Our first stop was in northern Arkansas. We found a lovely establishment, called the House of Jackson. The courteous staff made us feel right at home. The meals were just like Mom used to make. The four or five other guests were friendly and frequently engaged us in interesting conversation, ranging from family issues to politics. Even with opposing views of the national scene, we managed to get along during the short stay. The cozy surroundings certainly made the visit seem like family.
After two short nights, we said our goodbyes and headed northeast. An intermediate destination took us to the outskirts of St. Louis, where we landed at Gasthaus Draffenberg. The hosts of this establishment are dear friends from our military days in Europe. Our long term relationship blossomed over fine meals and good conversation. We were given the run of the place for two days and nights and were treated to some fine weins and brews from the owner’s private reserve, including a tasty number direct from the freezer behind the bar. Alas, the stay was too short, but we did manage to secure a recipe for a wonderful Gulaschsuppe.
Heading east, we journeyed for several hours, and then turned due north toward our destination near Chicago. We took a lunch break in an Amish community and completed our trip just a couple of miles south of Lake Michigan. Our lodging accommodations were at The Vickery. This quaint cottage style home has been run by Auntie “E” for over 50 years.
The welcome at sign-in included hugs for all. The innkeeper simply considered us family, as she has done for all her guests over the many years. We were shown our rooms and invited back to the kitchen, where everyone was assigned a task for the preparation of the evening meal. Under the watchful eye of our host, our dinner came together with the charm that only a family home can bring. Additional family members gathered for the next day’s holiday celebration. Eleanor welcomed everyone to her table – a son-in-law brought turkey and trimmings, while the rest of us prepared side dishes for the meal. The feast and fellowship were filling.On departure day, we headed south. After a long, 12-hour run down an interstate highway, we stopped for a short overnight in Arkadelphia. Although the establishment was not a bread and breakfast inn, we did enjoy the homemade waffles during our pre-dawn breakfast. On the second day of our southbound trip, we made it to one of our favorite stops, Meinplatz.
Later in the holiday season and thanks to a pilot friend, our parents were able to fly to us. Our son and his family joined us, as well. We all gathered at Meinplatz for Christmas. With four generations under one roof, we had much to do. We talked, we played, we dined, we felt like family, and Meinplatz felt like home. The owners seemed a lot like family, too.
This past holiday season was special. I hope yours was filled with joy. Mine certainly was.
