We had the good fortune of being able to get away for a few days, and as these things go, the timing is always spot on.  And the added blessing? We were able to use a friend's cottage on a lake...no television, lots of Scrabble and sightseeing. It was a perfect little get away...even with the rain.

   ( the view from our cottage porch)

 

Touristy stuff? Not really. My husband and I prefer small town, out of the way places where we can discover back roads, try local wineries, and  eat at places like

 

( and, by the way, the Koffee Kove had THE  BEST coffee I've ever had...we were willing to drive twenty- five miles to go for breakfast a second day!)

(and, by the way, why do small town establishments insist on getting klever and kute with the way they spell words?)

Another really awesome thing we got to do? We attended an invitation only Farm to Market Tasting...on a Monday night, no less! 

 
The tasting  featured chef prepared recipes using all local farm products. From lamb, poultry and beef to wine, honey and maple syrup, to fresh farm produce.

 

It really was a neat way to experience a very local, hometown venue. My favorite recipe? A slice of young eggplant, breaded and crisply fried,  with a bruschetta topping of fresh tomatoes and goat cheese. 

The only disappointment?  The recipes were not shared!  Booooo!

 

 
Okay, we did one touristy thing. JR and I had both been to Boldt Castle when we were younger...as kids.  I loved the romance of that ruined place, and the love story behind it.  In recent years, the Castle has come under reconstruction, so it was interesting to see some of the rooms fully restored, and still poke around in the upper floors where decades of decay were yet evident.

  
   

It's amazing, isn't it how something so broken can be so beautifully restored?  And how each grafitti'd signature represented is one that spoke into the re-creation of that place...by their interest, by their passion for romance, by their ticket prices. You just never know how you, as an individual, can impact a greater good...be it the restoration of an old building or  the rebuilding of a broken life. They left their mark, they made an impact.

 

      

All in all, it was a good trip.

Hey, one more thing....I am close to approaching my 10,000th comment!  You've left your mark, you've made an impact.

 
Will you be the 10,000th comment?

 

 

Comments

[Estella]

Love all the photos and thanks for sharing the castle with us...that would be so fun to explore. So with all the Scrabble and quiet time, was there any knitting? :)

[LaneB]

Sounds like you had a wonderful, relaxing time. What a beautiful lake! I am intrigued by the castle. I just googled it and they have a great website. Sad story but gorgeous place. Thanks for sharing.

[Nancy]

Looks like a lovely trip. So glad that you had a chance to get away and enjoy it. The problem with living in Oklahoma is there isn't anything near that old here. Lots of places to visit but surely no beautiful castles like that one.
Do you knit while you ride? I have to, I am not a very good rider. :-)

[lori]

Looks like a very fun getaway.

[Margaret Law]

10,000 comments is unbelievable,pretty incredible if you ask me. Love your blog.
Take care and have an awesome Thanksgiving.
Margaret.

[Lea]

Congratulations on blog success. I've been reading it for a couple of years now and I feel as though I know you, although we have never met! It helps that you hold a striking resemblance to my good friend back home.

[Dcuddy]

It sounds like you had a lovely fall get away! I lived in NYS until four years ago and I miss how lovely the fall is there. It is nice in IL, but we don't get much color here. The nice thing about IL is that we hardly get any snow and the winters are quite mild and shorter than in NY.

[Dorothy]

What a lovely getaway. I especially love the photos of the hearts.

[Beth]

What a fun break for you both! That castle looks incredible.

[Michele]

That looks like a nice getaway :)
I'm with you on the kitschy spelling of words - drives me krazy!!!!!!

[Elizabeth]

Boldt Castle! Haven't been there since the kids were young. I thought it was a shame it was never finished.