I had such a great time! There were nine of us total from Friday to Saturday morning then 5 had to leave and it was the ‘usual four’ for the rest of the weekend.

The four of us went on a float trip Saturday and I got burnt on the bottom half of my legs and arms, but it was sooo worth it. A two hour tube trip down the river….it was so relaxing so fun. We laughed, we relaxed, it was a blast!

The roadtrip was good too. My husband has a friend in Nashville so he hitched a ride with me and I dropped him off Thursday night. It was nice not driving the entire way. And we LOVED the XM radio! Then I drove about another three hours to see Sherrie and she and Gary had dinner waiting for me. Sherrie and I left early Friday to get Karen (she was visiting her mother) then headed up to Karen’s ‘house/cabin’ two hours away.

It was so amazing that 9 women (different in personality) got along sooooo well. Everyone could just be. We had great conversations going and yet quiet alone time as well. It was a perfect balance.

The four of us watched a movie late Saturday night and Sunday morning. We fixed so much food the whole time I was there, I mean these women know how to cook! I baked some cookies and helped out here and there. It was a lot of fun measuring and make the most of what we had since Karen doesn’t have certain measuring cups etc. at this place. We all made it work and it was wonderful. I can’t say that enough.

It was sad when I had to leave. Sherrie and I both had tears in our eyes. I can’t wait to go back…who knows maybe I will retire there one day! :) I did take some photos but not as many as I thought. It was so relaxing I was just taking it all in…I want to be back in this photo on Karen’s porch in a rocking chair looking at the mountains, listening to nature… :)!!!!

I am so very thankful for the wisdom I have gained from these women over the years and the ones I just met this past weekend. Most of them are 15 to 20 years older than me and have convinced me that life truly begins at 45 / 50. I think they do more in a month than I do in an entire year!

Half are retired already (very lucky!) but even the ones that are not retired are so very active; yoga and jazzercise classes, meditation retreats, numerous vacations and trips, various classes and get togethers..the list goes on and on. I’m so lucky to have such wisdom around me! They are in wonderful physical and mental shape!

I’m encouraged every day by them in some small way (even when I am not with them). If I think of doing something and make up some excuse not to do it…I think of them and how I’m truly only cheating myself if I don’t live life half as adventurous as they do.

I always thought of myself as a positive person, active person..etc. BUT I have slacked the past year and I need to regroup and I’m thankful thankful thankful I have such great friends to encourage and remind me! At one point this past weekend I thanked Karen and Sherrie and told them I feel I am always myself, but with them I am an enhanced version of myself..and I truly am thankful for their friendship!