From my second story office window, I can see Lazy Larry’s Ranch. It’s right across the road from me, and on any given day, I’ll see ducks, geese, seagulls, an assortment of dogs and, of course, Lazy Larry’s cows. I’m not sure I can describe how amusing these characters are or why I love them so much, but I do. Even on my worst days, these comical cows entertain and delight me as if I was still a wide-eyed child visiting Brookfield Zoo (Illinois) for the first time.

**Author’s note:  I don’t know if Larry is really lazy, or why he’d give himself such a moniker, but this sign is proof that I am not making this up.**

Most of the time these delightful animals are lying around in the sun or mooing in the rain, but every once in awhile, I’ll see them rub up against trees to scratch their burly coats or they’ll gallop from one part of the pasture to the next. I’m not sure if this is unusual, but it seems odd to me. Horses are beautiful, majestic creatures that look like they are dancing on the wind when they gallop. We anticipate this, even expect it. Cows, however, with their expressionless faces and enormous girth, just don’t seem like they should be happily bounding across the grassy pasture. But I’ve seen it. I wouldn’t describe it as beautiful, but it is certainly amusing. It will stop me mid-sentence if I catch a glimpse of them while working. I am practically glued to the window, a smile slowly spreading across my face as these not-so-graceful animals enjoy the sunshine with their playful pals.

Something strange happened at Lazy Larry’s a few weeks ago, and I was quite concerned. I heard an inordinate amount of mooing (which makes me giggle like a school girl every time I hear it), day and night. I wasn’t concerned enough to waltz up to Lazy Larry’s barn and offer my assistance, but enough that I wanted to know what was going on. Could my Hereford friends be mooing because they sensed some imminent danger, an earthquake perhaps, or was there a full moon? I concluded that it must be mating season, because the geese added their incessant honking to the mix, and my delightful dog Jelly Bean started humping the cat despite the fact that they have both been fixed and are of completely different species.

But I digress. After driving by Lazy Larry’s yesterday, I think I know what the trouble was — a new calf was born. Now I prefer the term “baby cow,” but one of my friends pointed out to me that calf is the appropriate term, so I’ll defer to him here. No matter what you call it, this little guy is brand spanking new and just as cute as he can be. If I’d just birthed this creature, I’m sure I’d be mooing too. Because I watch these cows every day, rain or shine, deadline or not, I somehow felt like this was an addition to my family, so I grabbed my camera, darted across the road and hopped a thankfully-empty ditch to record this moment like a proud aunt. I hope you’ll enjoy these photos as much as I enjoy the view from my window every day. No matter what my mood, Lazy Larry’s comical cows always make my day.

Unless otherwise noted, all photos on iLoveWashington.net were taken by Dana E. Neuts who retains the copyright. All rights reserved.

I am a Hoosier, born and bred. I’ll always be a Hoosier at heart, a small town girl from Valparaiso, Indiana with big hopes and dreams. Despite those dreams, I never imagined leaving the Midwest to begin a new life on the West Coast, sight unseen. It was a leap of faith maybe, or perhaps sheer idiocy, that prompted me move across the country in June 2003 with my daughter, a couple of cats and a truck full of possessions I couldn’t leave behind.

I moved for a job opportunity and the chance to start over with new dreams, places and possibilities. The timing was right, and I had a new employer willing to share moving expenses to a town I’d never heard of — Bellingham, Washington.

Bellingham Bay

As the saying goes, it seemed like a good idea at the time. My new life wasn’t as perfect as I’d imagined, of course. A new relationship ended and the job didn’t work out, but I fell in love with Washington immediately and have never looked back.The state seduced me with its winding roads, majestic mountains and crystal-clear waters, but it kept me entranced because of its openness, its people and its possibilities. People in Washington State tend to be liberal, open-minded and accepting. It doesn’t feel like everyone is trying to keep up with their next door neighbors.

In my experience, in Washington, it doesn’t matter how big your house is or how expensive a car you drive. What really matters is your quality of life. For some, that means living in the wilderness with the birds and the bears. For others, it means living on a 50 foot yacht on Lake Union. For others, it simply means doing what we want when we want in the most beautiful place on earth.

In the eyes of some, I might be a tree hugger, a peace monger or even a granola eater. Honestly, I don’t care what you call me. I’m here, I’m happy and no matter how long I choose to live in this great state, I will always love the people and places I’ve discovered thus far. I hope you’ll join me on my journey – let’s explore Washington together!

Dana Neuts
Owner, Publisher
iLoveWashington.net