karenulijohn

My parents were not particularly thrilled with our engagement, and even less enthusiastic about our traveling to Spokane, WA to meet Harvey’s parents.  My father finally relented after receiving written invitations from Harvey’s family and a family associated with his company in Seattle.  The plan was to spend a week in Spokane and then drive to Seattle where Harvey would spend several days in the office.  

Harvey’s parents met us at the airport when we arrived and drove us back to the family home.  It was the middle of winter, and the snow was piled so high that the cars had to have an orange ball stuck to the antenna in order for the car to be seen in traffic.  His mother and I hit it off almost right away.  She was working as head of the draft board, but she was anxious to have me meet her workmates and take me to lunch.  She was so kind to me and so happy that I was marrying her “little Chum.”  His father was a little different.  I had to win him over by beating him at cribbage.  And, we did have music in common.  He had a large Conn organ in the living room which he played at full volume every chance he got. The family had planned a reception for us so that old friends could meet Harvey’s fiancé, since everyone had pretty much given up on him ever marrying.  I didn’t know it at the time, but Harvey’s Dad commented on the age difference saying, “She’s a little young, isn’t she?”  

After a week, we rented a car and drove across the Cascade Mountains to  Seattle.  Harvey had been telling me how treacherous Snoqualmie Pass was in the winter.  I had imagined  the pass as a little dirt road, similar to what the conestoga wagons used.  When we drove through the pass on a six lane highway, I gave it the name “Phony Pass.”  The scenery was beautiful, so different from anything I had experienced in Pennsylvania.  

The Andersons, with whom I stayed, lived in Edmonds, a little north of Seattle, and they had four young children.  Barbara was very welcoming and I got a taste of the culture that existed there.  A pot of coffee was available throughout the day and evening, and served to anyone who dropped in for a visit, no matter how short.  Logistics during this time were quite complicated since Harvey had to work during the day, but we spent every evening together and out of respect for my hosts, I tried to be home at a respectable hour.  

Up to this point, the trip went completely as planned.  We spent as much time as we could together and had a lovely time.  But then, an unexpected business meeting forced us to detour through New York City on our way back to London. There was no invitation, no chaperone, and a reservation at The Plaza Hotel!  What to do??