Jim Follis

Well-meaning holiday revelers don't think about it much, but Sequim has an abundance of wild animals roaming about that are not familiar with some of the dangers that lurk in the darkness.

Horny critters are the ones at greatest risk. (Isn't that always the case?) Just minding their own business, grazing on the trees and shrubbery set out for their dining pleasure could cause their antlers to become entangled in Christmas light cords or light nets designed for bushes.

Tooling around with lights adorning their heads may seem pretty jaunty of them, but I would imagine that any self-respecting buck would pass on the opportunity if asked.

Besides, this could prove dangerous should they become entangled with something that might impede their abilities to fend off coyotes, dogs or other opportunistic hungry predators.

I'm guessing that some of the big daddy elk bucks would treat the light strands much like cobwebs, but there's no sense in testing my theory. Let's just assume it wouldn't be good for them, either.



Life in the big city

Writing for a weekly newspaper has its ups and downs.

The ups might include the infrequency of those pesky deadlines. But one of the most significant downs includes the infrequency of deadlines.

Always, let me repeat, always, a columnist gets caught with some copy that goes to print that turns out to be untimely.

Deadlines must be met and copy is created in good faith in a timely fashion. But by the time the paper is printed, the copy is often out of date.

In my last column I made some sideways remarks regarding our law enforcement agency and even before it got to print they not only corrected the situation but accomplished some things that deserved some "atta boy" remarks.

I am more than impressed with Sheriff Benedict's leadership in pulling together the accreditation effort that had lapsed prior to his election. Realizing that only five other forces in the state can boast such a standing puts things in their proper perspective. We, as citizens of Clallam County, can only benefit from his efforts.



True confessions

Last year, or perhaps even the year before that, the city in its efforts to arrive at the proper speed limits kept changing the maximum speeds.

Naturally, I poked jolly fun at the changes and then promptly got ticketed by the local gendarme for exceeding

such posted limits.

The law of Murphy, or perhaps it's just fate, but it always happens that everyone you know just happens to drive by as you are receiving your speeding award.

Another issue I've managed to visit frequently involves drivers with various shortcomings who frequent our roadways: drivers with limited vision, impaired mobility and even pets in their laps that I feel might endanger others.

Sure enough, the father-in-law (not living in this state) who was having some stroke issues managed to blank out at an intersection. He ran the light, smacked another car, sending them both to car heaven. Fortunately there were no serious injuries and the father-in-law is nursing only his ego.



Lump of coal?

As I look back at all the people I've no doubt offended this year, I'm suddenly gripped with fear that Santa probably has been watching and my chances of getting my wish this Christmas may be "in the weeds."

Knowing that this piece will be going

to press and arriving at the newsstands two days before Christmas, I've given considerable thought to the matter.

What if I promise to quit picking on buildings that are less fortunate than others, drivers who have passed their primes and mistakes that hard-working people have made in good faith and focus on the true beauty and tranquility of our special spot in this world?

Even if it's too late for this year, I can turn over a new leaf next year, right, Santa?