Fenway Fran Goes To Olympia

I had to wait for the photos to be posted so I could properly accessorize this entry. Last Friday, Lea, Bob and I went to our state capital for the Washington State Democratic Central Committee meeting. Friday night began with several school busses (aka Big Yellow Taxis) lined up in front of the Red Lion to take us to the Legislative Building for a reception with Governor Gregoire. So many people had rsvp'd that they had to move it from the Gov's Mansion. Too bad. I wanted to see Christine's House. But it was good that no one was left out.

Lea and I had a plan. We weaseled our way to the front of the bus line so we got on the first bus, close to the front. Bob was lagging, still trying to figure out how to get email on his Ipod. He made it onto the first bus, in the back. As soon as we arrived, Lea flew out to get us spaces in the cue for pictures. They were calling for minimum of two people per photo. I waited for Bob, then hurried him along to get in the fast growing photo line with Lea. By the time the governor arrived, the line was out the door, and all around the balcony under the dome.

We had no time for small talk. The organizers were rushing everyone along. I never got to tell her that I was a Gregoire Imposter at the Lyle Candidates' Night. Don't you see the resemblance? Okay, next time I'll wear flatter shoes. We exited to the line for food and what we THOUGHT was going to be WA state wines, but alas, only water and coffee. We watered up, knowing the night would be long and that we'd likely need hydrating.

After everyone was photographed, we all sat on the marble steps under the dome (Bob still worked on that Ipod) for a few words from a very happy governor. She was reelected after a nasty campaign. The last election went to a recount (same opponent) so she was ecstatic to be able to celebrate on election night this time. But Washington, as all the rest of the states, is in dire financial straits. She talked about the difficult cuts that were coming. I think everyone recognizes that, no matter where you live.

The big yellow taxis took us back to the hotel for the Hospitality Suites sponsored by the candidates for Party Chair and Vice Chair, also some of the caucuses. Bob was still fiddling with his ipod. He SAID he was going to the progressive caucus...maybe he was looking for a techy to help him...Lea and I made the rounds, met lots of people, and ate and drank our way around the hotel. When the official schmoozing was done at 11, we headed to the bar where Barock Karaoke had been going on for a couple of hours already. Fueled by all the free liquid courage we'd imbibed, we switched back to water and sang and danced Friday night into Saturday morning. This was as good as any fisheries conference I ever went to back my 'first life'.

Saturday we got up at 8 and made it to the Rural and Agriculture Caucus before it was over...then I hit the Technology Committee meeting while Lea went to have some breakfast. Lea headed to the Chairs Meeting, and I had some breakfast. We both skipped the lunch/speaker in favor of a power nap after arranging a late check out, so were refreshed for the Committee Meeting and elections. We left Olympia around 4 and got back to a rather white White Salmon. It was snowing. A car had slid off the road into an orchard 10 feet or so below near Lea's house. Bob drove very carefully, much to our relief and we all got home safely.

So that was my big out of town adventure this past weekend. Coming up? Saturday is the annual Chili Contest at Wind River Cellars. Competition should be stiffer this year, I hear there are about 10 entries...unless it snows and only the brave and 4 wheel drivers show up. And of course, Super Bowl Sunday...which we will watch at a local hangout...if you are a regular, you know where that is!