In October, our church graciously showered us with love for “Pastor Appreciation Month”. It was quite an unexpected surprise. We feel loved by our church family each and every time we see them, but this was certainly a blessing.

One family gave me and Terry a gift certificate to spend a night away at the Two Hearts Inn, a bed and breakfast, in Edmond, Oklahoma. They also recommended that we eat at a restaurant they love called Texas de Brazil. While my mother was visiting us for Christmas she watched the children so we could go on this little getaway.

Before our check-in time, we visited a bookstore in Oklahoma City called Full Circle Books. It was the most charming bookstore I’ve ever visited! We also visited the mall – which was crazy-busy due to the holiday rush.

Every room had these wonderful rolling ladders! We only bought two books here, but the temptation to buy more was real! After this, we visited Barnes & Noble and then headed to Two Hearts Inn.

You can select different suites at the Two Hearts Inn. We chose the “Suite Hearts” room. It’s lovely, with almost every imaginable amenity.

The hot tub had a gas log fireplace above it. It kept the room warm enough that we didn’t need to have the central heat on in the room.

There was a large screen TV, and this very interesting couch – it was comfortable, but hard to get out of!

There was a stocked fridge and lots of goodies to snack on.

They were kind enough to leave us this cheesecake dessert free of charge. It was delicious!

Coffee, tea, and snacks, and don’t forget the wine glasses (no, we did not drink wine or champagne, but they did have sparkling water!).

I’d never used a shower like this one – it was like a rain shower, the water came down from the center.

My first time to stay in a hotel that had robes!

The view from the balcony.

Selfie with the view.

For supper, we ate at Texas de Brazil, another first for me – a restaurant that required reservations! This restaurant offered a salad bar with all kinds of unique things on it: salmon, sushi, paper-thin pineapple slices, potatoes, cheese, the list is endless! The male servers all dressed in Brazilian attire and carried the meat around the restaurant on skewers. If you wanted some, they would stop and slice it for you, and you take it with the tongs provided at your table. Each time we got up to get something from the salad bar, our server came and folded our napkins for us. We sampled lamb, filet mignon, some type of Brazilian steak (which was my favorite), and Terry tried some sausage and pork. And they offered us more! We finally ran out of room. They also brought us mashed potatoes, fried bananas and some cheese rolls. It was so delicious. We are both hoping to make this an annual tradition. haha!

I tried my first sushi! It was really delicious! The restaurant was dark, so it was hard to get good photos.

The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast in the sunroom at Two Hearts Inn. Terry ordered strawberry waffles and I simply got the plain ones. They gave us these delicious cranberry scones served with lemon butter -wow! I wish I had just ordered a plate of those! They were so good.

I loved the dishes!

Love his smile in this one!

After breakfast, we visited two other bookstores and then headed home.

It was a wonderful trip made possible by some sweet and thoughtful friends. I certainly felt spoiled and very undeserving of this time alone with my husband. This holiday was nicer than our honeymoon. The Lord has brought us a long way in 19 years, and I give Him all the glory! Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me.

And thank you, friends, for reading.