August 08, 2005 - 10:15 PM
Thursday, Geneva and I went back to the SeaTac Doubletree where we'd met up with her puppy-raisers one week before. This time however, it was strictly
WCB business. My dad drove us again. Isn't he the greatest?
We took a tour of the meeting space which they had reserved for us temporarily until we could make a decision for next year's state convention. The fact
is, knowing that the Vancouver site was not going to work and this was the board's second choice, I knew this is where we would go if everything panned
out the way I thought it would. And it did. They have plenty of space and seem eager to work with us and accommodate the needs of our convention. Our
sales person, Angie, treated my dad and I to an early lunch; a nice way to end the visit.
Friday, Geneva and I were of to Seattle. We caught the 10:15am ferry along with 2 chapter members, Eric & Carol and we headed to the Executive Inn for
this year's WCB Summer Board Retreat. Friday afternoon's seminar was on working with transportation providers in our local communities and was facilitated/presented
very ably by Donna Smith from Easter Seals, Project Action. Following the seminar, 23 members got together and talked about the challenges we have as
pedestrians dealing with quieter cars and more distracted drivers. Then there was a WCB dinner, during which, members had gone in on a 2 pound box of
See's chocolates for Lyle and I. Yes, Lyle came to the hotel after work to join us. This was our fourth wedding anniversary, so his presence and the
thoughtful gift made it a very nice evening indeed.
Saturday was our WCB board meeting. This was the shortest board meeting I can ever remember us having, only lasting until noon; just in time for us to
go into lunch and then head for our respective modes of transportation home. 5 others from the Bremerton side had joined us, so all 9 of us caught the
hotel shuttle to the ferry terminal and were on the 3:00 run back. I still can't help but marvel on how well Geneva behaved during the meeting, especially
the board meeting when I had to be at the podium most of the time. She just laid down against the wall behind me. Every so often I would go back the
few steps and pet her and tell her what a good girl she was being, and only once did she stand up. But it was after everything had ended. At that hotel,
they either have a relieving box with wood chips in it or asphalt. And although Geneva is used to using grass here at home, she had no trouble going on
the asphalt, which, along with the fact that she ate all her food while there, are just more reasons she made me proud.
Amelia picked us up at the ferry and after coming home for a few hours, we all went out for dinner at the Red Lobster to celebrate Lyle's and my anniversary.
It was going to be just us, but the girls wanted to go and Lyle gave in. The food was delicious as always, and I ate way too many of those yummy cheese
biscuits. But we had a very nice time and I even got to enjoy left overs for last night's dinner.
Yesterday morning was the Rainbow girl breakfast followed by the girls installation. Lyle went home after the breakfast, but Geneva and I hung out for
the afternoon festivities so as not to have to worry about transportation back. Amanda was installed as Worthy Associate Advisor which is equivalent to
Vice President, and will be installed as Worthy advisor in 6 months, meaning we have a busy 6 months ahead of us to get ready for her big event.
Today was a stay at home but have company over day. My friends Meka, Michelle & Chelsea came over for lunch and to watch the movie Ray with DVS. Amanda
also baked a cake and we sang "Happy Birthday" to Chelsea who turns 19 tomorrow. While they were here, I helped Chelsea go online and fill out her application
for GDB. She wants to get her first guide dog. I'm so excited and anxious for her. Anyway, we had such a nice time, the girls are going to come back
over on Wednesday for another movie. I think we'll have to do this a few more times this summer.
Now I'd like to talk about Arabelle for a minute. She seems to be very happy and feeling good. She often wants to play with Geneva, Yes, It's usually
Arabelle as the instigator of play. And tonight I got on the floor and had both girls lying down in front of me with their heads at my legs and I was
rubbing their tummies at the same time and they were both relaxed being together with me. When Lyle and Madison come home at night, Arabelle starts massive
barking upon hearing the bus. I have now started getting both girls to come to me and put them in a "sit, stay" until Lyle & Madison are in the door and
I say, "okay." Then the 3 dogs go running and playing joyfully and it's a treasured time. Arabelle's back end doesn't seem to move the way it use to
and so she's a bit slower, but she seems to be taken by Geneva and even greets us at the door when we return home from an outing. What a true blessing
to have both of my Shepherd girls with me.
Hugs,
Cindy, Geneva & Arabelle
