Linear view vs. Masonry View

Family Fun

My two favorite cousins came out for a visit over Thanksgiving weekend. It was their first time in the Pacific Northwest so it was a pleasure showing them around. Though the weather was capricious as usual (alternating between sunny and calm one moment and windy and rainy the next) we didn’t let that stop us. At least the mid-50s temperatures were double what their hometowns in Ohio were experiencing!

It was the first time in twenty years that the three of us were alone for a weekend! So we made the most of it. We explored some of my favorite places along the Central Oregon Coast, noshed on fresh seafood, and sipped local brews. We ended with a day meandering around Portland; brunching at Guilder (a wonderful cafe with a Princess Bride theme – which just so happens to be my favorite movie), strolling through the Portland Saturday Market (which needs a new name since it is also open on Sundays), touring the grand Pittock Mansion, and drooling over all the books at Powell’s. All in all, we had a marvelous time.

Windy Thanksgiving Afternoon
Sunny Taft Beach
Cousins
Crazy Cousins
Sablefish Fresh off the Boat
Greedy Gull
Sampling at Rogue Brewery
Mt. Hood with Fresh Snow
Portrait of Mandy Patinkin at Guilder
2

Enjoy Yourself

“Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think,

Enjoy yourself, while you’re still in the pink,

The years go by as quickly as a wink,

Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think.”

Some concepts have staying power and the message behind the song “Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think)” is a perfect example. Written in 1949, the song was first popularized by Guy Lombardo. Over the past seven decades, musical giants such as Bing Crosby, Doris Day, Louis Prima, and even The Supremes recorded the simple tune.

I love the song for the way it uses humor to remind us to live in the present moment. Or in the parlance of the day, YOLO (text-speak for “You only live once”). My favorite version is this stripped down one, performed by Todd Snider.

IMG_6553

Evening at the Beach, Lincoln City, Oregon 2018

0

The Black Oystercatcher Needs a New Name

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy watching and listening to Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) but I hate their name. Yes, they are black in color but they don’t eat oysters, and oysters don’t need catching. This misnomer we can blame on the British (and who doesn’t enjoy blaming the British now and then).

A related species of these iconic coastal birds were named in 1731 by Mark Catesby, an English naturalist touring the southeastern United States. He described them as eating oysters and thus their new name was born, American Oystercatcher.

Previously, other species in England were called Sea Pies in reference to their pied coloration. I find that name quite charming (though sailors of the time might have confused it with a layered meat entree).

IMG_6879

If we’re going to name the bird after its food then a more accurate name would be Black Musselpicker. Since they dine primarily on mussels and limpets on intertidal rocks. As you can see in the above photo, Black Oystercatchers blend in fairly well. I usually hear them before I see them. Their loud ringing whistles can even be heard over the sound of crashing waves.

Sadly, they are a species of concern out here on the Oregon Coast. The Portland Audubon Society is working with other groups to monitor the birds, especially during nesting season. According to 2015 data there were 500-600 individuals in Oregon. Unfortunately, I learned recently that none of the Black Oystercatcher hatchlings along the Central Oregon Coast survived this year. No matter the name, I certainly hope they remain for a long, long time.
1