BELLINGHAM DAILY PHOTO

Don't Tread on Me

2012-02-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

The wheel on this wheel barrel sits upside down and waits for spring for and some use again at my neighbor's beach. Wait, I don't think I've ever seen actually it used.

Roof Top Perch

2012-01-31T07:54:00.000-08:00

One of the many nice new things about my new camera is the optical zoom. I noticed the birds on top of the Federal Building, from yesterday's post, and was able to capture them, which I never would have been able to do before.

Federal Building

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

Built in 1912-1913, Bellingham's Federal Building was built to house the Post Office, U.S. District Court, Department of Justice, Customs, and the U.S. Marshall's office. Today, the Post Office inhabits its original home on the first floor, and the IRS and Customs Services are located on the other floors.

What is it?

2012-01-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

While the kids were occupied on the playground, I wandered around the edge of the park and stumbled upon a shrub covered in these brilliant orange bursts. I can't remember seeing a plant like this in our area before and I'm curious what it is. Any ideas?

Skywatch Friday: An Evening Stroll

2012-01-27T07:35:00.000-08:00

A few hearty Bellinghamsters stroll down the boardwalk to take in the setting sun. As sunset approaches on warmer nights, there is often a string of photographers along the boardwalk's edge waiting for the perfect shot.

Ready Mix at the Ready

2012-01-26T06:38:00.000-08:00

A line of Ferndale Ready Mix trucks sits washed, charged up and ready to go.

Taylor Avenue View

2012-01-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

Fairhaven Harbor is seen from atop South Hill. The Alaska ferry was not here this day, but if it had been it would have been docked center view.

Frozen Dew Drop

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

This winter berry caught my eye on an early cold morning.

E is 3!

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my eldest little cutie. She is a free spirit who keeps me on my toes and brings a smile to everyone she meets. She loved our last week of snow as you can see.

Late Night Staple

2012-01-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Bellingham is primarily a college town. And every college town needs that one late night place that everyone ends up at after a long night of drinking on the town. The Horseshoe fits that bill here. Surprisingly enough I have never actually been to the Horseshoe. I guess I wasn't much of a typical partying college student.

Tree of Nawlege?

2012-01-21T10:33:00.000-08:00

When tagging a tree on a college campus, you may want to check the spelling before you whip out your knife!

Sitting on Top of the World

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's snowball was too big to make into a snowman, but the kids put it to good use anyway.

Go Big or Go Home

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

A snow day meant a play day for children of all ages at the park yesterday. These two grown children were busy working on an appropriately sized snowball. Good luck throwing that one!

Snowed In

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

With the roads covered with snow and ice, I have hauled up at home with my little ones. This lovely view was shot from my sliding glass door looking out towards the homes across the lake.

Winter Wonderland

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Monday brought more snow to Bellingham. This is the view from my street looking down the hill at Lake Whatcom. This was probably at about 3 inches, but as I schedule this post we have about 10 inches.

Sailing in the Snow

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Sunday was a mix of sun, wind and snow. My family happened upon Boulevard Park as the snow was really coming down and my little ones had fun chasing snowflakes. As we were leaving the park we spotted this boat out for a snowy sail. Once we got about a half mile inland, the snow was gone and the skies were clear and sunny.

Frosty

2012-01-15T09:26:00.000-08:00

We are finally getting some winter snow with slush in the city and white in the foothills. The dock that is the source of much summer time fun, is now covered in a thick layer of frost. I am definitely not trying to get down that ramp anytime soon.

Weekend Reflections: Boats on the Bay

2012-01-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

As I drove by I spotted these boats reflected perfectly in the still harbor water. By the time I parked the car and made my way back, one pesky duck was swimming around, intent on rippling my reflections!

In Memory of Kors

2012-01-13T09:44:00.000-08:00

This week Bellingham is mourning the loss of young Caleb Kors, who performed regularly at the Bellingham Farmer's Market and the Bellingham Circus Guild.

His unique talent and presence will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.

Caleb Kors performing at the Farmer's Market

The Bellingham Herald

The Wall

2012-01-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

A post is the perfect place to perch and watch the kayaks, feed the ducks, or just enjoy the early morning air.

Electrical Lines

2012-01-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

The alley between Railroad and Cornwall streets.

A Commercial View

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

A sunny winter day looking down Commercial Street at the Mount Baker Theatre.

