Sunday, July 17, 2011

Down time...

Hubby and I took the weekend off! It was supposed to be a family camping trip but turned out to be just the two of us. What a wonderful time! Nothing special...just peaceful time together.

We loaded the motorhome with food and clothes and headed south to Cadiz, Ohio. This little town was founded in 1803. It's basically a mining town. Lots of lush hunting ground, beautiful horse trails and very little phone service. While it was a little hard to be out of touch with the kids...they all had plans themselves...and emergency numbers they could turn to.

After we made camp Friday evening we headed out to do some sight seeing and get a bite to eat. There was this little eatery called Country Kettle that my husband and his hunting buddies eat at during archery. The food was fabulous! A real burger was $2.25!!! They had home brewed sweet tea and the most delicious and moist corn bread I've ever eaten. We scoped out his hunting grounds since they change year to year depending on where they are mining. Saw a few deer but it was still pretty warm and sunny out. Headed to the shooting range for some pistol practice, too.

When we returned to camp I laid a blanket down and enjoyed some reading while hubby got the fire going. It was so peaceful! We stay at a camping area designed for horseman and family camping. The areas are far apart with restroom buildings, water hydrants and marked trails for walking or horse back riding. With the exception of voices and horse hooves in the distance we were alone. Ahhh how nice!

Saturday we started the day with bacon, donuts and coffee over the open fire! Then we just relaxed. Hubby caught up on some sleep and I enjoyed reading my book...which I finished by Sunday morning. Later in the afternoon we headed out to get some pictures of the "museum". It's an area where they park old machinery and that's where it stays. Old drag lines, bulldozers, mining Eucs...all kinds of stuff. It's amazing to see up close how massive these things are. To think how powerful the engines needed to be to move not only the machines but the dirt and limestone ..WOW! And the men that operated them...strong and gruff probably with a cigarette hanging from their lips. The entire town oozes with history!

One of the blades has been hand painted to memorialize some of their beloved machinery. Very impressive!

We always have steaks and corn on the cob over the fire! First we marinate the steaks in red wine and seasonings...the wine helps tenderize the beefy goodness! And of course, you have to use a cast iron skillet! I think this was my husband's favorite part of the whole vacation. He set the table...even picked some black eyed susans for a centerpiece. We have been married almost 20 years and I love him more now than I ever have!

We had several "visitors" during our trip. Some not so welcome...flies, bees and misquitoes. Others were very welcome! There was this gorgeous black and blue butterfly who showed up Saturday morning and stayed to see us off on Sunday. The flash of the camera showed his beautiful blue hues...to the naked eye they look black. Stunning! Then of course there were the herds of deer who came out at night...you could hear their hooves on the blacktop outside the camper. And last but not least...the raccoons!!! When we finished eating we decided to clean up in the morning. No  need...the coons did it for us...hahaha. They ate every beef bone, the last ear of corn, the italian dressing and a pound of butter. I'm sure they wish we had left some tums out too! I got a couple of pictures of their greasy paw prints but their a little fuzzy.


  We are back home now...hubby is napping...one more day off from work tomorrow! So much better than a busy expensive weekend anywhere else. Looking forward to the next trip!

10 comments:

Darlene said...

Aaaawww what a fantastic posting! Looks like the two of you had a well deserved 'second honeymoon' in the wilderness since the kids were busy doing 'their thing'!
That butterfly is AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL and the old machinery is as you said 'filled with history' ... oh if they could only talk ... what stories they'd have to tell!
I'm SO GLAD you & Frank had such a relaxing time ... you both deserved a nice get away weekend!
Thanks so much for sharing it!

Frank said...

I think i slept too much. its 12.30 and im wide awake..Had a great refreshing weekend.alot of relaxing and giggling..

Amy Johnson said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend! You look so much like your mom!

Lana said...

Thanks for sharing this sweet peek into your trip. What a great place to unwind and reconnect with each other and nature, God is so good to provide such beauty and tranquility! Here's to many more trips like this for you both!

Marlene (cards4u) said...

Looks like a wonderful weekend I am glad you had a chance to get away with your hubby! I'll try not to be too envious : ) That butterfly is just beautiful! God is truly amazing - you can just see it in His creation! (BTW I'm a stamping buddy of your Mom) Hope you can get away again before the summer is over!

Unknown said...

looks like a great time! i love all that old machinery, very cool spot for photos!! thanks for visiting! susan

Sabrina Jackson said...

What amazing pictures and your time away alone sounds just fantastic!! Glad you had great time! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Looks like yall had a wonderfu time. I am popping over from your mom's blog I am a new follower.

S`andra V. said...

How wonderful. Glad you two were able to enjoy a well deserved weekend. Thanks for sharing. I love the old machinery and that beautiful butterfly. The pic of food made me want a snack now...LOL!!!
Happily Scrapbooking My Memories~S`andra V.

Sandrav9288@yahoo.com
http://ohmyscraps2u.blogspot.com

Sherry said...

looks like you had a wonderful vacation!! beautiful butterfly !!