The locals!

Dang, this is hard!  Matt and I have met some wonderful people in this town; they will be missed.  We intend to come back in a couple of years…

Let me introduce you to some of these uniquely awesome people—

Seward Library

Our last day there, we listened to the short story "Brownies" by Z.Z. Packer.  I enjoyed it!  The story examined racism through the eyes of a young girl.  After the reading, Matt and I shelved and "neatened" the main collection of books.  It has been a great library!  We have checked out books and DVDs...(We really enjoy "Bones"!  I thought I had seen most of the shows in this TV series.  Uh, no.)  They also have a decent collection of "exchange books"--great to just read on a rainy day!

Meet Rachel and Kate!  Rachel is the volunteer coordinator, and Kate works both the library and museum.  Both exceptional women--smiles!

Seward Food Bank
(Totally supported by the community--no federal or state funds!)
Our last volunteer day there was Thursday.  Matt and I have been spoiled to be a part of these peoples lives--both the volunteers and the people who utilize the service.  These people live LARGE.  The experiences they've had, and the stories they tell...amuse, terrify, humble, wrench, and leave me most often in awe...

Shawn and Matt
Shawn's father started the food bank 40 years ago (give or take a decade), and Shawn continues the tradition.  He gave us our start at the Food Bank--THANK YOU!  

Jackie and Shawn
Jackie and her husband are very involved in the community, AND they are amazing outdoor enthusiasts! Jackie is a stellar example of a grounded practical Alaskan woman--AND she is gorgeous! SMILES!

Joe and Matt
Joe is an outstanding stocker.  He also works at the RV park (Seward Resort) where Matt and I were staying. A very friendly and generous man.
Matt is at the weighing station.  He had to note the weight of the bags going out--each household could have up to 10 lbs. of food a week.

Judy, Matt, and Mike
Matt and I were very fortunate to have these two in our lives.  We saw them at community events, at the senior center, and on the street.  They were a "local connection"--smiles.  They blessed us not only with stories and genuine friendship, but with some dang amazing gifts.Mike gave Matthew and I jewelry he made from parts of the animals he trapped and hunted--black bear claws, beaver tooth, and coyote teeth. BEAUTIFUL! Judy gave us parts of her life...Matthew got the counter her husband used in commercial fishing (Matt now sleeps with it!). She gave me a candle holder made from a bottle--unique and beautiful.  Thank you very much, Judy and Mike...smiles and love.

Senior Center
This place was another joy!!!  Matthew and I learned so much from our wonderful friend and cook, Shirley.  Our friendship with her was instantaneous--fun to have that kind of spontaneous connection.  THANK YOU, Shirley!  Hope to see you in Scotland!  As for the seniors eating and "playing" at the center--THANK YOU!!!  What a bunch of amazing, funny, and supportive people!  You all made our time volunteering there an absolute BLAST!

Shirley and Matt
Shirley has been an amazing teacher for both of us!  Note--Matt is "fry cook"!

Ted, Shirley, and Matt
Ted is a beautiful teddy-bear of a man.  Thank you, Ted for the very kind card and all of your support.  It is appreciated!

Ron
Now, here is a man with stories to tell!!!  He too was a commercial fisherman and is a very proud father!

Dana and Ginny
Kookie--YES!!!   Dana is the director of the center, and Ginny manages the secretarial end of things.  THANK YOU ladies!!!  It was a blast to work for the two of you!

Friends met and instantly loved--

Jim, Matt, and Judy
Seriously, how can you NOT know these two are a stitch?!  I mistakenly said, "Hold it!", and they did.  Never mind that it was Matt's bum!  SMILES!!!  These two, in addition to having a wonderful sense of humor, are great conversationalists!  We discussed countries visited, experiences enjoyed, etc.  They are definitely family!  See you two in Texas!!!  (They LIVE in Texas; they are not "Texans".  SMILES!) 

These two own THE coffee house (shaped like a coffee cup).  Awesome young people who are soon to be parents for the first time!!  I imagine their son will be quite the connoisseur of coffee and all good things liquid caffeine!!!  Thank you for making Matthew and my mornings especially delicious!

Gwen
Gwen, thank you for your kindness AND for making the RV park BEAUTIFUL!  Hope to see you in Idaho!

There are so many others of whom I don't have photos--

Angela--The massage was great!  I only wish I could have gotten in the second time!

Women in the front office of the RV park--AWESOME!  Thank you for all of your help--saving the credit card I forgot, keeping our mail, reserving the kayaking trip, getting us good spots in the park, etc.

Cary--Wish I had time to talk with you more.  You are quite the library legend!

Dudes at the Mexican restaurant--MAN!  That was the hottest salsa I have EVER had!!  I thank you!  (My tongue wasn't quite on board for that"thanks", but it will get there! SMILES!)

There are many more people who touched our lives in Seward.  To all of you, thank you!  Matt and I are beyond fortunate.  See you again in two years!
To all of my "old" friends reading this, thank you for continuing to be a part of our lives...
Smiles and love to all the outstanding people!
Susan