37/7/41...

After a series of too-busy weekends and with the snowbelt closing in on the city like a tightening fist, now seemed to be the right time for one last escape before the big chill cocoons us for another long winter. So, once again leaving the cats in the capable care of Donald from VIP Housesitters, we embarked on another sojourn to the Ottawa Valley. Leaving on a weekday spared us most of the usual traffic perils, and all-in-all it was a pretty smooth, predictable ride, save for an earlier-than-expected detour to Belleville for lunch instead of our usual halfway hub Tweed.

Carter and Nathaniel had a good time at A&W--dining off the menu, naturally--while mom and dad wolfed down greasy grub and waited for the downpour to stop (it didn't). The chain's new "twin" sirloin burgers looked mighty tempting but would have to wait until we're through those parts again--the boys will be sporting some teeth by then...