Sunday, October 8, 2006
6:00pm  Arrived about an hour ago at the Rademacher home.  The extended family was there delebrating Dick's birthday.  They never did say how old he is and I didn't ask.  It was nice the children and grandchildren could be there.

Audrey has been trying to feed me.  They had had a late lunch so weren't interested in dinner.  My stomach was uptight from driving and new experiences.  I accepted apple crisp and hot tea but wasn't interested in a meal either.  I've told them I need to have some quiet time going over my notes.

Monday, October 9, 2006
10:00am  I was tired; didn't wake up until 7:19.  The sun came up later than I expected.  Went out for a walk.  The Rademachers live by the Park which has a nice walking area.  Then came back for breakfast.  Audrey will leave shortly to go to Kit Carson Restaurant where the meeting will be.  Dick will help me put my luggage back into the car.

I haven't spent a lot of time going over my speech.  It'll just have to do.  I have to leave in about 11am to drive over to the meeting.  It's just across the highway.

4:15pm  It was quite interesting to find the second host home.  I called to say I was on my way.  Bruce told me Bev was still out teaching so no hurry.  Bev said she needs to leave early tomorrow to help set up for the auction.  

Therefore, I decided to get off at exit 108 and find the South Bay Fire Hall.  Didn't have any trouble finding the Fire Hall.  The problem was getting back on the freeway.  There wasn't a northbound entrance.  My map showed that one could take Martin Way going north.  I missed figuring out where I should have merged and ended up back on the freeway northbound past where I needed to go.  I was able to get turned around and found Marvin Road.  From there I was able to fine Lake St. Clair where the Anderson's live.

Chehalis/Centralia was the first meeting this morning.  The restaurant was on the other side of the freeway at the same exit where the Rademacher's live.  That was nice; I didn't have to go far.  I found the door to the meeting room which had an entry at the side of the restaurant.

My speech did go well.  It wasn't as smooth as I'd like it to be but everyone was complimentary.  I'll get smoother as the week progresses

Tuesday, October 10, 2006
9:15am I got up earlier than my hosts.  They told me what was available in the refrigerator for breakfast and to help myself.  I kind of liked that because I could eat what I wanted and cook or not cook it to my own preferences.  Bev left a few minutes ago to go help setup for the auction.

I noticed in the shower that I have a sore spot on my head.  I assume I've hit it somehow, probably on the car when loading or unloading.

5:00pm  Just got back.  After the meeting was over, Bev wanted to take me sight-seeing.  We even drove over to the Justice Center which is the Capitol Building and the other government buildings all in one area.  It really was beautifully organized and well-kept.  She asked if I'd seen a good view of the mountain, thinking she might drive out to to a certain spot.  Hopefully I wasn't too impolite when I told her I'd seen mountains before.  I had gotten one glimpse of Mt. Rainier as I was zooming around.  It was pretty breathtaking but I didn't see the need to make a special trip somewhere.  I was more impressed with the view of the bay, or whatever they called the port area.  The fall colors are impressive.

Bev has invited a friend, Waletta and Leroy over for dinner.  Waletta has been a long time member of Christian Women's Club.

My message to the group went better today.  Brenda and her daughter Tresa came over from Cosmopolis to hear me.  Brenda wrote on her card that she'll be happy to introduce me to her group.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006
7:30am I've had such a good time at the Anderson's that I don't want to leave.  Bev is substitute teaching today so I set the alarm so I'd be able to say goodbye to her.  I'll fix breakfast in a few minutes and then get myself ready to head to Federal Way.  I stayed here two nights; the ladies in Federal Way had illness, broken bones, etc. so asked if the Olympia people would mind if I stayed an extra night.  It wasn't that far to drive.

5:05pm  Safely made it to Cosmopolis where I'll stay with Brenda a couple of nights. It was about a two hour drive from Seattle area to the coast.  I look forward to Brenda's stir fry and then calling it a night.

Thursday, October 12, 2006
10:29am  Brenda headed over to do set up for their meeting.  I'm looking forward to being at her group.  I've heard about their meetings over the years.  I think Brenda has been involved for about 8 years.

4:59pm Seems like this is about the time in the afternoon when I get a break.  It has been a great day.  Brenda gave me directions to the Log Cabin where they meet.  It's the Rotary Building.  The Ladies did a great job of decorating with a fall theme.

The Special Feature was Weekender Clothing.  Several of the ladies modeled.   I've always been blessed with having a lot of clothes that I've never purchased any garments from them.  But it is still interesting to see what they are offering this year.

I had a little trouble with glare through the windows combined with the lights.  Brenda said nobody has mentioned it before.  I suspect that it was a combination of the time of year plus my eyes were probably tired from driving, etc.

However, the ladies did say they appreciated my message.  Again there weren't any decisions for Christ.  However, my experience is that these meetings plant a seed.  This week, a number of people did comment that I gave them a lot to think about.

Friday, October 13, 2006
10:30am  Getting ready to leave.  Took a brisk walk down the length of the town this morning.  It was about a mile round trip.  It was nice to get out and see a little of the town.  It's small but nice.  

Brenda took me to get ice cream yesterday afternoon.  I kind of wanted to celebrate the end of my speaking tour.  I was asking for something like a Dairy Queen but she took me to a restaurant that has specialty ice creams.  She had pumpkin ice cream which I had a milk shake which was what I was wanting and thoroughly enjoyed.  Then we drove over to their old house in the country so I could see what that looked like.

Saturday, October 14, 2006
1:30pm  Got home a few minutes ago.  So nice to be able to pull the car in front of the bus.  I'll move it tomorrow when I go out for errands.

I ended up spending the night east of Salem and then joining Mark for Breakfast.  He's working this weekend at Breitenbush.