Bellingham Undressed

Save WWU Viking Football

You could only imagine my surprise when I approached the WWU Viking Football booth at Ski to Sea.

I very naively asked if the blue brochure was their schedule.  I was informed, “No, it is a brochure explaining why we have no schedule.  There is no Viking Football.”  My quick reply was “what the heck?”  The 3 buff gentlemen standing behind the booth chuckled and gave me a brief explanation as to why in the heck there was no football. 

I puffed up and said, “Well, we’ll see about that!”  Yes, in that moment I thought for sure I could come up with some solution to the problem…I was quite indignant and felt very determined in that moment!  My husband just shook his head, and said God help the President of WWU! 

I mean seriously, this is America.  Who cuts FOOTBALL from the school athletic program?  I love football.  Everyone loves football…or they should! Why?  It is the game of life. Get knocked down, get up again. Stay focused on the prize (ball), win some, ya lose some…oh I could go on and on.  But this blog is about VIKING FOOTBALL…or the lack there of.

Now I know some of you are thinking, geez Elaine, this news came out in January.  I don’t read the sports section of the paper…and I am sure this info was buried in the sports section. It should have been front page news.  It should be the talk of the town.  It should be a banner in every store front that says SAVE WWU FOOTBALL.

So, now that I know.  What do I think I can do about it?  Now that you know, what can you do about it?
Let me back up and tell you what has already been done. Over $1,000,000 has been raised to pay for the team.  That amount of money will last about 2 years.  The Alumni Association has started an endowment fund to raise 10,000,000 to cover the cost of the future football program.  The President of WWU, still says NO! 

I have read all the Western Front articles, Bellingham Herald articles, the info on SaveWWUFootball.com and NO WHERE does President Shepard state “In order to reinstate WWU Football, this and this must happen.” NO WHERE!  So, my first order of business is to find out why there is no such information, and then get an answer to the burning question “What needs to be done to get Viking Football reinstated?”

I also sent off a request to help sponsor the SAVE WWU FOOTBALL website.  I am talking to a few of my Realtor buddies about how we can raise awareness and raise cash.

You however, can go to the official website and dig around, find ways to support the cause.

And when we get done with this, how about we petition the Commissioner and have the pass interference rule taken out of the rule book.  It has always been my opinion that it’s the D’s job to get the ball back…they are supposed to interfere with the darn pass…and yes, my husband David is shaking his head again!

Like the Ump says…Play Ball!

Our son has been involved in team sports with the Bellingham Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA going on 4 years.  This has been a great opportunity for him to learn the importance of team work and commitment. It’s also a treat for us parents, too. 

We have been having so much fun this baseball season with our team! Hiro, our head coach, is a sheer breath of fresh air. Joe and all the coaches really get across to all the guys. It’s super fun to be on a team that can really play.  This is a bunch of really nice boys; with great team spirit… it has been so cool to be a part of. Thank you to the Sudden Valley families who invited us to be on the team!

As I stated earlier, our boy is learning the importance of being part of something bigger. From the joy of team sports, embracing kids from other walks of life, and the thrill of a win, this little collection of athletes with a common goal is very powerful.  Our little sluggers are turning into young men and women. Wow…

It’s not only the kids who are exposed to new surroundings and faces; we adults also have the opportunity to expand.  Together we support our children and get to know each other and by the end of the season, we have made some new friends and strengthened others. It’s great.

Organized sports play an important role in our lives.  Our kids gain knowledge of sportsmanship and teamwork.  They learn about being coached and taking constructive criticism.  They are taught respect and learn to encourage each other.  Come to think of it, so do we parents.

So regardless of your age, never stop playing!

Ski to Sea Volunteerism…Continued

Well, we did it!  Made it to the top, wrote down the number of every of every cross country skier as they finished, and every runner as they began their 8 mile leg of the race.  My shins hurt just watching them!

We are now the official back up to the electronic system.  It still has some issues with the first two legs.

