Retreat Weekend!

I had a wonderful weekend at the Incarnation Center in Ivoryton, Connecticut!
I took off work at Noon and took the train from Grand Central up to Tarrytown where Eric picked me up at the train station. We drove the 90 miles and stopped once in Milford at a Mall. We went to the food court and ate at Taco Bell. Then we walked around the mall looking for a place to buy a birthday cake. Since Friday was Eric's birthday and Thursday had been my roommate David's, and mine last Monday, and Frank's this Monday, we wanted to get a big sheet cake. We finally left the mall and drove around till we found Stop and Shope. So that's what we did! We found a big sheet cake and then were on our way. The sky was clear, the weather was warm, and we had a smooth trip up. we got there at 5:45 before the busload of others, so we put our stuff in our rooms and headed down to the lake. So beautiful!
When we got back the others were arriving, so we helped welcome them and helped everyone get situated.

After dinner and the orientation meeting, a bunch of us went down to the lake, in pitch black I might add. I kept thinking of Camp Crystal Lake in "Friday the 13th" but it was safe! It was so serene! A lovely night! A big muggy and warm, but nice.

Saturday, thanks to Hanna, the Hurricane we had rain all day, but luckily no lightening or thunder so we were able to swim in the lake. After the morning workshops and lunch, we all went down to the lake. Well, most of us. It was cloudy and the rain was light off and on. We swam, jumped on the big water trampoline, and then they finally let us over to the big water slide. It was a big tarplike material set up on a big metal frame that ran down the side of a hill into the water. A big hose at the top kept it wet. Plus, by that time, it was raining steadily. We all went down one by one. I made the most noise, because, well, I like screaming and singing when I think I am hurtling towards a big body of water! It was a hoot though. Except for the fact that I left my flip flops over at the other dock and had to walk on rocks...ouch ouch ouch..it was fun. I used to go barefoot all the time as a kid, but my feet are TENDER now.

Dinner was great, then we had a big meeting, then game night. Most were playing cards games. After a singalong of "Amazing Grace", people played HEARTS and UNO. I finally settled down and played UNO. By that time it was raining steadily and heavily, so no night runs to the lake.

Sunday, it was sunny and clear and cool, so we got to go in the lake again. After the morning meeting and before lunch. I gave diving lessons to a few guys. It was fun. I had taken lessons as a kid, and could go off the low dive with no problem, but only managed to dive off the high dive once...ouch that hurt! So, I taught a few guys what I knew, and everyone was doing great! A few belly flops, but nothing too painful!

Then, we had lunch, and then the gratitude meeting. Very heartwarming as it always is.

Then, most of the guys, and two gals, got on the bus. Eric and I drove back. Much quicker this time. No stops till we got to Tarrytown. He dropped me off at the train, which I took back to Grand Central, then took the subway home. David was home by then, though they had missed the 3PM train and had to wait for the 4PM. My train was delayed too, the express, so I ended up taking a local, which took longer, but I got a good view of the Hudson River as I rode home. Beautiful.

I had a wonderful time. I met some new guys, and a gal. I got to know a few other guys better, and at least said hi to a few others. There were 48 I think total.

The workshops were very helpful. I led one on "Body Image". And I tell you, for a former fat "sissy" kid, it was great to teach some guys how to dive. One guy said "I love watching you dive" and that felt so nice. I can do some things well...well I do many things well, but you know what I mean. We all like to be recognized for our accomplishments and abilities.

Today, back to work and back to reality.but...always to look forward to the next one. This was my 3rd summer there.

Thank you Craig!