Reunion 2011 was a week-long (Aug.31–Sept.6) capsule of happiness and hilarity … under sunny blue skies amid Puget Sound waterways, and panoramic views of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges of the Pacific Northwest.
11 sisters plus 6 great guys assembled in two comfy and spacious side-by-side guest houses in Port Gamble, WA, to renew the feelings, the memories, and the joy of being together again. Forty-five years(!) on from our Syracuse University days, time seems to have only deepened the love and appreciation we hold for each other. Because these heart connections go beyond friendship … THIS is sisterhood. And it extended to each face on those class composite pictures that we brought along, and smiled back at … sharing news, stories, and hopes that even more sisters will be with us at future gatherings.
A special highlight was having “first-timer” Mim from the Class of ’69 with us. Her peppy enthusiasm and sense of humor endeared her to everyone, and gave us hope that sisters before and after 1965–67 will join us someday. Others in attendance: Class of ‘65: Jenny & Walt. Class of ‘66: Pat, Linda (“Crackey”), Suzie & Peter. Class of ‘67: Julie, Linda, Kay & Rich, Marianna & Ron, Marilyn & Howard, Mary Ann & Dan.
Besides the schmoozing and scrumptious food … the reminiscing and catching up on each others’ lives … we took time to enjoy the Pacific Northwest delights of Seattle, Tillicum Village/Salish Indian salmon feast, Hurricane Ridge/Olympic National Forest, and many charming towns on and around Washington’s Kitsap Peninsula. Our event-planner, Mary Ann — blessed with boundless energy, extensive knowledge of the local area, and amazing connections — made sure that we experienced all that her home region has to offer — including a magnificent seafood feast (oysters, crab, clams — all locally harvested) on the deck of her beautiful home overlooking Puget Sound. Heartfelt THANKS to Mary Ann, and her support team of Linda and Dan! We appreciate all you did to make Reunion 2011 a joyful and unforgettable adventure!
Tidbits from Pat...
Finding Julie at Gate A21 at the Detroit airport • Finding the Port Gamble houses • MaryAnn’s infectious enthusiasm • The view from the Port Gamble Guest Houses • Suzie running to the other house to take a shower, “Hi Kay” • The Blackberry Festival and pies • Mount Rainer cherries covered with Dark Chocolate • Pike Place • Gorgeous fresh flower bouquets for $5 • Seven people — one shower • Sixteen people — four car … sixteen people — four cars • Let’s go to Utica • Seattle Art Museum • Port Gamble cemetery • Port Gamble General store and museum • Port Townsend galleries • Riding as kids in the backseat: “Are we there yet?” “Linda poked me” • The view from MaryAnn’s decks • Outdoor fires and fleece jackets • Fitting more and more chairs on the wooden deck • Meeting Mim at Happy Hour at Ivers • Having Crackey with us • Buying more wine … and buying more wine • Danny lugging supplies and Danny lugging supplies • MaryAnn’s birthday celebration • Awards … • Hurricane Ridge – Olympic National Park • Wild blackberries, picked by Walt • Bertha’s cookies • Smoked salmon • Singing around the fire • “Remember” song • Farewell mooning • Ron knew all the words to MTA song • Linda knew all the words to lots of songs • Meeting MaryAnn’s friends, wherever we went • Riding the ferries in Puget Sound • The very blue skies • Park ranger talk on survival of flora and fauna at Olympic National Park • Sitting around the table in the little house with whoever happened to be there • One on one — heart to heart talks • Rooming with Julie and touring the art museum with an art major • New GPS systems and new places — interesting results. • Millie and Myrtle • Fresh oysters, clams and Dungeness crab • 12 cups of water, 8 scoops of coffee • Lunch on the outside deck in Poulsbo • Cute guy, our age, at the welcome station to Port Townsend • “The kitchen was so clean, it made me feel like chopping vegetables”, Suzie • A break from politics and discussions of the economy • No TV, no radio, no daily paper • Totem pole memorial being built for guy shot by the police in Seattle • Composites • Peter making 2% milk with skim and half and half • Riding with Linda back to the Seattle airport