Winter Retreat

Justin and I were able to get away for Valentine's Day weekend, not specifically for the day, mind you, you know how I feel about Valentine's Day, but we were able to get away and it was wonderful. For me, I think that just getting out from underneath the snow we've been having and getting out in nature (instant cure for cabin fever). The weather was absolutely beautiful and we really enjoyed slowing down a bit. Thanks to the in-laws for watching the kiddies.

Being from the coast of North Carolina, I am an ocean girl all the way, but living in Missouri for the past several years, you can't help but come to appreciate the lakes in this area. Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals Lake are all near Branson. I don't really get into the tourist attractions and shows on the strip, commonly associated with Branson, but Branson has a lot more to offer than you might think. Of course we are in the dead of winter, but Table Rock Lake is such a peaceful place to be, regardless.

This is the view from the hotel window, you can still see a little remaining snow in the view over the lake. The weekend (and this week) has had such warm temps, the snow didn't have a chance!

We drove down to the lake, parked and started walking. We enjoyed walking on the shore, very rocky, a little bit like hiking, but wonderful.

No sand in our toes that's for sure!!

A lone fisherman was the only other person we saw. That is the biggest adjustment I think that I have had to make, seeing lakes carved out of the landscape, I'm just so use to the eastern seaboard, crashing waves and coastline, completely opposite of lakes.




Lichen and sheet mosses, fallen leaves, wooded areas just steps away from the shore.




As we walked and walked, I began to notice the driftwood that was every where, fallen limbs and branches that was bleached by the sun, smooth and barkless. Of course, then I started thinking what I could do with all the driftwood, so I picked up every piece I found.





I brought a good collection home and used two big cylinder vases to display all the driftwood. It looks like driftwood bouquets! I can't wait until we get closer to Summer, I'm thinking of using the bouquets on the mantle, add some shells and sand and it will represent life in NC and my other life here in MO. I'm pretty sure I would not have been able to find so much if it had not been winter. I also thought about making one of those driftwood mirrors, how fun would that be, to have collected all the wood yourself?




So while I am a coastal girl at heart and will never give up my ocean, lakes are coming in as close second favorite. It is fun accessorizing with nature's gifts!

So, here's my question: Are you a lake or ocean person?