There is no place like home...

Kane, PA will always be one of my favorite destinations, especially this time of year. Now that I am living in Tennessee, I miss out on the snowy winter season. It's one of those things that you don't really appreciate until you don't have it anymore, but then again, I know there are lots of people out there that would be perfectly ok if it didn't snow. I love it! I miss those early mornings where the trees are covered and walking outside putting fresh footprints in the snow. I miss playing in the snow, wearing heavy snow boots, red noses, drinking hot chocolate, and even driving the back roads when we shouldn't.

Chicago...

One of my favorite cities for so many reasons is Chicago. The culture, the variety of restaurants, the energy, the hustle and bustle, the locals' accents, the shopping, Wrigleyville, and the change in seasons are just a few reasons why I love this city. Each visit, I can not get enough of not only the city and everything it has to offer, but the suburbs are great too (particularly Lake County). It's one of my top places to visit and it is easy to get in and out of having two airports (well, if the weather isn't bad). So needless to say, to kick of 2008 there was no hesitation from me when plans were being made to celebrate the New Years in one of the greatest cities in the US (in my opinion).

The Chicago Skyline...on one freezing cold afternoon.

The New Years Eve crew outside of Wrigley Field.

The legendary Wiener's Circle.

Fall in the Smokeys

It was finally time to explore other parts of Tennessee. A trip to Gatlinburg, TN is a great way to spend a fall weekend. The Smokey Mountains were amazing and hope to do some hiking on my next trip.


The Great Smokey Mountains in October.


Stepping foot on the Appalachian Trail.