Author: Kay

The Watusi

I don’t know how long the sign was up before I noticed it, but I became aware a few months ago of a place advertising itself as a “Watusi Experimental Ranch.”

Really? Watusi? This is one of those esoteric subjects tucked back – way back – in my mind. I worked very briefly at a private zoo in California that had Watusi cattle, native to Africa and considered a sign of wealth, often sacred. Unlike typical cattle found in the U.S., Watusi can forage under more sparse conditions. Wikipedia indicates that humans drink their milk. One of those factoids floating up from my brain is that their blood is also drunk. It’s just surprising enough that I don’t think I made that up.

So I finally tiptoed up to the fence and tried to get a shot of our Washington Watusis. One cooperated and showed its massive horns which can be up to eight feet across from tip to tip. The second Watusi was much more interested in grazing until my feet started getting numb from the cold. But you can still see the horns sticking out.

Here’s the sign.

Elusive Mount Baker

Mount Baker, in the Cascade Range east of us, is a tantalizing part of our viewscape. It’s often hidden by clouds and it’s distant enough that a clear view is a treat. But the views are never quite ideal and a really good picture seems just beyond reach with my lens range. That doesn’t seem to keep me from trying every time I have a chance. I should just take a road trip to the other side of Puget Sound and get up close and personal.

Beach art

West coast crabs are usually called “Dungeness” crabs, named for our region where they’re found in abundance. I didn’t move here simply because crab is one of my favorite foods, though it did aid in my overall enthusiasm for this place.

I don’t know what colored this one; the inside of a crab shell isn’t usually this soft shade of lavender. But it made for an interesting piece of flotsam on the beach.

Festival of Trees

The annual Festival of Trees was held last weekend in Port Angeles. It is the biggest fundraiser for our Olympic Medical Center and monies raised are used to purchase equipment and provide continuing education for staff.

The Festival of Trees is a big event supported by many local businesses. There are a number of events over the three day festival including a Teddy Bear tea for children and parents, a family breakfast, and family day viewings of festival trees. The centerpiece is the Festival of Trees Gala where decorated trees, many with bonus “premiums,” are auctioned at a formal gourmet buffet dinner. Details from some of the trees are shown above, lovely creations that are themed by local designers and sponsored by businesses and community members. This year roughly 50 trees were auctioned for well over $90,000. Premiums accompanying the trees included travel packages, wine, local services, sports and cultural events.

Community education

I was pleased to discover that Peninsula College, our local community college based in Port Angeles, has a presence in this building in downtown Sequim. I’ve taken a few of their noncredit community education classes and as often as not had conflicts that interfered with taking more. But I’m happy when I make it into an interesting class.

Theme Day: Looking Out

“Looking Out” is the challenge for today’s City Daily Photo Theme Day.

This was going to be a photo of my barbecued rib lunch at Jeremiah’s BBQ. But as with many a meal, the food arrived. I was hungry; the camera was forgotten. What does this have to do with “looking out?”

When I raised my attention from the plate, I noticed the floor show outside the door. Here’s what I saw looking out: The Girls, shown here, all have names and according to the wait staff, they respond to them. They have a small repertoire of tricks, including a poultry version of “fetch.” They will chase objects tossed their way. (They’re weak on bringing them back.) And they’ll climb stairs. I didn’t see these skills demonstrated. Mostly they scratched and pecked as I watched.

For me this suffices for entertainment in the country. Who needs bright lights and the big city?

Click here to see other interpretations of this theme day from around the world.