My travelogue has taken a different direction as of last Tuesday. I have gone north and west by plane to Seattle for a two week visit to my daughter and her husband (Esther and Ryan). It’s been a while since I’ve been here so it is good to have this time. It’s also a little strange to have left the man I just agreed to marry. Backing up further, after 50 years in one marriage it’s pretty strange to be thinking about another marriage at all. With all these strange things in my life, I do appreciate some quiet time to think and write. 

One of the “trains of thought” that keeps popping up is the effect of our announcement on our families. Some things are going to change for them too. They have been used to thinking of us as single people now for a couple of years. We’ve interacted with them in regular, predictable ways.  As a couple, we are pretty much unknown to them. We love our kids and their families and want to be part of their lives. How do we best get used to the way things are going to be?

Kevin and I took several hikes before I left for Seattle. The first day after our exhausting Lone Palm escapade we didn’t do anything but rest and think about it. The next few days we did out and back sections of the River Mountains paved trail. Those were very safe trails but still had good views of Lake Mead and the desert. There were lots of bikers on those trails, one of which is a 40 mile loop. In the evenings we watched his grandson’s baseball practices. I like watching coaches teach little kids. 

Now, for a whole week I have been in Seattle, WA visiting my daughter Esther. The weather has been the limiting factor all week – rain, rain, clouds, cold and more rain. We had one less wet day at the Arboretum and saw some parts of it that I had not seen before. The Japanese Garden was special and a great place for photos. 

Another discovery that is perfect for Seattle in any weather, was the sauna and swim afternoon at Alki Beach. It’s only a short walk from Esther’s house. Not everyone chooses to swim in Puget Sound after their 160 degree bask. I got halfway in before my legs were numb. I was surprised how many people were there. It was a congenial community. 

Just walking through some Seattle neighborhoods can be entertaining, as we found out. A very kind lady came out and explained her yard to us. People leave random things for her because they like her creative displays.

Presently, I’m in a typical Seattle coffee shop (West Seattle Grounds) doing work with Esther across the table from me. We are avoiding the distractions of home. Getting things done…