Luke Walcher October 31, 2016

Luke Walcher

Thomas,

It has been an absolute pleasure working along side of you (quite literally) these past few months.  Even though I'm sure there was an internal scoff or eye-roll when you discovered they would be placing an intern next to you, I'm glad that's how it turned out.  I'm definitely going to miss our (not so early for you) morning chats and discussions about food, travel, office politics, and the culture.  I still have quite the to-do list thanks to you.

I really appreciate all your support and advice.  You've been a truly inspiring person to meet, and you definitely made it seem as if I didn't have to stay at arm's length around the office.  Now even though I'm off galavanting to Apple, I want to keep in touch.

So this isn't a goodbye, it's just a Happy Halloween and see you soon.

All the Best,

-Luke

Nice young man brought into DOT by Joel Clark.  Since then I have learned he is very fastidious and a thorough note take, which prompted me to talk to Rob about having Luke house sit while we are away.  Having Luke meet our other friends last night has made us feel like we made a good decision. Hopefully, all will go well at the end of the month when I'm in Seattle for a conference and Rob is at the cabin. If so, then we'll ask him to do it again when we're off to Disney World in October.

From Gale Berndt, July 31, 2017

Forget Me Not, by American Greetings

Inside caption:  For right now and all the days ahead - wishing you strength and peace.

Tom,

So very sorry for the loss of your mother Mary. I've lots of fond memories of your mom and dad as they traveled a few times up to Golden B.C., and the splendid hospitality when I visited in Sequim and Palo Alto.  Hope this finds you: Only have your mother[']s address.

All the best.  Hope you are well. Still [a] landscape architect?  Did you then work for the city[?] (Sorry the memory is lame).

Love, your cousin Gale
phone and email

Olga is well, but her eyesight is gone.  Luckily, she's never had any major health problems.  She''ll be 99 this November 2017.  Dianne and I take turns caring for her in her home.

She likes to sing.  She's a little forgetful at times, but often shares old memories.

Change from black to blue ink:

Thanks for X-mas card as now I have your address.

Dianne is with mom now.  I'm making a trip to B.C. and back for winter.

Home phone is ###

Home you are well
Have a happy day

Side margin notes: Where is Cynthia?  Tracy?  Hello to her.
Our father Alfred passed June 2016, I feel for your sorrows.  Time often stands still.

I might have met Gale, but I certainly am not remembering.  I have heard Mom's phone calls with Olga, and they are often riotous, with Olga exciting Mom with tales of shooting crows and squirrels in the yard.  Very boisterous!

Gale paints beautiful landscapes usually themed around snow capped mountains.  I have a couple she gave to Mom: a rock and a panel.