Judi Koteen (and her other names) with soundhealer extraordinaire Tom Kenyon. (See his website!) I've known Judi since her kids were in kindergarten. We worked together on the Ramtha book and have enjoyed each other's company for years and years. "Doodie!" "Cawoow!" (Baby talk...go figure.) This evening, we were enjoying the evening on the deck at the newly remodeled Ship's Bay Restaurant, located on the shore of East Sound. Fritz the Cat, who looks suspiciously like Crab Bait at Bilbo's, makes sure he's always in the action. Below, Fritz ensures this couple notices the finer parts of the darkening view. See photos of Tom's Aug. 25, 2000 concert.
Elizabeth came to Orcas to retire a dozen or more years ago, then proceeded to spend many years here as a child therapist. She moved to Seattle for several years, where she had a large practice. Last year, she returned to her Orcas home to write a book titled Do Hearts Really Break? Some retirement! Left, Elizabeth is caught at the Doty's A-1 Church of Good Eats, while at right, she tries to restrain her favorite friends, Pupper and T-Bear (who thinks that "outside" means Great Escape!). Sorry, Teddy -- no such luck! Elizabeth rescued Pupper from a ditch, and after all these years, she found out the comical looking dog is a REAL breed. Royalty! Elizabeth and I eat dinner together often (homemade soups!) and I help her get out of computer jams. Above is a crayon sketch I did of Pupper; below is the last photo I took of old Pupper as Elizabeth was vacuuming the rug the last time before she moved off island on Oct. 21, 2000. Pupper came over and deliberately plopped her head in my lap and didn't stop staring at me until I took this picture. I had it enlarged to 8x10" as a present, and darned if the head isn't lifesize! She (Elizabeth that is) is moving to the Seattle area to be near her daughter. I'll miss the lot of them, even grumpy old T-Bear. A sad note: Old Pupper finally passed away at the end of May, 2001. A hard last few days, and several creaky years with old joints, but otherwise Pupper never had a sick day in her life 'til the end. Elizabeth is heartbroken, but this photo, below, and the crayon sketch captures the pooch's spirit.
I've talked "shop" (music) with John Liger for years. John has an extraordinary voice with a vast range, and I've helped him type and database his song lyrics collection, well over 900 by now. He is doing some exciting jazz stylings on keyboards, and performs solo, with Those Guys from Orcas (a vocal quartet of 3 to seven members, two of which are women), and with Music from the Heart (duets with pianist Ron Myers). John's been a Navy pilot, an inventor (silver recovery unit), an antiques dealer, and has worked with plastics formation and boat building. Quite the character, John has absolutely perfected the fine art of bullshitting the day away. On a day like this one, it's not hard to join him! See also John Liger AGAIN? 
Charles is owner and chief cook 'n' bottle washer of The Kitchen, Fast Asian Food, a tiny takeout with FABULOUSO food! All fresh, organic, made to order. Charles came to Orcas via his mother, Robin Woodward, who bought The Cottage Company buildings in downtown Eastsound, thus ensuring their continuance as use by locals. (She also bought and restored the building where The Living Room is located. Hooray! See Robin, below.) All the cooks in The Kitchen wear chef's coat and this cap and b/w checked pants. They all look so cool! Charles has an infectious sense of humor, is a wonderful stage dancer, and just today told me of his two-week solo stint to China, right after it opened to Westerners. I love doing graphic jobs for his business 'cause I get to be around Charles, dip my paws into the jar with Fran's Candied Ginger covered with dark chocolate, and partake of Charles' great Asian cooking! Take-out, anyone? Call in your order! 360-376-6958. Robin Woodward
Robin Woodward is really just like this...friendly and supportive.
She's been a BIG positive influence in Eastsound Village. She bought some rundown property, totally renovated it and relandscaped...now it's The Living Room gallery and performance salon! She also bought The Cottage Company property and ensures the small local businesses will survive there, including The Kitchen, owned by her son Charles (above). You'll usually see Robin in her blue smock and work gloves, gardening away. She drives a classic old black Porche, which I think is way cool! Goes with the shades.Kate Adams
Isn't Kate ADORABLE?? Kate Adams is the Coffee Queen of Orcas Island. She volunteers to provide coffee urns, tea setups, and table clothes for many of the library, museum, and cultural functions on Orcas. This July 4th weekend, she organized the huge homemade pie selling concession at the Historical Day parade. This shot was taken outdoors at the Historical Museum's benefit concert at The Living Room. As ususal, she had her fine coffee service set up inside. I had to chase her around the garden to get her picture. Don't tell her I posted this or she'll come get me!
