Old Victorias and memory lane

After I finished my list of "things to do today" on Tuesday, I spent the afternoon with a stack of old Victoria magazines at my side (those I found at a thrift store last month for a dime each). What a way to spend part of a day.

There were many of the magazines from the early 1990s that I didn't recall reading, which was rather odd since it was my favorite magazine. Then I realized those were Christopher's umm... active... toddler years. Which explained a lot.

There was a very nice article about one of the women who wrote the Silver Palate Cookbook (one of my core library of cookbooks in the 1980s and 90s) and how she had married and started a Bed & Breakfast (The Wickwood Inn) in Saugatuck, Michigan. I remember hearing about her B&B at one time and was very happy to find the article... with pictures. :)

In my files I have another article about Saugatuck in the 1990s, which I believe came from a later Victoria or perhaps Midwest Living. It contains pictures of the town and the boardwalk... both of which contain such happy memories for our family. Well, three of us as Christopher was not born until we moved away from the area (B.C. means something entirely different than usual in our household).

I find as years progress that it become more necessary to take hold of the (Narnia) magic life has to offer. It is good to remember how filled with hope we were as a young family during those years we lived in Holland, Michigan.

Since both of us worked at the time, we spent many of our warm weather weekends in Saugatuck relaxing and enjoying family life. We often went there for Saturday morning breakfast "out" or perhaps a Sunday brunch overlooking the water.

Life was different in the 1980s with a girl as an only child; she and I enjoying the world of "foodies" as we would check out the new cookware, gadgets , or gorgeous coffee table cookbooks at the gourmet shop... or should I say "foodie in training" as she was quite young.

The three of us enjoyed walks on the boardwalk, taking in the summer breezes off the water, stopping to gaze at beautiful gardens, peeking into quaint shops, and the holiday feeling one gets at tourist's destinations during peak season. Most of our visits were spent window shopping with money spent only on meals... but still lovely.

Those years were far from perfect but memories are pleasant. I have found we tend to sift out the challenges experienced at certain times and remember those moments that were especially pleasant. As I pondered those years... I realized what a foundation they were to the person my daughter is now.

She and her husband are leaving for England today (their much anticipated anniversary trip) and she was frustrated that there may be no room for candles in her suitcase. I reminded her they have candles in England. (When we vacationed in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania last year... I found her with pillows propped up and candles lit on the dresser... reading while the children were napping.) She spent her early years surrounded by much that was lovely. :)

I also found it not surprising that my son-in-law was trying to take as many books as possible without going over weight limits for the airlines. I love that guy.

I'll be praying for them as they are traveling and for my son-in-law's parents who are staying with the children. It is hard to wrap my mind around the fact they will be taking high tea in Bath tomorrow.

Stephanie has also promised to eat an extra scone with cream and strawberry jam for me on my birthday.

Joanna, all I can tell you is... my birthday is next week. ;)

Picture: A corner view of my dining area