Here I am again!! 

 I got back home to Kauai on October 17th.  Wonderful to be back.  But it was equally wonderful to be gone.  Mike and I agree that we love the traveling and being home equally.....which is way cool.  We can live in the moment (or at least the week!). 

 With Seattle being my home town and all, I really wanted to spend some time catching up with old friends and hanging out with my family.  Most of these photos are of people which is a departure from all my previous "trip" photos.  Not everyone I spent time with is included but many of you are.  

I mention Joyce a lot and she, along with Caren, Loch and Becky are shown down at Duke's Chowder House in Seattle.  It had been a long time since we had spent any time together.  Loch and Becky are Mexican cruising friends and Caren is Becky's sister.  Loch and Becky now live in Ellensburg and Mike and I had hoped to see them there but it didn't work out and it looked like we'd miss them this trip.  But fate intervened and we were all in Seattle at the same time for one night......so we took advantage.  Good to see you all! 

The next photo is of scenery and was taken at Paradise on Mt. Rainier.  My mother and I spent a great day driving up to "our" mountain.  Rainier was shrouded in fog most of the day, but the fall colors were georgous.  We had a great visit and drove not only to Paradise, but over Chinook Pass and up to Sunrise.  And we had a great visit.  Thanks MOM. 

 Next photo is of my grandson, Bryce.  He's got my teddy bear, Mingo, in a relaxing position.  Mingo travels everywhere with me.  Wendy gave him to me before she took off to be an angel and I promised her I'd give him an interesting life.  Bryce is 11 now and is a wonderful guy.  He plays baseball and we enjoyed seeing quite a few of his games this fall.  And intend to see more in the spring when we return to Washington.  Mingo is now home with his pals in our bedroom. 

 Next photo is of three of my old friends, Gerry, Peggy and Lee.  We used to get together a few times a year, then once in a while, and this time it had been five years since any of us had seen the other.  So it was about time!!!  Great to catch up with all the goings on in our lives!  Wonderful friends. 

 The next photo is me sitting on a rubber steer!  Do any of you have friends that own a rubber steer?  Well, I do.  His name is Mark Farley and he's a dear old friend that I hadn't seen since 1996.  We were in the mortgage business together.  He was originally a customer of mine and later was my boss.......always my friend.  We had a really fun day and I got to meet his many pets....three horses, a donkey (and I'm so glad to hear that Willis is doing well), a dog and a cat.  And, of course, the steer.  Mark does rodeo and the next photo is of him as he attempts to lasso the bull.  I was not sitting on the bull at the time this photo was taken!!  Love you, Markie. 

 Then there's a "cool" picture of my daughter.  We were going through the Halloween stuff with the kids.  They are really into Halloween at the Cook residence. Oh, and the lovely Rachel in her new dress.  Homecoming is this Saturday and this is her first High School dance.  Kristin, Rachel and I went shopping and found the perfect dress and get a load of the shoes!!!  They are perfect!!!  Have a great time at the dance, Rachel. 

 Next up is my cousin, Marv, and his new friend, Gail.  We three had a lovely lunch together.  I enjoyed meeting Gail and hope to see her again.  Oh yeah, I hope to see you again too, Marv.  LOL.  

Next photo is of me and Pete!  We figured it out that we hadn't seen each other for thirty years!  His family, the LaRock's, moved into the house next door when we were just starting Jr. High.  Our two families were the best of friends for the only two years we were neighbors.  Pete and I were together constantly as were our parents and siblings.  Gangs of us kids would "sleep out" all summer long while the neighbor across the street would spy on us.  I wonder what she thought she was going to catch us doing?  Seeing Pete was wonderful.....made my heart happy.  We won't wait another thirty years, right? 

 And here's Valerie!  She and I go way back as well.......old mortgage business pals.  She and I had lost touch for a bunch of years but we found each other on Facebook and got to spend time together finally.  So good to see you my friend.  And Jonathan too!  I love you very much. 

 Donna and I had seen each other about three years ago when she and her wonderful husband, Bob, came to Kauai on my 60th birthday.  But I had never seen her lovely home and though we didn't have a long visit, it was GOOD.  She and I were best friends back in the days when we we had babies.  What a time we used to have!  Lots of drama and lots of fun.  

We were tennis partners and all summer we'd load up five (and later six) little kids, two dogs and two playpens in my '66 Mustang and head to the park!  We were passionate about tennis......so fun.  Now life is a lot calmer for us all but the memories never go away.........So glad we're still friends, Donna. 

 Many, many years ago (1980) I lived in Honolulu and had roomates.  All younger than me so I was called "Mom".  Well, they're all grown up and all live in Washington and are all still friends.  The photo is me, Kristin, Pam, Diana and Mary.  Mary and Diana have daughters in college now.  Pam has a catering business and runs a place called Amy's Manor in Pateros, WA.  Diana is a chef and when she invites you to dinner, you show up!  Anyway, we all met at Diana's house and had a blast.  I love those girls so much.  And it was interesting to have Mary ride out there with Kristin and I and to see how lost it is possible to become.  Goodness.  Marzee, you know I love you.  All three of you girls are so wonderful.......who knew?  

Here's me and my Mom and daughter sitting on the bleachers watching Bryce play ball.  Go Bryce!  And the last shot is of the boy himself......intense!  Love it. 

 I also spent time with Ursula, Dave and Eddylee, Dave and Janet again......and previously with many more of you that were included in other emails.  The trip was great but the friends and family are the BEST.  I enjoyed every moment spent with all of you.  

All my love, Gayle