -- twice a week has been quite enough for me lately. But I'm so very grateful to visit here and see your beautiful photos and read about your life... :)

1. By car -- love to see the world that way...

2. With my husband -- he does most of the driving.

3. Loved Ireland. Felt most at home in CT. Oddly enough, love Wildwood, too. :)
xoxo