Roof Top Perch

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

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?

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

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

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

Taylor Avenue View

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

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

E is 3!

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Electrical Lines

The alley between Railroad and Cornwall streets. 

A Commercial View

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

Rainy Play Day

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

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?

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

'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

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

Big Sky

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

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

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

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.