Steilacoom

The town of Steilacoom, WA was established in 1857. We drove around and looked at the old historic homes. I loved the scarecrows! Many homes and businesses had scarecrows and fall/halloween decorations up.

Tomorrow is their famous Apple Squeeze.

Next day in Seattle

Before leaving town the next morning- we stopped by Second Use to look for a front door or anything else our 101 yr old home couldn't live without.  

Wa State GOP Dinner- in Seattle

I think these photos will push me over the edge in the decision to purchase a new camera.

The others looked even worse. I had a great seat too! These should be better photos.

Brett and I drove to Seattle for the annual fall dinner. Wa State Minority House leader- Richard DeBolt brought a surprise guest to say hello to the group. Ben Stein! Seriously, Richard bumped into him in the lobby- and invited him to say hello to the group. I am super impressed that Ben Stein immediately knew DeBolt was the Minority leader.

We had a large number of speakers- not to bore you with bad photos... but they included:
Dino Rossi (picture)
former Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn (in photo- she was also state party chair for MANY years) Her son, Reagan, sat at our table and I was able to tell him stories of when Madison would hang around him and how nice he was to Madison. Madison was about 6th grade and Reagan was in college. Reagan is a King Co Councilman now.

Standing next to Jennifer Dunn- is former Wa State Speaker of the House- Clyde Ballard.

We also heard from Kemper Freeman (owns real estate- including Bellevue Square and was in Legislature), Bill Polk (former Legislature and Speaker of the House), Mike McGavick (did you hear he is back within 6 pts in the polls?), Ken Eikenberry (received the Slade Gorton Lifetime Achievement Award- Ken is former Attn General, was in the Legislature and for many years the state party chair)... whew- and there were more!


The keynote of the evening was Congressman Dick Armey, chairman of Freedom Works and former Majority Leader of the US House of Reps.

Night life in Raymond- the north end of Pacific County

A night out for meeting folks. Here we are at the Raymond VFW for Gretchen's fundraiser- then Ryan Harriman took us to the Raymond Elks. Ex-mayor of Raymond, Hawk Runyon posed for a photo with us.

We had to skee-daddle before the Karaoke guys made us sing. Only to find more Karaoke at the Elks.

Happy Birthday to Vi!

My mom, Vianna, celebrates her birthday today. The flowers arrived as I was on the phone wishing her Happy Birthday. Perfect timing. So sorry I couldn't be there in person. Dad sent the photo.. a great way to share.

Cascade Locks- Sternwheeler

Another stop in Cascade Locks for a quick look at the Sternwheeler. 

Maryhill Museum- Stonehenge

We broke up the 6 hour drive to Kennewick with a stop at the Stonehenge replica in the Columbia Gorge.

Washington State Republican Party - Central Committee Meeting

Held in Kennewick this weekend. The first photo is of the County Chairs... and then attorney advising us about election activities and finally... Jeff McMorris won election as Vice Chair.

Brett went with me as a proxy. It was nice having his company.
 

Clam Shell Railroad Car

Brett keeps thinking about purchasing this 100 yr old railroad car. It is one of the original Clam Shell Railroad cars... that used to travel up the street in front of our house. 

Happy Birthday to Madison

I was in Vancouver on Madison's birthday. We raised a toast to him... Happy #23 Madison!

Madison is in Nova Scotia... on tour with The Stones. We are at Beaches- in Vancouver on the Columbia River. Aura and Marianna joined me- for the late night happy hour.

Talk Like a Pirate Day

Sept. 19th sneaks up on me ... just like a pirate would. It is "Talk Like a Pirate Day". Here is a link to get some help with pirate speak.

This painting is from Don Nesbitt. Here is the link to his gallery in Ilwaco. We have a number of his paintings.

Sept 19th this year is also Washington State's Primary Election Day.

The other important thing about today is that it means Madison's birthday is 2 days away. And Vi's birthday is 6 days away. (and Doug's birthday was 3 days ago). 

First off- Dad - I know these are bad cell phone photos. Life happens and you don't always carry a camera.

Our cat, Calypso, has deer friends. The young ones like to check out the tents before any of our events. Here by the wood pile- Brett is watching a curious visitor who is investigating a few minutes before the cars start arriving.





We miss our friends in Seattle. The Pierce family kids are growing up fast. I stopped by in August and Evan showed off his fancy guitar that he is taking lessons on.







Astoria, Oregon has a Sunday farmers market thru Sept. One bright Sunday morning- Brett and I were delighted to stumble upon the Naselle Mirimba Band playing at the local Lutheran Church. Their music filled the streets. It reminded me of Doug and Gail's wedding.








Our surprise candidate, Gretchen Sagen, is a bundle of energy with tons of volunteers and activities.
She held a fundraiser at the Raymond VFW.

Pacific County GOP Picnic

Ready for the day.






















Diane Tebelius, State Party Chair






Kids playing on the rope swing while parents listened to candidates and speakers.











Milt Doumit, Rob McKenna's (State Attorney General) Chief of Staff and Ilwaco High School Grad


We had many candidates speaking- 8 total.

The Sutinens came to visit on Saturday night. Here baby Sutinen checks out my 'flying pigs".

We enjoyed the conversation, ate steak with blue cheese and hauled out Madison's lego collection for the 7 older kids.

We enjoy Darlene and Tim and especially their wonderful kids. Aura was home for the evening too.

After Brett made S'mores- the Sutinens retired to their campaign motor home.