The hills were alive with the sound of music

For many years it has been my wish to travel to Vermont and visit the Von Trapp Family Lodge.   I absolutely adore the movie, and it has been a favorite of mine since I can remember.  The true story of Marie Von Trapp and her family is extremely inspiring.  While traveling abroad years ago, I was fortunate to tour Austria and see the real backdrop of the family story.  That experience gave me a desire to visit the Lodge in Vermont.

Labor Day weekend marked our wedding anniversary of thirty-one years, and we wanted to take a little get-a-way.  It seemed to be a perfect time to drive north and check out the Trapp Family Lodge.  The mountains were majestic but no leaves were really changing color yet.  The timing was a bit early.  We decided that we could make another Fall trip for leaf peeping.

Gathering our belongings and prepping for any of our trips is always an involved process.  We don't get up, throw some clothes and items in a suitcase, and run out the door hoping to "wing it" the best we can.  Nope.  Not us.  I always seem to overpack when it comes to clothes because I dress in layers not only seasonly but also all day long. I also have to be sure my migraine survival toolkit of meds, snacks, comfort items, etc is with me at all times.  I single check, double check, triple check... Michael deals with his needed items and meds and money.   Between the two of us, we usually get out the door by mid morning if we don't have a hard and fast deadline to meet.  Sometimes we sit in the car and chuckle because we feel tired before we even leave the driveway.

The day we were to leave, Mr M decided to clunk me over the head early in the morning, and I felt sick trying to get up and get ready.  That put me in a small funk, but I kept pushing on after medicating which seemed to work okay.  We ended up leaving about an hour later than planned, but the drive was "only" to be about four and a half hours, and we planned on taking it leisurely.   Also, we were secretly amused that we were able to wave good-bye to the tourists of the last busy weekend in our area.  Driving anywhere locally on Labor Day weekend is generally a nightmare so it was a treat to be heading the opposite direction for once.

After my morning snacks were eaten and my body said it was time to stop and get out of the car and walk around a bit, we decided to just grab a quick bite to eat.  We missed the exact turn for the restaurant we wanted, so we ended up at some diner which was attached to a truck stop area.  That should have been the first clue of the possible gourmet dining experience.  I was still in the middle of my M attack but the meds were keeping it to a low roar.  I chose not to keep looking around for another option only to delay the car ride even more.

Inside, the diner was crazy, busy, and loud but it had a nice aroma which wasn't harsh to my tummy. We didn't have to wait to be seated, so that was in our favor.  There was a cast of colorful characters eating and talking, and I think I never saw as many tattoos in one place as I did there.  It seemed like we were at a tattoo convention of sorts and we were the ones out of place! This is not to put down anyone with tattoos, I promise.  It was just an observation.   While waiting for our lunch, Michael and I were trying to chat a bit about our plans for the trip, but it was so hard to hear one another speak.  He is also very hard of hearing now because of his constant tinnitus so we feel like "old folks"!!  On top of those limitations, music comes blaring out of the jukebox at our table apparently completely on its own.  We never selected anything.  It would play a song, stop for awhile, then play another one. No volume control either.   This was all too much extra sensory stimulation for me (and Michael).  We could not wait to finish and head back out to our car.  Note to self: we will NOT be stopping there again.

We continued driving along only to pass the huge Yankee Candle factory, and we burst out in laughter.  Why don't I just add all the plethora of scents from that place and see me completely pass out?!  I practically needed a gas mask just to drive by it.  To be fair, when our kiddos were very young, we did visit there, and we all made candles and bought many varieties as well.  That was life wayyyy before chronic M. 

The rest of the drive was beautiful.  The day was sunny, and the traffic was minimal so the scenery was refreshing to take in.  Traversing up and down the hills wasn't the easiest on my head, but I managed fine anyway.  When we finally pulled into the gorgeous property after "seven hours"---we can elongate a trip like nobody's business----it was as if I was looking at an Austrian Lodge how I remembered it.  My heart was happy to be with my honey in such a lovely place.

Our few days spent there were simple and quiet.  Our agenda unfolded easily day by day with no set expectations.  When the weather was nice, we walked.  When we had rain, we drove and visited the surrounding town. The staff was super nice and the food was delicious.  I loved seeing the many pictures of the family hung on the walls telling the story of their complicated yet inspiring history.  Their personal story is much like anyone of ours in that our own wonderful tales should be passed down through the generations.  We retell our stories again and again because they are a reminder of God's faithfulness.  He had a purpose in wishing us to keep telling our stories so that we could keep giving Him praise both in the easy and the holy hard.   Knowing and passing along our family histories are what can bring families and friends together in special ways.  The Von Trapp family was a prime example of a strong Catholic, christian faith that anchored them throughout all of their lives. 

   The rooms were decorated everyday with fresh flowers from the gardens. There was an abundance of gorgeous varieties displayed throughout the rooms which was so cheerful.  This reminded me of Austria as well when I visited because fresh flowers are everywhere at all times both inside and outside which are stunning!   They played classical music in the library and formal dining room which certainly created an environment of peace and relaxation.   For my M brain, it was a delight.

Michael enjoyed trying several of the German beers, and we ate some of the typical German cuisine.  The pastries were to die for, too!  It was nice to have someone else prepare the meals as always.   Our culinary experience did not disappoint.

Our time eventually came to a close, but we were so very grateful that we had the experience of another adventure.   Traveling back down the mountain side was a bit treacherous in the pounding rain.  We stopped at a pottery shop, but it was full of scented candles lit throughout the store.  Figures.  I couldn't stay inside to browse, so between that and the bumpy car ride, my M head was back at it again.  I napped and medicated all the way home, but I was so thankful that on our anniversary day, God blessed us with sunshine and a clear head for me!  That was a win win for sure.

We both think that this new season of retirement life is one worth embracing.

Happy September!