Cats, Classmates & City Council Candidates

Calvin is our seven year-old pink Siamese. This is a cat with ATTITUDE! He loves running water and even though I've spoiled him with his own water fountain, he prefers drinking from the faucet in the bathroom sink. If I'm in the bathroom, so is he. And if the water isn't running, I get the cold shoulder. He'll sit on the counter, facing the corner with his back to me, and his ears flat. Reminds me of the tactics some people use to get attention. When he does get his way, I'm usually trying to brush my teeth. That's why I often have a cat with Crest toothpaste cinnamon-flavored ears!

Last Wednesday, I drove to Centralia to have lunch with high school classmates who had driven from Vancouver/Portland. I had seen Bev Farr and Barb Church at our 40th class reunion (about which they had to remind me - and I promise I wasn't even drinking!). Barb had pictures to prove I was there with Scott and his Harley Davidson. I had gotten it in my head I'd only gone to the 20th reunion. That one I do remember! What is it they say about long term and short term memory as you get older? I don't remember.

I also had a chance to catch up with Russ Alway. Found out he had a crush on me in high school, when I only considered him a good bud. He remembered my mom and dad very well - which I found touching, commenting on how much I look like my mother. He said my dad was like a friend to him.

We talked about our families - everyone is married, if not necessarily to the first spouse. The exception is Barb, whose been married nearly 40 years. We shared pictures of children, grandchildren, enjoyed good food and even better company at McMenamin's Olympic Club in historic downtown Centralia.

This week has been the week for taking pictures of municipal city council candidates. It was interesting to find out what motivated John and Phyllis to get involved in local politics. John Palmer is running for the second district position on the Puyallup City Council. The position is being vacated and he's been the chair of the Puyallup Planning Commission for a number of years and wants to stay involved. Before he left, I ended up with a campaign sign in my front yard. With a smile, I told him that was going to cost him extra!

Phyllis Forister is running against a long-time incumbent for the Renton City Council. She's motivated by library issues about which she feels very strongly. We'd met last fall when I was taking photos at the Senior Housing Assistance Group (SHAG) apartment complex where they live. She said someone had asked why she didn't go to JC Penny's to have her photo taken. I was flattered when she told them she wanted a really good picture for the campaign.

Unlike my cat (hope they'll pardon the comparison), these are not people who stand in a corner until they get their way. They are making their voices heard and getting involved. I wish them both the best of luck. BonnieKingPhotography.com