Sometimes you just need a break!

Hi all,

I have not blogged in awhile because I decided to take a much needed technology break and combine it with a little family vacation and business trip. So, my wife and I packed up our car and took the scenic route to my hometown and back, with some diversion in between.

Along the way, we stopped in Newark, OH at the Ohio State Campus there to drop off some things to our daughter, then it was off to Coshocton and Roscoe Village. Roscoe Village is a quaint little place with shops, a museum, canal boat ride, living history exhibits and restaurants housed in buildings from the early 1900's and earlier.

We spent part of the afternoon shopping and having a nice lunch in The Warehouse Restaurant. It was a beautiful day. When we were done, we headed for the back roads and after discovering we had went the wrong direction for a time (even though the scenery was beautiful and led us to a gorgeous lake), we got turned around and came upon Gen. George Custer's birthplace and memorial. We stopped, took some pictures and read some information about Custer. We would probably never had been to his birthplace had it not been for taking a little accidental detour

After the little detour we headed up through Carrolton to Salem, OH. It was getting to be dinner time and by simple happenstance we came across a little family restaurant, Annabelle's. We stopped and had a wonderful dinner. If you are ever in Salem, OH, stop by Annabelle's, you'll be glad you did. One other nice thing about the trip was along the drive, we did not listen to the radio, we just talked and enjoyed each other's company and the scenery.

That Saturday, we went to Southfield, Michigan with our daughter (Melinda) and my Mom to visit my Great Aunt, who will be 94 in November. We had a little adventure as Melinda was coming from Columbus and meeting us in Sandusky to go to the Southfield and somehow thought she was supposed to bring our 70# Chocolate Lab (Toby) with her. Needless to say it was a little crowded in the back seat but all went well. When we got to the Southfield, Melinda and I took turns staying outside with Toby since he could not go into the apartment building.

The visit with Tusa (Romanian for Aunt) Eleanor was great. Even though she is sliding physically, she still has her wonderful wit and sense of humor.

Sunday, I had a speaking engagement in Warren, OH, which went very well. I sold some books and made some new contacts. That evening, Tammy and I went to see a friend of hers that she had not seen in 25 years. It was a nice visit as we were at a camp ground and the weather was perfect, the fire smelled great and the tree frogs were serenading us.

Monday, Tammy and I took the scenic route back home, stopping at an outlet mall for a time. Once again, there was no radio, just good conversation and beautiful scenery.

One of the best things about the trip is I took a break from technology. I did not post, check e-mails, nothing. I did get some reading done and I highly recommend "The Power of Intention" by Dr. Wayne Dyer. It was nice, really nice.

So, after all that, here is the lesson. Sometimes the best things in life are simple and free. The time I spent with family and friends was priceless and the time away from technology energizing. My suggestion is take time away from your hectic life. Take a drive along some scenic byway and just be with the ones you love! It is refreshing!

May you be blessed always and in all ways!

Harry