Forks trip and Forever Twilight in Forks September 2023

 

Forks and Forever Twilight in Forks September 2023

[this has not been pre-read by anyone else so all errors are mine, a message letting me know would be appreciated of any errors you see, I may review later and edit]

Short version: I went. I sold some items that I’d collected. I had a good time. Things looked to run well. I didn’t have a VIT ticket this year, so only free stuff. Calmer that way. The number of pictures I took was a tenth of usual amount in the past. 

Longer version: Last year was my last year for full weekend with a VIT ticket and all. I had only planned on going for a day and half this year. The cost of VIT is more than I am willing to pay, especially when the value to me is so much less than the cost. I’m not into actors, autographs and a picture with them, so that aspect has zero value to me, and the parties are too crowded and loud. The Q&A panels and the costume contest and interacting with the cosplayers and seeing friends are what interest me. Use to like the bazaar, but I am downsizing so less interested in buying things, still like to look though. Then in May & June time frame I decided to sell much of my Twilight collection and figured FTF would be best place to do that. The bazaar was two days so that increased my stay. Fortunately, my friend, Gay, was willing and able to let me stay at her home. My friend Christine was going to come and sell some of her collected items as well. Unfortunately, she wrenched her knee at work a few days before coming. It turned out that there wasn’t enough time for her to rest knee to drive the distance, so just me and my stuff.

The bazaar was on Thursday and Friday, 14 & 15 September. There was a presentation on Wednesday at 1100hrs by Sam/Caius that I wanted to attend. The car was mostly loaded up before bed Tuesday. It still took me too long to finish up Wednesday to make Sam’s presentation. Very sad about that. I did not adequately consider how much my mobility issues would slow me down Wednesday morning.

I got to Gay’s and unloaded my personal items and decided to get some lunner [between lunch and dinner]. My meds were missing. Opened all my bags and nowhere. So, a trip home was required. From where I found the bag, I must have put it down to add something and forgotten to pick it up to put in suitcase. I looked around the kitchen before leaving the first time and didn’t notice it. Not happy with myself. Suppose to use time to make some signs for vendor table and rest up and instead I’m driving.

I looked at the maps of vendor layout for both days and noticed an error. Contacted vendor coordinator to clear up, eventually the misunderstanding was cleared up. Good news that I was moved inside church on Thursday and undercover Friday at Tillicom Park. I paid an extra $25. Even better news was that my neighbor inside on Thursday was a friend.

I arrived at the church about 0815hrs and was first in line so less of walk, set up to start at 0900hrs and open to public at 1000hrs. A Dave from the church helped me get items to the table inside and then I moved car to parking lot in back. Got all set up slowly but done before open at 1000hrs. The two Celtic design clothes worked out well. I had posted pictures of items and already sold four things, two to be picked up there, two posters to mail after FTF. Everything took up the space on the table. By 1100hrs the ‘big ticket’ items were gone – other posters, white set of books, calendars, box of CD & DVD, perfume. By 1400hrs only had the heart shape tin and few charms and some odd/ends left. Most people had close to money needed, making change was not the problem I thought it might be. People put money in ‘donations’ can for the ‘whatever you want to pay’ items.

Decided not to be vendor at the park on Friday, just not enough left and having to move table and chair, just not worth it. About halfway through Thursday, I thought I could have used baggies for people buying the small items. Oh well, if I do this again, I know. It was interesting talking to folks as they were looking. I did get around to see the other vendors inside. I didn’t go outside to look. Not to buy as I am downsizing, but nice to look.

Started packing up about 2:30pm, closing at 3pm. Coming in I had one box and two bags of items. All that was left fit in the box along with the table coverings and some snacks. Good feeling. Sam/Caius and Paul helped me get items to the car in one trip.

Spent Thursday evening counting my money and was flabbergasted at the amount. There was a $20 bill and a $10 bill in the donations can. I know no one picked up that much from the ‘whatever you want to pay’ trays. Thank you to whoever left those.

Friday, I went to the park and did get a look at the other vendors. Bought a blank book with a lovely night sky cover. Thinking I’ll use it to put memories of Twilight things in it. There was someone doing face painting. I was her first customer – got a butterfly on one side of face. Fun.

