To those of you who know me, you've probably heard the term "retirement goal" escape my lips followed very closely by the words "Bed and Breakfast". Already, doesn't that sound wonderful?
It's always been a dream of mine, since I was about 13 and stayed in this lovely, endearing Bed and Breakfast in Arcadia, Michigan called 'The Grey Hare'. Since my stay, I've never found a website or link to it and have absolutely no idea how my dad found this remote little B&B in the perfect slice of heaven. Lush greenery surrounded this grey stone building. The library must have been 20 feet high and shelved with books galore, a luscious fireplace and an overstuffed chair or two. There was a lake near by, though I never went near it as it was fairly chilly, but there was a lovely garden and rows and rows of grape vines.
While at some point, I had grape vines intertwined in my dream B&B, it quickly became a field of lavender and has yet to budge. Roses surround the similar grey stone structure and there is a large weeping willow standing near the driveway. Oh yes, it's detailed.
In this dream, I run the B&B with the help of my handy Boyo. I make a breakfast fit for royalty, as that's what my guests will be to me, and tend my gardens the rest of the day. Oh, and the bees. =] I long to be a bee keeper. Funnily enough, the only insect I don't mind a bit. They are enchanting creatures and their lives filled with such purpose! This is, now, after we reckon we can no longer sling the camera gear around and our bones are too weary for distant travel. Could never be idle, even in my imaginary old age. =}
Imagine my genuine surprise when a co-worker informed me of the Key Creek Lavender Farm just a bit north of Escondido. I imagined it surrounded by lush greenery, hidden deep in the valley, but alas, in the bleak desert, surrounded by farmers growing avocados and oranges, herding cows, the land is not so apparently lush, but like a hidden gem, it rests there.
Boyo and I went and enjoyed a warm sun-burned afternoon just as the farm was closing for the day. We walked through rows and rows of various strains of lavender and scented our clothes with their delicacies. We also stopped into the gift store to purchase some lavender honey and lavender jelly. The honey is kept by a local keeper whom, should they need an apprentice *cough!* =} One can only hope.
This Saturday is their "Flowers and Music Festival" and they will be harvesting the remaining bunches of their crops soon, so if you'd never a chance before, now is your time! They harvest in July! Or, go to their website and get admission tickets and join us there on Saturday 4pm-10pm! Keys Creek Lavender Farm- Clicky Click!!
Come and be Merry. =]
