#9 - "Grace Notes from a Bohemian in Wanderlust." The Washington State Ircink's.

One of the coolest things about my visit to Seattle in May was that I got reacquainted with some (there's 9) of my 3rd cousins. Above, that's David Ircink, below, Phillip Ircink. They're brothers. Their father and uncle - Chuck and Paul - are my dad's 1st cousins. Their father - Paul (my Grandpa Ircink's brother) - moved the family out to Spokane just before the boys were to enter college.

Lisa and I met David for drinks after my show performed and we caught up on what it's like to be one of very few "Ircink's" on the planet. He also regaled us of his adventure that day on the high seas - he's a tugboat captain - and makes regular runs from Seattle to Anchorage.

I met Phil and his two daughters for lunch near Lisa's house. We also caught up on what it's like being an "Ircink" and laughed about our parents and old times. Funny thing is - I haven't seen Phil or David since we were little kids. But you'd never have known that.

I hope to meet up with the 7 remaining Ircink cousins, as well as see Chuck and Paul real soon. Truthfully, it ain't bad being an Ircink...and it's even better when you another meet one. And as my Grandpa Ircink always said, "Ircink...a good name never dies."