Back in the USA!

The visit to Shlosborn, Germany kept me busy: touring, laundry, waiting for the sun, swimming, great wine, getting ready for new carpet, my daughter's wonderful cooking, three grandkids under 5 with all their activities, friends, playdates, and a few hugs and kisses.

I had an unespectedly revitalizing visit to Amsterdam. It has more canals than Venice and bikes have their own lane (unfortunately motorcycles use them, too). Yes, they have cannabis for sale. Great knowing taxes for this recreation help pay for Dutch social services. I have an appt 9/6 to visit the Dutch Embassy in Los Angeles to discuss a work visa. Holland controls immigration like a hawk on steroids. Maybe that's why the city feels so great--I have never felt an environment more stimulating yet relaxing. I hope I can work there part-time to supplement my meager retirement income.

The job in Korea did not materialize, but I have almost completed the exhaustive Peace Corps application.

The Seattle University 40th Reunion was way better than I expected. Like a journey into the mists of time--and people were so excited to relate their anecdotes, and it was rewarding to see all the new buildings and programs. SU has the highest rated Law School in the nation. I may be able to make an Africa connection with the director of Alumni Relations. Of course, I had to mention "the ordination of women" to murmurs of agreement. Wonderful to see Carmel Widman Fleck and her husband David, with whom I went to high school. I missed seeing Karen Wagner (best friend at Auburn High School) but Carmel reminded me Karen dropped out in her junior year to get married, so she's not a '69er. 100 of our graduating class have already passed away...how fragile is our energy link to etermity. Ours was the largest class SU ever graduated (GO BOOMERS!).

I'm slowly outfitting my motorhome for the next stage of pretirement...my dog is by my side. I'm getting a whole new lease on life.

Special hello to my friend Shannon J.

Please do not use my Forest Grove address, as the house is rented now. Just use marywhitmore@hotmail.com.

Your friend,

Mary

Goodbye, Dad!

On June 15, 2009, Dad passed away in his sleep, 87 years of living drawing to an end. He has a new journey now. Go to Forest Grove News Times for the obituary for Dad and Mom, because I waited to do them together.

I'm in shock, even though I have been expecting this for so long. It does something to you to feel both your parents leave. Now I am the matriarch of the "West Coast Whitmores." I will be taking Dad's ashes to Chesapeake Bay soon. I will also put some of his ashes in Mom's crypt in Yakima, next to Marsha and Mary Judd and Howard Judd.

I don't know if I will be able to talk about this later--right now, everything is whirling around in my heart--getting ready to go to Germany to see my grandkids: Alexander Edward, Lola-Rose Coco and Sienna Lily. On August 27th, I will return to Seattle for my Seattle University 40th reunion. I still do not have a job in Korea, so I may go directly to Peace Corps (Kenya). My daughter Jessica is on her way around the world (8 month deployment.) Lewis E. Turner, my former husband has stepped forward to manage my property while I'm gone. FHe has also purchased a mobile home in San Diego. He met a very interesting

Reirement or Bust!

Well, the 62nd milepost beckons and I heed the call! In about 40 days my retirement from PERS begins and on my birthday 9/12/09, my SS will start. I am leaving the U.S. July 6 to spend 2 months in Germany with my daughter and son-in-law and grandkids (Alex, Lola Rose and Sienna Lily). Then, back to Seattle for Seattle University 40th reunion for a couple days and then to Korea for a year of teaching English. After that, I hope to join Peace Corps for two years and, if all goes well, stay in Kenya for a long time planting trees with Mathawi. See her website: greenbeltmovement.org.

I'm trying to stay in touch with people...so let me know what's going on in your life!

journey with Mary

Today is my daughter's birthday--she's 23 and three years into her 6-year Navy commitment and ready to go to Afghanistan in August. She has 2 months training in Mississippi and then will be a prison guard in AF.
Don't mess with her!