There was a big tent set up. Part for the author area and part for the actors signing & picture taking. They had it all covered up where the actors were. Silly, if you ask me. They have never done that before. Usually open so anyone can look and see what was going on. For some reason they were only letting a few people into author area at a time. There was lots of space open for a bunch of folks to mix and mingle.

Friday morning was the breakfast with the Olympic Coven, a VIT item. The other covens showed up at the park about 11am. Chatted a bit and took some pictures. Wandered around some, ran into friends, and chatted. Then sat in shade of tent to wait for the cosplayer appreciation time. Saw the OC as they arrived, hugs and chatted a bit, then they went into see the actors. Good to see that happen. Use to be the cosplayer wouldn’t see the actors. Got some pictures of the cosplayers at their tables. Then I left to find my snack box and then off to Rialto beach.

The snack box was twice the size I thought it would be. Well worth the price and especially with the dietary concerns taken into account. Stopped at 3 River for burger and fries and Twilight lemonade. They now have a GF bun, not just lettuce wrap. I was hungry enough that I ate almost all the fries on the drive. The Rialto beach parking lot was almost full when I got there. I found a spot and ate hamburger and some of the fruit from the snack box in car. Then ventured out with rollator. Wouldn’t get to beach proper but close enough. Found a good spot just off the walkway, see and hear the waves and all. Forgot to put beanie on and the hoodie up didn’t keep ears warm long enough. I took some pictures and relaxed before cold ears sent me back to car.

Stayed in Friday night and so did Gay, both of us tired. I sat on bed with heating pad on back and read on computer.

The costume contest had been moved to late Saturday afternoon. The morning was at the high school to pick up Senior class fundraiser ornaments, see the free panel with guest Wendy Chuck, costume designer for Twilight. Due to homecoming weekend, the panel was in the gym not commons with stage. They had chairs set up on side for those that might have problems with the stairs and seating on gym bleachers. Nice.

The panel was good. Somehow the committee found two deaf interpreters for the four deaf members. That must have cost a pretty penny or maybe they volunteered? There was a ring of chairs set up in front of ‘stage’ area for extra special people.

After the panel I went to look at the shops. There were a couple of changes. The Big Foot store was fun. The gentleman at the register came and opened door for me coming in and going out. Very Nice. Fern and Fog was ok. Clothing, not really interested. The door was difficult to open and get through with the rollator, bruised arm on sign. Pharmacy had some nice Native American items that I avoided buying. Went to Native to Twilight last. None of the new designs captured my attention. I bought an ornament as I’ve done every year.

Then to Miller Tree Inn aka Cullen House for the costume contest. Wondered how that was going to be set up. Got there really early wanted to make sure got parking across the street. They were just beginning to set up chairs in the driveway. Not the best view, but acceptable with my limitations. ‘Heidi and Jane’ were the masters of ceremony introducing the contestants from the porch. The contestants then would walk down the stairs to where the judges were sitting and give them a closer look. There were two in the under 12yo group and lots in over 12yo. There were golden onions, high school biology, skin of a killer, the meadow, mechanic Rosalie, prom Bella, Esme and Alice when Bella first came to the Cullen house. One of the under 12yo were two toddlers dressed as the wedding flowers – adorable, they ‘entertained’ us while the judges tallied up votes. The lady as Esme gave a powerful statement on why she chose to do Esme. The Meadow won grand prize, mechanic Rosalie won best book translation, skin of a killer won most creative, baseball Alice won Alice’s choice, golden onion won most creative under 12yo, biology class won best group, Alice at Cullen home won best craftmanship, the toddlers won best group under 12yo. Good job to all. 

Back at Gay’s I started to pack up car to leave Sunday morning. Considered staying until Monday and attending the after-event party, but I was too tired, wanted my own bed and bathroom. Did not see any of the actor guests at all. I don’t want an autograph or picture with them but be nice to at least see them. They way things are now and been in past, to see them would be the VIT or at least one of the parties where they show up late. Miss the early festivals with no actors and just the cosplayers and attendees. Things change and not always for the better.

