Hovander House

 

Built in 1903, this Scandinavian inspired house was built and furnished for the Hovander family.  The barn seen here was finished eight years later.  The grand home has large windows for light and exterior gingerbread.  The family resided here until 1969.  It is now part of the Whatcom County Park system and I have to take a tour of the interior someday.

Wake

 

This is a picture from June, on a rainy ride home from Friday Harbor.  The ferry boat's wake expands into the distance.  I actually miss grey days like this.  I'm sure they'll be here soon enough and then I'll be missing the sun. 

Rose

 

I've been on the lookout for flowers lately, as so many are still around and haven't lost their petals due to the lack of our usual rain.  This rose was still in beautiful condition for late September.  I've always been a fan of the pink and yellow combination.

Weekend Reflections: Mirror Image

Grandpa and granddaughter watching ripples and looking for fish.

The Battle of Mineral Lake

Members of the Washington Civil War Association stroll about the town of Elbe, waiting for the train to leave for Mineral Lake.

Once on board, we sat in a beautifully maintained car that I would guess dated from the twenties. The first car behind the engine was open topped for up close viewing of the scenery.  I was in the open car when we hit the first hill.  The pleasantly huffing steam engine became a monster, billowing black smoke and sending blasts up through the foliage with such force that leaves and even small branches were blown off the trees. 

Yankee soldiers lie in wait for the confederates.

Shots are fired...

...and casualties mount as the battle rages.

The union forces eventually surrender, but this confederate soldier paid the ultimate price for victory.

Steamer

While visiting my dad this weekend, we took a ride on an old steam train out of Elbe, Washington. The Washington Civil War Association staged a mock battle at the end of the ride and rode with us in costume.  I'll post more pictures this weekend!

Metal Carved into Mountians

 

This multi layer metal engraved sculpture is part of the artwork on Bellingham Technical College's campus.  I was drawn to this because of it's many layers used to create Mount Baker, the foothills and the forest valley.

Bright

Before our late bit of summer slips away, I had to share a wild flower garden I came apon a few weeks ago in the Birchwood neighborhood.  All the bright colors and textures really appeal to me, as well as the wild arrangement. 

Loving Art

 

This bright and happy painting greets the children as they enter Loving Space Preschool.

Toadstool

This looks like a lovely place for some little forest creature to spend an afternoon.