Moo

Cows. We had cows. Now that I think of it, I'm not sure why. Perhaps it was the income from the calves he sold. The cows would chew their cuds as they stood on the other side of the gate looking at us. My first words were "moo cow", so I'm sure I started cow watching at an early age.

Now you might think this blog is all about cows. Well, in one way it is but mostly not.

We moved to Oregon in 1978. Portland is an hour from the ocean and an hour from the snowy mountains. It was and is perfect. One of our favorite spots to visit is Cannon Beach. I'm not sure when it changed but when we Beach had invested in a tsunami warning system. The village is situated below the hills, so the only escape is up via one road that goes in to Cannon Beach and out. In order not to frighten the children, the warning sound was a mooing cow. When the cow bellowed through the warning system, citizens were to seek high ground immediately. Regular drills kept Cannonites on their toes. School children lined up in a buddy system walking quickly and safely away from danger.

It's said that the system worked well; however, I had concerns. Often I have seen children terrified by an approaching clown. My own children were apprehensive when approaching Santa. Some children wail at fireworks. Sounds and characters can trigger fear in children.

They have since changed the warning system. Yet, I wonder if there are Cannon Beach adults who when hearing the mooing of a gentle bovine sends fear into their hearts.

Ah, sweet cows. Hm.