We are just back from a week with our extended family up in Maine at the family place. Family has been gathering there for over 100 years now, and there's the rub for some of the younger members, or the marry-in members - it is still pretty untouched since being built over 100 years ago. Yes, there is running water and electricity, but not much more than that. You have to be someone who can manage without cell phones, TV, the internet, et al.
It is becoming more and more scary for all of us to take that trip back in time to a quieter, slower-paced time and just appreciate the moment, the beauty of nature, each other. But by the end of a visit, as much as we are looking forward to getting back to the mod cons, no one ever regrets going on that journey back to the last century.
And what really is the standby for all of us during these visits? Besides cards, board games, and conversation? Yep, books. Being someone who has forgotten power cords a number of times - the simple pleasure of printed books and magazines never fail.
