We left the Cascades in the nick of time.  The Northwest was to experience the worst September storm in decades with some areas of the Cascades getting more than 2 feet of snow. In Seattle it was mostly strong winds and heavy rain with some areas getting heavy flooding.  Fortunately, we were staying indoors in the home of Cousin Reggie and her husband, Richard.  Mitch’s Aunt Ruth, who is 93, is with them. Under Reggie and Richard’s care, Aunt Ruth is thriving.  It was a pleasure for us to see her doing so well.  Ruth is an amazing woman who throughout her life has been committed to progressive values. Her belief in the goodness of others remains intact to this day.

Friday afternoon, Reggie took Joanne on a tour of neighborhood thrift shops where Joanne found an unusual reversible coat.

 

They also delved into some of the food venues Seattle is famous for.  Reggie bought fresh mussels and clams for Richard’s delicious shellfish stew.

Richard, who is a poet, community organizer and accomplished chef, prepared some great meals for us.

 

That night we went out dancing to a fabulous live Afro-Salsa band. Saturday morning Reggie taught a tap dancing class in her studio.  The lively sound of synchronized tapping filled the house with joy.

That afternoon we went to the Museum of History and Industry which provided an interesting overview of Seattle history. One highlight was an interactive installation inviting museum goers to participate in a mock 1950‘s Washington State legislative hearing on “UnAmerican activities”.  Mitch played the role of legislative interrogator and Ruth was the uncooperative witness.

Sunday we got drenched at the nearby neighborhood Farmers’ Market and then moved on to the Co-op where we bought provisions for the next leg of our trip and fresh Coho Salmon, fresh sardines (yum) and root vegetables for that night’s dinner. After a good night’s sleep, lulled by the sounds of tugboat foghorns on nearby Lake Washington, we set out (in the rain) for Eugene, Oregon.