orchid,
the retreat is a dream... something that will never happen, but I keep envisioning it, despite myself. I drove by the land yesterday on the way to the library and found our neighbor is setting up forms to lay a foundation for some type of structure. The problem in that is that he's laying up against the fenceline I was eyeballing for my barn...lol. I watch for signs like this to tell me my plan isn't perfected yet. While it's probably sign telling me I waited too long - had I built first, he probably would have built on the opposing fenceline.
I know of, and feel there are, so many women and children who could benefit from a center like the one I'm creating in my mind. I know there was a time in my life that I really needed one. Funding is a problem. Fear is a problem. Family is a problem. I thought of moving a small house (you know, those you see advertised in the 'house to be moved' section of the classifieds) on the property and test the market with female get togethers and tutoring. But, everytime I get my folder out to put things in motion, my dad relapses. I look at this as a sign, too, that the timing isn't right, and that my energies are needed elsewhere. It could be he's picking up on my re-directed attentions and throwing his fork in my road. Who was it that said (or titled their book) "If you see a fork in the road, pick it up"... anyway, that's what I've been doing, laying my folder of plans down in it's place.

Why did your sister give up her yoga center? Seems that would be something she could have gotten her children involved with.