I almost got home in time to attend my church meetings, I didn’t. Got car mostly unloaded and each thing unpacked as I went, slow and steady. I did have energy to put clean sheets on bed, but not take a shower, so slept on top of comforter. Two weeks later still need to do laundry and unpack the unsold items.   

More Pictures are at https://pamrice.smugmug.com/Forks-trip-Sep-2023/

 

 

Breaking Dawn Blanket Prop to New Home

 

Breaking Dawn prop blanket going to new home.

Background: The Prop Store had two auctions of Twilight related props. A live auction in November 2016 and an on-line only one in November 2017. I attended the live auction and was out bid on a couple of items I was interested in. Then the on-line one came up with better stuff as far as I was concerned – more minor props with some practical value too. I just wanted a little piece of the movies. I won a set of Romeo & Juliet books, I kept one copy and gave the rest mostly to Twilight Fan Fiction authors and a couple of friends. I won a copy of The Merchant of Venice which was expressly for The Collection in Forks.

I won the red woven blanket that appears on corner of couch in the Christmas scene in BD2. Red has been my accent color in decorating. The blanket would be practical and decorative and neat prop to have. Jack Morrissey was instrumental in guiding all of us auction newcomers. The bidding was getting close to my budget limit and Jack texted me about it, offering to finish bidding on it if went over my budget. The other person dropped out at my limit. I told Jack that he would have first right of refusal upon my death for the blanket. I had planned on keeping it and passing it along upon my death. It is one of specific items mentioned in my will.

I finished paying for it and received the items in February of 2018. I have been using the blanket to keep my shoulders warm. Being woven it is kind of delicate and didn’t want it to catch on something in lap or be stepped on if covering feet. When not in use it hangs out on back of my rocking chair. The red looks great with the emerald green pillows and dark wood.

Present day: Amber and Dean Neufeld bought the house in St Helens Oregon that was used as the Swan house in the Twilight movie. They have made it a vacation rental house. They had someone contact me for specifics on the blanket to make a replica, Deb Farris Wood. That inquiry and other things got me to thinking maybe time to pass along the blanket to them and let others enjoy it too. I contacted Jack to see if he was agreeable to let it bypass him and give to Amber and Dean now.

He kind of spoiled my surprise to them by asking them about what would they do with it, display wise. He was satisfied with their answer and agreed to them getting it. Also asked if selling or donating. Direct donation. Money is nice, but they will have to spend money on setting up some kind of display. Can’t be used in the rental as it would likely grow legs and walk off. So instead of money being exchanged I am getting one or maybe two night stay at the house for free. I want a companion to drive down with me and maybe have Christine join us at the house. Hoping Gay can be the drive companion. We are working out details of when this might happen. I also invited Jack to come and be part of transfer of blanket.   

 

Poem: Hope Is a Trap

 

Hope is a trap

Abby Weyr 15 April 2023

Hope is a trap.

Things never change.

Hope is a delusion,

Encourage you to try

But always fail.

Nothing changes.

Never get caught up

Much less ahead.

What is the point?

Always more to do

And fail at.

Good for nothing

Good at nothing

Just pebble on path

To avoid.

 

 

 

 

Memories of Music

 Music Memories March and April 2023

Thursday 16 March: I Stand All Amazed, hymn #193 in current LDS hymnal. It use to be really hard for me to sing this without getting chocked up and eyes wet. The longer I’ve been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the more we have sung it has lessened the immediate impact. The phrase ‘rebellious soul’ is a good fit for me and I do stand all amazed at the love offered by our Redeemer. 

Monday 20 March: Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky was one of family favorites not only at Christmas time. When I was in the third grade our class put on a talent show. I was taking ballet classes at the time and parents asked the teacher to make up a short dance for me to do. The music was from the Nutcracker Suite. The whole ballet class learned the dance. There were two performances of the talent show. Mom made one but Dad wasn’t able to make either one. We marked the cut on the LP and the first show went well. The second show, the student putting the record player on did not put it on the correct section. All I remember was the very beginning after that my mind blanked out, the music wasn’t the right one. Mom said I did the dance well even if not the right music. Muscle memory?

