Actually, through the years, she's played viola, 'cello, string bass and percussion in the symphony and pit orchestras. She learned and taught an amazing number of musical instruments through the years. She's past president of the Bellingham Music Club, active in the Aftermath Club, and she's been the church organist forever, almost, at Fountain Community Church, where my brother David is pastor. Mom is not only a terrific musician, but a mentor of people and musicians of all ages. And she's a Seattle Mariners fan, as well.
Mom loves dogs, and for a period of time raised cocker spaniels for show.
In the photo to the right, I'm holding one of the puppies she raised. She became deeply involved with dog breeding, and her dogs parented some adorable pups. The entire experience of having dogs and puppies around was good for us city kids, since we rarely had the opportunity to visit farms. The dog will appear in shows in Vancouver, Wash., Portland, Salem, and twice in Vancouver, B.C., during that period. A few weeks ago sparkle was judged best in match at a show south of Seattle and also brought home best of variety ribbons in two other contests.