Friday, November 03, 2006
Home Again - Already and At Last
It seems I just left for Convention and it is already over. But at the very same time, it seems that Monday was forever ago and I've been away far too long. It's strange to feel both at once.
I am very pleased to announce that my flight home yesterday was practically without hitch and totally opposite of my trip out. I got to the airport much later than I would have liked, but the shuttle didn't start running until 6:00 a.m. and was 15 minutes past my reservation time. But I went straight to the international line (see, I learn) and was met by an agent who knew exactly what to do. A luggage handler was there by the time I filled out my paperwork and took me straight down to the TSA office. The rabbits were checked and on their way within three or four minutes. I arrived at the gate just as they had started boarding.
The best part was that the flight attendant came by, without even being asked, to let me know that the rabbits were on board.
My second flight was delayed just slightly. But it gave me plenty of time to eat lunch. This time, the flight attendant brought me the card from the kennel to let me know they were on board. We arrived in Charlotte just a half-hour after our scheduled landing time. The rabbits arrived about the same time as my luggage - all were in good shape. I got a message from Andrew on my cell phone that he was circling the airport due to lack of parking - the only small snafu in my trip.
I feel so behind. Registration forms, grand champion certificates, and show reports arrived while I was gone. I have a half-dozen empty holes and juniors to divide into them. I lost a nest box kit and an older kit (I had thought before I left that it was fading). But all else seem to be okay.
I hit Andrew up with my idea of going to Oklahoma over Thanksgiving weekend. He wasn't thrilled at first, but once we settled on my leaving after an early lunch, he's okay with it now. I probably should have waited a day or two to mention it, don't you think? And of course, I had failed to mention my short trip to Texas in about a month to celebrate my grandfather's 90th birthday. Yikes! I'm a bad girl.
I've promised myself fewer shows next year but more outlandish trips. We'll see if I can keep to it. I doubt it, but I'll try.
I was very pleased when I got my check-out packet. I found that eleven of my bunnies placed high enough to get a number, including the three that were in the top five.
I also see that my 4th place solid junior doe was marked at "lacks condition." It makes me wonder how far she could have gone had we not had such a long, troubled journey to Convention because she was certain in better condition when we left home.
My 12th place broken junior buck Zeppo was also listed as "rough." When he won BOB just two weeks ago, he was a dream to feel. Boy, that is a disappointment. Am I looking forward to just an 11-hour drive next year!
Well, I'm now equipped with all that I gained from going to Convention, especially seeing some really fine Hollands. It helps to further refine my internalized view of the perfect Holland. I can't wait to get back to my own breeding program to try to correct my problems and produce even better bunnies for next year.
Laurie Stroupe
The Nature Trail Rabbitry “Home Of Grand Champions”
Precious Pet Rabbits
Affordable Web Site Design ¶ 10:19 AM
I am very pleased to announce that my flight home yesterday was practically without hitch and totally opposite of my trip out. I got to the airport much later than I would have liked, but the shuttle didn't start running until 6:00 a.m. and was 15 minutes past my reservation time. But I went straight to the international line (see, I learn) and was met by an agent who knew exactly what to do. A luggage handler was there by the time I filled out my paperwork and took me straight down to the TSA office. The rabbits were checked and on their way within three or four minutes. I arrived at the gate just as they had started boarding.
The best part was that the flight attendant came by, without even being asked, to let me know that the rabbits were on board.
My second flight was delayed just slightly. But it gave me plenty of time to eat lunch. This time, the flight attendant brought me the card from the kennel to let me know they were on board. We arrived in Charlotte just a half-hour after our scheduled landing time. The rabbits arrived about the same time as my luggage - all were in good shape. I got a message from Andrew on my cell phone that he was circling the airport due to lack of parking - the only small snafu in my trip.
I feel so behind. Registration forms, grand champion certificates, and show reports arrived while I was gone. I have a half-dozen empty holes and juniors to divide into them. I lost a nest box kit and an older kit (I had thought before I left that it was fading). But all else seem to be okay.
I hit Andrew up with my idea of going to Oklahoma over Thanksgiving weekend. He wasn't thrilled at first, but once we settled on my leaving after an early lunch, he's okay with it now. I probably should have waited a day or two to mention it, don't you think? And of course, I had failed to mention my short trip to Texas in about a month to celebrate my grandfather's 90th birthday. Yikes! I'm a bad girl.
I've promised myself fewer shows next year but more outlandish trips. We'll see if I can keep to it. I doubt it, but I'll try.
I was very pleased when I got my check-out packet. I found that eleven of my bunnies placed high enough to get a number, including the three that were in the top five.
I also see that my 4th place solid junior doe was marked at "lacks condition." It makes me wonder how far she could have gone had we not had such a long, troubled journey to Convention because she was certain in better condition when we left home.
My 12th place broken junior buck Zeppo was also listed as "rough." When he won BOB just two weeks ago, he was a dream to feel. Boy, that is a disappointment. Am I looking forward to just an 11-hour drive next year!
Well, I'm now equipped with all that I gained from going to Convention, especially seeing some really fine Hollands. It helps to further refine my internalized view of the perfect Holland. I can't wait to get back to my own breeding program to try to correct my problems and produce even better bunnies for next year.
Laurie Stroupe
The Nature Trail Rabbitry “Home Of Grand Champions”
Precious Pet Rabbits
Affordable Web Site Design ¶ 10:19 AM