Rainy Play Day

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

On a rainy Saturday afternoon I brought my daughters to our neighborhood school to ride scooters under the large covered play area. Though the scooters were soon abandoned. The call of the playground could not be detoured by a little rain.

Three Icons

2012-01-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

These three iconic downtown Bellingham buildings can all be viewed all at once from the intersection of Cornwall Ave and E. Champion St. The tallest building in Bellingham is the Bellingham Towers, which sits to the background of the glorious Mount Baker Theatre standing in front. I am not sure which business currently resides in the orca whale muraled building, though in my last semester at WWU I spent a summer internship on the top floor with the non profit group Northwest Ecosystem Alliance.

Weekend Reflections: Inadvertent Self Portrait?

2012-01-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

I love downloading pictures from the girls' camera because there are occasional gems like this one. There are also less enjoyable surprises like shadowy macros of dolls heads that are REALLY creepy.

Skywatch Friday: And The Sun Shines on the Bay

2012-01-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season of going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark which makes it tough to get any photos this time of year. To remedy the situation, I bailed out of work a little early last week and went home the long way along the bay to hunt for a couple of photo ops. This little patch of park lies just south of the Bellingham International Airport runway. In the summer we like to come here, set out some blankets and watch the meteor showers. Every few minutes a jet will come over low enough to feel the jet wash as it lands.

Rain

2012-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

A few damp students cross Red Square on their way to morning classes at Western Washington University.

Big Sky

2012-01-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

Another view from atop Sumas Mountain looking into Canada. There has been quite a bit of logging in this area, though a few wind worn trees remain.

Burning the Late Night Oil

2012-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Another New Year's Eve shot from Lizzi and Eli's party. This was removed from the chaos of the kids and the confetti, but I think it's just as festive and fun.

Polar Dip

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of adventuresome people, including Lizzi, my husband and our daughters, ran into and out of Lake Padden very quickly for the annual Polar Dip. Once most of chaos was over this brave bunch of hardy ducks took a full dunk into the 42 degree lake to celebrate New Year's Day.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve was celebrated in style with fantastic friends, joyful kids and lots of fun confetti at midnight eastern time, or nine o'clock local time.

Weekend Reflections On the Past

2011-12-30T20:48:00.000-08:00

These old pilings jut out of the water near the boat launch at Bloedel Donovan park. In Bellingham's formative years, this was the site of the Blodel Donovan Lumber Mill, the remains of which we are looking at here. Around the same time, Lizzi's family operated the Ed Gooding Shingle Company near Glen Echo.

Skywatch Friday: Something's Brewing

2011-12-29T22:59:00.000-08:00

When she's done with the swings we head for our car. The trail is long and her hands are cold so we stop several times while I convince her to keep moving before the rain comes. During one of these stops a ray of light falls across the field before the clouds settle in.

Old Barn

2011-12-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Weathered to perfection, this old barn sits in a field at Bennett Woodland Farms.

Swinging

2011-12-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Wheeeeee!!!

Labyrinth

2011-12-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the Winter Solstice this year, my family and lizziviggi's walked the labyrinth at Fairhaven Park in the dark with flashlights and hot chocolate. This wonderful design was our reward at the center.

Snohomish Sunset

2011-12-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

My family spent our Christmas evening in Snohomish, Washington were cousins played, gifts were exchanged, and a yummy dinner was shared. I did happen to catch the beautiful sky changing colors while I played with my Christmas present, a fantastic new camera!!

Merry Christmas...

2011-12-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

...from our families here at Bellingham Daily Photo to all of yours.

Weekend Reflections: Afloat

2011-12-23T20:35:00.000-08:00

What better place for a peaceful morning float?

Skywatch Friday: Roosevelt Field

2011-12-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

When yesterday's spinning exercises were over, we hung around the park long enough to get a few sunset pictures before it was time to go home.

Fast, Faster, Fastest

2011-12-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Leaving

2011-12-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

This beautiful old retaining wall guides you out of Whatcom Falls Park.

Boat Lights

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas lights adorn this boat on Lake Whatcom. Every year this boat gets all dressed up for the holidays. It seems to be its only time to shine as I've never seen this boat leave it's dock.

The View From the Top

2011-12-19T08:14:00.000-08:00

This is the view from the top of a logging road on Sumas Mountain. We are looking out into the farmland valleys of Lynden and Sumas. Beyond that, quite near is Abbotsford Canada. My husband grew up on this little mountain, just farther down a bit. He still remembered all the old trails and roads that were his playground as a child.

