Magnolia Bush in Full Bloom!
Just returned from, what was to be a little SPRING getaway at a secluded little B&B nestled in West Central Wisconsin. We grabbed the convertible, spent a few days with Summer and the Grandkids in Minneapolis (warm days), then headed across the border to Hudson, Wisconsin. While scoping out possible restaurants for dinner that evening, we received a call from Sue, the proprietor of the B&B. She suggested that if we were indeed planning to actually stay, we might want to pick up some dinner to bring with because heavy snows were predicted and we might not be able to get out to a restaurant that night. As she spoke the weather started to turn on us. Light snow was starting to fall. So, to be on the cautious side we called (actually drove to) Jimmy Johns and picked up a couple sandwiches. Armed with our trusty Wis. county maps and Wanda our even more trusty GPS, we set out to find Shangri-la. We found the road that our Touch of Eden was located on. As we proceeded, the road proportionately narrowed and deteriorated. The good news was that as we proceeded the snow increased and visibility decreased. At last, with Wanda's insistence, we passed the entrance to our B&B which was pretty much unmarked. A quick u-turn at the next driveway and off to Valhalla. Now, the road had become pretty lousy but the, third of a mile long, driveway started out pretty lousy and got worse. Narrow, uphill, partly paved, partly mud and gravel. Finally, as we came up around a bend, there looming in front of us sat Country View Estate. We trudged up to the large front door and knocked (I've seen this scene so many times in old horror movies, stranded travelers banging a iron knocker on a huge oaken door) the door swung open to reveal a diminutive white haired lady with invisible eyebrows. She was accompanied by a inquisitive terrier of some sort. She beckoned for us to enter and introduced herself and the dog when at the end of a small hallway erupted a wild eyed werewolf sort of creature. Fortunately it was restrained by some sort of fence. When he/it calmed down our hostess introduced him as Boris (very fitting I thought). In a little nook behind the stairway I spotted a large hulking figure of a gray pony tailed man. It was Greg, our host. He looked fairly innocent, but later, I did see him go down to a barn where he was sharpening an axe and gathering up a bunch of rope. (I'm still visualizing Cary Grant and Myrna Loy cowering in the foyer of a haunted mansion) Sue showed around the ground floor. Pointing out the areas that we had access to. Then up to our room. Actually a really lovely, comfortable room. Showed us were the fridge full of wine, the microwave and coffee/tea were located. We settled in our room after meeting a couple more inhabitants, a giant calico cat that roosted on a six foot high scratching post/nest and a sweet little tabby who was not only sweet but three legged. (Was this an alert to what may be part of tomorrow's country breakfast?) Putting that thought out of my mind we enjoyed a sumptuous meal of Jimmy Johns and chips after which we retreated to the TV room downstairs. We watched our favorite shows, then turned in for the night. Even though there were still thoughts of Twilight Zone and Criminal Minds, we drifted off into our own Twilight Zone.
Now the scary part.
Ahh! May 2nd, Spring at last. After all two days ago it was over 70 degrees. Ahh! May 2nd, SNOW tons of SNOW, no electricity, no water, no internet. Only a three legged cat, a possible werewolf, a white haired lady with invisible eyebrows and a hippy axe murderer. Originally I was hoping that this be Jo's Mother's Day gift but now I'm starting to think otherwise. It's funny how circumstances can bring people into harmony. (by the way, we found out later that Sue and Greg actually met on eHarmony) It was a joyful time at Country View Estate. Boris begged for someone to come and play in the snow with him, calico cat just wanted petting and the three legger was nowhere in sight. (I felt pretty safe seeing as how there were no means of cooking) Greg went to get some guy named John Deere to help him plow out the drive while Sue drummed up some cereal and fresh fruit for breakfast. While we waited for Greg and John to open our way to freedom, we enjoyed a nice chat with Sue in front of blazing fireplace. Calico was curled up on Jo's lap while a pair of Cockatiels ran through their playlist. Finally Greg showed up to tell us that the drive was clear to the road and that the road was clear. Even though we were booked for another night, it seemed that the best idea was to get the hell outta there before the predicted second wave of snow came in. Jo had the snow off the car, I had our luggage at the front door and Boris wanted to play fetch. A couple of hugs, handshakes and promises to return as soon as global warming took over, we got into the car and pointed it South. We drove 140 miles before we got out of the SNOW. Cold drizzle was actually a welcome sight. And, the Fennimore water tower even a more welcome one.
Can't wait for our next little getaway. Maybe Afganistan or Syria?
First peek at our beautiful Spring morn.
That's the Chrysler on the far left.
Lovely Garden view.
Jo checks on her baby!
Yeah! That much snow.
In spite of everything, the room was great!
Ditto!
And a fond goodbye to Boris!
