Just got back from a two day reprieve helping a dear friend, by keeping her company on a long drive to LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

In the world of,if I had a 9-5 job, I’d never be able to pick up and just hang with friend, and in the world of trusting my teenage daughter - I just left and knew the house would not be ransacked by teenagers and that she’d affectionately and conscientiously walk the dog – she can even manage her own dining. Am I lucky or what? 

Thank you to my friend, whom I wrote to this morning to say – Wow – I had no idea how much I needed to just chill.  She provided that for me, more than she could even know, by asking me to go.

Who wouldn’t want to take a road trip in a luxury SUV, her vehicle, affectionately known as zena,  is one smooth and very sexy ride. I am used to and very happy with my fuel economy running on a treadmill squirrel like engine – compact vehicle, and yet I felt rather queen like in this full size - road warrior –  leather seats with dual butt warmers and all. If I had a car like that I’d only be able to afford to fill it  with gas 4 times a year, that’s my gasoline budget. Yikes – good thing I work via the telephone!!

Who wouldn’t want 10 plus HOURS to talk with someone who’s good company makes you laugh and cry in the same breath, who asks probing questions and lets you do the same, who’s generous, kind and forward thinking. Just to mention a few things I adore about this woman.

There are two things I liked about the trip the most (besides the company of course) :
 
I wasn’t doing the driving, I simply was along for the ride. The only decisions I had to make was soy or skim in my coffee, and sea bass vs mahi mahi. It’s been a VERY long time that I have just been the passenger.

I truly adored the scenery.  Prairie, farmland, rolling hills, some cragged rock ( be still my earthy heart) and of all things bluffs, how positively cool is that. It was beyond soothing. Being that its the cusp of winter and spring, it still had a starkness to it that was elegent. The daylight with sun shining felt like it was trying to declare itself “I’m here! - I’m here!!” and I am very delighted to see the sun shining these days – very glad indeed.

wow-three states, illinois, minnesota and wisconsin flickr image credit

Re-entry today wasn’t bad. I knew I’d come back to some churn from being away but by 3 today – churn is all resolved and I am now sitting down to write today’s post – calmly before I walk the dog.

Feels sooooo good.

LaCrosse by the way as a first impression I described as ordinary, however once we spent a little bit of time in town before heading back, we both were completely charmed by it. I’d go back in a minute.

PS – there is a 3 floor antigue store in the center of town. VERY cool place. No website unfortunately, but if you find 3rd street you’re there and Dave was an absolute sweetheart. My friend bought a ton of pink glass, he will never forget her!

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Author
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition Weight Loss, and Green Clean as seen on Oprah

Member of BNI – West Suburban BNI: “Chapter Mentor”
Member, Board Member and Programming Chair of West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs