The stories seem to get wilder and grander, but I love them. The fellas love telling them, especially after a glass of wine or two. Pete, Mike and John barbecued chicken skewers, salmon and flank steak. Mike made a shrimp dip for snacking. Sally prepared lemon squares and brownies and Mike made white chocolate covered strawberries dipped in blue sugar. I made Swedish Tea Cake for tomorrow morning's breakfast. After a walk on the beach, an eagle sighting, and a bit of golf (hitting the balls into the Sound), we sat down to dinner and more stories. Mike Timm even decided to call Dick Roberts in Pennsylvania to razz him about not being here with the group - he usually shows up.
As folks began to leave at ten o'clock, some staying with the Stanley's, some heading back to their Gig Harbor hotel rooms, Mike and I were glad we had decided to drive home to our own bed. It was a big day, another successful reunion. . . . . . . .but. . . . . .something was missing. . .just a bit off kilter. It wasn't difficult to think back about what could be causing this feeling that things just weren't quite right. Jack and Myra weren't with us. Jack's passing mid June was a shock to us all; we all, including wife Myra, thought we had years more - but it wasn't to be. Jack loved these reunions. He was the Life of the Party. They're wonderful gatherings, but they will never be as bright with the three amigos as they were with Four. Hate the thought of that number going any lower. As we look forward to a reunion in Holland in 2017, I wonder who will be there. . .will I travel again? I've learned to never say never. If I do go, I hope to see Glennie and Zoe again. They are Oregon residents; I wish they lived closer - two lovely, gentle ladies.