“Do the Monkey” was yelled as every racer came across their electronic finish line.  They had to bend as low as possible and swing their arm…like a monkey…so the “device” would register.  The management team for the electronic system has repeatedly told Ski to Sea officials, that this is A) dangerous and B) very inefficient! The bands need to be warn on the skis, ankles…some where it make sense.  This company sets up and records races just about every weekend of the year.  Maybe someone should listen to them.

Okay, next subject.  Coming back down the mountain.  Yes, they released hundreds of cars early.  However, they still let cars come up the mountain beginning at 11:00 am.  Have you ever driven down a mountain, slowly averting bicyclist, who are racing down the hill..then deal with oncoming traffic???  Very stressful.  Apparently we managed not to kill or maim anyone, but it seems it would be in the best interested of the racers if the cars coming up the mountain, we held back until Noon.  Just my humble opinion.

Now to the fun part!  The ride up the mountain in the wee hours is always a hoot.  A car full of rummy sleep-heads can lead to uncontrolable giggles!  Add to that, our outstanding weather…and you have the makings of a great day!

We stopped at FirRidge Campsite to devour our quiche & fruit spread. A breakfast fit for…well, fit for enthusiastic volunteers!  The sun was just peeking out through the trees.  Beautiful way to start the day!

Once we were on the mountain…it was all business.  A sea of race numbers.  No major crashes, or close calls.  A very well run event.

We did however, run into a cat named Willow Johns. WIllow creates numerous Whatcom County documentaries. He was fun to watch.  And a good sport, as we gave our unsolicited advise on what he should be saying.  Stating we were experts…because we watch a lot of TV!  Thanks Willow for the added fun, and putting up with us!

Back down the mountain…headed for Fairhaven; for our ultimate reward:

Scotty Browns in Barkley Village

Scotty Browns, which has already been shortened to Scotty B’s by the locals, is the newest dining choice in the Barkley area. There have been reviews ranging from “fabulous” to “okay.”  I do know that one of the day time cooks is absolutely fantastic!  Ty Cook.  Yes, one of my many sons! And with a last name like that you have to be good!

Scotty Browns is a Canadian chain.  Our Barkley location is their first venture across the border.  Brilliant move I predict.  With big screen TVs, a bar and bar tenders johnny on the spot, you can only imagine the fun you can have there!

The menu is some what of a mix…something for everyone! 
It was quite a hit for Mother’s Day!  The place was packed, yet the service and food were great!
Guess where we are going for Father’s Day!

You will find this great addition to Barkley,at 3101 Newmarket St – North side of Barkley Blvd, on the corner!

Being a Ski to Sea Volunteer…on Mt. Baker!

I believe it is 6, maybe 7 years now I have been getting up at 4:00 in the morning, throwing on my ski clothes, packing the jeep full of refreshments…and 8 warm quiches made at the hands of my talented husband.

Dashing out the door by 4:30 to meet other good hearted, crazy folk at the Haggen parking lot…they call us volunteers!  We snack on warm quiche, find an open coffee stand, and wait for everyone to gather.  Then we head for the Mountain.  We time the downhill racers.  The first leg of the race.  Well, except that one year when there wasn’t enough snow, and cross country racers had to go first…and we volunteers had to hike in to the finish line. 

When the gun goes off at 8:30, we get ready for the first racer to come around the bend…this is usually when we go grab coffee, hot chocolate and visit the rest room! 

We stand in sleet, snow, rain…and 1 time we stood in the sunshine.  We prance, jump and run in circles to keep warm.  It’s a real work out…we might be in good enough shape to actually participate in the race…NOT!!! 

We then stand ready when that first type A racer comes down the hill.  We have 4 groups of 3. One person is writing down racer numbers as they come in, one shouting numbers and “mark” as that racer crosses the finish line…and one (my job) is standing there with a palm pilot entering numbers and hitting “mark” when the racer crosses.  It’s all good until that pack of 60 racers comes around the bend.  We have a system for dividing them up amongst the 4 groups….and it works!

