My weekend fell on Tuesday/Wednesday this week, which is just perfect – leaving class days on either side of two consecutive weekends as convenience for traveling quilters!
This also left me two days in the middle to learn all I can from Mary and her staff on how she runs her retreat center above her quilt shop. That’s right. Mary’s Quilt Shop has a retreat center above the store!
She can host up to 16 quilters, so I was curious as to things like – What kind of washing machines do all of the linens and towels. How many sheet sets per load? What kind of soap? (Yes, it’s a very entertaining load of information I am gathering!)
Her retreat has 6 bedrooms with 3 bedrooms having 2 beds, 2 bedrooms with 3 beds, and 1 extra large loft bedroom with 4 beds. 4 1/2 baths! Whew!
How many crock pots? How many coffee makers, tea pots, spatulas does a retreat that hosts 16 people require?
I am on a fact finding mission, and you know what I discovered? All situations are different, and it is basically learn as you go.
And it is also easiest if sheets are washed/dried and put right back on the beds avoiding a lot of folding. That’s a win for me – I really hate folding fitted sheets.
Spa day at Bedford Springs!
This is something that happens every time I come to teach here. We take an off day and make massage appointments and come stay at the spa at Bedford Springs resort. I love historic hotels, and this one is right up there with the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Check out the history HERE.
Can you feel yourself relax immediately?
Upstairs ballroom….can you imagine a wedding here?
Looking out at the garden from the relaxation room.
(The window needs washing, but I'm too relaxed to care!)
I could stay here all day!
(But 5 hours was just right.)
Relaxing in the gardens after massages.
The flowers are so glorious in August!
Fountains burble as we rest in lounge chairs – sipping tea or water, snacking on berries and fruit/nut mix – soft music wafting from the inside of the relaxation room.
I love to watch the bees flit from flower to flower – they don’t bother me as long as I don’t bother them. We can share this last bit of summer here.
The Bedford Baths!
The waters at Bedford Springs are historically known to be good for health. Whether true or not, I know that the large jacuzzi and invigorating showers and steam room ARE!
And no worries, girls – the ladie’s bath is separate from the men’s side of the spa – no boys allowed. And yes, bathing suits are required. We had some fun conversations with other spa visitors while soaking away our stresses in the Bedford bath before stepping into the “cool plunge” at the far back corner to cool off…you enter the relaxation area through a door from the bath area.
I love this part just as much if not more than the massage part. You can stay here all day.
You can relax from opening time to closing time - a day in robe and slippers.
Can you feel the stress leaving?
Believe me, it works!
Clematis from the pool area.
We had lunch by the pool outside, came back in, took one more jacuzzi soak, showered, shampooed, dressed and headed back to town to run some other errands that needed to happen before we start round two of classes tomorrow.
I think it is fair to say that we were noddle-y the rest of the day!
And now for the Quilty Box drawing you’ve all been waiting for – our entries closed last night. I’m drawing our winners this morning. TWO winners from 4449 entries for our August Quilty Box Gift-Away.
Wonderful grouping of fabrics and notions!
Sue Smith!
I’ve drawn your name as winner for the full-size Quilty Box! This box will be coming your way!
And our Quilty Box Mini is going to:
Shannon Miller!
Congrats, ladies! I’ve sent you both emails. Reply with your mailing addresses and I’ll have the Quilty Box folks get your goodies on their way to you.
My thanks to Quilty Box for continuing to supply these great prizes for my readers. Our September gift-away is right around the corner so be watching for it.
TODAY: I’m having a sew day. I’ve got that machine. I’ve got a project. I just need to be putting pieces through. I hope you get some time to do the same.
Quiltville Quote of the Day!
After feeling for months that my life is out of control, I realize that I am just where I am supposed to be right where I am right now.
Messy or not!
Have a wild & wonderful Wednesday, everyone!
thANK you for reminding us, we are right we are supposed to be, right now... and me too... i'm a glorious mess...love and gratitude, Cats in Carlsbad CA
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lovely day. You deserve it!
ReplyDeleteGlad you took time for a day for You!
ReplyDeleteGreat plan for a relaxing day. Seeing how it all works running a retreat first hand, will be invaluable to the future of Quiltville Inn. Beautiful surroundings in PA!
ReplyDeleteI started using the Pioneer Woman's method of putting damp sheets on the bed straight from the washing machine and I love it! My guests have commented on the crispness of the sheets, and I'm saving money, time, and wear and tear on the sheets by not using the dryer, as well as less carbon emissions. Win!
ReplyDeleteHere's the link to Pioneer Woman's method: https://thepioneerwoman.com/life-and-style/the-trouble-with-six-beds/
ReplyDeleteThank you for the most appropriate saying of this day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to spend your day.. that beautiful pink vine is a mandevilla vine.. I love them... your retreat is on my bucket list for someday.. a bit of a trip from Wisconsin :)
ReplyDeleteOMG this sounds sooo wonderful. After the last few weeks you have had I am sure it was just what the doctor ordered!! Love reading about your adventures and those daily sayings!!
ReplyDeleteI have stayed in Mary's retreat center. She does a wonderful job and you are getting pointers from a real pro at making you feel welcome.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous place! BTW, I'm pretty sure that's a Mandevilla and not a Clematis. I tried growing those several times and the caterpillars would eat them up almost faster than I could get them planted. Yet another traumatizing gardening experience. No wonder I gave up gardening, and took up quilting instead. Fabric flowers last longer.
ReplyDeleteThe day we visited BefBedf Springs, we didn't exactly crash a wedding...I did take a pic with one of the musicians before the wedding started that was held over the bridge in the woods. Also was tempted to sign the wedding guest book inside by the ballroom!
ReplyDeleteNext time I'm definitely going to the spa. We did walk by it and it smells wonderful!