Last week, we went to Spokane, Washington, for the annual convention of the Porsche Club of America. It is known as the “Porsche Parade,” occurring every year in a different city or resort around the country.

We took advantage of the fact that it was here in Washington this year and drove over for a few days. It was fun and a little “toasty” with temperatures in the mid-90s much of the time. The club provides a “goodie bag” to all the registrants, and one of the items is a red plastic viewer, appearing not unlike the vintage antique stereo viewers of 100 years ago. We could not figure out what the item was even after asking several others.

Finally, we talked with somebody younger, a man under 40 years of age, and he educated us. It is a device used to view virtual reality videos on your phone. One more example of not being up to technological speed today. Where is a grandson when you really need him?

So, what do we all do within 24 hours of returning from a multiday trip? Yep, we head to the grocery store. As someone from Port Ludlow might expect, I encountered Bev and Bernie Kestler having their daily maple bar treat adjacent to the Starbucks. They are always a delight to see, because, well, Bev says she reads this column every week. As I stood at the deli counter, I was surprised by two young boys over at the bakery/pastry counter. They were probably 10 years old and they approached the lady working at the counter. In unison, they sang out, “May we have a free cookie?” Within 15 seconds they both walked away with a cookie. I had no idea such a service existed at QFC. Wait until I tell my grandsons.

There appears to be some controversy at the Port Ludlow Voice with Bev Brown retiring and neither one of her volunteer replacements lasting very long. I am reminded of a quote from Kirby Irwin: “If you want to truly understand something, try to change it.”

Did you see the rainbow of Lamborghinis parading around Port Ludlow last Friday? The 24 high-dollar Italian sports cars were on a five-day trip from Seattle to Portland known as “Giro 2017 – Pacific Northwest.” Apparently, some of the cars were rented and some were owned by the drivers, but all of them were difficult to ignore.

I was at Sonja’s Bayside Barber Shop, and we could hear them coming down Oak Bay Road to get gas and then return to their rendezvous point in the yacht club parking lot. You might be wondering how I knew they were Italian cars. You see, I noted the accompanying repair vehicle loaded with the tools and parts needed to keep the cars on the road. (Car guys know what I mean.)

Here is another reminder that the reinvented Port Hadlock celebration now known as the “Hadlock Block Party” will take place on Saturday, Aug. 5. Fun and food for all!

Love a curmudgeon and have a great week.

(Ned Luce writes this column weekly for The Leader. Contact him at NedLuce@sbcglobal.net.)