Holiday Hair

2011-12-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Take a close look at these festive hairstyles in a downtown Bellingham salon. I spy a Christmas tree, an abominable snowman, and some reindeer antlers as part of Eklektik's fun take on the holidays.

Weekend Reflections: Silhouettes

2011-12-16T20:37:00.000-08:00

The morning fog rolled back just in time to catch a little hint of the sunrise before it, too, disappears.

Skywatch Friday: Clayton Beach

2011-12-15T21:43:00.000-08:00

After digging through pictures of December's murky skies and perpetual twilight, I decided it was time to brighten the mood and post something from a half year ago when the summer evenings would last until almost ten o'clock at night.

***

Low tide at Clayton beach exposes a strip of old pilings, remnants of the booming fishing industry that Whatcom County was built on.

The Eagles have Landed...

2011-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

...at Bennett Woodland Farms. The locals say these trees are sometimes full of eagles, but only a few hearty birds were out today. Here's a closer look:

Elf

2011-12-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Lizzi and a friend particitpated in the Jingle Bell Run, a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation. While the girls and I waited for her to finish, this poor little guy was being encouraged to pose with this slightly alien looking, unnaturally happy, giant elf. I'd probably need some encouragement too.

Guerilla Art

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Grace" appeared on Halloween night on a pile of industrial waste off of the Taylor Street Dock near Boulevard Park. The artist has chosen to remain anonymous, though he shared his story with Cascadia Weekly. This sculpture of a dancer in a standing bow position was displayed with no permits or city approval. "Grace" has remained on display for over a month and doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. I surely hope the city or whomever owns the land lets it stay.

Click here to see a past post capturing the island before "Grace" arrived.

Reconstructing a Castle

2011-12-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

This glorious old home on South Hill is getting a major face lift. It sits above Bellingham Bay and has an unbelievable view. I love the sandstone archway and have been told it most likely came locally from Chuckanut Quarry close to one hundred years ago.

Patchwork

2011-12-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

This tree outside of NW Handspun Yarns is warmed by a blanket obviously made with love. The shop offers classes, all things fiber, and a weekly knit night where knitters are encouraged to bring their projects to share. Being a a very novice knitter myself, I'm sure I could learn a lot if I joined the group.

Weekend Reflections: Buy Local

2011-12-10T08:44:00.001-08:00

Tree lined Commercial Street is reflected in the window of this independent business. Digs is just one of many local businesses in Bellingham that help keep this city unique in its holiday gift giving options.

Skywatch Friday: Alabama Hill

2011-12-09T10:05:00.001-08:00

Alabama Street runs from Bellingham Bay to Lake Whatcom (behind me in this picture). Several years ago the city built a pedestrian overpass near the top of the hill that provides an excellent vantage point for sunset pictures.

Misty Morn II

2011-12-08T06:19:00.001-08:00

Before the sun arrived to illuminate yesterday's trees, my path was darker, but no less beautiful.

Misty Morning

2011-12-07T06:12:00.001-08:00

I took a morning walk in Bloedel Donovan Park. The fog was just beginning to break as the sun reached this stand of bare trees.

Reflecting a Sunset

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

The setting sun illuminates the windows of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fairhaven's South Hill neighborhood.

Still Keeping Time

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

This ornate clock stands against the Bellingham National Bank Building along Holly street. The bank was established in 1905 and this glorious building was constructed in 1912-1913. Today the Stamp & Coin Place, a local bullion and coin trading shop, occupies the bank's old first floor.

Winter Berries

2011-12-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

Water clings to this magical bush covered with winter berries on the home grounds of Back Lane Gardens.

Relic

2011-12-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Inside a shed at the Hovander Homestead, an old wagon and several large pulleys wait to be put to use. I wonder how long it's been since they've seen a days work? Perhaps the wagon comes out in the summer for old fashioned hay rides.

Skywatch Friday: By the Time Lizzi Got to Woodstock...

2011-12-01T21:04:00.001-08:00

...the sun was going down.

On the Fence...

2011-12-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

...but only looking.

Madrone

2011-11-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

A few bits of bark still cling to this Madrone tree.

Most of these trees grow within a mile of the coastline here in Washington and B.C, and only in certain soils, so they are quite a treat to see. Their reddish bark peels off, leaving the smooth trunk exposed.

Waiting

2011-11-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

This wrought iron table sits and waits for use outside of Daphnes in Fairhaven. Sadly, I think it has a long wait ahead of itself.

