Learning! Growing! And Vacating! O! My! By Patty L. Fletcher

[Patty Fletcher]

Learning! Growing! And Vacating! O! My!

By Patty L. Fletcher

Moon Day – Monday August 18, 2025

Moon Phase 🌘 Waning Crescent

Dear Senior Retreat Participant,

Welcome! 🎉 It gives me great pleasure to inform you that you have been accepted to the Week Two session of the 2025 “Live Active, Live Healthy, Live Modern” Senior Retreat at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired (“VRCBVI”).

Those words set everything in motion, and oh boy, a lot of work followed! I had to wrap up as many projects for sponsoring members as possible, gather supplies, and sort out a couple of last-minute snags. Then, just to spice things up, Blue and I both came down with a week-long virus 🤧—which set me back a little.

Finally, the big day arrived! I was packed to the gills, ready to go. My stomach was fluttering like a cave full of bats 🦇, and I had a few terrified moments wondering if I was making a mistake. But then I remembered some wise advice: “Trust yourself. You make good decisions.” And off I went.

My friend and helper Cordelia and her husband picked Blue and me up just after 9:00 AM. With only a couple of potty breaks 🚻 and food stops, we rolled right along. I passed the time with a couple of Alert! Missing Persons shows, some Dice World binging 🎲, and even a quick nap. Before I knew it, we were pulling into the parking lot.

Check-in was a breeze ✍️, and soon I was being shown to our room. When our friends left and it was just us, a dorm worker guided me down the hall. We had a little confusion at first—until I realized with a laugh, “Wait… she’s blind too!” 😂 Once we got that sorted out, everything was fine.

I’m heartened to learn that most instructors also have some vision challenges, because that means they truly get where we are coming from.

It’s a small group of senior students, and it feels good to be with my own peers. (When I went to The Seeing Eye in the summer, most were younger than me—and let’s just say, this grumpy bear 🐻 likes quiet after dark… something younglings don’t always appreciate!)

So far, I don’t have a roommate across the bathroom, which means total privacy—hallelujah! 🙌 Since I need some quiet time during programs like this, I couldn’t be happier.

Chief Seeing Eye® Dog Blue 🐾 is, of course, on the case 🕵️‍♂️ and adjusting beautifully. I brought his favorite chew bone and his new prized monkey 🐒, so he settled right down.

As for me? Naturally, I’m the first one awake in the dorm ☕—but thank goodness I brought my Keurig! Hot coffee in hand = happy me. Honestly, Keurig coffeemakers are better than American Express—I never leave home without one. 😉

They do provide coffee in the lounges between meals this week, but that won’t be the case in the long-term adult residential program. So I figured I’d better start off right and test what I might need for a longer stay.

Last night, a thunderstorm rolled through around 11:30. ⛈️ Blue snored through the whole thing without missing a beat.

So far, everything’s falling into place. Today will be packed with nine hours of learning and fun 🤓🎶, and I can’t wait.

Take care, friends, and keep an eye on this space for more updates. For now, this is Team Blue signing off with our motto:

“Keep your nose to the ground and your tail waving at the sky.” 🐶✨

 

*** FYI! DON’T FORGET!

 

You’re Invited: Mix and Mingle – Tips, Tricks, and Tales/Tails! 🐾

Dear GDUI Members and Friends,

You're warmly invited to our upcoming Mix and Mingle: Tips, Tricks, and Tales/Tails, a special event hosted by Guide Dog Users Incorporated!

📅 Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025

🕔 Time: 5:00 PM Eastern

🎤 Guest Speaker: Chris Mattoon, Senior Instructor at The Seeing Eye

Whether you're a past or present member—or simply a supporter of the guide dog community—this is an event you won’t want to miss! And yes, friends are welcome, so be sure to bring several along!

We’ll begin the evening with a brief introduction to Chris Mattoon, who will offer valuable insights into his work at The Seeing Eye. From there, prepare for an engaging session packed with tips, tricks, and tales/tails from the world of guide dogs.

Chris will answer general guide dog-related questions only. Any personal matters involving specific dog teams should be addressed with the guide dog school from which the team graduated.

As an added treat, Chris may share a humorous or unusual story from his travels or training experiences. Attendees will also have the opportunity to share their own stories.

🎁 Plus, we’ll be giving away door prizes throughout the event! You must be present to win, so make sure to stick around for the fun!

Join us for an evening of connection, learning, and laughter.

Zoom details will be shared closer to the date—watch this space!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Warm regards,

The Guide Dog Users Inc. Membership Committee chair Patty L. Fletcher.

 

To learn more about Guide Dog Users Incorporated visit:  https://guidedogusersinc.org/