Perry Ann Porter, 1960
My life has been full and wonderful since I graduated from East, where I was a Peppy Pilot, acquired a swim letter, and worked in the bookstore selling pencils, notebooks and other school items.
It seems I have a history with East, where my mother, Fran Porter, taught Physical Education when I was in nursery school. Teachers June Morell and Helen Kennedy watched me grow up. I learned to swim in the East pool when I was quite young.
We moved a lot: Kansas City to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Back to Kansas City, then returning to a tri-level home on East 15th across from Fairmount Park. By then my mother taught P. E. at the University of Wichita: tennis, field hockey, and square dance, with Modern Dance as her specialty. I graduated from Wichita State in Elementary Education in 1965.
At present I reside in Poulsbo, WA, a unique Scandinavian town founded in 1908. Poulsbo is located on the shore of Liberty Bay, which is a fjord gouged out from glaciers surrounded by the majestic Olympic mountain range, resembling Norway. Weather is pleasant, especially in winter. There may be some snow, but it usually only lasts a few days. The town boasts plenty of parks, trails, water activities, museums and senior clubs to keep one busy.
A Norwegian national tradition is the huge Lutefisk luncheon, serving dried North Atlantic Cod fish soaked in lime for days and served with the traditional Lefse, a soft flatbread, boiled spuds, salad and dessert. Lutefisk is extremely popular. I tried it once – either you love it or not! An acquired taste for sure.
Look up a map of WA state and locate Seattle; follow the ferry to Bainbridge Island (½ hr. ride); then down Hwy 305 to cross over Agate Pass Bridge (11 miles) to Poulsbo (5 miles). There is a big Casino hosted by the Suquamish Tribe and in their small town you can locate Chief Seattle’s grave.
Water is almost all around Kitsap County, supporting Banger Submarine Base and Bremerton Navy Ship Yard where huge carriers are repaired. We have been told our area is marked on a war map as the spot to be destroyed if an earthquake from Mount Rainier doesn’t happen first. We are aware!
Bremerton, WA, USA Sept 4, 2016: Massive green crane at Pier 6 Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility
I’m out in the country, four miles to town. For a Norwegian population there are nine Mexican eateries to chose from. Go figure!
Life has been interesting. My next story will be about adventures as a Peace Corps Volunteer. So I am searching for others who also served.
Until then, have a great tomorrow….
What took you to this area, Perry? I have eaten lutefiske and lefse which proves butter makes everything taste better
Perry–We have a second home condo in Kingston from which we always visit Poulsbo when we’re in the NW. Sluys bakery is the best excuse. If you wanted to share contact info we could look you up when we are there. Or you could join us for lunch at the Grub Hut in Kingston, motto: Good Grub is Messy.