Annual Farm Retreat

Happy Monday!!

If you've visited for some time, you might remember

that every summer we make a weekend trek to our friends' home

at the Chesapeake Bay.

Then, every January we have a winter retreat here at the farm

with the same friends.

Each winter, they,

and their (newly) married son and daughter-in-law,

and us, 

and Tim and Amanda get together for a weekend of fun here at the farm.

Everyone arrived Friday evening and we had a meal of homemade vegetable soup

and ham/cheese-filled pretzel rolls (think logs)

and then sat around the dining room table playing games.

Saturday we had planned a day of hiking in a beautiful State park

followed by a late afternoon meal at our favorite brewery.

But, the weather had different plans.

With snow falling and icing on the roads, we decided to stay here at the farm

and hike in our own woods.

As far as the dogs were concerned, this was the much better option,

as they were able to participate in the whole day.

We hiked through our woods, up hill and down, covering several miles

of snowy terrain.

Apparently, we were not the only ones who got an adequate amount of exercise!

Afterwards, we settled back home in front of the fire.

This change of plans meant that I needed to quickly come up with a game

plan for an evening meal at home.

(Perfect time to clean out the freezer!)

Dinner ended up being snow crab legs, sesame/ginger tuna medallions,

smoked salmon ravioli and caramelized onions with broiler-melted Gruyere on top,

and a tossed salad.

We had invited Dr. Becky and her hubby, Rob to join us as well.

So, with 10 of us bustling around the kitchen,

we pulled together a delicious meal and went about the planned activity 

of a Murder Mystery Dinner.

We supplied simple costumes and everyone got in character.

The actual murder mystery game was a blast...

most likely because this is such a fun-loving group of people

who were enthusiastic about playing along and staying in character.

After a weekend that we'll not soon forget,

everyone left for home after Sunday farm breakfast,

and life returned to the quiet of daily life.

The snow has remained on the ground... perhaps three or four inches worth,

and with the cold week that is predicted, is not to disappear too soon.

I just love how beautiful the world looks after a snowfall!