Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Blogville Awesome Retreat Day Two, or When We Really Got There

Friday saw us leave the Holiday Inn Express in LeRoy, Illinois, 
and start out for Brown County State Park, in Indiana. 



Ms. Stella Rose Long was all duded up for the Blogville Awesome Retreat. 

The dress and hat lasted about 20 minutes (but it WAS cute). 

Too hot! 

She has a stroller, as you see. 


There was a scavenger hunt. 

It was designed to get a birthday girl out of the shelter so it 
could be decorated. 



Here came the Birthday Girl, Carol. 


It got mighty hot that afternoon. 


The poor pugs suffered the worst, in fact, on the way back to the hotel, Stella Rose worried us to death, she began gasping. 


There had been a LOT of visiting ... that's Zaphod, looking at you. 

Zaphod and his sister Hailey came all the way from Canada. 


Jessie and Chance the Boxers were there... 


Oreo was there. 


Murphy (l) and Stanley (r), the current Honorable Mayors of Blogville, 
were there.  Their term is almost up. 


Jes and I took a walk in the Forest Primeval. 


Really. 


There was a wonderful remembrance ceremony led by Yamini, who came all the way from Scotland.  Dogs (and cats) who had crossed the Rainbow Bridge were remembered, and I have to say, it was very moving. 


Ernie and Frankie watched from the sides.  Ernie was the original Mayor of Blogville. 


It was so much fun meeting the gentle Yamini, who has lead a fascinating life and had many adventures.  This was her first visit to the United States! 

She was kind enough to ride with us on Saturday morning so we could find the park again! 


And then the picture-taking started.. that's Stanley, Murphy, Dory and Oreo. 


Zoe and Whitney joined them. 

There were many more combinations of pictures. 


Sit still, Frankie. 

Sit still, Jessie. 

Sit still, Hailey and Zaphod. 


As I said before, Stella Rose gave us a scare going "home".  Within ten minutes of being in the cool hotel room, she was much better. 


No one had to tell Jes to sack out.  I'm telling you, he is the best traveler, he got the hang of it within 24 hours. 


They weren't the only ones pooped (don't kill me for this picture, Deb)... see Stella tucked right into her side?  As soon as she settled down, all the panting stopped.  We had Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner, they were right across the parking lot... and at 8:40, I walked over and got some 
A and W root beer floats as a treat. 

The retreat also lasted a half day on Sunday, but we had a six hour drive back to Keosauqua, across the "I" state of Illinois.... so we were not able to attend the Friendship Ceremony.  

At 7, we had a knock at the door, and for an hour, we visited with our friends there at the motel (where almost everyone stayed) carrying our chairs around to put them in the shade. 

It was a great end to the day. 

End of Day Two. 


8 comments:

  1. What a wonderfiul, wonderful time you all had! Great photos!
    How nice to get some KFC chicken!
    love
    tweedles

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  2. We were impressed with how long everyone lasted in the heat - mind you we are Canadian so we think most things are too hot!

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  3. What a wonderful get together you all had. So many and from so many different places. Nice too you had a place to relax and cool off.

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  4. The only thing I see missing is a bunch of fans.
    That shepard is sooooooooooooo beautiful!

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  5. Hey Jester!
    Wow, what a fun time for everyone! My peeps adored you and secretly wanted to dog-nap you back to our place. BOL.
    Grr and Woof,
    Sarge, Police Commish

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  6. OMD OMD JESTER this is a Grand Post... OH THE MEMORIES... we just ADORE the Wonderful Memories.. What a Wonderful time we all had... except when it was too hot fur Stella Rose.. Butt that motel was a truly COOL place. We were so happy that you all came to Ours Shady side when the evening Cooled down. Nice to Visit and get to know each other better...

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  7. What a grand adventure. It would be so interesting to actually meet fellow bloggers. I'm so glad your trip has gone well and you had a good time.

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