is it ironic to call taking 3 kids, 12, 10 and 7, on a road trip, "a vacation?" by whatever name, the school year is two weeks from the finish line. on the 25th, hubby and i will load the 3 urchins onboard a train for a 23 hour train ride to the chicago for a week of exploring the wealth of museums and parks in that neighborhood. i love chicago, most especially its trains and public transportation. car-free living at its finest. i often feel like the car is the owner in my relationship with vehicles. contemporary farm life often feels like mechanical slavery. on top of the cars i take into town, i get to service tractors, tillers, etc.

the reservations are made and paid. nothing more to it but to do it. after the return, we will spend one night at home before driving 5 hours to attend my brother-in-law's birthday this morning finds me fielding panic attacks over leading them into non-smoker paradise for two weeks. yes, i'm laying in a supply of patches and gum.

despite the panic attacks, i think i am okay with it. i have 2 weeks to find my game face. prayers both needed and appreciated.