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Where Cheerful Guests Retire

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From time to time, we find a picture in a magazine we feel is worth saving, even framing. Most often they're from Victoria Magazine. One hangs on the wall over Lyn's old oak dresser.

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 15, 2008

From time to time, we find a picture in a magazine we feel is worth saving, even framing. Most often they're from Victoria Magazine. One hangs on the wall over Lyn's old oak dresser.

It's an aesthetically pleasing scene of a lush green pasture enclosed by wooden fencing. In the foreground on a grassy path stands a lovely woman, eloquently dressed in English riding attire. With obvious poise, she holds in hand a lead rope attached to the bridle of a magnificent thoroughbred. The photographer's lens captured an exquisite moment as the stately woman looks up at the splendid horse walking beside her.

The caption is a quote from "Lavender and Old Lace" by Myrtle Reed - "I'd like to see the man who could woo any dependence from Miss Thorne. She holds her head like a thoroughbred."

We're both fond of the caption and the picture. The scene reminds us of a beautiful place we stayed in at Gordonsville, Va., called Shenandoah Crossing Resort. It's one of those places you just know you'll return to someday.

The July/August 2008 issue of Victoria Magazine also held a scene that reminded us of places we've visited. Lyn cut it out and placed it in a simple gold frame. We chose to hang this one with a grouping of photos in our guest room.

One might think it's an odd choice to add to the assembly of family pictures already hanging there. It's a photo of a quaint bedroom. An inviting bed with lacey bed skirt and a variety of comfy pillows, brick walls painted white, and various old-fashioned furnishings and accessories make up the picture.

Actually, it's reminiscent of the homes of friends where we've been guests, as well as favorite bed and breakfast inns. The caption is a quote by Oliver Goldsmith - "Bless'd be that spot, where cheerful guests retire."

Hopefully, that caption will catch the eye of future guests in our home as they climb into the comfy old maple bed Lyn's parents purchased as newlyweds back in 1938.

The photo particularly reminded us of the room we stayed in at Bakketopp Hus (that's Norwegian for Hilltop House) in Fergus Falls, Minn. It's the home of Judy and Dennis Nims and it's a secluded bed and breakfast on Long Lake. The views are breathtaking and not unlike the Finger Lakes of New York.

Situated in Otter Tail County, which boasts more lakes than any other county in Minnesota, there's an aura of seclusion associated with Long Lake. The density of the trees and the positioning of the lakeside homes make each view commanding.

Bakketopp Hus' rustic decks, bubbling fountains, and sunken gardens beckoned us every morning - as did the cries of a loon, fresh brewed coffee, and the aroma of homemade delicacies. After a marvelously relaxing four days and nights, Bill couldn't leave without buying a CD titled "Spirit of the Loon." And, Lyn talked Judy into sharing some of her delectable recipes.

We discovered Bakketopp Hus online at www.bbonline.com/mn/bakketopp. The pictures and the hearts of the owners seemed to beckon us. Take a few minutes and check it out. The scenes on the Web site alone will refresh you and bring back memories of lazy summer days spent on northern lakes.

Judy's Web site message is, "My wish is for you to arrive as a guest, but leave as a friend." We've indeed found two new friends in Judy and Dennis Nims. We hope to return to Bakketopp Hus many times.

©2008 Journey Publications

Lyn and Bill live in Highlands Ridge. Visit their Web sites www.journeybookstore.com, www.thecaregiverscaregiver.com, www.boomersandbeyondthecolumn.com, and www.christiancaregiverconnection.net

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