Sequim Daily Photo

Horsin’ around

I rarely fail to see and admire a small herd of Shire draft horses that live and work at a farm on Kitchen-Dick Road. It was a car-stopping event on Saturday when we saw two of them harnessed and working.

John previously lived and farmed in Eastern Washington. He’s been in Sequim for 10 years. He teaches horse handling and has the skills of a traditional farmer: welder, blacksmith, and the woodworking skills to make wheels. And he’s a great conversationalist.

The sweet and beautiful horses patiently waited for us as we talked. “They’re happy as long as they’re not working,” said John.

And then it was time to get back to work. John is going to plant potatoes and 19 kinds of garlic are growing to the left. If you want to see more of his horses and operation, Google “High Bridge Shires Blog.” (Sorry. I can’t get the link to work.)

Memorial Day

World War I was the “war to end all wars.” Millions died. “In Flanders Field,” written by John McCrae, memorialized the carnage. Poppies have since been used on Memorial Day as a tribute to war dead.

In Flanders Field

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
–John McCrae

Cones and needles

Here’s more of the new growth we’re seeing all around us.

Evergreens these days look almost polka dotted with their branch tips pushing out freshly minted needles.

Country roads

It’s not an exaggeration to say that all roads heading south lead to the Olympics. Keep going south and eventually you’ll get there.

Make a wish…

…and blow.

Aftermath

The fire this past Monday at Baja Cantina and Sequim Consignment Co. raged for about four hours. The cause has yet to be determined and announced. One thing is certain: it was devastating.

Enroute to a call, two passing EMTs saw smoke pouring from under the eaves. One stayed here and evacuated people from the buildings while the other responded to the call.

I worked for a nonprofit years ago that experienced a total loss fire like this at its operational headquarters. “Heartbreaking” barely begins to describe it.

Interesting specimen

Look around in forest duff and you can find all manner of mushrooms if it’s been damp. I usually see the classic sorts with the look of a miniature umbrella. This one had a very different look.