Retreat

This weekend Ben and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary.  Ben and I met 15 years ago & have been together for almost 11 years.  I can't imagine who I'd be without my time spent with him.

We headed out to Bristow, Indiana to stay at Mary Rose Herb Farm and Retreat in one of their amazing yurts.  What we had planned was a peaceful 'romantic' getaway, as we have never traveled alone and taken time together...  But at the end of the first day we were homesick for the kids and drove an hour home to pick them up then an hour back to spend time all together.   

On the first day we found ourselves in Ferdinand, Indiana searching for groceries and beer (ok mostly beer).  We found a bar/cafe' to grab some dinner.
Ferdinand was settled by Germans and the architecture is absolutely breath taking.  Even small houses are so unique and detailed-oriented in regards to material and design.  We couldn't ignore this enormous building looming over as we drove down main street, and we found our way to it right after dinner. 

This is the Monastery Immaculate Conception.  It is home to one of the largest communities of Benedictine women in the United States. 

The owner of Mary Rose Herb Farm was one of the most genuine and hospitable people I have ever met.  He checked in on us twice a day (once delivering breakfast), but he gave us privacy and peace.  His one rule is "relax".  Organic fresh breakfast was brought to us in a picnic basket every morning. The first morning he made us spicy meat omelets with homemade salsa and a cinnamon roll.  The morning the kids were there he brought fresh local peaches, fresh orange juice, and made us all waffles with real maple syrup.

  We hiked into the woods, were surrounded by rolling hills and cows, bird watched, sat by the fire as we looked out at the ponds, and explored the nearby farms and forests (I loved all the restoration happening to the old farm houses- people were building their dreams).  

A lot of people say the yurts are a good mix of camping and staying at a bed and breakfast.  I don't know if it felt like camping as much as a complete escape.  It was so comfortable and nostalgic, as it reminded me of my Nanny and Papaw's farm.  It kept us close to nature.  We loved it.  

On the second night we had a small thunderstorm and played board games and read with the kids while the rain and thunder played percussion on the yurt roof.  It was beyond words. 

Original fireplace from the Civil War era.

They have Japanese mineral soak tubs, but it was far too cold for us to take them up on the offer!