Day 1

Jo Anne and I wracked our brains for quite some time trying to decide how best to celebrate Mother's 80th birthday. She didn't want a big party but mentioned she would like to go somewhere. I began looking online for a nice getaway weekend location and came across Elm Creek Manor Luxury Spa Resort outside of Muenster - a small German community in North Texas. 

We had a little mini birthday party at Christmas when most of the family was together and gave Mother the brochure with details of the trip.

The much anticipated spa weekend arrived.

I got to Mother's and there's not a thing in her bag. There she stands, still in her pj's contemplating what to take. Never fear. . .

we have her packed and ready to go in a jiff. What I didn't know was that she had laid out a stack of clothes to pick from and wasn't intending to take them all. Oh well, she will have plenty to wear :).

 Finally, Jo Anne arrives (she actually had to work today)

road trip bags for the occasion filled with snack goodies, lip balm, and other potential necessities.

We load up Mother's new car and we're off.

The drive went well - only a bit over 4 hours from Lubbock - so we got here well before dark. As we pulled through the gate, we were stopped by a flock of chickens. I honked a couple of times to no avail, so Jo Anne had to get out and shoo them out of the way. It was quite comical (wish I had thought to take a picture). 

The host met us as we drove up to the main house, gave us a tour around the farm, showed us how to play Bocci Ball, and completely unloaded our luggage. He would not have us helping.

We're staying in the Provence cottage. Christmas decor was still up when we arrived but soon came down to make room for Valentine's.

 the main house

 front porch

pool area

our welcome in the room

inside the cottage

 

well-concealed refrigerator in our room

5 o'clock in the library was happy hour so we head that way.

Elm Creek Manor makes all their own cheese and it was fantastic!

enjoying the fire

 300 yr old stained glass window from Great Britain

these doors are over 500 yrs old from Italy

We were the only ones at the Inn Thursday night so after a few minutes in the library, we decided to go on to dinner. 

We chose one of the local German restaurants in town (I think we picked the wrong one).

 Jo Anne and Mother had schnitzel

 I had sausages. 

It looks better than it was. The sausage was really good and made locally but the schnitzel, potato salad, red cabbage and kraut were not outstanding. Of course, when you've been to Germany and eaten the best, it's probably not fair to compare.

After dinner we went back to our cottage to watch the movie Australia. 

 

 waiting on Jo Anne to start the movie

At about 9 o'clock we were all having trouble staying awake so we decided to make it a two-parter and watch the rest the next day.

Day 2

We are up early so Jo Anne can milk the dairy goats. Using the trusty flashlight on my phone, I walked down to the lower barn with her to take pictures. Alas, there was no light on and no goat-milking going on so we will check the time and try again tomorrow. Come to find out, it's breeding season, so no goat milking for awhile.
 
This morning we are off to the city to do some serious shopping. The plan is to go to Southlake and spend the day.

 But first, we enjoy an amazing breakfast. I think these were about the best eggs I've ever eaten. Of course they were probably gathered this morning.

 Jo Anne needs a haircut so we stop off to see Sarah on the way.

Mother needs a trim too.

There aren't many pictures today since we're out shopping but we always take pics of the food. You would think all we do is eat (not far from the truth).

 

 Jo Anne's fajitas

 Carol's salad

 Mother's quesadilla's

We shopped so long that we missed happy hour tonight so it was back to the cottage for popcorn and the movie.

Day 3

Today is Muenster shopping and Spa day.

 

 our fortification for the day . . . mmmm

in case you can't tell, it's herb quiche, spicy chicken sausage and cherry turnovers

Jo Anne's private table

 We begin at Fischer's market where we will meet up with Aaron and Kannan

 

 Fischer's has their own brand of canned goods as well as full meat processing with wonderful sausages and cheese

 Aaron - showing off their two new pups

 Hondo and Skunk

After a couple of hours shopping at the market and the three little shops in town, we head back to the spa for an afternoon of relaxation.

 the spa

 Jo Anne - preparing for her salt body scrub

Mother - relaxing before her hot stone massage

 enjoying the infrared sauna

 hot cup of tea and a good book while I await my turn

 the mineral showers

 all the amenities

ahhh . . . don't I look refreshed???

  . . . and doesn't Mother look relaxed???

While I was getting my massage, Jo Anne was wandering around the farm taking pictures. Here are a few of the MANY she took.

 

 anyone for a game of tic-tac-gnome?

 another guest cottage

 

 the buck-toothed llama - I can't remember his name

 putting the hens up for the night

Jo Anne heading to the lower barn to gather the eggs

 

 

  

 it's like a regular Easter egg hunt

 not done yet . . .

 

 

 

Video of hens

 struttin' his stuff

 taking the goats to the lower barn for dinner

collecting honey from the hive

Our five-course gourmet meal is tonight so we better get cleaned up.

 got my red boots on and rarin' to go

Mother and Jo Anne - no red boots for them

  in the library for happy hour - there are 3 other couples tonight and we spend an hour getting aquainted

at the table

 the picture doesn't do the flowers justice

We started off the meal with a little one-bite burst of flavor. I wish I could remember what it was called and what was in it, but all I can remember is that it was described as "a taste of things to come". Jo Anne made the comment that the flavors just went from one to another on your tongue. I was so anxious to try it that I forgot to take a picture.

This is a good place to use a quote from Elm Creek Manor's web site: www.elmcreekmanor.com

 

"We raise our own organic herbs, fruits, vegetables and fresh eggs. We also raise our own dairy goats, chicken, rabbits and beef.  All cheeses are handmade artisan cheeses. We keep bees for fresh honey and wax for our Artisan cheeses. Seasonal to the moment."

That should give you an idea of "the taste of things to come"

 Jo Anne had mock escargot for an appetizer - mushroom caps in garlic butter with herbs and Parmesan cheese

 

 Mother had the Maryland crab cake with remoulade Sylvia

 I had the French carmelized five onion tart

 next up was salad - I wish I could describe it like the chef - I asked for her notes but I think she thought I was kidding

 raspberry sorbet with vodka sauce to cleanse the palate

 Carol - grilled heavy aged ribeye w/Brad's southwest rub (why does mine look so much bigger than theirs)

Jo Anne - wine marinated rabbit w/garlic butter and thyme

  Mother - cast iron seared filet mignon w/burgundy wine sauce

I don't know if I was worn out from eating all that food or just so awed by the dessert that I forgot to get a photo. Suffice it to say, it did not disappoint.

It was an amazing day from start to finish. Now all that is left is to sleep off the food and fun.