Ned Luce

Happy green beer day! That is, happy Saint Patrick’s Day. 

The wearing of the “green” seems to be coinciding with the “greening” of the flowers and trees soon followed by the weeds. 

Oh, well, enjoy the green beer wherever you can find it. I wonder if the folks from Ireland care that Notre Dame students call themselves the “Fighting Irish?” 

Hey, how about some leftover pie from last Sunday’s “Pi” Day, you know, 3.14. And then it was the “Ides of March” on Monday. What a week!

A phone call to a friend who might remain nameless prompted the unexpected greeting, “What are you wearing?” 

As you might suspect, I was befuddled for a moment but finally confessed to wearing a clown suit with a donkey head. 

That prompted a guffaw from his end of the phone leading me to believe he thought I might be kidding. 

I was seeking some advice on a purchase so after the initial pleasantries were exchanged we discussed the purpose of my call. 

Upon reflection, in these times of COVID where the ability to see to whom you are speaking and gaining additional cues about them is provided by their dress, I have concluded that asking what a person is wearing on a phone call is not at all inappropriate and probably “ice breaking.” Frankly it does provide a chuckle to begin the conversation. Go ahead, think about it. 

We headed out to dinner last Saturday evening with our neighbors Paul Harrington and Kathleen Warnock. 

It was the first time out for dinner locally for about a year. We went to the Old Alcohol Plant and were given delicious dishes that supported two meals, one at the restaurant and one at home the next day. It was really nice to get out. 

Terra and Jessie, the irresistible driving forces behind the “Friends of Swansonville” renovating the church at the corner of Werner and Swansonville Roads in Port Ludlow, gave an update on their efforts at Rotary last week. 

As noted in a recent Leader article the church is now a registered Washington Historical Site. The “friends” have now nominated the building for the National Register of Historic Places. They have also applied for 501c(3) tax status so that your donation can become tax deductible. 

Until then they are being sponsored by the Jefferson County Historical Society so you can make your donation on the behalf of the project now. The objective of this work is to make the building a community resource while recognizing the building’s history. 

Put the name in your “googleator” and get informed about this neat local project. 

The 12-year-old grandson arrives today from Seattle for several days of teaching new tech skills to his grandparents. He also has developed the ability to make donuts so he is bringing his donut baking pan. We can’t wait. 

His younger brother follows next week for several days. He is the one with the great hugs so we will really enjoy him. 

On a final note, I would just warn you that if you ever call Frank Trafton you need to be prepared to tell him what you are wearing. Please do not tell him the truth, he can’t handle it!

Love a curmudgeon, enjoy your shot and have a great week! 

(Ned Luce is a retired IBM executive and Port Ludlow resident. He says it’s better to be seen with a donkey’s head than a horse’s ... well, you get the rest. Reach Ned at ned@ptleader.com.)