Thursday 23 March: Big Girls Don’t Cry by Four Seasons hit number one in November 1962. You use to be able to listen to records at the store before buying. I was standing listening to something and a classmate was listening to Big Girls Don’t Cry. She had recently broken up with boyfriend and the song had tears running down her face.

Monday 27 March: Grand Canyon Suite by Grofe was another family favorite. The sweeping music captures the grandeur of the area. It paints pictures with the music. You can see the donkeys on the trail and feel the rain in cloudburst. I always wanted to ride a donkey down the canyon.

Thursday 30 March: 2001: A Space Odyssey soundtrack. Johann Strauss’ Blue Danube Waltz and Richard Stauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra are the two standouts. The music weaves in and out of the movie scenes. The opening sequence and then the Pan Am space plane and space station are the most memorable. It came out first year of college and was discussed among the science students.

Monday 3 April: Anna of Thousand Days soundtrack. This was my introduction to Renaissance music. It is a favorite along with Celtic music and other folk music.

Thursday 6 April: Gotta Get Out of This Place by the Animals, this was our ‘anthem’ going through Officer Candidate School.

Monday 10 April: Super Massive Black Hole, this is the music for the baseball scene in Twilight movie. It is awesome and so fitting for the scene.

Thursday 13 April: folk songs of 50’s & 60’s, especially Kingston Trio, The Merry Minuet. So many good songs/ballads from some great groups. The main memory is from a birthday or Mother’s Day gift in 1959 to mom. She especially liked The Merry Minuet by the Kingston Trio. She liked the whimsy of the song and bit ironic as how much of it was kind of true. My brother and I went to record store to find the record to give to her for either her birthday or Mother’s Day. We found the album with that song, Live at Hungry i. Some other good songs on the album. She liked the gift and the whole family enjoyed the album.

Monday 17 April 2023 – added a book to that list.

Thursday 20 April:  Star Wars: A New Hope. John Williams’ music was magical – a bit fantasy, a bit inspirational. Luke watching the two suns set wishing to be someplace else. The Sand People and Jawas. Princess Leia’s theme. Imperial March. Later SW movies, then the Harry Potter movies. And the Olympic Games. Indiana Jones movies. SW was the start of my noticing John Williams. Also got me paying more attention to the music composers for movies in general.

Monday 24 April: movie/theater soundtracks and TV themes in general. No specific memories, but enjoy many that are not necessarily musicals. A particular piece brings to mind the movie or show.

Thursday 27 April: added to book memories

 

‘Favorite’ singers/composers/group: Kingston Trio, Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor, Elvis, Beatles, Richard Searles, New Christy Ministrels, Mamas and Papas, John Williams, Carter Burwell, Jerry Goldsmith, James Horner, Rogers and Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber

 

Memories of Books for February and March 2023

Thursday 2 February: actually finished up refrig magnets memories with Calico angel

Monday 6 Feb: Scriptures  

The most significant books in my life are the Scriptures – The Bible, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine & Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price. The first two most important. I remember getting a white leather zipper case Bible when I joined the Methodist Church formally when I was about 9 years old. Last time I saw it, the spine had cracked and mostly off. The pages were really thin and I had to be careful reading it. It had my name imprinted on cover. At the time I did not read it cover to cover but used it for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

Growing up I had a few encounters with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days. It was not until I was in my mid 20’s that I made a serious investigation. Missionaries taught me. I received a witness that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and translated the Book of Mormon and restored Christ’s Church in these latter days. I was baptized and join the LDS Church. All these years later, I still feel that witness and that this path is correct for me. I’ve had some questioning times over particular things, but to me the doctrine is true.

Thursday 9 Feb: Tom Swift Jr series & Daybreak 2250 AD by Andre Norton 

 I remember reading Bobbsey Twin and Nancy Drew Mystery books and others. Then about age 9 found the Tom Swift Jr books in my brother’s room and borrowed them. Great fun books. Then found Daybreak – 2250AD by Andre Norton. Hooked on science friction. I’ve read a lot of her books. Not all of them are science fiction. The Witch World and Solar Queen are two favorite series. Some of early ones were double books.

