The open road.

I think anyone reading knows how much I love to drive. The open road holds so many possibilities. Today I am on my way home to Oklahoma. Yesterday, after a tearful goodbye in Vancouver, I headed south to see Mahesh again in Portland. The sadness of leaving my sisters was tempered by knowing I will be seeing my son soon. I arrived in Portland around 9 p.m., the border crossing is always harder on the way back into the United States, for some reason they never have enough lanes open. I invariably pick the slowest moving lane, I really don't know how I manage to do that!

The drive on I-5 south is ludicrous, I was amazed yet again to come across the most incompetent drivers in the Union. Last year I remember writing that Washington state had the worst drivers and true to form they are still ill mannered. They really don't understand the concept of the left lane is for overtaking only! It was the long border wait and the incompetency of the Washington drivers that delayed my arrival by two very long hours. But, it was wonderful to see Mahesh and Sara again. Dinner was awaiting me and a warm, comfortable bed.

Mahesh and I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning catching up on my visit to Vancouver. It seems as though it's never enough time when we start exchanging ideas. The good news is that he will be coming home to Oklahoma to visit in about two weeks. The lure is two brand new Cocker Spaniel puppies his sister has adopted! I too am looking forward to seeing the brand new addition to the family.

I started out this morning around eleven and ended my day in Boise Idaho. The imagery on the way was spectacular. Oregon has many faces, most often people think it's lush and green with towering cedars, but eastern Oregon has a totally different topography. I had the top down for most of the day and enjoyed the wind through my hair, listening to Robert Plamer and others on the cd my son in law had prepared for me. I love driving in this great country I call home!

Goodbye Vancouver..

Even though I am anxious to return home, it's never easy to leave Vancouver. I always miss the beauty of this incredibly vibrant city and of course my family. I went to my sister Shushma's radio station RJ1200 in this morning to sit in on a staff meeting and to say goodbye to all the staff members along with my sister and nephew. I was on my way out of the city when I realised I had left a favorite pair of sandals at my sister's home. I was close enough so I turned around and headed back home. I am never happy to leave Vancouver, so it was great that I was able to go back, have lunch with my younger sister Sadhna. That is the comfort of driving, I can change my itinerary at a whim, I love being able to do that!

As it turned out my sandals were tucked away in the boot (trunk) of my car, I guess my heart wanted an excuse to go back one more time. I am glad I had lunch with Sadhna, it was easier to leave again for the second time.  Now onto the border and customs not my favorite thing to do!

The warmth of family.

It's been good to be in Vancouver for the past few days. It was tough to leave Portland last Saturday. After packing my last few belongings I headed north towards the Canadian border, it was easier to leave Oregon knowing I will see my son on my way home in about two weeks. 

The wondrous thing about being in Vancouver is spending time with family and getting to eat Indian food I didn't have to prepare! Last night we were at my brother's home, gathered around the dinner table enjoying favorite dishes prepared by my sister-in-law; teasing my young niece and nephew endlessly-- good times!

We all wished my son and daughter could have joined us here in Vancouver this summer; they were both present in our hearts and stories being told about them. Many trips down memory lane accompanied by laughter as well as wistful sighs, missing the members of our families no longer with us.

I have been busy with Feng Shui consultations for family friends, going to familiar haunts and discovering new places to see. Today my sister and I were in downtown Vancouver, how this city has changed in the last few years. I remember how easy it was to go to downtown; it was such an accessible city. Of course now with the city growing it feels as though it's bursting at the seams.

Sometime next week I will be my sister's radio guest. She owns her own radio station called RJ1200. I will be doing a show on numerology. I am anxious to get home to Oklahoma, see my daughter and two brand new Cocker Spaniel puppies!