Today was the last day of the retreat. I would give it mixed reviews, despite receiving some solid ideas, which I'm employing in my life and for that I'm grateful. I just wasn't too sure about the moderator. I suspect he doesn't really walk his talk, but decided it was okay. He shared some good stuff.

Afterwards, some of us retreatants went to an estate called Rivendale. Mary Elizabeth, the woman I had breakfast with, owns it. Apparently she owns lots of land on the mountain and is amidst a huge renovation of Rivendale, which she hopes will become an additional retreat destination on the mountain. This kindly and adorable woman must be worth a bazillion-gillion dollars. The place is a money pit, and sadly, the interior hasn't any architectural charm. People were living in it through the 70s (I would guess), and the kithen still has the original wordburning cooking stove. This might sound charming, but it ain't. It's not that I'm a proponent of tearing down historical sites, which this definitely qualifies for, but it's a big bow wow regarding aesthetics and structural engineering. I really and truly cannot imagine the amount of money being invested. She resides in another nearby estate, so I won't worry too much about her choices. :) I regret not taking more interior pics.




The front of Rivendale




The side of Rivendale




The back of Rivendale



My friend, Rachel, standing in a doorframe on the first floor. The frames on the second and third floors were even shorter. The house was claustrophobic with small rooms and very low ceilings. The mystique and aura evaporated for me once I went inside, but perhaps it will be a stunning showcase once renovated.




View #1 of Rivendale




View #2 of Rivendale




I forgot to get a photo of myself today, so this is my 365 Envisage shot, drinking coffee.