Alan

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June 26, 2018

Dear Alan,

I’d be willing to bet that life’s changed a bit since you married the mother of my significant other.  Are you having fun yet? Sometimes I see the spittin’ image of Lynn in Jenn. It usually comes a split second at a time when she’s taking one of those rare moments to think about something with her mouth closed. She’ll purse her lips as the gears turn and flash an inadvertent duck-face. When that happens, it’s like Lynn materializes in the room! You can’t help but love those women.

I want to commend you for your bravery and thank you for joining the family. It’s a raucous fracas when the Jordans, Fredricks, and Loffers descend on your life at the same time. I wouldn’t be surprised if the eyebrows of Nolan Ryan in that painting on your wall are a notch higher by the time we all leave. You forfeit your peace for a time, and a significant amount of your beer and liquor, but remain so gracious as to send a jug of that glorious Pennsylvania maple syrup now and again by way of the post. Thank you for that!

Don’t let the fact that we now live in the most liberal municipality in the United States deter you from a visit. It’s quite peaceful on Vashon. Our activists here may be the squeakiest of wheels, but the down to earth are a very tolerant silent majority. The lighter population density relative to Seattle, island-life collectivism, and the patience it takes to tolerate a life dependent upon the Washington State ferry system all result in a live-and-let-live vibe. If I were you, I would still introduce myself to Vashoners as a consultant, rather than a lobbyist. Maybe mention your foray into the legalism of Marijuana for some extra street cred.

Most of the time the locals will even serve you if you walk into a coffee shop with the Wall Street Journal under your arm! Believe it or not, there are far more non-biodegradable WSJ receptacles shamelessly screwed to mailboxes all over The Rock than there are dispensaries downtown . . . though I suspect some residents may subscribe only to supplement the crafting of paper mâché Trump effigies for ceremonial immolation.  

Anyway, all of that was just to say thanks— for accepting all of us as part of the wild and crazy package that came with your lovely wife. I always enjoy our conversation, and look forward to next time.

Sincerely,

Daniel