People at Third Presbyterian called Warren “Elmer,” saying he was holding the church together. But it was time to move on and the opportunity to go to First Presbyterian in Oklahoma came along. We moved in January, arriving on Sue’s birthday. Warren had mentioned this to someone and there was a party for her.

I loved the space of the west. The sky was so beautiful after Pittsburgh. I realize our moves were always unique because people were waiting for us, friends even before we arrived. It was a huge church. Dale Milligan was the senior minister with Warren, Ralph Ranney and Rick Tatum. All went well the first five years. We loved our large home, lovely neighbors, Sue was in junior high, Pete in High School. I loved our family room with large windows looking out onto a nice back yard with a creek running through it. The people who had lived in it had dogs and we quickly discovered ticks on Duffy, in the garage and even in the house. I’m sure Pete remembers helping me remove ticks and having Duffy dipped several times before we were clear.

The first haircut Duffy needed I asked if they knew how to groom a Westie and they said yes but when I picked him up late that day and they brought him out I said, “that isn’t my dog.” “Duffy Graham,” and I looked closely at his eyes, didn’t say anything, paid him and left. I kept looking at him on the way home and had to laugh. I remember Cathy was there as was Pete. When she saw him she laughed so hard and poor Pete said, “damn,” and went upstairs, slamming his door. This was probably in March and at dinner we all voted as to when his hair would grow back and he would look like a Westie again – some even said August.

I worked part time at Etta’s Gift Gallery for several years while in Oklahoma City. It was such a fun job. We would get to unpack things as they arrived and it was like Christmas opening wonderful items. I learned about collectible China, silver, glass, etc. and they all are fascinating. A lot of the time I wouldn’t even get a check as I had done my shopping right there on Hummels, B&G plates, pitchers. The children have some in their homes today from Etta’s.