The first year that they implemented the fancy electronic system…each racer had to wear a bracelet with a chip in it….was a disaster!  How many finish line wipe-outs have I seen over the years…plenty.  Now add a table, cables and wires to the mix!  Crazy.  However, it was our volunteer accounting of the event that proved to be the most accurate!  Real eyes, ears and palm pilots get the job done..for free I might add!

So less than an hour later…our job is done! We pack it up, turn in our palm pilots and head down the mountain…at 15 miles per hour.  The runners and bicyclist have the rights to the road!  We of course have our windows down and yell words of encouragement to those we pass. 

Next stop, the park. We consume our leftovers, talk about the amazing things we saw…and plan a meeting spot in Fairhaven.  The bar…after a nap of course.

Volunteering for such a grand event is very inspirational.  Not enough that I will ever participate, but ya gotta love the dedication.  I am content to be a dedicated volunteer.  I wonder if they could use our services at the upcoming Olympics?

Why Bellingham Real Estate

Bellingham real estate is still a sound investment.  Unlike the rest of the country we still have a pretty solid, yet slow housing market.  Why?  Because there is no place like Bellingham, WA!

Bellingham Washington boasts a full spectrum of The Arts, a variety of educational opportunities, recreation, parks, trails, fishing, skiing, hiking, sailing, canoeing, shopping, gardening, the marina, did I mention parks, cows, berry fields, lakes, mountains, the bay, plenty of live entertainment, friendly people, a local music scene, oh, did I mentions the parks…truly, there really is no place like this place!

The choices are plenty among the Bellingham Real Estate for sale.  Throughout  Bellingham neighborhoods you will find, urban villages, Victorian homes, craftsman homes, contemporary homes, townhomes, condos; there is truly something for everyone in Bellingham! 

Whether your goal is to buy a new home, sell your existing property or to find out more about Bellingham or Whatcom County; this site has everything you are looking for!  Your Bellingham real estate  search begins here!

For information about other great towns and cities in Whatcom County:

Ferndale Real Estate               Blaine Real Estate

Birch Bay Real Estate              Glacier/Maple Falls Real Estate

Lynden Real Estate                  Sudden Valley Real Estate

For Bellingham and Whatcom County Real Estate Statistics

May is Ski to Sea Month in Whatcom County

April showers bring May flowers… and the largest community event in Whatcom County.  For years, folks from all over the Northwest have come to Whatcom County during the Memorial Day weekend to celebrate Ski to Sea, a legendary festival of races, parades and events. 

This month long celebration kicks off early in May with one of the region’s first golf tournaments, The Ski to Sea Classic, and culminates with what has become a internationally acclaimed relay race, Ski to Sea. (More about the history of the race in just a moment.)  In between these are parades, races, car shows, art displays and a bunch of other events. For a complete list of events, days and times visit their website.

According to the organizers, the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Ski to Sea festival helps create a positive financial impact of more than 8 million dollars into our local economy.  From area hotels and restaurants to local grocery stores and retail outlets, few businesses are excluded from the economic gain of this event.

Another great reason Ski to Sea is such a wonderful community event; it’s all family friendly. 

Seeing a need to involve our local youth, about 10 years ago organizers created a weekend just for kids. Now, the Ski to Sea Jr. parade and Jr. race happen the week prior to the “big” race and grand parade.  The Jr. parade is free and always a gas.  Local youth groups, schools, churches and even middle school marching bands walk a smaller version of the grand parade route. Rain or shine, this brings out the kid in all of us. The following day, Lake Padden Park is crawling with teams of kids from all over Whatcom County to participate in the Jr. Ski to Sea Race, the little sibling of the big race. Running, biking, a three-legged race, soccer skills and an obstacle course are set up around this beautiful local park. What fun for these kids… a great day is had by all!