Monday 13 Feb: Too Near the Throne & Desiree

I was in 9^th grade when read Too Near the Throne by Molly Costain Haycraft and Desiree by Annamarie Selinko a year later. Both are novelized biographies. Too Near the Throne is based on life of Lady Arabella Stuart, royal birth put her near the Scottish Throne. Desiree is based on life of Desiree Clary, first love of Napoleon Bonaparte who eventually became queen of Sweden. Both books point out the hazards of royalty and power. 

Thursday 16 Feb: Angel Unaware by Dale Evans Rogers was another book I found in 10^th grade in school library. For study hall I worked in the library and came across the book as shelving others. I was a big fan of Dale Evans and Roy Rogers when I was younger, so I had to check it out and read it. The family went to a rodeo in Denver to see them, parents indulging my being a fan and they use to ride a lot growing up in Pasadena. We had a boy on school bus that had Downs Syndrome, so the book wasn’t my introduction but did fill in more information about it.

Monday 20 Feb: Peyton Place by Grace Metalious was the book to read in 11^th grade, in mid 60s, often hidden from parents and teachers, more interesting than World History. The standout scene for me was the abortion that became an appendectomy. Even then the idea of medical procedure being forced to back alleys and the problems of that was not right.    

          

Thursday 23 Feb: A Tale of Two Cities was the first book I reread. I was a senior in college. My boyfriend at the time introduced me to the concept of rereading a book. Haven’t been able to clean bookshelves quickly ever since then. He introduced me to some old classic science fiction books – Azimov’s Foundation Trilogy (the original three) and Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land are the two standouts.

This was the last one posted to Facebook. Plan to keep it up and post on my blog but not on Facebook. 

Monday 27 Feb: Ben Hur: a Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace. Not sure when I read the book other than it was after seeing the movie. There are parts of the story told in letters and I picked up some things about letter salutation and closing from this book.

 

Thursday 2 March 2023: Edgar Rice Burroughs Venus and Mars series. These I read instead of studying for finals the last couple of years of college.

Monday 6 March: Added Upon by Nephi Anderson was a gift from a friend while I was investigating joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They were members and he was a co-worker. There is a scene that takes place in heaven where a girl is talking with a small group and a boy come up. She is shocked that he is there, it wasn’t his time but he committed suicide as he felt he could not live without her. 

Thursday 9 March: Childhood End by Arthur C Clarke. I read this while station at a remote base. Humanity doesn’t survive as humans. It is kind of depressing. There wasn’t anyone to talk with about the book, not sure why it was in our library. It kind of depressed me for a few days while processing the story. It is a classic and recommend reading it, just not when more or less alone and where there is not much happening to balance out the depressing story.

Monday 13 March: The Twilight Saga original books and fan fiction. At a church women’s group meeting some middle-aged women were talking about Twilight. I had seen it and read back cover and didn’t strike my fancy, I’m not into vampires and werewolves at all. Their overheard conversation got me curious, and I asked one if I could borrow the book. That was January 2010. The first two movies had already been released, the third due out that summer. I read it and was hooked a few chapters in. I could not put it down. Once done I kept picking it up and rereading parts until I could get the other books. I had been numb in my depressed state for a long while and Twilight got me to feel again for better or worse. It changed my life. I found fan fiction and prefer some of those stories over the original. The movies are ok. I went to the Eclipse marathon with a local group that didn’t really include me as I was new. I went to a midnight release of the DVD of one of the movies, again people in line weren’t so friendly. I read about Stephenie Meyer Days in Forks Washington. It was 10 years ago this month. I prayed about it, looked at cost, prayed and I went. I have met some wonderful folks. On the drive up I felt like I was coming home. I was born in Tacoma Wa while my father was stationed at Ft Lewis. I had already retired and figured I wouldn’t stay in California in a two-story condo with knees and hips causing problems and was considering where to move. That trip and my nieces and nephews all saying that they were not going to stay where they were at, so I decided to go where I wanted to and that was the Olympic Peninsula. I’ve been here since 2018. Glad I moved. As I said life changing.

