On December 4th, 8 women descended on Sea-Tac Airport for a long weekend in Victoria, BC. 6:00 in the morning comes early, but a few of us (not me) found the bar open and started in with Bloody Mary’s and Tequila shots. 
Kathleen stirred up the crowd, “Let’s get this party started. Let’s get this party started. Let’s get this party started,” and start it we did.
Mary and I and our Horizon Helpers got a behind-the-scenes tour of the Satellite Concourse S, our wheelchairs zipping in and out of luggage management, catering and the belly of the of the airport. Somehow (thanks, Kathleen,) news had gotten out that this group of women were of to celebrate my recovery, our decades of friendship and life in general. The nice man pushing my wheelchair had even more details and knew a little bit more of the challenges and trauma of my surgery. He politely asked some questions and shared that he is having surgery this month for a cancerous growth on his throat. He was heartened to hear of my recovery and shared my belief in the miraculous healing power of friendship. So he became our friend, too.
Aboard the Horizon Air Bombardier Q400, we were about the only passengers on the plane so “Let’s get this party started”
continued and our flight attendants and fellow passengers were not quite sure what was happening, but for the most part, seemed happy to be along for the flight with these crazy Seattle women. Kalli and Laura were the ‘anchors’ on the plane and had to sit in the very last row. Our short flight was gorgeous but uneventful and we were soon in Victoria. Our Limo picked us up and took us to the Delta Ocean Point Resort and Spa.
The hotel is beautiful and the view back across the bay to Victoria is stunning, especially now at Christmas time with Parliament, the Empress Hotel and other historic buildings lit up for the season. Karen Scott, the concierge who helped us organize the entire weekend gave me an upgrade for my room and all of a sudden, we had “party central’ on the 5th floor .
After a decadent breakfast (no alcohol until 11:00 so we were off the mark on that ) we headed out to Butchart Gardens to enjoy the gardens, eat tea, and laugh some more. It was bitterly cold but we were determined to find the 12 Days of Christmas displays. Kathleen was the keeper of the Flip and took her job very seriously, interviewing all of us and taking goofy shots. I can’t wait to see the CD she’s creating. Mostly, though, we enjoyed the scenery and being out together in the sun. Mid-afternoon
we settled in for tea at the Garden’s Tea Room. We drank tea, of course, and champagne. We ate tiny sandwiches, warm tarts and chocolate truffles. And laughter. I think what I love most about this group of women is that we laugh. A lot. Loud, often and with total abandon.
As night fell at Butchart Gardens, the lights came on, locals appeared and a stunning light festival, complete with ice skating and holiday music transformed the Garden. Old couples, young children, families, lovers and friends all walked through the gardens oohing and aahing at the lights and wonder of it all. I imagine local families come here year after year as part of their holiday tradition.
Saturday morning the crew is up and out the door to Spa, run, shop and frolic. Mary and I stayed in our huge suite, knitting, writing cards, and watching football. The other women went into town, some hitting the sports bar to watch football (Roll Tide!) and others to do some holiday shopping. About 5:00 my suite turned into Party central with wine and appetizers. More football as Nebraska locked horns with UT. Mary’s family is full of Husker Alumni and Laura S is all about Texas, her alma matter. So the living room was taken over by mad women shouting at the TV, each other, and drinking. The dining room became the ‘quiet zone’ although not that quiet, really as laughter competed with the football fans in the other room.
About 7:30 we split up and dressed for dinner and gathered again in the bar.
Yes, Virginia, there was a fair amount of drinking going on this weekend. Our table wasn’t ready yet so we got complimentary Champagne Royale all around. Kathleen was still in charge of the Flip so who knows what will end up on our “Weekend Away Video”. I’m a little nervous, to tell you the truth.
Dinner was fabulous. But mostly, dinner was the time we got to be a little serious and share with one another what our friendships mean, and how fortunate we are to be together. I love this group of women. Not just because we laugh a lot, or because we have a lot in common, but because these women are special. These women are unique. They know themselves. They are accomplished in their fields and not one bit arrogant about it. These women collectively control millions and millions of dollars. They lead teams and companies. They drive products to market and ensure children are supported. And they love each other. Over dinner we talked about what my illness meant. And we celebrated. Some of us shared personal stories. Some shared cards, small tokens and big thoughts. And we all got travel-sized Jewelry boxes, because you always have to take your jewels.
proud of it.
review’ or ‘here are my resolutions’ post. In part, because I don’t like to make New Year’s resolutions. I think it puts too much pressure on myself and on those around me as I draw a line in the sand and say “no more will I …” or “From now on I will …” And I am old enough to know that the line is quickly erased and moved to a location further down the year::”Next Monday I will …” becomes the new mantra.
Val
Rachelle