29

  

What does one do to celebrate a 29th anniversary?  It's not a "big number" and yet after years of non-celebrating, I felt like something should be done.  We had spent many years not doing anything once we had our son.  September is the perfect time for a wedding and subsequent honeymoon and anniversary treks, but not so much so once you have a child, especially once they are in school.

But with our son off to college, we've tried to do a little something.  Last year our anniversary fell on a Friday (just as it had 28 years prior) and we went out for a lovely Friday night dinner at Skytop's Windsor Dining Room.  But this year our anniversary fell on a Saturday and I know how busy the dining room can get on a Saturday night.  Plus, the night before I had friends over (ostensively for a "meeting", but it was more of ladies wine meet...all meeting should be like that) and tomorrow I plan on going to an early church service, so I didn't want to be out too late.  (Even though it would have been fun to have dinner and then check out the dancing at Skytop's Pine Room...maybe we actually could have "won" the elimination dance which I have been trying to do EVERY time we go and never succeeding. Oh well...the process is fun and the Grand March which follows is even more so...if only people would pay closer attention and follow directions, but that's another blog post:  https://bfthsboringblog.blogspot.com/2017/08/tradtions-elimination-dance-and-grand.html)  Finally, as we get older, we tend to like to be in earlier...(Sad, but true.)

So what did we do instead?  We went to BREAKFAST at Skytop and I think it was one of the best ideas I've had in a while!'

Now they don't take reservations for breakfast, but since I know several people who work in the food & beverage area at the resort, I inquired if it would be possible.  And because the staff there is the best, it was.

To give everyone a heads up, I had said that we would be there between 8:30 and 9.  (We are early morning people, but I didn't want to be too early.)  The short drive up was beautiful.   We are in the time of year when the trees are slowly starting to change color and yet other plans are still blooming. It's an incredible dichotomy of nature. 

When we arrived we were taken in by the lovely autumnal decorations throughout the building. We checked in at the Windsor dining room and were created by our good friend “C”.  C is someone I have come to know and trust with my food allergies. He is attentive to every detail and therefore I can relax. (Or somewhat relax; I NEVER fully relax!)  I had also given him my “breakfast order," ahead of time so that the kitchen would be ready. 

He escorted us to our reserved table. (RESERVED TABLE!  Totally cool and so me!) It was right by one of the large windows which overlook the South lawn. So not only would we have delicious food but a beautiful view. While my husband went to get his plate from the large and diverse buffet in the back of the dining room, I chatted with C and our server J. Because we had come for breakfast it wasn't very crowded and our friends were able to talk with us more so than if we had come for dinner. (Or if we had come for breakfast on Sunday which is the most crowded morning meal of the week.). 

My husband and I indulged in a wonderful breakfast. I even treated myself to a cappuccino which was perfection.

Actually my whole meal was just that. Fresh ripe berries, an English muffin and bacon may not seem like an incredible treat to everyone, but for me it truly is special. Dining out is so difficult for me with all my allergies and I am so appreciative of how attentive C and the entire dining room staff is when it comes to my meals.

Our breakfast was leisurely, delicious, and relaxed. It also wasn't incredibly expensive and I definitely have to do this again. It was the perfect start to our anniversary day. 

But no trip to Skytop would be complete without spending a few minutes sitting on the South porch. It helped that it was a sunny warm day so that we could enjoy the beautiful ground while sitting back and relaxing. 

I also got to spy on the pool area renovations. While they have been taking much longer than I believe were anticipated ( isn't that always the case?) they are moving along. When it is finally completed I may have to book a day or two at the resort so that I can take it all in. It's going to be amazing. And I don't say that lightly.  Yes, right now it is a mess and has been since earlier this year, but when it's completed, hopefully early next year, I think it will be as show stopper.  

I also had to take a short walk from the South porch down to the gazebo just to admire the gardens.

Nature at Skytop is amazing no matter what the season. One of my biggest regrets of not staying at the resort since we are now locals, is that as I am no longer resort guest I do not have access to their incredible hiking trails and paths. While I doubt if anyone would mind if I took a quick stroll around the lake, some of the longer trails are definitely off limits. And I miss that very much. (Anyone willing to give me a special pass? Seriously, I mean it! I miss the walk up to Indian ladder falls or hiking the Western rim trail and taking in the incredible view from the gazebo at the top.)

Finally, no trip is complete without a visit to the gift shop. And of course I always find something that I must have. Today was no exception. My wallet may be a little lighter when we leave, but my heart is always fuller and my soul is always refreshed. My husband says Skytop is in my DNA and he's right. That's however another story for another day and blog post.

We somewhat reluctantly returned home shortly before noon. We've spent the rest of the day doing much of nothing. Sitting outside on our patio enjoying the warm weather and the fish in our pond. And visiting our local library, which may not seem like an exciting thing to do, but is always fun. The staff are so kind and thoughtful.  I've come to realize that a library is not just a place for books but a place of community. 

29 might not be an anniversary to celebrate with bells and whistles, but it's been one that I've enjoyed. Quiet, relaxed and spent with people and friends that we care about and care about us in return. 

I'm hoping that 30 will bring a larger celebration. We will have to see. It depends on circumstance and what my wallet can sustain. Stay tuned. Because who knows what the next 365 days might bring.