The Falls

2011-11-28T07:54:00.001-08:00

In case you were wondering yesterday what my family was looking at from that beautiful bridge, here it is. Whatcom Falls.in all its beauty. This park is situated in the middle of Bellingham, though once you are in the park it feels like you are whisked away somewhere up in the Cascades.

Green

2011-11-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

My husband lifts my older daughter up to look over the bridge to see Whatcom Falls.

Weekend Reflections: Woodstock Farm

2011-11-26T08:48:00.001-08:00

Whatever was in there wasn't nearly as interesting as what was behind her, which she soon figured out. After about five seconds she turned her face to the sun and ran squealing down the grassy hill toward the water.

This was at Woodstock Farm on Chuckanut Drive. See more photos on my other blog here!

Skywatch Friday: A Seussian Sense of Perspective

2011-11-24T21:11:00.001-08:00

Something about the red barn at Hovander Park toys with my sense of perspective. It could be the two tiny windows placed at the top of the four story barn. Or it could be the very slight pitch change in the roof just below the windows that contrasts with the more pronounced angle on traditional barn roofs.

Or it may be those windows are two sizes too small!

Who You Lookin' at Turkey?

2011-11-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

from Bellingham Daily Photo

Descent

2011-11-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

The spiraling stairway down the Hovander Water Tower begins with eight precipitous steps. Deserted now, this stairway is packed with kids in the summer, making the descent a bit trickier.

Back Lane Gardens Again

2011-11-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

This row of license plate birdhouses adorns the back of the booth at Bellingham Farmers Market. In case you are wondering what is on the other side of the folded over plates, it reads: Evergreen State. I'm sure that I'm a bit biased being that I know the owner, but everything that is crafted at Back Lane Gardens is truly unique and beautiful. I will surely share more soon.

Brrrr

2011-11-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

A very frosty morning on Lake Padden.

Occupy Bellingham

2011-11-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

A permanent encampment in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street set up camp in Maritime Heritage Park on October 28th. The camp asks for volunteers to come join the movement and bring basic camping supplies and food. Good attitudes are welcome; while they ask for "bad attitudes, weapons, drugs and alcohol to stay away".

Weekend Reflections: Tennant Lake

2011-11-19T09:07:00.001-08:00

Our gray, winter skies broke just long enough to give me a shot of blue sky on a pond near Tennant Lake.

Skywatch Friday: Lummi Snow

2011-11-18T09:11:00.001-08:00

Temperatures are dropping and so is the snow level. Lummi Island got a dusting last night and we're supposed to get our first snow here in the lowlands today. Winter is on it's way!

Flopsy

2011-11-17T06:02:00.001-08:00

My dad recently moved to a cabin on a gravel road with a few other cabins, but there are no signs that they are regularly occupied. There may be no human neighbors, but Flopsy seems to have made a home of his yard. She was skittish at first, but took food out of our hands after a couple of days and would even let us pet her a little. A flock of sheep also wanders through every couple of days and keeps the grass mowed.

Caught!

2011-11-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Last month I posted this photo of teasel heads in a field:

In order to tell this story properly, I have to give credit to Lizzi for taking this picture while our youngest daughter was in gymnastics class. While browsing through last week's pictures for something to post, I stumbled across a folder of pictures our oldest daughter had taken with her new "grown-up" camera. I had to laugh when I saw this picture of her holding a dried flower with Mom in the background snapping the teasel photo:

Meal Time

2011-11-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

The ducks come racing as my daughter approaches. They know it means a yummy lunch of stale bread at Whatcom Falls Park.

Casino

2011-11-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

The slots jingled,

the drinks flowed,

the cheers rang out at the craps table;

the night was long and fun with wonderful friends at Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa.

Warmth

2011-11-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Well the first snow of the year has hit the Cascade Mountain lowlands and Bellingham's high elevations. It didn't last long, but it is only a sign of things yet to come. This neatly stacked wood pile is ready to keep a family warm all winter long.

Weekend Reflections: Heads Up

2011-11-11T20:23:00.001-08:00

Overcome by the weight of the morning frost, leaves fell gently around me into the yard and pond. The serenity was interspersed with horse chestnuts breaking loose and crashing down through the branches.

Thank a Veteran Today

2011-11-11T09:52:00.001-08:00

Harvey Gooding, my wife's grand dad, served in Europe during WWII. He stands front and center here with his communications platoon in England. The photo is dated October, 1944.

