Driving Miss Dwan

From Joe:

On several occasions, Dwan and I found ourselves as driving companions. This is one of those memories.

One of a few oddities I found with Dwan was when we drove together. If it was just us two, Dwan always chose to ride in the back passenger-side seat. No exceptions. I was her chauffer for the day. It felt like I was in the movie or off-Broadway show named, “Driving Miss Daisy.” Off we would go. The stories and ruminations encompassing our lives would flow like water. Dwan looking ahead or out her side window. Me looking ahead and occasionally at the rear-view mirror—occasionally sharing eyes.

On our final driving occasion, we were under a time constraint. Objective was to catch an early morning Pt. Townsend to Whidbey Island ferry. I would drop Dwan off at home and head to Bellingham and ultimately Oakland to Livermore. Dwan is always ready to go early. I feel the need to leave time margin to comfortably navigate through worst case scenarios. Doing so lowers my travel anxiety. We were a pair. And so off we went with approximately 30-40 minutes to spare.

Upon arrival we had our uh-oh moment. Dense fog. Coupeville Ferry cancelled indefinitely. An anxious call to our Brinnon base intel (Connie) who indicated we might be able to make a Kingston Ferry. Leave now!

And so – we’re headed to the Hood Canal bridge and then to-hopefully-a ferry. I had a flight to catch. It’s always a dice roll regarding the bridge’s status. Large sailing ships or Navy subs returning from months long global tours will create traffic delays…more worst-case scenarios to consider?

More time and quite a few more stories later we arrived 30 mins. ahead of the next ferry to Edmonds! Joy in our eyes. And then I suggest we treat ourselves to J’aime Les Crepes and coffee to alleviate our past anxiety. If you know Dwan, you know she has a sweet tooth.

I returned to our rental approximately 20 mins later. Two large crepes, a hot tea and coffee in-hand. Dwan opted for Fresh Apple with Cinnamon Carmel including Toasted Almonds with a rather healthy dollop of Whipped Cream. Wow. When Dwan set eyes upon her crepe, which overfilled a large paper plate, you heard, “Ohhh Myyy! That looks wonderful.” I laughed.

Can’t tell you how happy Miss Dwan was that morning. Sharing sweet crepes and stories. A hint is given in the photo I took after she finished her crepe. Pure joy.

Yes, somehow, Dwan completed here crepe before we boarded. I finished eating my Apple crepe somewhere between Edmunds and Anacortes…with another story in the bank.

-jmz