Opa with Granddaughter Danielle, 2012
FaceBook reminded me this morning that it is Chester Wachsmuth’s birthday which I knew already but by one of his other names — Tucker! I think he has about the most “active” names of anyone I know — or maybe “monikers” would be a better word. Chester, Chet, Tuck, Tucker, Opa and probably others I’ve forgotten. He says that as soon as someone calls him by name, he knows what period of his life he first knew them — as a schoolboy, a teenager, a young adult. He is definitely a man of many names.
Tucker and His Toy Truck, 2016
He is also a man of many interests and talents — he’s a collector (an eclectic collector) of pinballs and maritime memorabilia and old stuff, in general. He’s a sailor, a songwriter (lyrics only so far), a photogapher, a historian, a community leader, and a devoted husband, father and grandfather — an all around nice guy!
Plus, he is the best neighbor anyone could ask for. He came at the drop of a hat whenever I called for help in Nyel’s final years and he’s always willing to change a lightbulb up near these 11-foot ceilings. He’s seen to it that I am safe during power outages and keeps an eye on the house if I’m away. And on and on.
Tucker and Carol, 2019
Plus he was wise enough fifty-some years ago to set his sights on Carol and she is the perfect “other half” of the Wachsmuth Team! How much richer my life is for having the two of them as part of it! I hope they know just a smidgen of the difference they have made to me and to so many of us.
So, Happy Birthday, Tucker! I can scarcely believe that I was already twelve when you were born and that I spent another forty or fifty years not knowing you! I’m so glad that situation has been remedied.
So far, I haven’t had a clue as to my brownie philanthropist. But yesterday I did receive a call from friends Randal and Susan in Olympia to see if the glass kettle had arrived. “Oh!! I wondered who sent it,” I said.
It’s been happening for a while now. Ever since retirement, I’d say. Suddenly the end of November is upon us and Christmas is already demanding our full attention. There’s the Naughty’n’Nice List to double-check, the gifts to gather and wrap and beribbon, the baking to be done, the house to decorate — maybe even outside as well as in! — the events to attend — and the loved ones to gather close. Oh my!
As I reflect on all of that, my own little holiday plans seem much more manageable. And, wonder of wonders, good friends have offered help — to climb-that-ladder-to-adorn-the-top-of-that-ten-foot-tree kind of help. I feel teary with gratitude and Christmas spirit. And I’m here to reassure you that even though these holidays are bittersweet, they have their own special comforts and delights for us old folks!
My Bloody Mary came with a small garni of celery and a generous piece of beef jerky on a cocktail swizzle (which I finally managed to extricate in multiple pieces.} The menu, divided into four categories: “Snacks,” “Small Plates,” “Plates,” and “Sweets” was exotic (by my standards) and made for difficulty in choosing. The listings, all spendy, included Foie Gras Tart, Beef Tartare, Bitter Greens, Sliced Duck Breast, Sweet Carrot Crepe Cannelloni and many many others.
