"Ralph's grandfather and father emigrated to the United States from Mexico before he was born. From childhood, the big dreams Ralph had have all failed, thwarted by ridicule, unrealistic aims and parental domination. for a fresh start, he moves from the Midwest to Seattle, joins a plumber's union, and marries Ruby, a lady he meets on a blind date. In what he believes is a final effort to achieve something good for mankind, he buys 22 acres on Bainbridge Island to create a refuge for native plants and wildlife. Every Saturday, he ferries over from Seattle to work on this secret project, leaving behind his wife, who has a closer relationship with her parents than with him. In Ralph's Dream, a fictional story with fictional characters but a real setting most folks adapt to a time of big change, while others turn their backs on it and some fight against it. A few don't know what to do. Through all of the turmoil, Ralph struggles to hold onto his dream." P. [4] of cover.