a brief escape

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).

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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.