Day 2 - Olympia

Lazy day, hah! A pre-arranged meeting with Erm's sister, Ves Sanders who is 88, organized by Sue, Ves's daughter - Kay's cousin, is the EVENT of the day. Their scheduled time of arrival is 11:30. We discuss over the morning paper who in the Norton-Sanders clan is a Democrat and who is a Republican. We decide to avoid discussing politics altogether. As it turned out, not to worry, we had a great talk about health care and taxes.

I am watching golf at 10:45, learning that Tiger and Mike Weir have both missed the cut at the British Open (Go Tom Watson! He is 59), when Kay shouts "They're here!" 45 minutes early! Kay is in PJ's, I am unshaved. So much for running out to the store to get last minute supplies! Anyone who knows us realizes that the WORST thing you can with the Archibald-Nortons is to arrive early. OMG. This time we are caught. It is a great visit. Sue and Dick are as down to earth as Scott and Linda and equally as friendly. Kay feels like she is rediscovering her family and her heritage. Sue is Kay's family soulmate - as teenagers they spent alot of time together at the family beach cabin and on holidays. Dick, Sue's husband, is an avid fisherman. We talk about a thousand things - including - fishing in Tofino sometime AND they would love to join us if we go to Tuscany. 2ears ago we mentioned it and Sue and Dick both got their passports so they could join us. THIS IS something we want to do in 2010, 7-10 days in England, then off to Tuscany for 2-3 weeks. We shall see. We have a fabulous lunch, Erm and Ves recognize one another, exchange hugs and enjoy the event. The day is beautifully sunny and we can't help but set up chairs outside under the spreading Cherry tree - there really is something about tree shade, and a gentle breeze on a hot summer day that makes everything OK with life. Ves tells us to "Come again!" as she leaves with Sue and Dick.

Sue, Erm, Kay, Ves

After they leave I play "meccano set" engineer by assembling the portable camping barbecue I bought in Coquitlam. Life should be so simple. Follow the directions, take your time, success. I create a carry case to put it in for the car so that we don't end up with grease everywhere once it is used. Kay and I then head off on a glorious bike ride in late afternoon heat, gentle breeze, around the lake. Lakefair, Olympia's summer fair, is going strong with all the noise, hot foods, bands, parades and rides. We buy a "Demo" burger (support the local Democratic candidate) and after about 20 minutes we have had enough. I forgot the camera!

It is a lazy night again. We watch "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" - it really is a delightful, re-watchable (isn't that the true measure of a great film?) movie. Erma admonishes me for staying up too late as I do our blog - next to an open window with a fresh evening breeze billowing in every few minutes. The Mariners have beat Cleveland, and the weather is promising to be sunny and hot all week as we head off - intrepid campers to the Oregon Coast armed with tips on good restaurants and campgrounds from Sue and Dick. What could be more fun. Tomorrow - Tokeland.