Another Busy Week and Weekend

Last week was full of the usual things.....walking, Palmetto Animal League, Drinking Liberally, along with the usual activities of life.  All of that led up to a Living Liberally Conference that lasted all weekend.  Our chapter hosted the conference which "imported" liberals from as far away as California.  Linda, our local chapter leader and organizer of the weekend, invited me and another lady (Pat) to represent our chapter.  I was excited to attend and offered to help in any way I could.  I think my major contribution was "flexiblity".  Initially I was only asked to pick up someone from Savannah airport and deliver them to the Marriott Hotel. Then, on the Friday it all began, I received an email from Linda asking if one of the girls from NYC could stay with me.  Without hesitation, I agreed with the stipulation she could handle three cats!  She then asked if I would pick up two guys at the Hilton Head airport and take them to the hotel, which was really much easier than meeting someone in Savannah.  So, other than a few other chores along the way, I had it pretty easy.

The conference was energizing and it was great to be with liberal thinkers.  Lots of good ideas were shared, as well as many humorous stories.  It's just so reassuring to be with people who reinforce one's thinking and values.....and that doesn't happen a lot around here for me.  The conference started on Friday afternoon when everyone gathered at the poolside bar for introductions and mingling.  As one would expect, it was a very friendly, welcoming group.  From the poolside bar, we moved inside for dinner before adjourning for the evening.  Saturday was a long day but very informative.  The session ended around 4:45 and we thought we would have a little time to relax before the party at 7PM but Stephanie, the girl staying with me, needed to hit an ATM and drugstore.  So, we actually only had time to come home and do a quick change before going back to the hotel, picking up three more people, and heading to the restaurant.  The party was at Daniel's, which was a very nice restaurant......great decor, good food and nice ambiance.  We had a room for our group and the party was open to our local members, many of whom showed up. The restaurant gave us special prices and free hors d'oeuvres, which were very tasty......they treated us well.  I'd already prepared Stephanie that I'd probably be ready to come home around 9PM but, once I got my second wind, I hung in much longer than expected.  So, even though I was exhausted, it was a fun, late evening.

Sunday morning (today) was the final wind-down session, with people then filtering away throughout the afternoon and evening.  I volunteered to take anyone to the airport but wasn't called upon, so I came home and collapsed!  It was a great weekend but I was also happy to get home to my kitties and get them settled from having an unexpected guest.  I enjoyed meeting everyone and learning of their experiences.  It was also nice to see two of our younger members, Heather and Jamie, who moved to Virginia Beach and Asheville respectively and began new chapters there.  All in all, it was a great weekend.

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The problem.............

Anole on my water bottle.......yikes!

The solution..............

Anole catcher!

Thought for the day from my friend Janeen:

"Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes."

 -William Gibson