Then it happens.  Noon Saturday of Memorial Day weekend kicks off the two-day celebration with the Ski to Sea Grand Parade. This event has become a thing of family tradition and legends.  As the sun rises, so do the folks who come early to stake out their parade route viewing area. One thing is for certain…blue tarps and lawn chairs are a must, regardless of the weather. Floats from neighboring communities and local clubs, Nile Shriners with their little cars and scooters, local businesses, elected officials and marching bands galore pass before seas of people who have lined Cornwall Avenue to catch a glimpse of the action.

Sunday is race day.  This is no ordinary race. The Ski to Sea Race covers lots of ground (and water) in Whatcom County. Over all, it’s about 90 miles.  What begins at 8:00am at Mt. Baker Ski area, ends at Memorial Park on the Bellingham waterfront some 6 hours later. More than 450 teams, each consisting of eight racers will attempt to finish this seven-leg realy race. It starts with a cross-country  ski run then the timing chip is passed to downhillskier.  Once they have completed the route, runners take the gruling trek down the mountain and hand off to the road bikes, who pass their band to a canoe team.  After navigating the Nooksack, mountain bikers get the next leg and travel from to meet kyakers, who get to cross the finish line and ring the bell.  

And the party at the finish line is a big as you would expect. It All Ends in Fairhaven is another community celebration worth attending. Vendors all over the place, live music, great food, arts & crafts and a community coming together to celebrate the beauty of it’s surroundings and inhabitants.  A great festival… Ski to Sea.  Truly a do not miss event.

NW Gardening is a Sport!

While you read this, I will be in a hot bath with a couple of advil thrown down my throat!!!

I recently read an article about gardening.  It declared gardening as a sport!  I agree!  We do all kinds of exercise for planting and pulling weeds.  The squats, knee bends, the ‘got to get that weed…can’t step on the flowers…please don’t let me fall’ stretches, and the ‘I can get it all in one load’ wheel barrel exercise!  And finally we sweat…over every weed, slug, deer and drought that may harm our garden. Note I didn’t mention the lawn mower…my husband David is in charge of that!!!

I know I spend quite a bit of time and money  in my attempts to make my garden grow and create my own personal park!  So threats are not taken lightly!  So far so good, with one exception. The slug farm has got to go!

I have tried it all, and honestly the safest and most effective method is the ol’ beer in a pie tin trick!  Just pour a beer in a pie tin, and set it out around the garden.  Those little creatures head right for it.  There are a few stubborn exceptions.  The smarter ones still prefer my lettuce patch.  Quite disturbing actually.  I did have a conversation with them, “Get out of my garden or you will die.”  They were slow to respond, as one would suspect.  Fortunately, most have taken me seriously.  Those that didn’t now live in the forest!

Another aspect of the gardening is a sport analogy is the shopping!  With so many beautiful yards, and happy gardeners in our area, one must be quick!  I swear one Saturday I was the last to show up at EVERY nursery in the Bellingham!  White candy tuff was not to be found, sold out!  It was quite frustrating as I had my vision in my head, and I needed those plant to make it a reality!  I did find them, at Rite Aid!  Who knew?

There are several places that sell their “almost dead, but we can still make a buck” plants at great savings to you.  I love shopping for those bargains.  My yard is full of those bargain plants.  Shop for perennials only.  They will do what they can for you this year, but next year they will bloom with appreciation of their new home, water and love. Remember though, you have to be persistent, dedicated to the mission, and quick…cause there are people like me out there shopping too! So wear your running shoes!

And finally, why do we sign up for this seasonal sport?  To win of course!  No, most of us don’t win ribbons, or featured articles about our yards.  Yet we all gain a sense of accomplishment, awe at beauty of it, enjoy eating a salad that came from your own garden, the fresh flower arrangements, appreciate the complements from our neighbors, but mostly it is the joy.  The sense of winning comes from flicking one of the slugs into the forest!

Go plant something!  Watch it grow!  And yes, these pictures are from my yard!