The point of this trip is to connect with our friends and family, and Ed and I are doing just that. Great visits continue! Cindi and Ron, of the Oregon Trail 150th anniversary re-enactment wagon train, brought memories and new stories.
Cindi and I worked together at Boeing and share an interest in history. When the opportunity came to walk from Eastern Washington, over the mountains, to Western Washington, along the route of the Oregon Trail northern branch, we revved up our sewing machines, made pioneer dresses and bonnets, and jumped into the wagon train. The first night, as we were looking for a place to set up our tent, this man told us, "No, you can't camp there. That's where the water buffalo goes." Ookaay, water buffalo? Didn't they use oxen on the Oregon Trail? The man was Ron, and he was talking about the truck that carried the drinking water. Umpteen years later, he's still with Cindi living in West Seattle. Not a water buffalo in sight.
When Ed and I first moved to Washington in 1983, we enrolled the kids in a cooperative nursery school sponsored by Pierce College department of Early Childhood Education. That was the beginning of Ed and Judy's friendship. Judy came over with Mary, another of Ed's good friends from Pierce.
Mary and I had never met, but both felt we knew the other through Ed's stories.
Thursday evening was another brain dead moment - we had the camera but we didn't take pictures of Jim and Judy! They are collector friends from way back. Or maybe I should say, they are collectors and good friends from way back. We've had many fun dinners after coin shows around the Northwest.
Friday was "Pierce College day". Midday, we got to see Bret and his wife, Gail. I remember their wedding, which was one of the more emotionally satisfying weddings I've ever attended. They were so clearly in love, and all the guests were made to feel welcome and part of the event. Now their little boy is 21, yet he's still knee high in my mind's eye.
Later was an open house for folks from Pierce College. There was reminiscing and lots of laughing. It was fun to see people that I haven't seen much of since the early 90's, but have heard so much about over the years from Ed.
These folks have been on every kind of team together, from softball to union negotiating. Ed has strong bonds with all of them.
Saturday, the neighbor from our big house in Puyallup (only long-time residents can pronounce it) brought BBQ and updates on life in the old neighborhood. Dave "Zoom" and his wife Lenny have a B&B called "A View With A Room". The view is our own Mt. Rainier, over the Orting Valley. Lenny and Zoom think that Mt. Rainier is theirs. Maybe it's big enough for all of us. The room is in the remodeled downstairs of Dave's house. The breakfast is home-made by Lenny.
The ten days in Tacoma were jam-packed with good friends. Thanks to each of you who made time in your busy days for a visit. Some of you had long drives, some may have played hooky from work, and we appreciate all of you!
Cindi and I worked together at Boeing and share an interest in history. When the opportunity came to walk from Eastern Washington, over the mountains, to Western Washington, along the route of the Oregon Trail northern branch, we revved up our sewing machines, made pioneer dresses and bonnets, and jumped into the wagon train. The first night, as we were looking for a place to set up our tent, this man told us, "No, you can't camp there. That's where the water buffalo goes." Ookaay, water buffalo? Didn't they use oxen on the Oregon Trail? The man was Ron, and he was talking about the truck that carried the drinking water. Umpteen years later, he's still with Cindi living in West Seattle. Not a water buffalo in sight.
When Ed and I first moved to Washington in 1983, we enrolled the kids in a cooperative nursery school sponsored by Pierce College department of Early Childhood Education. That was the beginning of Ed and Judy's friendship. Judy came over with Mary, another of Ed's good friends from Pierce.
Thursday evening was another brain dead moment - we had the camera but we didn't take pictures of Jim and Judy! They are collector friends from way back. Or maybe I should say, they are collectors and good friends from way back. We've had many fun dinners after coin shows around the Northwest.
Friday was "Pierce College day". Midday, we got to see Bret and his wife, Gail. I remember their wedding, which was one of the more emotionally satisfying weddings I've ever attended. They were so clearly in love, and all the guests were made to feel welcome and part of the event. Now their little boy is 21, yet he's still knee high in my mind's eye.
These folks have been on every kind of team together, from softball to union negotiating. Ed has strong bonds with all of them.
Saturday, the neighbor from our big house in Puyallup (only long-time residents can pronounce it) brought BBQ and updates on life in the old neighborhood. Dave "Zoom" and his wife Lenny have a B&B called "A View With A Room". The view is our own Mt. Rainier, over the Orting Valley. Lenny and Zoom think that Mt. Rainier is theirs. Maybe it's big enough for all of us. The room is in the remodeled downstairs of Dave's house. The breakfast is home-made by Lenny.
The ten days in Tacoma were jam-packed with good friends. Thanks to each of you who made time in your busy days for a visit. Some of you had long drives, some may have played hooky from work, and we appreciate all of you!
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