Friday, June 5, 2009

The Little Red Barn at the Cabin in the Woods





Those of you who are around my age or older will probably remember the television show "Green Acres" with Ava Gabor and Eddie Albert. Well, we are officially at Green Acres. We arrived in Carbondale, Illinois early yesterday afternoon. Sonya had sent information about several places that we could stay when we got here. There are several cabins in the area and most of them were already booked. The Cabins in the Woods still had one left--The Little Red Barn, so I booked it. It is off the beaten path in a beautiful, green forest. Our cabin looks a bit like a barn that has been converted. It has two bedrooms, a living room and kitchen area, one bathroom and a huge screened in backporch with a hot tub.

Right down the hill is the barn with the pigs, goats, donkeys, horses, and a variety of chickens, roosters, turkeys, guinea fowl, peacocks, etc. They have several dogs and cats who have free run of the place. Needless to say, Cameron is thrilled to be here! There is satellite television, but no internet. It is really relaxing and so far away from the hustle and bustle of city life and a welcome change from the hotels and cities where we have been staying. I think I could spend a few weeks here!!

We met Sonya at the tuxedo shop. She came back to the "barn" and then took Cameron back to see Lilia. We fixed steaks on the grill along with corn on the cob, zucchini, and baked potatoes. Once again, it was nice not to eat in a restaurant!

Lilia came back with Cameron and spent the night with us. We are sitting at the Starbucks at Barnes and Noble right now, getting caught up on my blog and email.

This afternoon we go to the wedding rehearsal and then to Sonya's parents house for the rehearsal dinner. Tomorrow is Sonya's and Jason's wedding at 3:30. They had originally planned to have the reception on a lake that is close by. A few weeks ago, this part of Illinois was hit with an inland hurricane and the kitchen where the reception was to be held was destroyed. Of course, Sonya was really disappointed and had to find some place without much notice. She was able to book the local Elks Club, which was definitely not her first choice. There is an Elks Club in Douglas that we have spent a lot of time in over the years so I love the local Elks Clubs!! It will be fun no matter what!! I know that Sonya will make a beautiful bride and Jason is an absolutely wonderful young man!!

We are here in Carbondale until Sunday when we head for Chicago for three days. So far this has been an awesome vacation and so great to be away for a few weeks. Haven't been able to get totally away as I have my school Blackberry and have had to deal with a few issues.

It is amazing to me how different life can be in the various places across the United States. I am glad we took the time to drive and not fly in and fly back right away. It has been so good for Cameron to see all of these different places and for me, too! It has been a relaxing and fun week, although I miss my little Lucy and the other dogs!!

3 remarks:

Julie said...

Sheila,

Sounds like you are having a great time. I love the place you are staying...sounds so peaceful and lovely. Being in the country can be so refreshing for the soul. I look forward to hearing more about your adventures!

Unknown said...

Wish I was there. Mom is staying with YaYa this weekend. Ryan has a diving match all weekend at ASU. Lucy is very skinny, you better drive back fast! No, the dogs are being given lots of TLC!

Give my love to Sonya and Jason tomorrow. Sorry we have to miss their wedding. I know it will be beautiful. I wonder if they will have a deer's head on the ELK's Club wall? The one is Douglas always made the events. I know it will thrill Sonya if she can have a brides picture taken next to the haning bust of a deer! Send pictures.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you and Cameron are having such a nice vacation. You certainly deserve one!! Have a great time and enjoy, enjoy!!
Love,
Sandra