Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Imagine A Life

Imagine a life where each day finds you enjoying an early morning cup of coffee and this would be the view.

Well, this is my view this evening as I savor MJB black in the parlor of the Power's Mansion Inn in Auburn.  The house is empty.  Our hosts live elsewhere.  Sitting here, I can pretend for a moment that this is my own private home.

Earlier today we took all the keys from the innkeeper's desk and did a thorough exploration of all the rooms.  Two dining rooms.  One massive kitchen.  The parlor and a receiving area.  Twelve rooms for guests.  I explored all this with Don at the invitation of our host at breakfast.  The place is like a wonderland of secret riches - you know the sort - hidden rooms and passages and unexpected stairways.

We explored and felt very like children peering into secret places and shadowed pasts of former families.  For a time we were one with the Walshes, the Yue's, the Powers', and the Lee's.  The echo of mine bosses and logger barons floated on the stairways with us.

This picture is just a little taste of what we found.  When we are back home again, I will be spending a lot of time going through at least 110 pictures of just the inn itself.  There was so much more after we left and went into Old Town.  Can't wait to share.


8 comments:

Diane AZ said...

You must have had a wonderful time exploring the inn, everything looks so beautiful. I am drawn to the railing on the stairs, unsure if I've ever seen anything like it. Can't wait to see more!

Anonymous said...

Yes Annie, can't wait to see more either. You are having so many wonderful adventures in your retirement.

Anonymous said...

...and that green chair in in just the right place. I would never think to put in there.

Janet said...

What a beautiful place. I would love to explore like you did. I'll be waiting for more photos.

sandy said...

wow, can't wait to see more photos. This one is beautiful.

Lea said...

When I was a young girl, we spent a lot of time in the mother-load... your pictures have sparked a yearning in me to return there once again... I love how you and Don let your imaginations fill this beautiful mansion of an era long gone...

irene said...

ah, you took me back in time and remember the excitement of exploring as a child. there is nothing like it--the wonder of what is around the corner for the first time, the delight in discovery, the delicious fresh excitement. thanks annie!

Jeanie said...

The mansion is absolutely gorgeous. I can't believe how wonderful it would be to poke into every nook and cranny. What a grand time you are having! What I have missed!