Where there’s WiFi and family ...

It’s Tuesday morning and I’m writing this week’s Jill’s Journal from the comforts of my nephew’s home in New Ulm, Minn.

Normally, at this same time of the week, I’d be feverishly pounding the keyboard in my office, but when the travel warnings went out on Christmas Day to avoid travel if possible, I made the decision to stay put shortly after our family dinner and just before diving into a competitive game of “Right, Left, Center”. (By the way, it’s been way too long since this ol’ gal has won a game.)

But thank goodness for technology. I’m able to wrap up the “loose ends” of the paper before hitting the road back to Brandon.

Years ago, this would not have been possible.

In the “old days,” or when I entered the newspaper world, we stood at lighted from below layout tables and literally put content onto the pages piece by piece. It was like putting together a multiple page puzzle every week. It wasn’t difficult. It just took time. Lots and lots of time. Compared to today, our page designs were somewhat limited on what could be achieved.

Today, while it still takes time – lots and lots of time – to get a weekly newspaper to print, the design things we’re able to do makes the entire process a great deal more enjoyable and quicker. It also allows us to work from most anywhere.

This isn’t the first time I’ve worked remotely. I’ve been poolside in Mexico, Florida and California. I’ve been across the state covering sports tournaments or at a lake in northern Minnesota with the family. I’ve sat in my recliner or at the dining room table at home. As long as I’m able to have access to WiFi, the job can get done.

After losing multiple games of “Right, Left, Center,” I hauled out my computer to work on a few of the pages and to write this week’s installment of Jill’s Journal. My family – somewhat “having made spirits bright” by this point of the day, were offering their assistance in writing my column. As much as I appreciated their suggestions and enthusiasm for the process, I had to remind them that there’s just some stories that don’t need to be told.

No matter your family’s story, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.