March 2026
It’s our first vacation in YEARS and we’re about to find out if we like road trips as much as we used to. Even more importantly, we’re about to learn whether Raven still enjoys road trips.
Turns out after day one and about 10 hours on the road, we still know how to rock the road trip! And Raven is the best little traveler. She was a bit chatty and antsy at first, but after a good stretch at our first rest stop she got the hang of it. Big thanks to our daughter who gave us both a sleeping bag for Raven and a cool rope toy rose that has pockets for treats and kept her busy in the back seat.
From the top: Raven trying to decide if she should pay attention; curious enough to help navigate the curvy mountain road; and after her dinner, happy to nap in the sleeping bag that smells like home (on a surface that isn’t moving).
Catching up with friends was pure joy and I’m happy to report that we DO still love our road trips. Raven was a stellar traveler, just a bit anxious in new surroundings, but she warmed up quickly (once she realized we weren’t leaving her). Did I take my computer to squeeze in some work? Yes. Did I do that work? Absolutely not and I’m happier for it.
Just making the drive without pain was a miracle. And there was my first trip to an IKEA store – holy cow that’s an adventure. We talked (pretty much non-stop), enjoyed amazing food, played copious amounts of Mario Party, and had many a walk with Raven. And laughed over the silliest things.
Though I worried about her myriad allergies, she came through the visit without any serious issues, making friends with the resident pug and kitty.
Wrapping up: This was the first time I can recall NOT freaking out about being away from the writing or the business in general and it was glorious! Did things go awry when we returned, yes they did, but that’s a story for another day.
We were blessed with incredible weather on our driving days between Indiana and South Carolina. And during our visit there was only one of the ridiculous spring storms that pop up, but we were forturnate not to encounter anything more than driving rain. And our friends are eager to plan our next meet up, so yes, there will be more road trips in our future!
The extra bonus: As we turned onto our street, the azaleas in the neighborhood were in full bloom and it was gorgeous – even our honeysuckle on the butterfly garden fence is having a grand moment. What a lovely homecoming!