Added Monday 17 April 2023: Magic of Recluce by LE Modesett, Jr. This was the first book that I picked up and read again within half a day of finishing the first read through. [did that with Twilight and do this regularly now with TWS fan fiction] Along with Death of Chaos it describes ‘battle’ between chaos and order. In the end one realizes those are the extremes and not balanced. Along with Tolkien’s Ring trilogy good reading for these uncertain changing times in the present world. 

Thursday 27 April: I am a reader. I don’t remember my parents reading to me, but do remember them reading a lot. We would watch news and maybe one TV show in evening, but other reading. I read mysteries, science fiction/fantasy, some romance, some historical fiction, rare biography. The books mentioned above are just the ones that have specific memories associated with them. 

Favorite Authors: Agatha Christy, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C Clarke, Peter David, Andre Norton, Anne McCaffrey, Katherine Kurtz, Alan Dean Foster, Sandi Layne

Favorite Fan Fiction Authors, on FFn: 2Brown-eyes, Mrs Brownloe, Shouldbecleaning, Anton M, Katmom, LJ Summers, Virginia May, Windchymes,

 

 

Poem Moving Through Water

 

Poem: Moving through water

Abby Weyr 13 March 2023

 

Still water

Moving water

Both have pressure

 

Water up to neck

Most of time

Sometimes lower

 

Always there to make

It harder to move even

When water is still

 

Sometimes with flow

Sometimes against flow

Always some pressure

 

Doesn’t hurt

Just takes effort

All the time

 

Tired of making

The effort

To move

Frequently feel overwhelmed

Not drowning just overwhelmed

And too hard to move

 

Can’t raise feet to float

Or to swim

Only walk

 

Don’t know why

Don’t know what burdens

Hold feet down

 

Don’t know how to see or

How to lift those burdens

That won’t let me swim

 

Or how to let the

Water drain away

To walk free

 

Effort

Energy

Inertia

 

Tired of effort

Little energy

To counter inertia

 

Reduced to

Bump on

Log

 

Feel worthless

Though even a bump on log

Has a purpose

 

Can’t decide where

To go for help

Too many bad decisions

 

Overwhelmed with options

Overwhelmed with decisions

Overwhelmed with backlog of work

 

Tired of constant

Water pressure

Making hard to move

 

Tempted to give up and

Leave mess for others

Better able to handle things

 

Hard to see this as just a

Temporary problem

Seems like always been there

 

Never goes away

Little faith or hope

To ever be better

 

God and Jesus

Is an answer

Practicing my faith is effort

 

Tired of climbing

Mountain of life

Alone

 

Know life not suppose

To be easy

But not so hard all the time

 

Takes effort to move

From bed to

Recliner

 

Sometimes that is all can do

Even reading is effort

At times

 

Tired of trying

Rebel against

All the should be doing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poem Alone

 Alone

7 March 2023 Abby Weyr

So tired

Doing everything alone

No one to help

No one to do anything for

 

All want to do alone

Is sleep

Read

Maybe eat

 

Tired

Doing what expected

Being where expected

Acting normal

 

Wish I wouldn’t wake

To another alone day

Or another fake it day

Don’t know what real anymore

 

Tired

Pushing against stay in bed

Daily mask cleaning

Daily blood pricking

  

So tired

Doing everything alone

No one to help

No one to do anything for

Every day same

Boring stuff

No fun

No company

 

Rare invites

Rare accepting invites from me

Everyone else busy

With someone else

 

Worthless

Bump on log

Hurts to stand

Can’t contribute

 

Hands don’t work so well either

Harder to read

Hard to hear

Hard to decide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memories with Refrig magnets

For January 2023 I decided to do a Monday and Thursday memory associated with refrig magnets I've been given or picked up along the way. 

