The annual weekend getaway for the Notting Hill Napoleons (our book club that is getting ready to start its 30th year!) was a wonderful success. One of the main reasons was the intensely relevant book we discussed, Charles Dickens’ Barnaby Rudge. But another was the Prairie Creek Inn itself, the absolutely delightful and charming bed & breakfast resort where we held this year’s party.
I’ve posted a little collage here illustrating just a few of the scenes presented by the Inn but visitors can also take in the surrounding forest and fields, the cabin, the interior of the beautifully renovated barn, the old depot which is now in its own restoration, and the remarkable rooms of the Inn itself. Gorgeous. Interesting. Historic. Comfortable. And the friendliest welcomes and service provided by owner/innkeepers Bruce and Maureen and their colleague Lisa.
Claire and I had already experienced the sweetest of times at the Inn last December but it was the first time there for John & Barb, Karla, and Quint & Carol. And it was awfully nice to see how quickly and enthusiastically they all fell in love with the place too. In fact, reservations were made that night for next year’s weekend retreat along with others looking to make individual bookings.
Friday night’s highlights were Karla & me helping Maureen feed the horses; deciding the 12 books we will be reading for 2021; and a delicious dinner of chicken soup, beef stew, veggies, crackers, and desserts. Saturday’s schedule included the early morning tradition of Bible reading and prayers I so enjoy with Quint, a spectacular breakfast, a bracing hike in the cool of the morning, watching the Nebraska vs Illinois game on the biggest TV I’ve ever seen, a splendid discussion over the Dickens novel in the afternoon, and dinner at a nice restaurant in west Lincoln. And then, after another wonderful breakfast on Sunday, we were all headed home.
But what a stimulating, refreshing weekend it was. And so, as a group, we pass along our heartiest recommendations for 1) book clubs, 2) Charles Dickens, and 3) Prairie Creek Inn. We believe all three will bless and enrich your life!
