Many of you already know what the weather in August is like for us in the Pacific Northwet, but for those who don't . . .
August is the only month that we can plan an outdoor event without worrying about being rained out. 
An umbrella is unnecessary unless it's one like this . . .
To give you an idea as to how to dress -- we have a casual culture here on the west coast and in Olympia the daily August temperatures may be in the high 70's or low 80's. In the evenings, after the sun goes down, it can get chilly -- even for those of us who live here, so a sweater or a light-weight jacket is recommended.
Flip-flops, Birkenstocks and Nikes are the footwear of choice for the natives year 'round.
Another consideration is this:
Water balloon games will be played -- bringing a change of clothes is up to you.
I haven't seen 7:00 a.m. but a few times in the last 3 years after I said good-bye to the life in a cubicle.
Three months ago, when inquiring as to how to secure the location for our Family Reunion, I was told that the first opportunity to request a date in 2013 was January 2, 2013 - 8:00 a.m. The nice lady ended our telephone conversation with the words -- Good Luck. I read into those the words -- don't waste time.
I arrived at the Tumwater City Hall at 7:45 to find myself 6th in line. The first two women in line had spent the night camped out in tents and sleeping bags. Despite the 28 degree weather, I began to sweat.
The room where the registering was to take place was too small for all of us to gather at one time so I, along with the four others who were ahead of me, stood in the hallway.
Impatiently shifting from one foot to the other I waited my turn -- still sweating. I asked, as casually as I could, what dates my fellow line-mates wanted. Every one there wanted an August date.
When the lady two places ahead of me pulled out her phone, dialed, apologized to the person on the other end for calling so early, then explained that she needed advice because the date that they had chosen was already gone -- I began to feel faint.
Finally it was my turn to approach the registration counter. I croaked out the date I was seeking. The nice lady smiled saying that it was still available. With a sigh of relief I paid the $75 and received a beautiful pink receipt.
Interestingly, their were no men involved. Not a man in sight. Just another example of women hunting and dragging something home for their families.
Seattle has had the Space Needle for sightseers to enjoy since the World's Fair of 1962.
Built and just opened this spring (2012) the Seattle Ferris Wheel joins the local attractions.
While it can't boast about being the tallest or the biggest in the world it's still pretty cool hanging out over the water.
There are 42 heated and air conditioned gondolas. Even the floor is glass in some of the gondolas!
On a clear day (yes, Seattle does have some cloudless days - especially in August) you can see the Seattle skyline, Mt. Rainier as well as the Olympic Mountains.
The price, as of 2012, is $13 per person 12 years old and older and $8.50 for the younger ones.
If you want to spend some time in Seattle while in the Puget Sound area you might put this on your list of things to do.
The plan is to meet at the beautiful Tumwater Historical Park on August 3, 2013.
The sheltered kitchen boast a seating capacity of 100 Gaylord descendants.
There is a "rest" facility a few yards away that can accomodate less than 100 Gaylord descendents at a time.
Just beyond the shelter is a wonderful, colorful play area for the smaller Gaylords.
The horseshoes that Stan and Warren Gaylord played with when they got together as adults are now in Roy Gaylord's possession. He has promised to bring them to the reunion. Across the parking lot is this . . .
You are welcome to play for fun or to challenge a fellow Gaylord to a game (prizes available).
The day I was there to take pictures, I found the Slater family reunion-ing. I wish we had smell-a-photo so you could enjoy the lovely aroma that was coming from their barbeque grill.
This will all be available to us providing one thing . . .
That I can drag myself out of bed on January 2, 2013 and get in line at the Tumwater Parks and Recreation office ahead of anyone else who might want that same date for their event.
Wish me luck!
rita
A dear friend of mine has agreed to prepare the food for the Gaylord Family Reunion.
She LOVES to cook and bake and to experiment with flavors and textures. She has entered many contests over the years using her favorite recipes. She has a wall full of blue ribbons from her county and state fair entries.
Just a few weeks ago she gathered a few more at our local county fair. She won a blue ribbon for everything she entered.
Our stomachs will be in good hands.
If anyone needs a special diet please let us know. She is familiar with vegetarian dishes and sensitive to those with sugar and/or salt issues. Don't hesitate to ask for something special.
August
3, 2013 is the day that the descendants of John Augustus Gaylord will
gather to share stories, photos, memories AND meet the new
generations.
Thanks to
Joyce Gaylord Williams and Elise Gaylord's vision, a family reunion is being
planned.Check
this website often for pertinent information and photos, as well as to ask
questions through the comment section.
