08/07/2026
It was such a pleasure to hear the princesses speeches Wednesday night and watch Jeff Daly’s inspiring video about our historical life on the river. It flooded me with emotions thinking back to my grandparents and dad immigrating here in the 60’s and making a new life on the river through the canneries and lumber industry. Water was very much a part of their life in Finland before moving here and the Columbia river is what drew them here. There is definitely something in me that has always been drawn to the river too. It feeds my soul, it brought me my husband and has become my home. It is my dream to someday actually get out in the river in a boat (I know, I still have never had the privilege.)
Congratulations to Queen Teslyn and all the princesses. The speeches were inspiring! My favorite quote of the night was Princess Daphne’s quote “Never admire quietly. If I admire something about someone, I tell them. We humans are so fragile. It’s important we give people their flowers while they are still here.” - Chimamanda Adichie
All that to say, I actually have a bit of extra time this week so we have decided to finally participate in the land parade! Bringing back our Astoria “Moss”ler Bridge with fun plans to “raise the river” on it. Can’t wait to see you all on the parade route while we pass out free flowers. Because of our participation with the parade we will be closed all day Saturday.
