March Break

There's nothing like March break for updating the much-neglected blog and, most importantly, for some quality family time. John had a reception at Parliament Hill Tuesday night, so Kassie and I, both of us on vacation, decided to tag along.

The weather didn't come close to rivalling either Mexico or California (the previous years' March destinations) but we had fun wandering around the Byward market area, taking in the Group of Seven at the National Gallery (not to mention happening upon Rossetti's The Salutation of Beatrice), and touring the Parliament's Centre Block.

Certainly every Canadian should visit Parliament Hill. I'd been before but I must confess I was grateful for a reminder of the different roles played by the House of Commons and Senate in Canadian decision-making. I (re)learned as much as Kassie. If you go, definitely take in a tour and don't forget to visit the Peace Tower (watch for a glimpse of the bells on the way up/down) and the Memorial Chamber.