(ri-treet) & (ree-treet)

I love the dictionary! Here are the definitions of retreat:

–verb (ree-treet)

1. to treat again. Indeed this was a treat.....again!

–noun (ri-treet)

1. the forced or strategic withdrawal of an army or an armed force before an enemy, or the withdrawing of a naval force from action. - In my case it was a strategic withdrawal from an army of men in my house!

2. the act of withdrawing, as into safety or privacy; retirement; seclusion. Pretty much all of this applies to the reasons why I went to Lake Swan!

3. a place of refuge, seclusion, or privacy. ABSOLUTELY!

4. an asylum, as for the insane. - I could see where some might think this is appropriate for me!

5. a retirement or a period of retirement for religious exercises and meditation. - Interesting, right?

Our ladies retreat is always something special for me. I have been living in Florida for 5 years now and I never missed a retreat! Perhaps because my husband knows how desperately I need the time off from raising 3 boys all about the same age (and one with special "issues") & now caring for an elderly grandfather too! Besides all of the fun that was had, and there was lots of fun (not much sleeping, but tons of fun)...I had the honor of watching the hand of God do some amazing things this past weekend.

Here are some shots of the fun!

Lake Swan (too cold to swim, well for most of us)

Here is me....truly getting away....dress up...it was a little strange at first...as a Mom of all boys, living in a house of all males all the time....dress-up is foreign to me (unless I am invisible girl or cat woman, or Mary)....So here I am in character!

Please don't ask!

I say if you are willing for me to take a picture then....you must be willing to be posted on my blog....and she definitely understands that! This would be my Michelle!

This would be my Ida! Friend, and beautician!

This would be my Lovely Lori! The first woman I met at my church, the woman who instantly befriended a New Jerseyite, the woman who took me on my first retreat to Lake Swan, my sweet sister and beloved friend...we are always the last to leave the lake....we always go back to get one more shot! I love this girl!