Page 14 of Spring Showers

“Thank you, dear. I never can navigate this whole getttin’ in and gettin’ out of the car with this incensing stick that everyone insists I use.”

“Your doctor said he would only approve this trip if you promised to use it,” said a middle-aged woman with light brown skin like Thandie’s from the driver’s side door.

“You must be Frances, Buzz’s daughter. You can both head inside and check in. Just around the corner.”

A rowdy group of sixty-somethings spilled out of a small taxi. Lightweight scarves covered in pastel floral motifs, strands of pearls the size of marbles, and more hairspray than was probably legal decorated each of the three women.This will be a fun group, Thandie thought and greeted them, showing them the way inside.

Two more cars pulled in. A good looking man emerged from one. His head tilted down and his eyes shifted around the lot as though he was looking for something. From the other car, a pretty woman, wearing a long, brown peasant skirt and tan blazer, peeked over the top of the vehicle. The man and woman nodded to each other, and the woman gave a little wave with a smile like they knew each other. Curious that they arrived in separate vehicles, Thandie began to approach, but as the pair came around the front of their cars, she felt like she was intruding into a private moment between the two.

Bowing out, Thandie headed inside where the other guests were lined up at check-in. America was playing hostess from her position beside the refreshments table. She was explaining the amenities of the barn to the taller woman and her friend.

Spotting a dropped wallet on the floor behind the young couple, Thandie picked up the black leather trifold and handed it to the man. She joined America but didn’t want to interrupt the conversation.

“And that’s when she told me about this place. I didn’t even hesitate and booked right away,” the tall one said.

America, with her hand to her chest, nodded. “I’m flattered that my article had such an impact on you. I do hope you will enjoy your stay this week. This is Thandie. She is the activities director and will be your guide for the next six days.”

Thandie shook the ladies’ hands. “It’s a pleasure.”

“I’m Margret, and this is Anne,” the tall woman said in a fine British accent.

“So, Thandie, what do you have in store for us for the next few days? I can’t wait to feel well and rested,” Anne, the shorter one, who was definitely from the American Midwest, said.

America put her arm in front of Thandie a little, like a defensive move, and spoke first. “So many great things planned. We wouldn’t want to give it all away now. This way you can?—”

“Enjoy each activity fully. Live in the moment, I always say.” Thandie finished.

“Quite right,” Margret agreed.

“I’ll be making an announcement in a few minutes after all the guests are checked in,” Thandie said and mouthed a thank you to America for saving her from having to explain the whole week’s activities, which she was still uncertain about.

Thandie mingled with the guests, put faces to names, and made certain they were each getting off to a good start at The Foundry. Leo had everyone squared away in a few short minutes. He handed them each the keys to their cabin, and a map of the grounds—her idea. When everyone had gotten some food, she stood on a box near thecucinasign.

“Welcome to The Foundry Retreat,” she said and waited until all eyes were trained on her. “My name is Thandie and I’m the activities director here. I hope you all had a good trip into town and we, here at the resort, are thrilled to have you for our inaugural wellness week.” She got down from the box and walked amongst the tables. “This week, you will be challenged to look within and find peace, health, and freedom throughout the various activities. I encourage you to try everything, have an open mind, and certainly have fun. If you have any questions or concerns, just let me know.

“Now, for today, let’s hit the ground, literally, with a nice, easy hike. In half an hour, we will meet back here and begin our first event. Wear some good hiking shoes or sneakers. Everything else you need for this, and all the events, will be provided. You can find out more each morning at the activities desk right over there, and I will also make an announcement each night at supper. Any questions?”

Three hands went up from the three rowdy friends. They huddled as far from Thandie as they could be while still being in the dining area. “Do we have to?” one said, and the others agreed.

“Of course not,” Thandie said. “This is your vacation, after all. We meet back here in thirty minutes if you’d like to take part.”

CHAPTER8

The hike was a little more difficult the second time around that day, but the company was better. Thandie had waited in the barn as long as she could for the last straggler who had yet to check in, but there was only so much distracting she could do to keep the guests entertained and not focused on the delay.

She had passed out the hats, the canteens full of fresh water, and the walking sticks, and showed the guests the trail route on the map. But alas, they had to go. Even Buzz joined the hike, which made Thandie glad.

Standing near the top of the hill with the overlook just ahead was the ideal spot to keep an eye on the guests that had gone up. Margret, having taken the lead with two of the other couples in tow, took photos and selfies. The trio of sixty-somethings had not joined the activity, as she had suspected after their interaction during the check-in announcements.

Down below, at the old dock, she could make out Buzz and his daughter pointing out into the emptied lake. Though the view was nice from the dock, the scenery from where she stood lit her imagination on fire. With the wide flower-filled plain, yellows and whites dancing in the sun, and bright red tufts of long grasses swaying in the breeze, she could see all the ways it called to be tamed and nurtured. The natural garden was a stunning backdrop for photos or even painting.An artist retreat would be a big hit,she thought.

From the corner of her vision, the guests at the perch gathered their packs and walking sticks. She checked downhill to see if any newly arrived guests were joining them on the hike. But no one new was visible. They weren’t in a hurry, and she wanted the guests to not feel rushed through their experience. They had six full days of adventures to make it through. Pacing the events was a top priority.

“You ready to head back down?” Thandie asked. “Watch your step. The ground here is really dry and loose.”

The man whom she had assumed wouldn’t enjoy this activity based on his preference sheet and the particular line that toldwalking was okay if he had to, sported the widest smile of the group. “What a nice little hike,” he said and shook her hand when he approached.

Thandie now knew him to be Brent, the one who had arrived with the overly perky redhead, Daisy. She appeared from behind him as though conjured by the mere thought of her, and she rested her chin on Brent’s shoulder.

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