This was my first time to attend the Parish Retreat and what a wonderful treat it was. We arrived Friday evening and I was given a tour of the lodge, rooms and grounds by Suzanne and Zack. As they had been here several times before, I could not have had better guides! The facilities and people from the staff, to the food, to the accommodations, to our group, were all wonderful and very friendly. This is a very special place.

As our program unfolded on Friday night I felt a great sense of calm come over me. We were serenaded by the crickets at sundown and by some of our parishioners on the piano at night. As I awoke on Saturday morning I heard sort of a "chuckling" sound out on the front lawn of the lodge. I walked out to investigate and saw over fifteen wild turkeys grazing on the lawn. They were not at all shy and remained there for many minutes and continued their search for food. I continued my walk, under a beautiful clear sky, and enjoyed an absolutely fabulous morning. I think that as I walked that morning I found a great peace and tranquility that carried with me the entire weekend. It was such a wonderful beginning, a perfect day, a perfect place, and a perfect peace, that I realize now that God found me at this time.

Our weekend continued with our programs, the kids swimming and playing, and the adults swimming and playing, (and sleeping). The evenings were so beautiful and perfect that it was hard to say goodnight and close your eyes.

Oh yes, I did find the apple pie, in Julian, and it was Purrrfect!!!