A few days away is "just what the doctor ordered" for my husband and I, this past week.

 

 

We drove up a long, tree lined driveway to the quiet, sprawling Virginia farm. 

 

 

We were welcomed eagerly by these three friendly greeters, waiting with rapt attention.

Our cozy living quarters in the Carriage House overlooked miles of pasture and mountains.

 

 

Our stay included hiking mountain trails, walking sticks provided.

Through the pastures and to the hills we headed.

 

 

Flowers, ferns, creeks, and quiet were our constant companions as we huffed and puffed our way up over the mountain trails:)  Both of us soaked in the stillness and the beauty. 

 

 

The white painted chairs by the lake, beckoned us to come and sit, and that we did.

No schedules to keep, no laundry to fold, and no urgent responsibilities for the moment.

Just engaging conversation, and occasional bird calls in the air.

 

This is our view from the deck of the small, quaint Carriage House as we watched the sun set.
We treasure our memories and arrived home late last night, refreshed and ready to face the new week ahead.
We gained a renewed appreciation for the farmers that work the land day in and day out, their obvious work ethic, and gratitude to our God who created the beauty of it all for us to enjoy.

We are thankful for moments of stillness and relaxation, instead of the normal, "ready, get set, and go" of everyday life.  In our overstimulated world, there are still places off the beaten path to find a quiet break from it all.  It might not be the vacation everyone would choose, but for us, it was a few needed days of refreshment.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.