Chaparral Retreat

05/02/2026

Even though overnight temperatures are still in the 40's, the days have been pretty pleasant. Last evening some friends came out to sit by the fireplace on the patio for happy hour as nature's choir serenaded us. Life is good at the Retreat!

04/18/2026

Spring at the Retreat

04/14/2026

As you walk through the woods of this retreat, man made noises fade and suddenly it’s just wind in the trees and bird songs as sunlight weaves through the branches. Trails wander, the air feels lighter, and time stops trying so hard. Wildflowers and native plants spring forth with unexpected color. Several clearings beg you to stop, spread a blanket under the canopy and listen to nature. Your heart and mind will be refreshed.

04/05/2026

All drugged up and no place to go on a beautiful Sunday afternoon while recovering from hip replacement surgery. I was able to sit on the covered patio with my sweet granddaughter and watch her discover some of the joys of Spring.

03/23/2026

I want to thank the young people who came out to the Retreat this past week to help clean out the gardens around the property. They worked hard raking leaves off of flower beds so that we can see new spring life. We were glad to be able to hire these kids so that they could earn some money over Spring break. The redbuds, currant bushes, creeping phlox, tulips, and grape hyacinth are blooming and lots of other perennials are popping up in the uncovered dirt. The grounds are going to be brilliant with color this year!

03/17/2026

03/12/2026

A long time friend of ours shared this photo of Andy's "radio days", before our BNB days. Can you tell which one is him?

03/08/2026

We're having spring weather and things around the Retreat are starting to bud out and bloom: daffodils, crocus flowering quince (pictured), black currant, red bud trees. Every day, a walk though the gardens reveal signs of new life

03/08/2026

Sis Cunningham was born in/near/outside of Watonga, Oklahoma

“Music is a tone of voice—a tone of nature, a sound life uses to keep the living alive and call us back many times a day from the brinks of torture and the holes of superstition.” – Woody

03/08/2026

At the Chaparral Retreat, we offer lots of novel experiences!!