I often think of Tucker Wachsmuth as the “Pied Piper of Oysterville.”   He has organized scavenger hunts, invented Whiffle Golf, and promoted sailing on the bay to the delight of several generations of Oysterville “kids.”  His latest adventure involves one of this granddaughter’s toys.

It was a favorite toy – one that went with her everywhere.  Woody, of “Toy Story” fame, even came to Oysterville with her but after a walk around the village with the family, she arrived home without him.  They retraced their steps; they called; they looked.  No Woody.

Time has gone by, but Opa Tucker hasn’t forgotten.  He has managed to get another Woody for his little granddaughter, even though, by now (in the way of very young children), she may well have a new best friend.

No matter.  Tucker isn’t concerned about the timing or the remembering.  This past weekend he brought the new Woody to Oysterville and they spent some time together documenting the adventures that Missing Woody might have had.   Thus it was that we saw Woody at the church, Woody at Oysterville Sea Farms, Woody climbing trees and Woody at the Oysterville Store.  He was having a fine time – and so was Opa Tucker!

The best part of all, at least to me, was that Tucker was having such fun.  He wasn’t just doing something for his little granddaughter.  He was doing it because that’s simply the way he is!  (It comes as no surprise that he once owned a toy store.)  It seemed absolutely natural that Tucker and Woody were exploring Oysterville together.  Lucky Woody!  Lucky granddaughter! Lucky all of us who know Tucker!