There was a time when I went to lots of big grooming education seminars every year. Sometimes I was in a grooming competition, sometimes taking classes, and for many years I was teaching other groomers. I flew to New Jersey, Chicago, Pennsylvania, and Texas. I drove to some that were closer, like Rhode Island and Massachusetts. I flew to Montreal and one memorable year to Germany. I worked hard at these shows, met amazing groomers from all over, and learned a lot. But I have not been to one for several years. This winter I found that a grooming friend of mine, (we once competed in the same show together, 25 or so years ago) was going to be in New Hampshire giving a small class. I signed up so fast it made my credit card spin.
Since the class was going to be a short drive from my sisters house, I "coerced" her into letting me spend the night in their comfortable guest room on Saturday so I wouldn't have to leave home at the crack of dawn. She upped the ante and planned a fun outing for us and she and her sweet husband took me out for an excellent meal, too.
The outing on Saturday was to explore a completely enormous antique place that is an old Mill in Lawrence, MA. I've never seen anything quite like it and we had a terrific time poking around the huge building. There were two stories of amazing things to see and I enjoyed every second of it.
I have been looking for a pretty new mirror for a bathroom makeover and found one that I really like for under $50. I chatted with a pleasant employee who asked me, "Do you still work?" and then suggested I might need help carrying my 15 pound purchase to the car. I guess turning 65 last week made me seem suddenly old? Harumph! I told her I can still sling 50 pound bags of animal feed and could manage the mirror on my own, thankyouverymuch!
Later in the day I got to go snuggle our newest family member. She gave me a big grin and let me get a good cuddle and a few kisses in. Bliss!
On Sunday morning I drove to the seminar in a heavy downpour, so there were a few white-knuckled moments while I navigated unfamiliar roads with low visibility. I was happy to arrive safely and on time. Besides the speaker, there was only one other person there that I had met before. As I looked around I realized that I was, by far, the oldest person there. The pleasant woman sitting next to me told me she was from Massachusetts and has been grooming for three years. I felt like a bit of a dinosaur and didn't tell her I've been at the table for 41!
I learned a few new little tricks, and felt validated that I groom similarly to the woman giving the demonstration. I loved the energy of being in a room with a bunch of like-minded people, (and adorable dogs!) and I bought some new tools to "play" with. I came home feeling like my batteries had been recharged. The skies had cleared and I had smooth sailing on the three hour drive home.
Chris had a delicious swordfish supper ready for me, a fire in the woodstove, and had taken exceptional care of all the animals while I was away. After an enthusiastic greeting from dogs and husband, I settled in happily to the comfort of home, feeling like I'd been away more than one night. As my parents used to say, "It's good to go away, but good to come home again." Indeed.
I enjoyed my weekend adventure!
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