Last evening we took a motorcycle ride with members of Burl’s Shrine unit and ended up having dinner at Peaceful Springs Retreat north of Fair Grove. This unusual B&B caters to people with physical handicaps and every Friday night they serve an “All You Can Eat” fish fry for $9.95. In addition to fried catfish, they also had fried chicken strips, hush puppies, baked beans, potato wedges, slaw and the most decadent peanut butter pie I’ve ever eaten.
Now fried catfish is not something I would normally order but given the other choices last evening, I ate fish. And it was damned good too!
Following dinner, the owner of the B&B, Carol Inman, gave several of us a tour of her home/B&B and shared her story of both her disability and her journey of faith. She’s a delightful lady – full of piss and vinegar – and quite an inspiration.
If anyone is looking for a beautiful place for a business retreat or church retreat, check out Peaceful Springs Retreat. It’s only 30 minutes from Springfield but the setting almost guarantees peace and relaxation. In fact, I may have to steal away for a night with my guy – their largest room with private bath is only $60 a night and that includes a full breakfast.
Today we had plans for a motorcycle trip to Poplar Bluff to visit our friends Pam and Charles. After 30 minutes of debating the weather, listening to thunder and checking the weather radar online, I finally relented to hop on the bike – wearing my full rain gear – and we took off in a light rain.
Ten miles and 15 minutes later, we were under the canopy at a gas station while Burl put on his rain gear – and then we returned home, unloaded the trailer, changed clothes and got in the 4-wheel Honda!
We had torrential rain for about half of our 3-hour trip and I was glad Burl made the right choice on his own. He even gave me permission to say “I told you so” which of course meant I didn’t!
Charles and Pam picked us up for dinner at our hotel and asked if we’d like to go to a favorite place where the locals dine. They assured us the food would be great and it was very casual.
Guess what? It was an “All You Can Eat” fish fry! Double whammy for ye olde diet! More fried catfish, hush puppies, baked beans, french fries and cole slaw. Fortunately no peanut butter pie to add to my cholesterol level! I just threw caution to the wind, enjoyed my meal and now will pray that fried catfish is not my only option for a long time.
We had a great evening with our friends and got to see their new home and catch up on families and mutual friends. Tomorrow morning we’ll see them again as we attend church with Pam and listen to Charles preach. He was our pastor at King’s Way for many years so we already know we’ll hear a knock-out sermon that’s sure to leave us with food for thought for the week.
After church we’re thinking about heading north to take in Elephant Rocks and Taum Sauk state parks before we wend our way home.
Whatever you’re doing this weekend, may you have fun, enjoy family and friends and most of all, be safe.
