Turn Off Life at Spiddal

Well it was another Bill and Jecky adventure. It has been over a year since the last one, it was time. For 16 years I have heard a lot about Beck's second life in Grand Rapids, MN, but oddly enough have really never participated in it. Again, it was time! We left the Friday evening traffic behind and headed north talking the whole while with a quick stop for some DQ. Mmmm. We arrived in Grand Rapids around 9:30 and did our grocery shopping at the small store. We asked where we could do some karaoke and we were told maybe "The Rendezvous." Simultaneously, we both said, "Is that a strip club?!?" After much assurance that it was not, we decided to make the stop. We walked into The Rendezvous" and were met with smoke, mullets and band playing away. We decided to give it a chance, why not? The band ended up being great, the people watching was hilarious and Beck introduced me to darts. Much to her dismay, I creamed her, twice! I now love darts! We even met a guy named "Bob" and played him because he made $90,000 a year. Too funny! We left at about midnight re-hashing our small town bar experience.

We drove out to Spiddal. Spiddal is the Beck's older sister's family (The Thomases) cabin. I have heard much about this place and was excited to spend the next 48 hour there. We walked in and I was met with an overwhelming feeling of goodness. We got things turned on and situated and headed to bed pretty late. I slept until 11:00, YES 11:00, which is quite the accomplishment for me these days! I loved every minute. We got up, made breakfast, read, read and read some more. We decided to trek outside despite the no snow. We walked around the property and took the lake back. The ice was smooth as can be. I made up my own game of running and sliding to see how far I would get. It was a blast! I love entertaining myself. We hung out outside just taking in the fresh air, it was wonderful. We came back inside and read some more, made chocolate chip bars, read, slept and read some more. Dinner was yummy! Tacos...the good kind! The taco recipe is to die for! LOVE IT! We stuffed our self silly!

After dinner was good conversation, reading and a 2 and a half hour spa night. Bedtime came late again with both of us trying to finish our books! This meant another late morning to rise. We got up did the breakfast thing again, read and finished our books and unfortunately got ready to head home.

It was glorious! We did not turn on a single television, radio or computer! It was amazing what could be accomplished to rejuvenate the mind, spirit and soul when you turn things off. Beck and I had the chance to catch up like never before, but on the contrary had many comfortable moments of silence. This weekend exceeded all of my expectations of escaping and turning off all of the distractions of life.

Thank you to the The Thomas Family for allowing us to make Spiddal our home for the weekend. I can't wait to bring Heath and Brevin up there this summer and to hopefully camp with Maxson and Laurie (Beck's dad and step-mom) at their new piece of property! Thank you to Heath for being so willing to allow me to take a whole weekend off from being a mom and wife. You are the best! And lastly to Beck for such a great, fun filled, relaxed weekend in the Northland. I love you!