Revitalize

Its only been a month since we got back from our family vacation to Cuba, but it feels like much longer. So when John asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday this year I knew that a night away was the best way to celebrate.

I looked into the different options available to us for our mini get away: A cabin in Muskoka was too far, Niagara Falls wasn’t the vibe I was going for and Toronto was both pricey and too close to Johns work. I wanted to feel both relaxed and refreshed so I chose our happy place – Woodstock.

If anyone would have told me five years ago that I would be spending my vacation time in Woodstock Ontario I would have told them they were crazy. But that was before we bought a trailer and parked it at Pittock Conservation area. The park is an easy and scenic hour from our home. Just the drive out of the GTA, lowers my blood pressure and causes me to breathe easier.

In just over a month camping season will begin again. But for my birthday weekend I booked us into the Best Western via the Expedia website.

Out first stop when we arrived in Woodstock was to Pittock. The park is closed to traffic for the winter but we were able to park and walk down to our site. It was the perfect day for an early spring walk. The temperature was cool, but as we hiked the bright sun and conversation kept us warm.

Next we checked into the Best Western . I was a little concerned when I saw that the hotel was full of families who were in town for a hockey tournament. It was all good though. Everyone was very respectful. The hotel was very clean and nicely decorated. A nice feature of our room was the window sunny window seat. The staff was also amazing. The woman who checked us in was both friendly and efficient. I felt very welcomed.

After we freshened up we went out for some dinner. The restaurant was just up the street from The Record Works. A great shop with new, used and collectable vinyl. I was able to get my hands on a live Neil Diamond record that I love listening to at a friends place.

The rest of our evening was spent back at the hotel. My husband always makes me feel loved and special. When we get the rare opportunity to slow down and focus on only each other we both feel truly grateful and blessed for the life we have created. As teenagers falling in love for the first time, neither one of us could have predicted what our relationship would have grown into.

On Sunday morning we packed our overnight bags. For years now we have talked about going to the Woodstock Antique Mall and decided that it was time we actually made the visit. The place is huge! Three floors of antique and maker booths to browse. So many neat things, but as an ongoing commitment to making my home a place to rest, I didn’t buy anything for myself. ( I may have found a gift or two though!)

It’s amazing what one night away can do for your soul. Life has been pretty demanding of us lately. This one night away has made me feel revitalized, and excited to make my next trip around the sun. Cheers to 45 years