A Real Date!

Thanks to Grandma Judy coming over to wrangle our three teenage sons, Scruffy and I were able to get away for a couple of days.

Our favorite get away is a little hotel in Centralia, WA. Its last major renovation was in 1924 and what it lacks in amenities (no tv, pool, or gym) it makes up for in awesomeness. It was a gentleman’s club and a brothel, home to bootleggers and small-time criminals. The massive mahogany bar, chandeliers, and gigantic porcelain urinals in the men’s bathroom speak of past elegance while stories of card sharks and bank robbers remind guests of a checkered past.

Since I love old things and history of all kinds, it is a perfect escape. Scruff and I hiked through the winter woods, which was a treat since our forest is still under three feet of snow.

We got to watch a movie in their small, basement theater. Antique couches provide seating and guests can order a whole pizza to eat during the show. This was our first movie in a year due to the pandemic so it was a treat.

Scruff brought along one of his board games. Parks is a charming little game based on National Parks around the U.S.. It has lovely art, some of which is based on beauties that we saw this summer when we camped in Mt. Rainier National Park.

I have photos of the boys walking through this very meadow. Although the bear that we saw, was grazing in a different spot. It was a delight to get away together and even more wonderful to come home to our happy doggy and adorably grumpy teenage sons who assured us that, “We didn’t miss you at all.”