Hello, we are Ruth-Ann and Terry Throndson.  We grew up on farms in North Eastern Alberta and so acreage living was an obvious choice for us.  We have lived on our acreage for almost 40 years.  Our Neighbors, across the road from us, had built their spacious Family home on a quarter section, and over the years, a network of mowed paths were carved into the 80 + acres of pasture and forest, creating the perfect setting for recreation, exploration and adventure. They had kindly welcomed us to use these trails, which we happily did, for walking, horseback riding and ATVing.  We have been very fortunate to have had such “good neighbors” for all those years and so we were greatly saddened to hear that were planning to move.

 

Once it sank in that they really were moving, Terry and I began discussing the possibility of buying the property.   Even though right from the start I had envisioned a vacation retreat and rental, we just didn’t know if it was within our reach.  One morning, I decided just to “go for it”, and told our Neighbors that we were interested.  They invited us over and we strolled around the beautiful over 20 acre yard and toured the sweeping 4 bedroom home, landing on the large front porch for a long, enjoyable visit.  Even though our place was close by, it was like being in a different world!  So quiet and peaceful. Bush bunnies hopping to and fro, as we enjoyed the view, looking out over the vast and beautifully treed lawn.

                                    

We spent the next couple weeks going back and forth –having lovely visits with our neighbors, soaking in the surroundings and discussing ideas of what the property “could be”.  We waxed and we waned –yes or no.  Under the light of the August Full Moon, I meditated, I manifested and I repeated the mantra of what is meant to be mine will always find me.  The next morning while riding over at my Friend’s arena, my phone began to ring, and when I saw that it was Terry, I thought I’d better answer since he would not  interrupt my riding without a good reason.  And what a good reason, it was!  He simply said “it’s ours”.  I responded with “What?!?!? What?!?!? and began to cry, which in hindsight wasn’t very nice to do to my Friend, who had no idea what was happening and thought that the news must be tragic.  

 

Initially we had thought that we should do the safe and practical thing ---keep the land and the recreational trails for our own use, subdivide the house and yard and sell it,  but the more time we spent in the house, and out in the yard, the more we grew to love it.   We decided to take a leap of faith and to dare to dream that we could create something magical to share with the rest of the world.  A place where people could step away from the noise of daily life and reconnect –with the land, with others, and with themselves.  From this vision was born, Stillness & Strides Vacation Retreat & Event Venue.