Thursday, June 17, 2010

Location! Location! Location!---Revealed

6/17/10 Because I got e-mails and voice messages and people stopping me at church and asking at a luncheon, I assumed others wanted to know the location/destination of the “girls getaway” this year. Where did we go? Not far and that’s a good thing because it took over 12 hours to get there. Most folks probably can drive to Oxford, MS from Memphis in 1½ hours. That’s what makes our trips fun.

We actually eat our way to and from a destination so before we had even arrived we had a red, white and blue breakfast, tastes from 11 different buffets at Paula Dean’s, snacks on a riverboat and fried dill pickles at the Hollywood in Robinsonville, MS. (Hadn’t been there since son Buddy’s 21st birthday) It’s now owned by Memphian Mike Young and he was actually there to greet us.

But our destination was so-o-o perfect, you'll want to check it out! Castle Hill, Hwy 6, just outside of Oxford. We had the guesthouse to ourselves with its wraparound balcony, screened porch and swimming pool. Nighttime swims were great because it was dark and no one else intruded on our fun. Most (I not being one of them) played 9 hole ‘til after midnight.

Morning devotionals began with “Jesus Calling.” Imagine that. Pam also shared something motivational. “Stay Positive” was one of them. She must have realized I needed help with my “No Whining” rule. How special to begin a day with prayer from encouraging friends, continue the day with laughter and end the day with “real talk” about “real life” and feel safe and accepted---by both the Lord and the friends. “Friends are the family we choose for ourselves” was a quote from Pam’s devotional. How appropriate.

On Wednesday after a day of antiquing and searching for back road potters, we cooked dinner with chef Hal and sous chef, Rick---both younger than all our kids, but so delightful. Under their tutelage we made French bread, our own fettuccine and amazing veggie and white wine sauce and chocolate mousse. The mousse almost didn’t make it to the fridge to set up because we kept tasting the Belgian chocolate & eating the “real” whipped cream before we did the folding in. It was the highlight of the trip.

On the way home we stopped at a great “hole in the wall,” Yocono in Exile in Abbeville, MS ---only to be surprised by our hubbies who came to celebrate with us---and pick up the tab!
But guess what---we let them ride back in their car and we rode together, not quite ready to give up the “best yet” trip. BTW, we always say that---‘til the next time.