(Wood),+Pat+Freeman

14810 NE Thompson St. Portland, OR 97230-4656  503-492-3406  freeman3114@comcast.net
 * Pat (Wood) Freeman**

 **1969:**I attended WSU, then married and now have 2 children, Brian and Erin.My husband is in the service and at present we are stationed in Anchorage, Alaska for the second time.Most of my time is involved in Army-orientated projects; Army Community Service, Volunteer casework for Red Cross and Wives Club.My husband and I are both working on degrees in education.A benefit of military life for us has been the opportunity to travel.We have been from Nome, Alaska to Mexico City and to Hawaii.Next spring we plan to visit Japan.It has been interesting to keep moving but I think in 5 years we will be more than ready to retire.

 **1979:** I find it hard to believe it's our! twenty-year reunion. Doesn't seem possible. I don't feel that old even when I look at my teenage children but come 6 a.m. Monday morning and I believe it. Wish I could be there to see everyone; however, thanks to my job it isn't possible. I am working for a federal agency, one of the least popular, that requires a lot of traveling, so when I am home I'm just very glad to stay. In fact, I just returned from San Francisco after having spent a month there. We are on the "down side" of our Alaska tour. Should be leaving next June after our 17 year old Brian graduates from high school. We extended so he could finish here. Our daughter, Erin, will just start high school this year but I have already warned her we are NOT staying any longer than one more year. We have hopes of going some place warm--where than may be it's hard to say. My husband is due to retire soon from the Army so we want to look around for our "Shangri-La" and some good fishing holes. Hope everyone has a good time. I'll be thinking of the party on the 4th.

** 1999: **  · Summary since graduation:traveled, worked, raised 2 children, 4 horses, 13 cats, 5 dogs, fish, birds, etc.  · Hobbies, pastimes:Shopping and commuting between Salem and Portland, OR.  · Work:Work for federal government learning how to waste taxpayers’ money.  · Family:2 children, 5 grandchildren  · Notable experiences:Have been in 9 forest fires in WA, OR, ID eating those 5000-calorie diets daily.  · High school memory:Mr. Day teasing me saying Norwegians are just Swedes with their brains knocked out.Also, painting the water tower with Ellen, Marcy, Carol, Linda, Grace, Charlotte.And trying to pass geometry.

I just can’t believe that it has been 50 years since we bid farewell to MVHS and those carefree days, but isn’t it wonderful we are able to celebrate this special reunion and share memories collected over the years. I decided two years ago, after 28+ years of federal service, to exchange my human resources specialist hat for a SPF gardening hat.Although only a hobby, yard and garden seems a relentless task master.I now put in longer hours, work harder, receive no salary or leave benefits and “Mother Nature” is an uncompromising supervisor.But nothing compares to the rewards of beautiful, healthy flowers and plants.This summer we did some “re-modeling” in our backyard, tore out decking, added a small greenhouse and water garden, new patios, etc.You know, how one thing leads to another, and another, etc.Looks like “Goodbye to winter in AZ” - I’ll be wintering-over in the greenhouse. During the school year I volunteer with the SMART reading program at a neighborhood elementary school and I joined a professional woman’s group which provides mentoring/support to students at one of the local community colleges.I also go to the pool for water aerobic classes every morning, and to gossip with all the other old ladies who are trying to delay aches and pains and keep stress levels low. Our daughter, Erin and her family live in Portland.She is the kind of daughter every mother hopes to have and her husband, Bernie, and their 3 children are equally treasured.Our son, Brian moved 2 years ago from Fairbanks, AK to Houston, TX with his blended family of 5 girls.Daughter # 5, Madeleine, was a “surprise” addition and as a precocious 4 year old is a thorough delight who keeps everyone running.We are very proud of both Brian, who is a great father, and his wife, Wendy who three years ago, received her PhD in French languages and teaches at Rice University.They love Houston, so YES, there is hope for escaping from some of the winter rains this year. I’ve learned to no longer take my health for granted - just have not yet conquered the relaxation process but am “working” on that, too!I hope that all of you are in good health and enjoying life.It will be great to come back to Skagit Valley.What a wonderful place to grow up! Many thanks to those of you who invested your time and energy organizing and coordinating the entire event and managing all of the behind-the-scenes planning.I think all of our reunions have been terrific successes and I am sure this one will be no different.
 * 2009: ** Hello everyone,