Sunday, September 26, 2010

A Welcome Respite

Webster defines "respite" as: "a temporary intermission of labor, or of any process or operation." I am retired, so I am able to rest and relax at times. However, my hubby still works full time, takes care of our farm house and grounds as well as helping his daughter with hers, and spends a lot of time working (repairing equipment, etc) for the radio ministry in Haiti. So he really needs an occassional respite.

Last year, for our anniversary trip, we went to Chain O' Lakes to a cabin like this. I wasn't crazy about the idea, as you take all your own food, supplies, dishes, linens etc. But we went, and I enjoyed it, and he got some much needed rest.

So this year, I suggested that we do this again. (What was I thinking?) Last year we went the last weekend of October (our anniversary is Nov. 5) and it was very cold the entire time. The cabin is heated with a wood stove. So this year I suggested we go a little earlier.

Kitchen

We got there last Thursday afternoon, and it was warm, so much so that I needed a fan to be comfortable. But Saturday morning we woke up about 5:00 am and were very cold! So we started a fire, and kept it going the rest of the weekend.

Lynn began to relax, and actually slept quite a bit Thursday evening, and Friday. By Saturday afternoon he was beginning to feel more energized again, and worked on some electronics projects he had brought with him.

Friday for lunch we drove in to Churubusco, about 12 miles, and had lunch at this little restaurant. It was really good food, a really good price, and we took some left overs back with us. We then went to the Churubusco library, so that I could get my "computer" fix. I checked e-mails and blogs and facebook. He enjoyed reading a magazine while we were there.

I spent my time doing some Bible study, reading, working sudoku puzzles, and taking walks. This is a side view of our cabin. You can't really see it very well, but it has a screened in porch along this side, with a porch swing, and I spent some time out there during the day when it was warmer, reading and enjoying the fresh air.

These are the steps going down from our cabin to the lake. I was going to count them but never did. There are at least 30-40 steps, so I was able to get my stair-stepping activity.


The lake was beautiful. Sometimes when I was down there, the sun was shining on the water, and it was just very peaceful. I loved just feeling the quietness and peacefulness of it all.



I enjoyed my walks as well. However, the trees were not very pretty or colorful. They were already dropping a lot of their leaves. My hubby explained that this is because of the dry weather we had. (Since I've been back, I also heard someone on TV say the Indiana trees would not be very colorful because of the drought.)

I did manage to find a little bit of color here and there. So it was a restful time, as well as time to talk, discuss and reflect on various things.

Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give your rest."

9 comments:

Rebecca said...

A little of the peace you must have experienced spilled over on me this morning. Both your pictures and words speak: "rest".

I chuckled about your internet "fix". Gary and I frequently search out libraries when we travel. Sometimes the buildings are interesting in themselves and they are great places to find out about community highlights we may be unaware of.

Andrea said...

It looks like you enjoyed a little slice of heaven. I love cabins like this...it is a little work, but the peace and stillness speak to my heart.

Blessings,
andrea

Wanda..... said...

Such a comfortable looking cabin Donna, especially with the wood stove. We experienced our first chilly weather here today, so a fire sounds nice. I love the quietness one can find in the woods or on a lake. Your time spent there sounds very enjoyable.

Our anniversary is on Nov.2 and I too like Sudoku!

Becky said...

The cabin actually sounds heavenly to me as long as there was internet of course! LOL! I am glad you and your husband had a nice time.

Diana said...

Hi Donna,
I remember when you and Lyn went last year, my how time flies! I think the cabin looks very nice. I would love to have a weekend alone with my husband at one like that. I think I would bring my bible, sit by the water and read. I am so happy that Lyn was able to get some much deserved rest but was surprised when you said that he brought some projects with him! So glad you had a good time! Love Di ♥

Blu-I'd-Blonde said...

What a beautiful and serene place. Thanks for sharing. Like Rebecca said, some of that peace has spilled over onto me too.

Donna's Book Nook said...

Di--Lynn has to take something along for when he's awake and alert. He can only read for a limited time and then needs to be doing something. It was therapy for him--not work. Donna

Dee said...

I could live in a place like that...I would want Internet of course, and a local library and a McDonald's for my iced coffee, but everything else would be bliss. I am glad you had a nice getaway. Can you fish in the lake?

Donna's Book Nook said...

Dee--
Yes, I think some people were fishing in the lake. So that would probably add to your bliss. Donna