*Note: A casual observation!

Midweek last week, during an infrequent drive out of town, I observed, as I often do, the price of fuels along the way. It was a Portland trip, even more rare this time of year. Our local station was $3.06 per gallon which was fairly consistent with prices I noticed along the drive. Curious observer that I am, on Friday of last week, during a local run to the dump, the price per gallon became $3.26! All the pumps were busy and there was a line of cars stretching out along the state road. Hmmm, thought I, our summer visitors must be topping off their tanks in preparation for return trips home. No way to know if the price increase was universal and I wasn’t about to venture out on Route One again to find out! A curious coincidence perhaps.

It has been a grand summer for visiting folk, with the exception of concerns for our water supply. Aside from that item, I can’t recall a more rewarding season with so many wonderful people. There have been an unprecedented number of family gatherings, senior photos, intimate weddings at Linekin Bay Resort, and return visits with people I have photographed over the years. Families from Seattle, California, Texas, Indiana, Wisconsin, Florida, the Carolinas, New Jersey, Connecticut, and the list goes on. So special to see families I have known for, in some cases, decades, as well as new acquaintances.

The icing on the cake, however, had to be the magnificent visit from our Romanian family for the orthodox christening ceremony of our newest family member. A two-week visit of sharing, food, sightseeing, and stories. There are a significant number of resident Romanians not to mention many “Work and Travel” students at local businesses. “Ce faci?” “Bine.” We had quite an unforgettable visit. The food was amazing.

I was reminded of my eastern European fellow workers in my Pennsylvania mining days: Golumpki, Polish stuffed cabbage. Jeez! The smells and tastes recalled were astonishing. I always sat next to my Polish friends during break (or “Piece time” — coming from the old piece of bread with molasses). I can still smell the aromas. Got so obvious that wives of workers would add extra to their husbands’ lunch pails to share with me. Beat peanut butter and jelly, hands down!

Anyway, I digress. It was great to see so many old friends. One very unexpected visitor was filmmaker Whit Wales, with whom I had photographed many years ago. Whit was visiting to check out an old friendship sloop that belonged to his wife’s family long ago. He asked if I would be around during his visit. Wow! We had photographed a local outdoor wedding that accompanied a torrential downpour. Clever and ingenious family of the bride pulled out extra large garbage bags and scissors. We all, including bride and groom, cut holes for our heads and arms and we never missed a beat. Whit travels a lot for his work now but spends significant personal effort on behalf of an organization called “Sail Beyond Cancer.” He publishes a beautiful calendar every year honoring those “challenged by cancer by harnessing the healing powers of wind, water and sail.” sailbeyondcancer.org

Thank you visiting friends and loved ones — until we meet again.