little children, mountain runs, and footed bathtubs

Yesterday was our one and only full day in Windham. Taking our time was the theme of the day. We woke up around 7:45 and laid in bed till 9 when we joined our inn keeper for a breakfast of waffles and omelettes. The inn keeper (The eldest of three brothers who run the B&B together) happened to be hosting a little family reunion of his own this same weekend. One by one, little feet (belonging to nieces and nephews) came pattering down the stairs to join us at the table for coco crispies and fruity pebbles. not your typical vacation to say the least, but we ended up having a splendid time watching the children play and getting to play with them ourselves. I enjoyed this small taste of family, looking forward to the approaching holidays. After these morning festivities, my husband and I went for a run in the mountains. I love running on the Brooklyn Bridge, but as we ran along a mountain stream, mountains surrouding us on all sides, I couldn’t help but be refreshed. My lungs were being cleaned out as i breathed deeply.

After having showered we went into town, perusing antique shops and art galleries in a town that seemed nearly uninhabited. We came upon a little white colonial building with a beautiful sign out front which read Windham Spa. I had to go in and at least have a look at their remedies on the shelves. I had had a desire in the back of my head since the beginning of our trip, which my husband had lovingly noted. A true obsession of mine, I must admit, is a bathroom with a footed bathtub. We had been presented with such a bathroom upon arriving at the Catskill Lodge. Oh how I wanted just a half hour of glorious soaking in that beautiful tub. I was determined to get it. I asked the woman at the counter if they had any bath salts for sale, as i could not find any on the shelf. She pointed to a rather large glass jar behind the counter and explained they just started collecting some but haven’t come up with a system to sell them. My face must not have hidden my disappointment well because she scooped some into a bag and handed it to me with a smile, saying, “Here, this is on me. Enjoy your bath.” And I willingly obeyed.

We have been spoiled here so far. Today I feel that anxiety of the last day of a trip. I am not quite ready to head back into the city, but I know we cannot stay here forever, for the Lord gives us these times so that we can get back to our work. We still have an entire afternoon ahead of us before we wave goodbye to Windham. So what am I sitting here for?

-Jane