Days of Wine and Rojos

It’s been a great week here at Woodhaven. As Rob and I continue our searches for our passions and purpose, we both got a nudge from The Universe this week. Hallelujah!

First, Rob.

We’ve been taking a wine class through the local community college for the past few months. Monday night was the last session. I had a prior commitment (ok, fine, it was a candle party) so I wasn’t able to attend. And I’m really bummed because I missed out on hearing class reaction to Rob’s latest Pinot Noir.

Making prior arrangements with Mary the instructor, Rob anonymously shared a bottle of what might be his best wine so far. Although it’s taken a bit of repeated and creative questioning, I get the sense that the only complaint was that the wine isn’t for sale. One woman said it was the second best wine she’s ever tasted. The rest of the class was also enthusiastic, including the instructor who is a professional wine judge.

This fanfare came on the heels of Rob learning one of his Rieslings won a Silver Medal in a recent wine competition judged by real judges instead of the untrained yahoos (yours truly included) at our yokel county fair. Since Rob’s likely to be a little uncomfortable about me bragging like this about him, allow me to just say, “Cheers to Winemaker Rob!!”

As for me, well, my story is one of those God Bless the Internet things. And please bear with me cuz it’s another llama story.

Remember my February 29th posting about a llovely llama named Rojo and how he’s becoming a local rock star? Well, imagine my euphoria when I got an email on Monday from one of Rojo’s people. An extraordinarily nice woman named Lori wrote me to say that just for fun, she had done a Google search on “Rojo the llama" and came across my blogging love letters to her beloved family member. An email conversation ensued, culminating in my being invited to join Lori and Rojo at one of their volunteer visits to a local convalescent home.

To say I came out of my skin, nearly fell off the couch, smiled till my cheekbones hurt, and giggled spontaneously throughout the day would all be somewhat understating my excitement at this opportunity.

So yesterday, trying desperately to contain myself and not appear to be a llama stalker, I got to spend an hour helping Lori and Rojo bring some light and happiness to about 30 people dealing with any number of physical or cognitive issues. And you know what? As awesome as it was to spend time with my favorite llama in the whole wide world, it was even more incredible to spend time helping him do something so meaningful. Yes, maybe he’s just a llama, and maybe I’m nuts, but to see everyone react to him, including the nursing staff, was simply spectacular.

One man named George was Mr. Smiley and had a lot of fun feeding Rojo some treats. After we left George’s room, the staff commented that George was actually Mr. Grumpy and never really smiled at all. Another man, who was unable to speak or hold his hand up to Rojo without help, clearly attempted to speak as he was petting Rojo. A young high schooler who was a new volunteer on staff had eyes almost as big as Rojo’s as she followed us around and snuck pets and strokes in when she could.

The funniest moment was when Lori, Rojo, and I entered a room and a nurse screeched, “Oh my gosh, it’s a REAL llama!!” She had heard rumors of a llama visiting but thought it had to be someone in costume or something. The nurse giggled very nervously as she cowered between a curtain and bedrail, asking “Can they smell fear??” She hopped and danced behind a service table to get a more comfortable distance from Rojo. As she was standing, eyes and mouth gaping, I told her that if she decided to pet Rojo, she would find him to be very soft. She mulled this over for a few seconds and then bravely tested Rojo’s back as if it were a hot burner. “WOW – he IS soft!” Before we left that room, the nurse was smiling big as she pet Rojo’s furry neck.

Obviously, I could go on and on. And some might think I already have. But, truly, what an experience. Rojo is as calm and patient and trained and professional as any guide dog. It really was an honor to be there with him and Lori as they brightened the day for so many people.

And the bestest part? I have been invited to do this all again!! Yes, Lori has very graciously invited me to help her and Rojo on future visits around the county. So today, just call me Junior Assistant Llama Handler in Training. Whoo hoo!!!!

And God bless the Internet.