Relaxation

After a week of working hard (uh, that would be Sverre), it's always nice to slip away from the city streets and relax.

Today has been one of those perfect relaxing Saturdays. We slept in late, made breakfast when we felt the urge, and lazed about our weekend chores. Finally, the groceries were tucked away into the cabinets and fridge, and the floors were vacuumed free of a legion of dog hair. We packed our food, soda and blankets into the car and drove to Sognsvann.

Sognsvann is a popular small lake just on the outskirts of the city. People walk or run the perimeter, cyclists are banned to the outer loops that in winter turn into cross-country ski trails. On a good summer day the lake is packed with families, couples, and groups of friends enjoying the lake waters and sunny banks. It can be difficult to find a suitable spot, but eventually we found a piece of grass large enough to hold us and allow Max to roam to the end of his leash without bothering other people.

We lay in the sun; reading, sipping soda, and cooking on a disposable grill. Max snuffled around, rolling in the grass or wading in the shallows of the lake as the mood took him. Small children and adults alike splashed in the water, shrieking as warm skin touched mountain run-off. Gradually, the clouds began to build and cast chilly shadows over us. We packed our blankets and books, gathered the dog, and slowly made our way back to the car.

It's days like these that make the rat-race worthwhile.