Freshman year at PU or UP, that is the University Of Portland, in the 60's, ROTC was required for two years.

They had a drill team called the Mitchell Rifles. The Mitchell's uniforms were cool, Eisenhower vest, white spats and scarf and a white enameled helmet. We thought we were cool.

In high school, I wasn't a jock or a nerd, I guess I was somewhere in between. I had decided that I would be one and was determined to meet every freshman girl.

We wore them every Friday and wanting to achieve my goal, I would walk thru the commons saying hi to all the girls as I went thru. It was my first time, I think, however it would eventually be the best move of my young life.

There was this beautiful red headed gal sitting with friends and as I waked by, my whole body was doing something I didn't know what it was.This went on to the end of the first semester.

Semester two started, however come to the first Friday walk thru the commons, there was no red head. I didn't even know her name.

It has been said that nothing happens by accident.

In February, I was at a hockey game in the Rose Garden with some buddy's when I looked over a couple of isles, there was that mysterious red head walking up the steps with another friend from school.The next day I went looking for him.

At last I had a name, Kathleen Baxter, but it still took me somesix weeks before I could get the nerve to call her for a date.

The journey begins.

We will be celebrating our 24th anniversary this August. We grew up together with all the ups and downs.

Blest with two children, Matt and Nicole, and now four wonderful grandchildren, Mikayla, Maddisyn, Addison and Andrew.

There is no secret to our journey. We simply treat each other with respect, trust, understanding and most importantly LOVE.

I love you Kathleen, yesterday, today, always.