Do Not Disturb

All of that travel really has me looking forward to a completely unplanned weekend....

Have a good one! 

via

Ice Fishing

My boyfriend goes on an ice fishing trip with his friends every year, and I have to admit that my interest in the sport has always been piqued. While we were up north, I had him take me out onto the frozen lake (a mind-blowing experience in itself since I’ve only seen it in the middle of summer), and show me how it’s done.  Though the temperature hovered around zero degrees during the entire experience, I must say that there is something quite refreshing about quietly communing with nature on a desolate sheet of ice.

Still Feverish

A few more moments in and around the cabin that I couldn’t bear to leave out….

One of many mischievous tomtar found lurking in the cabin

The cold weather certainly didn't keep the birds away

Cloudless (and snow-free!) skies ringing the lake

Remnants of an old cabin alongside the lake

Stacks (and stacks and stacks) of wood that we went through while lounging around the cabin

A visitor at dusk

Cabin Fever

The main source of warmth, from which I never strayed too far

Although it’s tradition to visit my boyfriend’s family cabin in Northern Wisconsin every summer (as documented here), I’ve never had the chance to see it in the winter months. This year, we went up for a few days, and despite my slight intolerance for cold weather and utter lack of skill at winter sports, I thoroughly enjoyed every second of the trip. Most of it was spent tucked inside the warm cabin, where we kept the fire roaring, the books and board games at the ready, the tea piping hot, and the telephoto lens within arm’s reach to capture all of the wildlife activity happening right outside the windows.

The elusive white deer, making one of several appearances during our visit

Cross-country skiing, caught on film by my boyfriend while I sat by the fire reading

Proof that the birds were storing up for the winter

A stand of stark-white aspens alongside the trail

Oh, and the squirrels were busy storing up too

Three States

On top of the world at a friend's holiday party on a rooftop in Chicago

The holidays were hectic, which is just as it should be. Time was split between Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin, with a few days spent on the couch in between as I recovered from a bout with the flu. It’s always nice to relax and spend time with family and friends, and the end of 2012 was no exception. Here’s to an equally fulfilling New Year. 

Late dinner at Taco Diablo to welcome my sister into town

Quick trip to the mall to pick up a few remaining gifts

Our own "Christmas Story" adventure on the way to a family party

Lounging around the house on Christmas morning....

...holiday tea and cookies in-hand

Taking our chances with the snow on the way up to Northern Wisconsin