Thursday 5 January: sea shell butterfly, originally set of three or four was housewarming gift from my parents in 1987. They lived in Florida so the sea shell was a reminder of that. My father retired to Florida, the warm humid heat was easier for my mother’s arthritis. We had lived in Florida in late 50’s on a previous base assignment. We’d go to beach a few times each year. Dad would surf fish, brother would swim and body surf, I’d swim or walk with mom looking for sea shells. Back then one could drive onto the beach. That was even before Ron Jon’s Surf shop was there. We’d set up umbrella close to car. Mom was a red head and burned easily. We’d bring food and drinks and stay a good three to four hours. When I’d swim my brother would watch out for me – warn of bigger wave coming, make sure I came back up after knocked over. He was six years older and lots taller. He’d still be walking and I’d be swimming. Good times. Things had changed a lot when dad retired there in mid 60’s. Ron Jon’s was there, but still just a smallish shop in the building.

                                      

 

Monday 9 January: I noticed the SF seagull on my refrigerator the day after my brother left after visiting me. Gathered it was a thank you gift. I can’t remember when he came, think maybe shortly after I moved into condo, late 80’s. He was using crutches instead of wheelchair. We went to San Francisco Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, 17 mile drive in Monterey, Monterey Aquarium, Highland Games in Santa Rosa. He was able to do a lot even with the crutches, didn’t use them all the time, managed to climb over or around some boulders in Monterey. Kinda disappeared once while I was taking pictures one place, he went off in other direction, amazed where I found him. Visit to SF was colder than I planned and had to buy a sweatshirt up there, became a favorite and wore it out.

We did not share motel room, I was not comfortable doing that. Realized why later.

Thursday 12 January: PayLess Drug stores was one of my employers as a pharmacist. It was a medium size regional company. There were good benefits and we were treated well. I worked two days a week at two stores and filled in temp at other stores when needed. I liked working at different stores. The commute was kind of long for one, but I worked the afternoon shift so traffic wasn’t a problem. Those were a good four or five years. Unfortunately the company was bought out by RiteAid – worse employer possible in my opinion. I lasted a week before knew I had to leave.

            

 

Monday 16 January 2023: Keeping with the pharmacist from last memory post, this was a gift from my friend Joanne. She lives on the East Coast. We met in line at a Star Trek Convention in LA. Maybe the 20^th anniversary? I don’t remember exactly. We met up at a couple of other conventions over the years. We stay in touch. I’ve visited her twice, most recently in 2019.  

Thursday 19 January 2023: Kalama High School was used as Forks HS in the Twilight movies. I’ve visited a few times. The first time it was part of TaffCon movie site trip. Before Covid the school had annual Twilight open house event. They have TShirts and magnets and other things as fundraising. They had tours of the school and some vendors selling Twilight and HS related items. The movie was shown in the theater. It was a fun little event.

          

Monday 23 January 2023: These two clips were found at the Thriftway store in Forks. Like the red color and Twilight. Team Switzerland, so both sides represented.

Thursday 26 January 2023: The more I’ve looked at this one the more I think I’m wrong about who it’s from. So it represents more my liking of American Indian art in general rather than the specific artist I original thought. I’m old and memories get mixed up at times. I know I have some refrig magnets of the artist I was thinking of, guess not yet found in my unpacking.

                         

 

Monday 30 January 2023: These four are from Kathie Spitz. She is a wordsmith and an artist and a friend. We met on line through Twilight and liking dragons, especially Dragonriders of Pern. I was invited to her daughter’s wedding and that is when I met her and her family in person. That trip was possible with the help of another friend. It was a wonderful trip. Christmas with friends along with the wedding.

 

Thursday 2 February 2023: This little angel I picked up in Calico California on way back home from Las Vegas. A Sister in my ward needed to move to Las Vegas in January 2013. I was retired and volunteered to drive her. We were able to fit her items in my car. Long drive. Decent conversation. Found where she was to be dropped off and unloaded. I had decided to spend a couple of days in area to visit some places of interest not seen on earlier trips. Went out to Valley of Fire. Did some looking around the fancy hotels. On the way to Vegas saw these signs for ghost town Calico. On way home decided to stop and see it. Interesting place. The little angel was cute and my only souvenir along with all the pictures. This image isn't very good. I may try to get better one and replace later.