I (Ginny) wish “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” applied to the dark, swollen circles under my eyes resulting from five hours sleep three nights in a row at the national childcare conference where James and I were recently presenters. But I brought the purple puffs home with me and they didn’t go away until I woke up in my own bed this morning, well rested at last.  I also brought home two pounds of fluid retention from salty meals “out,” which (thankfully) dissipated along with various aches and pains after a nice long mineral soak in my own tub this morning. It’s great to be home!

As to our trip in general, most surprising was how quickly time passed during our 8-½ hour drive (we transported way too many boxes of books, CDs, and printed material to fly).  It helps tremendously that James and Frank and I truly enjoy each other’s company -- conversation was interesting and enjoyable. I was prepared to use earplugs in order to read undisturbed while the guys talked sports all the way there and back, but I didn’t have to use them. I also managed to read an entire James Patterson novel on the way home.

Most touching was an enthusiastic exchange with a stranger from Wyoming, about our horses. The next day she found me in the crowd specifically to give me an adorable hand crocheted finger puppet --- a horse, of course.

Most gratifying was the positive response from a roomful of attentive professional childcare providers who attended our workshop, turning in glowing evaluations to the conference committee. Well, except for one person who gave the highest marks to “presenters” but was “confused” by the presentation itself. She had come in 10 minutes late and turns out she was in the wrong room, so was expecting altogether different content.

Most rewarding is the knowledge that our book Charming Children is now disseminated more widely throughout the country. As well as Wyoming we met people from Virginia, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Arizona, Minnesota, Illinois, Texas, South Carolina, Ohio, and Florida (these being only the states I can specifically recall). We’ve now been invited to teach at various county level events across Nevada and at state levels elsewhere. Can you spell v-i-t-a-m-i-n-s?

Most fun (for me) was having dinner with a very special friend now living in Henderson, whom I hadn’t seen in years. She and her husband took us to a Lebanese restaurant where we experienced very good food and lots of laughter-laden camaraderie.

Most amusing was texting my daughter to tell her after 20 minutes at a slot machine I walked away “up 580.” She replied, “$580! Awesome!” I replied to her reply, “580 cents!” ;-)

Most comfortable were the two luxury suites we were upgraded to at the Green Valley Ranch Resort when they were not able to give us adjacent rooms as promised. Wow, what a treat. Our quarters each had two bathrooms, a sunken Jacuzzi tub, three closets, our living room was the same size as at home, our bedroom was bigger than at home, the formal dining area seated 12, and we had a glorious view of the swanky pool with mountains in the background. Not too shabby.

Most scary was learning that back home our 23-year-old granddaughter was in a car accident that could have very easily killed her. The seat belt hadn’t latched securely because her dress was caught in the latch. After being tossed violently in a rolling vehicle traveling at highway speed, minor internal bleeding self-repaired during her stay in the hospital. A close call. She’s going to be sore for awhile, that’s for sure.

Most confusing was that someone house sitting for us decided to force my dog into our swimming pool (which scares him). I just don’t get it. Where’s the fun in traumatizing a helpless 10-year-old dog (70 in dog years)? When we finally pulled into our garage and I opened the car door, he (60+ lbs) literally howled, leapt into my lap, laid his chin on my shoulder, and shook uncontrollably for three minutes. At least he was dry by then. :-/

Most exciting is that, in the midst of crazy conference chaos, we received a large phone order for books from Give Every Child a Chance in Manteca. Our sincere thanks to Carol Davis, CEO of GECAC, who made that happen. For more information about her organization click on www.giveeverychildachance.net.