a brief escape

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Some time back, Carl won a little package of gift certificates.  Being the miser that he is...he's been hanging on to them for almost one year!  It is not often that we are able to get away, both sets of grandparents live some distance away. There are no overnight impromptu sleepovers with Grandma for my children.  With just 60 days (hopefully less) until this new little person arrives into our family, we were feeling the need to escape one last time.  Fortunately the details of childcare came together so that Carl and I could get away for 24 blissful hours (thanks Camille).

Warm springs front
Our little handful of freebies included a one-night stay at a delightful bed and breakfast right on the river. I wasn't sure that I would enjoy the format of a bed and breakfast, I generally appreciate my privacy. It's not that I don't enjoy people, it's just that we have the
opportunity to be alone so infrequently- that when we do, that is
exactly what I want to do. Be alone! However, we were allowed to keep much to ourselves (as were the other guests).  We ate breakfast (spinach souffle! yum!) in the same dining room as the other travelers, but at separate tables.

Warm springs ivy wall 

The mansion, built in 1917, was beautiful and steeped in Victorian Era charm.

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We chose to stay in the Chandelier Suite, because really- can you ever have too many crystals?

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Our bathroom window overlooked the orchard and river below, as well as a bald eagle nesting near by!

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Even in the middle of winter there was a warm sweetness about the grounds.  We strolled about just after dawn,

Warm springs carl coffee

drinking our coffee and relishing the quiet sounds of the river.

Warm springs kiss

Our time together held no agenda.  We simply went to get away and be together.  It is always so, so, refreshing to return to just being Man and Wife vs Mom and Dad.

We are back in the groove of things this week.  Working, schooling (a little update on that soon) and healing (the kids are passing around yucky cold germs). Be back soon.

leaves, squash, and cookies

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Stevens pass mountain side2009-10-08


This was the view over the mountain pass as we traveled over to visit family last weekend. 


Stevens pass fall colors2009-10-08


This picture was taken through the car window, at 70 mph, no photoshop...we were in total awe.  Our normal route was plagued with construction, so we went a different way across.  I'm glad we did.


Pumpkin patch han walking2009-10-09 


A visit to the pumpkin patch, looking for just the right one.  It was quite a search.  Her pumpkin required just the right stem.


Hannah corn2009-10-09 


I required that we eat butter saturated, freshly plucked corn....and take several silly pictures.


Farmer marsha and alex2009-10-09


(Uncle Alex and Aunt Marsha- or is it the other way around?)


Pumpkin ta tas2009-10-09


Silly, borderline inappropriate pictures.


Pumpkin patch han and em2009-10-09


Hannah was not amused.


And now for the cookie recipe some of you requested, there is butter involved. Lots of it. You've been warned.




Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Cookies:


2 1/4 cups flour


1 tsp baking powder


1/2 baking soda


1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (I always just use cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves- a pinch of each)


1 cup butter


2 eggs


1 cup sugar


16 oz can of pumpkin


1 tsp vanilla


12 oz chocolate chips


Mix dry ingredients together in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Next add pumpkin and vanilla.  Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until combined.  Stir in chocolate chips. Spoon onto a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 12 minutes or until done.


Enjoy!!