Thank you to all who have served.

First Frost

2011-11-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Traced by morning frost, maple leaves littere the lawn of my dad's cabin near Mount Rainier.

Frolick!

2011-11-09T06:19:00.000-08:00

They'll be gone in a flash...

Enjoy them while they're here!

Vote!

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

I can proudly say that I have voted and turned in my ballot for today's election. The major races on this year's ballot include Bellingham Mayor, Whatcom County Sheriff and County Executive. Plus, there are several state initiatives. I-1183 is probably the most debated with its plan to close state liquor stores and privatize liquor sales.

Backyard Buck

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

I had to act very fast to capture a picture of this buck in my neighbor's backyard because he apparently did not care for my daughter's screams of delight in seeing him. Deer are not a rare sight in my neighborhood, in fact I imagine I probably see one or two every day and they are very comfortable around people and cars. Though what I usually see are does and their fawns, rarely ever a buck, but I was lucky this day.

Dawn

2011-11-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

I do not know that I have ever woken early with the expressed intent of rising to watch the sunrise. Considering dawn was at 7.29a.m. and sunrise at 8:03a.m. this morning, it was no small feat to take a nice walk down to the lake for some pictures. I only wish that I had thought to bring a hot cup of coffee with me, as my fingers were freezing. Watching the sky go from black to purple to blue was amazing and a fantastic way to start my day.

The Garden of Eatin'...

2011-11-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

...but not till next summer. This is the side garden at Back Lane Gardens where we carved our pumpkins.

Skywatch Friday: Fall! Ooooh! The Rainbow!

2011-11-03T19:56:00.000-07:00

Every year, a group of our friends and their kids gather at Back Lane Gardens to carve our Halloween pumpkins. After an evening shower chased us into the greenhouse, we were rewarded with this stunning rainbow.

Little Drops of Rain...

2011-11-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

...gather themselves before taking the final plunge.

Spidey House

2011-11-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Forgive me for posting one last Halloween photo, but this kind of dedication can't go unrecognized...every black dot on this house is a spider:

I'm not sure if they are hand glued or stickers, but either way, this is truly dedication! I don't envy whoever has to take them all off.

Story Time

2011-11-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

This fanciful and entertaining stained glass window invites you to pick up a book and find an adventure in the Children's Department of the Bellingham Public Library. I recently visited with my youngest daughter for her first library visit. We joined Story Time, a half hour of sing alongs, stories, and dancing for children under three.

Spooky

2011-10-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

This spooky haunted house looks foreboding even in the daylight as the two gargoyles keep guard.

These two glorious pumpkins will grace our doorsteps tonight.

Halloween is my favorite holiday, so please forgive me that I could not pick only one image to share.

Happy Halloween from Bellingham Daily Photo!

Wedding Cake

2011-10-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

My family and I were lucky enough to attend our friends' very intimate wedding cermony this weekend. Beautiful fall colors did most of the decorating, though this cake added to the days festivities! Unfortunately, we had to leave before the cake was cut or I am sure I would also be telling you how yummy it was.

Congratulations Keith and Lucy!!

Punch Bowl

2011-10-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

It's getting to be time for Halloween Parties!

Over the River and Through the Woods

2011-10-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

While on a hike, my two little munchkins took off running down the trail, crossed a foot bridge and reappeared across the ravine. See you later girls!

Bokeh II

2011-10-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

They say you need to repeat things in order to remember them, so this is the second sequel in

what is turning into knowledge week at Bellingham Daily Photo. Yesterday's post introduced me to the word "Bokeh".

Thanks Tracy for bringing a little more knowledge to Bellingham Daily Photo!

Teasel II

2011-10-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Last year I posted a similar picture of what I thought was thistle. MB of Small City Scenes correctly pointed out that this is actually Teasel. It's considered an invasive species and it seems to like disrupted areas like this empty lot in an industrial area of town.

Thanks MB for bringing a little knowledge to Bellingham Daily Photo!

Boardwalk

2011-10-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

Fairhaven looms in the distance as the rain holds off just long enough for an early afternoon walk on the Taylor Street Dock. A few people were trying their hand at crabbing, though the crabs seemed to know better and were avoiding the pots.

Cascadia Mushrooms

2011-10-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

Are those gigantic mushrooms or is that miniature shopping cart? Chanterelles mushrooms are displayed in a fun and whimsical fashion at the Bellingham Farmers Market.