September 05, 2005 - 10:39 PM
I know that this is not literally the end of summer. But for all practical purposes, for me it is.
Tomorrow I head back to work after 2-and-a-half months of summer vacation. A bit of excitement for me to see how Geneva will do and fit in to my routine.
But anxiousness about my routine itself, since I truly have no idea of what my schedule is going to look like. In fact, it'll probably be another 3 weeks
before all the glitches are worked through and my schedule actually becomes a routine.
But now I'd like to fill you in over the last few weeks since I haven't written in that long. I'm only going to give you highlights since I do want to
get to bed at a decent hour. smile
I really haven't done a whole lot since I wrote last. More described movies have been watched including: Antz, Beaches, African Queen, Phantom of the Opera
& Casa Blanca. I guess it's no wonder that the VCR in our living room has died.
On August 20, my dad drove Geneva and I to Mukilteo for an outreach day by the Everett chapter or WCB. I went there to speak about the ACB. It was another
opportunity to see how good Geneva does during those situations with me doing public speaking and needing her to just lye still.
On August 25, Geneva and I went to the Kitsap County Fair. This had been a planned event all year and the main purpose in going was for the free concert
that night. Jamie ONeal performed and she was wonderful. But I can't say Geneva was all that impressed with the loud music. It also was very crowded
and 3 other friends of mine who are also blind had joined me along with my daughters. I had saved seats from late in the afternoon so we were in good
shape. But the crowd blocked the way for my daughter Amanda to help to of my friends back to us when they were returning from the bathroom just before
the concert began. After tears of frustration from Amanda, trying to get assistance from a police officer, she finally found someone willing to help the
3 back to us by cutting wires and opening part of the fence. I ended up speaking with the President of the Fair Board last week and discussed with him
concerns and possible remedies for dealing with patrons who are blind or otherwise disabled. He seemed very receptive and invited me to share more at
a public meeting of their board. I plan to do this.
Other activities have included: going to the Mall, attending a barbecue as a memorial for a friend's father, attending a Tastefully Simple party, doing
school shopping with Amanda, and of course taking care of WCB business. Our convention is at the end of October, the bulletin and registration form have
now been mailed and are on our website at
www.wcbinfo.org
and so that busyness is just beginning.
Now, probably one of the most heart stopping days happened on Tuesday, August 30. That's the day I got the call from Amelia as she headed to work that
she'd been in an accident. Thank God she and the other person were both alright. But the van received considerable damage, beyond what we will choose
to repare. The accident was Amelia's fault and we did not have collision. So the other person's car is taken care of, but our van is now waiting in our
driveway for a new home. Amelia is working 5 days a week at Albertsons and begins at Olympic College on the 19th. We do not live on a bus route and she
doesn't have parents who drive. So now it's praying that God will lead us to another vehicle.
This weekend has been very low key for a holiday weekend. Yesterday morning, I worked at the Rainbow Girl breakfast for my first time since before getting
Spud. I had Geneva stay in the supply room while I worked in the kitchen. I arrived a little after 7:30 and had her lay down and told her to stay. I
came back in to check on her 2 or 3 times, but she'd never budged. She stayed in her spot until 9:30, when my shift was done and we could head into the
eating area, joined by Lyle and some friends. I was so proud of her obedience and ability to be so good. The room she was in is often trafficked by girls
and adults who are working, getting coffee or juice, bringing in dirty dishes, etc. I'm so proud of this girl!
Then after the breakfast, we went to a friend's home for a house warming party. They live in a log house on a lake, and it is just beautiful. When we
first arrived, Geneva got in a little trouble because she tried to pull me to another dog. But once I had her do a few doggy push-ups, she was my sweet
charming Shepherd girl again and the rest of the afternoon was fine. With the exception when she got sick on the deck. And not just the stomach vile
stuff either. That's the only time she's done that, but Geneva's been battling with diarrhea off and on the passed couple of days. I've given her some
Amodium AD and fed her steamed rice today. So hopefully she'll be better by tomorrow.
Well, I guess it's time to bring this to a close and get my clothes ready for my early start. It will be tough becoming a morning person again, but with
Geneva by my side, I'm ready to face the new school year.
Hugs,
Cindy & Geneva
