Sequim Daily Photo

Cinderella and the Enabling Habit

Photos from the Olympic Theater Arts Production of a Panto by Shannon Cosgrove*

Richard Stevens, aka, Cook, Tina Turner, The Fairy God Mother

Valentine’s Day was a real hoot this year, and hoot we did as we watched local area actors perform this hilarious comedy production, featuring not only the above actors, but many others, most of which were junior high schoolers.

The colorful costumes, decorations and the set were all photo-worthy, and although I grabbed a few phone shots to share, I was kicking myself for not bringing my Sony and a long lens.

Although the acoustics were not the best, and it got a bit loud at times, the production was delightful and I can’t remember when I’ve laughed more!

The show has been sold out but an additional performance was added for February 22, so if you haven’t seen, I highly recommend it!

As the OTA explains, “PA Panto has found a new home at OTA. Pantos provide comedic, over-the-top, mixed up fairy tales with interactive booing and cheering for an evening you have to experience for yourself. This year’s production of Cinderella and the Enabling Habit is no exception. Join Cindy in the kingdom of Sequiminham, as she navigates through her stepsisters’ needs, Lady Tremayne’s demands, Lord Prince’s grand ball. It’s all set in OTA’s Gathering Hall, for an intimate, immersive audience experience.”

Enjoy!

The Relationship Continues

After being so thrilled with their mates Valentines’ Day present, these two splashed about and thanked each other profusely, all to the delight of those of us with cameras and long lenses.

And fyi…here’s what www.AllAboutBirds.com has to say about these guys: ‘Trumpeter Swans form pair bonds when they are three or four years old. The pair stays together throughout the year, moving together in migratory populations. Trumpeters are assumed to mate for life, but some individuals do switch mates over their lifetimes. Some males that lost their mates did not mate again’.

Roses, chocolate, and a bottle of bubbly don’t mean a thing here though, and they’re certainly not a part of their recommended diet; and don’t count on bird seed, ‘Trumpeter Swans are mainly vegetarians, although they occasionally eat small fish and fish eggs….and, ‘To feed underwater they tip in the air like dabbling ducks, rooting beneath the surface to twist and pull up vegetation or freeing roots by paddling their feet in the mud.’

Happy Valentines’ Day

Sharing my photo of two love birds, aka trumpeter swans, swimming in the glow of autumn reflections at Kirner Pond.

I’ll be spending today paying more attention to my loved one, so I’ll make this short, but it comes with a wish for all of you to have a wonderful day spending it with yours.

Cheers!

Jamestown Beach Takeoff

On yet another sunny Sequim day, I found this local GBH (Great Blue Heron) ready to blast off into the wild blue yonder after fishing for breakfast on Jamestown Beach.

Their massive wings never cease to impress, and when you’re fortunate enough to encounter one, it’s difficult not to come home with a photo to capture the moment.

There are some really cool facts about them is on the www.allaboutbirds.com website, and this is one: ‘Great Blue Herons have specialized feathers on their chest that continually grow and fray. The herons comb this “powder down” with a fringed claw on their middle toes, using the down like a washcloth to remove fish slime and other oils from their feathers as they preen. Applying the powder to their underparts protects their feathers against the slime and oils of swamps.

Who knew???

A Nostalgic View of Pt. Wilson Light

If you’re like me, you love being by saltwater, and the site of a lighthouse is a clear indication that you’ll find what you like.

Fortunately, we have Dungeness Light right here in Sequim, and Pt. Wilson close by in Pt. Townsend. Since I haven’t built up the gumption to walk the 10-mile trail to ours as of yet, I drive to Pt. Townsend to visit Pt. Wilson Light instead – and it’s always worth the trip.

If you haven’t visited as of yet, I highly recommend it, and if at all possible, volunteer. You are sure to meet others who share your love of lighthouses, the community, and sharing its history with other visitors.

The Pt. Wilson website at www.pointwilsonlighthouse.org states that, ‘Volunteers are needed in many areas. Lighthouse Tours on weekends are run from May through September. Volunteer docents are needed to help interpret and lead visitors through the lighthouse. Share your enthusiasm with interested guests from around the world. Training provided. Fundraising and Public Outreach are a vital part of this project. If this is something you enjoy, we look forward to having your help. Future Plans include education programs, and exhibit design.

If you go to visit, you may want to stay for the sunset (and the stunning views). You can make plans to sleep in one of their vacation rentals, open year round, or just do a day trip.

Whatever you decide, be sure to dip your toes in the saltwater – and to snap a few photos of this wonderfully picturesque lighthouse, or bring along your watercolors or your digital paintbox!

Coyote Crossing

While scanning for Northern Harriers and Red-Tailed hawks on Towne Road, I was surprised to spot two handsome and apparently healthy coyotes passing by. Both seemed very healthy with thick winter coats that blended beautifully in with their environment. And while I was anxious to get a shot, they were not about to accommodate me.

So, I credit my husband Jim for helping me to get this one. His quick thinking when he gave off a shrill whistle stopped one coyote in its tracks, while its mate quickly took off into the trees.

Afterwards, I learned that as a young boy, Jim whistled at deer to get their attention while hunting and never forgot the technique…who knew?!

And by the way, like me, he now “hunts” with a camera.

King Tide!?

Although you may recognize this as 3 Crabs Beach, it certainly didn’t appear like it back on December 30th of 2022.

We had a high tide of 9.13 feet that day, and although I’m not aware that it broke a record, it certainly appeared like it. I understood it to be a ‘King Tide’, but was curious as to whether the description was accurate.

While NOAA states that, ‘A King Tide is a non-scientific term people often use to describe exceptionally high tides’ whatever term you care to use, is fine with me. I found it incredibly inviting, and I was tempted to grab my kayak and paddle out, but as the sign indicates, the land and tide plains are protected; so I resisted, although of sinking the sign did come to mind…