Ryan and Sunflowers

I took a walk this morning to capture the last of the sunflowers in the neighborhood, and to reflect on the birth of our first grandchild, Ryan Elizabeth. While the sunflowers were amazing with their fall colors blazing, they paled in comparison to Ryan's beauty.

Welcome to this world Ryan Elizabeth. You are loved already by so many (including your admittedly biased grandpa Patrick and granny Kirsty)!

Peace my friends!

Whatcom Falls Park Walkabout

We went to Whatcom Park to check out the fall changes. Not much to speak of yet, but found it to be a nice place for a stroll.

 Sap on a huge spruce tree. It was running down the tree from about ten feet up to a pool on the ground.

 Very cool sandstone bridge across the river.

 There used to be a railroad line through the park.

Love the water and stone!

Looking forward to the changing of the leaves in the next few weeks.

Peace my friends!

Fall Is. . .

Almost upon us! Seems like it's been a year of summer, and we are most definitely ready for a change.

Liquid diamonds.

I've misplaced my photo mojo since coming to Bellingham. Hoping the colors of Fall brings it back.

Peace my friends!

Summer

Happy Summer my friends and a big high-five to the Z-clan in Tennessee!

Wanda, We Bid You Adieu

The time has come for us to say a teary goodbye to our Wanda. She has been our wonderful traveling companion in California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alaska and Hawaii. We are going to miss her very much, but she is in the hands of a couple who will give her the attention she deserves and will take her on many a camping adventure.

Some will say she is just a van, but to us, she is Wanda the Westy! Those who have had a Westy will surely understand.

Frieden my friends!

Shakshuka

There is nothing like a little shakshuka in the morning! The Tunisians do know how to roll for breakfast. A tip of the paddy cap to Yotam Ottolenghi's "Jeruslaem" cookbook for his take on the shakshuka.

A dollop of olive oil, then harissa, cumin, garlic, tomato paste, tomatoes, peppers, and eggs. Add a little yogurt on top for a delicious breakfast for two!

Peace my friends!

A Bit More O'Bellingham

I took a walk around Bellingham this morning to take a few pictures to share with my many thousands of followers:

 The backways and alleys draw my eye with the contrast in colors and the fading away of the old.

 I think Clark Kent works here.

 This is a tree by a yarn store that is decorated with knitted works of art.

 Many, many trees downtown produce many, many leaves. Fall should be a blast!

 The new is here and there. Fortunately not too much here.

 One of the ugliest parking garages I have ever seen. East-German designer perhaps!

 Plenty of red brick here!

 Tracks to nowhere. Trains run all day and night here down at the bay, but they have moved on from this part of town.

I work out here at the YMCA. The Y was first in Bellingham in 1889, and moved to this building in 1942.

Soaking up the sun this morning.

Peace my friends and a Happy 4th!