Retreat-ing

I spent the last two days packing.  Yes, I did leave the kitchen sink at home but that's about all - or so it appears.  Everything in this stack (with the exception of the plastic bag on the top far left corner) is what I will NEED.  Even as I went through my list - of course I have a list - and checked everything off as it went into containers, I am sure I will have forgotten something.  I always do!

All this is loaded stuffed into the car (The Runner ROCKS!) and today just about everything I own is going out to Whitworth Ranch Retreat.

Thank goodness there are wagons to carry my tools, supplies and suitcase from my car to my room.  I can't imagine doing this without these John Deere-looking gems.  I think John needs bigger wagons!

Here's where I'll be resting my head at the end of the day - or would that be at the beginning of the day.  There are no clocks when you're on a retreat.  You just flop when you can't keep your eyes open.

If you've never gone on a retreat, you might want to reconsider that decision.  It is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, try new foods, clear your head, work on projects, get a massage, learn a new technique or just get away from it all.

This retreat is family owned and you will see Marie, John and Stacy wandering in and out during your stay.  The venue is out of this world and so very peaceful - the ranch sits on 50 country acres where you can enjoy watching the cattle.  If you wish, you can talk to them; they talk back and they know my name - true story.

You can enjoy one of the 18 single (non-bunk) beds in five bedrooms.  All bedrooms are on the first floor with the exception of one.  Next to each bed is a night stand and all bedding is high-quality.  There's a vanity table in each bedroom where you can set up your beauty bar.

There are four bathrooms where towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and hair dryers are provided.  Two bathrooms have a showers/tub combination while the remaining two offer showers.

You can enjoy their two kitchens, two dining rooms and two craft rooms.  Every crafter has a six-foot table with self-healing mats and drink holders.  Offered is a Cricut machine with over 50 cartridges, die cutting machines, Stampin' Up stamps and a full array of stamps for your use.

If you would like to move away from your crafting spot, there are these very comfy sofas to rest your weary bones and catch a second wind.  The good part is that they're right there in the craft room and you can still be a part of the high energy.  Several ladies have spent the night here - they're that comfy.

Oh, don't let me forget the food.  Stacy is culinary trained and can handle special dietary needs.  Her meals are TO. DIE. FOR.  Let me be the first to tell you that you will not go away hungry.  Ever.  My favorite is her Bolognese sauce, homemade granola, and green beans.  Not together, of course - just my faves.

If you are a swimmer and love the water, check out this pool and hot tub!!!  Two craft rooms, two bedrooms and two baths are housed in this building.  Under the covered patio is a barbeque grill and the chuck wagon for Stacy's famous BBQs.  Is this inviting or what?

Since you won't be hearing from me while I'm there, I'll see you in 11 days.  It'll be a tough assignment, but somebody has to do it, right?  After pictures?  Well ... what happens at the retreat stays at the retreat so maybe not!

Don't deny yourself.  Sign up for a retreat.  If Whitworth Ranch Retreat is too far away from you, check out retreats in your neck of the woods and treat yourself.  I promise you ... you won't be sorry!  Oh - and not everybody packs like I do so don't let that scare you away.