Driving… Again!

This time I had a road buddy....my amazing wonder dog, Katie. She was completely content in the car, with the heater running on my side and the air conditioning on her side, she quickly discovered she could lay on her doggy bed and still glance out of the window. Road side stops were new and exciting, as we drove through the States (they have the best rest areas ever! And unlike Canadians they realize people need to use the bathroom all year around!) The rest stops were pure delight for Kate with new smells and new discoveries at every step. Birds and geese were the most exciting as it has been a few months since she has last seen those.

Katie on the road to Ottawa!

It was great to have a buddy with me this time.

As I drove , leaving Saturday of the Easter weekend, I began to wonder what was happening to the traditions I was  raised with.   As  a kid we would drive to Saskatchewan every second year to see my Grandparents, and I loved those visits.  They were simple holidays, no Easter table cloths or "good" china...but the house was filled with LOVE and I knew I was loved.  No matter how long we stayed, they were always grateful for the visit, just content with life......   But what will my children remember?  The oldest  son in University is madly studying for exams, The youngest is watching movies with his Dad at home,  and he didn't want to spend another holiday on the road, and I am stuck in between driving to make yet another art show deadline.......Hmmmmmmm.     IN this crazy North American culture where we are all working harder and constantly striving to better, I think I need some time to set some ground rules for myself... The Norwegian thought of " you must not be competent in your job if you need to work overtime"   comes to mind...and reminds me I need to find the balance!