As our winter drags on with little snow flurries now and then and piles of snow everywhere, some of us need a respite from all of this.

Just a weekend getaway sounds good. Just a spot where you can think summer, splash in a swimming pool, then relax, watch movies and awaken the next morning to a sumptuous breakfast. Sounds great!

Valeria Wiegand found just such a spot right in our own backyard. In a letter to our readers, she shares her experience that she is sure others would enjoy as well. "I suggest an overnight in the deluxe Hampton Inn in downtown Freeport for an inexpensive, delightful get-a-way," she wrote. Now with a swimming pool in the basement, the hotel has never been so beautifully appointed, she said. It's been a tradition for Valeria to find such a get-away on Valentine's Day with her son, Evan. This year Valeria took advantage of the great rates at the Hampton. Most of the guests were local, she said, but not all. "While we were at breakfast, I observed four ladies with suitcases and garment bags over their arms. While they waited, I concluded that they had come from out of town to attend the Red and White Ball," she said. "At poolside, I visited with a couple and their two sons from Gurnee. They had reservations for the next night at Chestnut Mountain. We were in the elevator with a grandma and her grandson from far-away Lena."

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Valeria went on to describe the rooms: The rooms have all the amenities, including oversized beds, a large TV and excellent coffee. "Each of many chairs around the pool has folded towels. The breakfast room located in the old lobby is inviting with its handsome furniture. "And breakfast was very special, too," Valeria said. The breakfast set-up is at the south end where there is an attendant replenishing the many unusual items as well as two varieties of scrambled eggs kept warm in a silver server. Visitors should not miss taking advantage of the fully appointed fitness room, Valeria added. "For a change of scene, take your kids, grandkids and friends or go alone to the Hampton Inn while this introductory get-acquainted bargain is still available. You have the whole month of March to reserve. Make it a Leap Year event," she said.

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Chalk up another huge success for the Friends Forever Humane Society! Before noon this past Wednesday, they had ladled out more than 825 bowls of chili. And there were those of us who went back for seconds. The dessert offerings were many, and the pies had fabulous flaky crusts and luscious fillings. The Journal-Standard group had its favorite peanut butter pie awaiting them. This has become a tradition. It is the best peanut butter pie we've ever had. Nancy Holtum had it ready for us in the refrigerator. Nancy is one of the big Friends Forever boosters that any organization would hope to have. She's a board member and volunteers many hours. As a little girl, Nancy remembers her mother telling her how her dad, Harold (known as Stub) would make his way to Debate Square before Memorial Day each year and polish the brass marker on the stone. "He wanted it to be clean and shiny for the festivities," said Nancy. It is Carol Netherland, another volunteer who logs in many hours, who makes the peanut butter pie. She also made the chili this year, Nancy reported.

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As I reported earlier, the word is out and invitations to the Freeport Lincoln-Douglas Sesquicentennial celebration are appearing in many publications around the country. One of our readers sent the page in "Midwest Magazine," which featured the" Freeport 150th year celebration Lincoln-Douglas Debate Labor Day Weekend '08 Freeport, Illinois." The photo of Lincoln and Douglas appears below. "Come in the door is open!" states the invitation. The last line reads: "Illinois mile after magnificent mile." Olga Gize Carlile is a columnist for the Journal-Standard. She can be reached by e-mail at lga.carlile@journalstandard.com" rel="self">olga.carlile@journalstandard.com