New Life Retreat

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to spend time at the New Life Retreat in Lanark, Ontario. I'd never even heard of Lanark until Darwin said he was interested in a log home building course there...and then I stumbled across the retreat website and it all seemed perfect.

Darwin and I hopped on the road early in the morning on September 5 and drove 20 hours straight to his hometown, Deep River. It was my first time, and a very busy few days, visiting all his family (I didnt know someone could have so many relatives), and touring the area, which is really pretty.

It was a fun afternoon, swimming and soaking up the sun here with Dar and his cousins.

Next, we were back on the road, travelling to Lanark. Being fall, things slow down at the retreat center and so I was the only guest during my stay! Woo hoo! My purpose was to cleanse my body, mind, and spirit. I consumed mostly vegetable juices, with the addition of a few salads and smoothies. I did lots of yoga and breathing, exercise on the trampoline outside, reading, journal writing, resting, spending time in the hot tub, and when I felt like socializing, Jens, the manager was a great person to chat with. He and his mom even brought me along to the most wonderful natural food store one afternoon in Perth.

Love love love, this beautiful wooden staircase! Can't wait until Darwin can make these!

My staple juice was a combo of: celery, carrot, cucumber, parsley, beet, kale, apple, and ginger. Mmmmm!!! Very delish!

One morning I felt like something different and so whipped up this green juice of: apple, cucumber, celery, lime, ginger, and mint.

...and with a very ripe canteloupe, this frothy blend was perfect. Canteloupe, lime, and mint.

On the last evening, I decided to make dinner. Tomato basil salad with the different varieties of tomatoes from their garden, and nori rolls with a ginger maple pate. Simple and yummy!

And I can't forget dessert! I used what was around to come up with these chocolate banana squares. They were a real hit!