Winter brings snow and local luminaries

Life In Ludlow

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Wow, it was a tough weather week around here. I know some folks in Sequim and Port Angeles had a lot of fun trying to get out of their driveway let alone out of town. Can we say “going stir crazy” here?

Schools and businesses were closed all over the area. East Jefferson Rotary canceled the regular Thursday meeting and did not put out the almost 300 U.S. flags normally erected in the area for Presidents Day. We’ll try another time this year or maybe even put a discount on the subscribers’ invoices next fall. There may be others who will pay the whole invoice because they were thinking, “Those poor old Rotarians should not be slogging around in the mud and slush, putting up those flags. They could catch a terrible cold.”

Valentine’s Day came in spite of the weather. On the day before, at about 3 p.m., I asked BJ what she might want to do or get on Valentine’s Day. She came up with a perfect answer. Let’s go down to the Inn at Port Ludlow for dinner at happy hour and take advantage of reduced prices on “small plates” and wine. An additional bonus came in the form of a light crowd, so we were able to sit as long as we wanted and get more of that great service from Amy, one of the longtime waitress/server folks.

Gerry Andersen is a local author who creates stories based on his travels as a diplomat in more than 80 countries. His latest book is “Vagabond South Pacific,” with historical short stories more fact than fiction. These stories provide more than mere travelers tales as they shock, astound and fascinate all at the same time. I hear it is available down at the Port Ludlow post office as well as Amazon. Heck, call Gerry, and if he is town, he may come by and read it to you!

You may think the world is going to the dogs, but I recently found out we have another celebrity here in Port Ludlow who will prove we have a winner in our midst. Last week was the Westminster Dog Show in New York and, in a very tough competition, the Best of Breed Japanese Chin is local. His name is “MBIS GCHG Cobeauche When You Wish Upon a Star.” Try to call him in from the yard with that name!

He is owned and bred by Dawn Shaffett and Mariko Saum. I don’t know these people, but my friend and dog show judge Christie Martinez says they are wonderful. Congratulations to all of them.

I am reminded of a quote by Christopher Hitchens in “The Portable Atheist: Essential Readings for the Nonbeliever.” “Owners of dogs will have noticed that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they will think you are a god. Whereas owners of cats are compelled to realize that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they draw the conclusion that they are the gods.”

Love a curmudgeon and have a great week!