"The Rose Room was such a wonderful retreat for me as a professional speaker and writer.  Sometimes we tend to push ourselves just too hard.  The pressures of everyday life completely wear us out and we don't even realize it.  As I entered St. James I realized I was in for a treat.  I immediately stopped next door at a shopper's paradise.  Open 10 - 5 on Saturdays and Sundays is St. James Marketplace.  There you'll find every holiday gift you can imagine plus generally be entertained by an area performer.  A cowboy poet, area winery and buffalo stew were all on hand this bustling Saturday night in an unincorporated town.  I was simply amazed.  I checked out my purchases and checked into my beautiful room that awaited next door at the Rose Gate Inn.  I was looking for quiet and relaxation.  That's exactly what I found!  My room was a women's dream with roses galore.  The bed was so comfy.  I finished reading my favorite book and dozed off early.  No sirens or busy traffic to wake me!  My peaceful bliss was only enhanced when I heard the owner and her husband had personally walked the cowboy poet back to his room and were making certain of a peaceful nights rest.  A continental breakfast awaited me the next morning as I awoke bright and early.  My sixth manuscript patiently waited for me in my bookbag.  The beautifully equipped kitchen was ready for me to use an enticing cookbook labeled Recipes from the Heart or a speedier recipe that grabbed my eye for Apple Turnovers knowing I had a box of fresh apples in the car.  All of the equipment was there for either one...  However, I chose the simple way out...  a bottle of water and juice with a bakery warmed roll in the microwave as I began to write.  Wonder what Poe would have done?

I then meandered my way to the writing desk.  There I found a scrapbook.  I gained great respect for Gloria and her husband as I viewed the photos of her 20 year dream that I was sitting in.  She's thought it would take two years to complete.  They completed it ahead of schedule.  It was not a simple chore.  New plumbing, an extra bathroom, a wiring upgrade, major wall and window renovations, painting and floor work were all part of their final dream come true.  Over a hundred years ago, back in 1904, the common folk who decided a rectory was needed for the parish would have had no idea an author would have retreated there for a get-a-way...  Seems it was a rectory until 1966.  I was only one year old when the nuns moved in because the priest moved to Wynot.  When the school was closed the nuns moved to Yankton.  The house was then rented to various families.  Today it's one of the most incredible bed and breakfasts in the state for seclusion and privacy.  The rates are only $55 per night or the whole Inn can be rented for $200.  For multiple nights the first night is $200 and all other nights are $180.  Tell Gloria that Charlotte sent you!  And by all means, check out the fireplace.  I got so much writing done there.  It was the most relaxing spot in the house."  Charlotte Endorf, Norfolk 10/18/08