Friday:
Kathy, Francisco, and I had lunch at the new restaurant in the nearly new Windrow Hotel in Ellensburg. The Hotel Windrow became the first downtown hotel in 38 years when it opened in January of 2020 in a new building on the north side of the remodeled Elks’ Tempel. The historic building’s south-side entrance is shown below. The hotel was build on an empty space on the north side (“behind”). The main entrance to the Windrow Hotel is on the west side (sun-lit with flags in the photo). Upon entering one goes right and down steps to the Maelstrom Noodle+Bar.
An earlier food place failed. Called the Basalt Restaurant, it was contracted to the Seattle-based hospitality management and consulting company Columbia Hospitality. Bad timing with the Covid hysteria.
It folded a couple of years ago. I was never there, know it wasn’t popular, suspended operation for a time, and then closed. Maybe this new one will enjoy success.
The main selling point of the Maelstrom appears to be noodles and stuff served in a deep bowl and including “dippy egs” (soft boiled served halved, sunny side up). My stuff included chunks of roasted pork belly, fresh spinich, shreaded green onion, pickled ginger, and white rice. I bequeathed the eggs to Kathy.
{Web photo of the deep bowl service.}
Joys of country living
Late in July a noticed the “Death Smell”. Something had died and was decomposing. I didn’t find the source until this week. A spot between the old Pace Arrow motor home and a small shed was the chosen spot for the demise of a smallish Mule Deer. It has been there long enough that most of the body has been consumed by whatever. I am left with some hide and bones. Oh, and still a bit of smell.
I did notice the hair and hide was gone from the ears. Note the arrow pointing at the white piece. That’s the cartilage that gives the ear structure and the upright and independent movement to the ears. I spent an hour reading such things on the internet.
I have found several dead deer on the property and have always been able to move them to a far corner before deterioration started. This one I missed. If I tried to drag it now, parts would scatter. So, I will wait another couple of weeks and load it in a cart for the move.
Also this week, a tree-trimming crew cut branches near the utility lines along Naneum Road. Much of what they cut was taken to a chipper — but not all. Why, I don’t know. If they don’t come back I will clean it up. There is some that will make fire wood in a year.
There was regional lightning and a brief rain early today, Saturday. I have not found a report of new fires but smoke comes and goes as the wind changes direction
Keeping Track
on the Naneum Fan
John