Nati and Jack

While we were in Dallas, Peter's mother reminded him that his late grandmother's (Pauline, aka Gammy) best friend, Nati, lived in a retirement home in Austin. Peter hadn't seen Nati in years and only met her a few times, but was well aware of her through family lore. Nati has lived in the wonderful community of Querencia at Barton Creek for the last five years and while there, she met a gentleman named Jack, whom she wed four and a half years ago. We were excited for the opportunity to spend time with those who have seen many more years than we had and to see someone who was essentially a member of Peter's family. We met at Querencia at Barton Creek for lunch. 

Peter and the Wolf with Jack and Nati. Nati and Jack told plenty of stories of their own travels in the past. She's the most beautiful 90-year-old woman we've ever seen. Jack is a gentleman in every sense of the word and was eager to hear all about our trip. Thanks for the delicious lunch of panini's and the best coffee in Austin!

I included this one for you Nati, who called it "interesting" because of it's spontaneity. Thanks for your patience, Yolanda.

(Clockwise from left: Al, Nati, Don, and Pauline)

After lunch, Nati and Jack gave us a tour of their lovely place. Nati had pictures of Peter's grandparents everywhere. It was powerful to see their overwhelming presence and to get a sense of how close they were and continue to be to Nati. 

*Nati and her late husband, Al, would travel from Texas to Seattle to visit Peter's grandparents and vice versa. Together they would go on adventurous fishing trips in the Gulf of Mexico and in the islands west of British Columbia. Nati said that she met Pauline and Don (Peter's grandfather, aka Poppa) on Quadra Island, when she overheard Pauline say in her boisterous and enthusiastic tone, "Well, it's five o'clock somewhere!" Their lifelong friendship began.  

Nati and Jack gave us advice on where to go on the next phase of our journey. Here's Nati talking about Santa Fe and great routes to take along the border of New Mexico and Colorado. We told them we dreaded the next phase of our trip through West Texas, but Jack, a rancher and resident of a small town in West Texas reassured us there was some beauty to be found.  

The outdoor patio of Querencia at Barton Creek.

Editorial note from Peter: There were moments when Nati and I were close to tears when we both described Pauline and Don (Gammy and Poppa to me). I think there was a connection she had with them that she was able to reconnect with me as their grandchild. For me, I saw a lot of Gammy within Nati in terms of her mannerisms, sociability, lightheartedness and love of life. I'll always remember and cherish those moments, Nati. I'm so thankful we were able to spend time together and can't wait for our next lunch. Love you.