After a couple of years not going farther than the VA - I am taking my life back, dealing with the issues and venturing out, albeit a bit shaky on the walking part.
Found a fantastic Training and Boarding facility, One Command K9 in Lacey, WA, and was not only able to leave Sadie, Ginger and Tucker there for my first trip - Tucker got some training on-leash while I was gone. Woohoo! He's now much more a gentleman when we walk. Thank you, Joon.
Dove right in to a four day whirlwind vacation with my daughter, Angela, and my youngest granddaughter, Kaila. We really "did" Seattle. Had very nice rooms at the Camlin World Mark and they were reasonably quiet considering all the construction around us.
Hit the Pike Street Market first - an absolute must in Seattle. It's almost against the law to not get cheese curds at Beechers! So we got curds and their mac & cheese - to die for. Also left with hom bau and dim sum, gorgeous bouquets of fresh flowers and a promise to return the next day. We did.
Spent a day at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup, WA and had the time of our lives. Kaila will no doubt become a veterinarian rather than a people doctor as originally planned. Her love of critters is so amazing. Either way, she'll become a force to be reckoned with when she finishes her higher education.
We then had a glitchy day so extended our stay by another day and did the Seattle Zoo. Missy K was at the height of her element. In so many instances, it was her first time to see so many of the species live and in person. It's a wonderful zoo - as zoos go. But it was also hard to see all of these wonderful creatures confined and on display. Personally, I wanted to send all of them back to their original habitats where they could flourish.
I understand the theory that natural habitats are approximated, they have more than adequate food and fantastic vet care but... they're still confined. It was sad for me.
Other little side trips along the way made the entire trip perfect.
So twice in a week, I'll be on yet another short trip. My nephew and his wife are moving to Texas. He received an amazing job offer in Austin less than a week ago and within the next few days will have packed, painted, cleaned, sold their condo and be on the road.
Headed to Oregon to see them and my two great nephews for the last time until I move to Texas myself - in about a year. Thank goodness for texting and calls.
Before any of this could happen I had to come to terms with my health issues and the lack of or completely inadequate care provided by the VA. Not only is their care poor, it's even worse if you're a woman veteran.
So I've decided that since I have only this life and this body, I can choose what to do with them. If I don't get moving I'll lose that ability gradually and altogether. So look out world, I'm setting myself free. My gait will be unusual to look at, my memory won't be as good as it used to be and my endurance level is going to be taxed to the highest levels. Beats sitting at home or accepting defeat.
For the first time in years I feel different. Energized. Planning. Doing. Going. It's wonderful!
It's a good day.
