Anniversary Getaway

~ posted by Betsy

 

While Mom and Dad were visiting from Ohio recently, Mark and I celebrated our anniversary a little early, with an overnight getaway in town. The children were happy to have their grandparents to themselves for a night…and Mark and I were delighted to have some one-on-one time with each other!



My hubby had arranged an overnight stay for the two of us at a local country club. Getting to the room was a novel experience…when we stepped off the elevator, ours was the only room on that floor. Pretty cozy feeling! J

We were pleasantly surprised—and quite touched—to learn that Mark’s boss insisted on paying for our stay, on their corporate account. He is such a generous employer!



A view of the swimming pools. Not too many people were braving the cool water that day, but there were a few hardy souls!

 


We took a stroll around the main floor, and found a hallway lined with gorgeous Egyptian art. This one was called “Victorious Hunt,” and depicts King Tut returning from a successful hunt in his chariot. It was reproduced from scenes found on actual chariots within the tomb. What amazed me was how the artist encrusted the painting with 24k gold leaf and over 3,500 gemstones, including amethyst, turquoise, golden garnet, citrine, and more!



Tutankhamun himself, depicted on his coffin. This amazing representation is also covered with 24k gold leaf and encrusted with 9,500 stones, including ruby, emerald, opal, turquoise, garnet, coral, chalcedony, amethyst…the list goes on. The estimated gemstone weight of this painting was 47,500 carets!

Mark finally dragged me away from the Egyptians long enough to enjoy another work of art. J This beautiful Great Pyrenees was one of about 100 such dogs strolling proudly around the club that day, preparing for a dog show. He was only months old, and almost 100 pounds already!

By now, it was time to get changed for dinner. Knowing my love for delicious cuisine and atmosphere, my hubby had made reservations at a downtown restaurant known for amazing food!

All dressed up, and somewhere terrific to go! J



First course was arancini with white truffle oil, served with marinara sauce. If you love Italian, this is for you!



This second course salad was an absolute work of art! Tomato and fresh mozzarella, with sliced red onion, fresh basil leaves, and a ring of balsamic vinegar for dipping.



We had a hard time narrowing down our main entrée, so we opted to split. I ordered the stuffed gulf snapper with beurre blanc and haricot verts. (*Funny story: I had to ask the waiter what in the world “haricot verts” were! They are green beans! J)

Mark ordered blackened redfish over wild rice with Creole cream sauce. I think his was even tastier than mine!

* Just a side note…we don’t always eat like this! For the most part, our everyday meals are pretty basic fare. But once in awhile, it’s a real joy to pull out all the cuisine stops!*

 

Mark finished the meal with their delicious coconut cream pie…but I had to pass on dessert. I’d had quite enough!



A wonderful night with my best friend, celebrating 24 years of marriage!

That evening, we spent a little while listening to live music back at the country club. My pictures turned out too dark, but it was fun watching some of the couples dance to music from the 70’s, and Frank Sinatra favorites, and other tunes. One couple in particular obviously had some professional dance training…they just flowed seamlessly together over the dance floor, perfectly in sync with one another.

 

Next morning, we enjoyed a country-style breakfast at a locally-owned waffle house, then spent a leisurely day browsing through antique stores, exploring a downtown gun shop, and looking at Amish-made furniture. We made our way home mid-afternoon, and rejoined the rest of the family for dinner at our favorite BBQ place that night.

 

I’m so thankful for the wonderful, thoughtful, amazing husband that God has so graciously gifted me with…and I’m thrilled to have made more memories with him on this little anniversary getaway!