Tell tale prints ...

I love going out after a snowfall to see what tracks crisscross my yard. With a duck pond behind my house, home of a family of raccoons, ducks, heron, and various domestic and feral cats, I never know what tracks will turn up. One year a doe delicately moved around my backyard, nibbling on the shrubbery.

As I went out this afternoon, I almost missed these dainty tracks close to the side of the front porch. I thought immediately of Mom, who was passionate about birdwatching. She would have been tickled to see these prints and could have immediately identified the bird who made them. I can't.

I also thought about my friend Judith Sparhawk, who emailed me today with the fun things she's been exploring and experimenting with this past year. (I love Christmas time when everyone shares holiday letters and catches everyone up on what they've done, or haven't done, during the year wrapping up!) She, too, is an avid birdwatcher and last year recorded a species list of 433 species. Wow! Now THAT is birdwatching. This year she's explored photographic processes and digital editing.

Amazing the ideas that flash through your mind. This past year I've thoroughly enjoyed seeing the birds Terry Davitt Powell has uploaded to her blog site. She's is a very talented artist and photographer who, among a multiplicity of accomplishments, captures great bird shots. Check out her new blog to start in January 2009 http://www.crowaday.blogspot.com/ Her other blog http://www.crowcentric.blogspot.com/ is accessible right now and worth a gander--a little birdie humor.

Hopefully, the cat prints were there BEFORE the bird prints ... gulp!

Snow Angels and then there are Snow Angels ...

The snow is beautiful and I’m warm and cozy inside with enough provisions so that I’m not suffering in the least. BUT … Because my poor li’l old Miata operates so much better in sunshine, with the top down, I’m not able to venture out of my garage because of 10” of snow. Pathetic isn’t it that I’m so fair-weather oriented and yet I live in the Pacific Northwest? Again, I forgot to buy the snow shovel! Poor Suki had to hop like a jack rabbit to make her way through the snow. She’s up for fun, but snow higher than she is tall, isn’t to her liking. She ended up refusing to come out and stayed in a protected area trying to lick the snow.

The first snowfall last week wasn’t so bad here in Birch Bay, I was able to get to the office to get some work done. But then a second wave and yet a third did me in.

Yesterday, while working on a beaded cuff for a client, I glanced up out the window and saw a faint but noticeable rainbow ring around the sun. I’ve seen rings around the moon before, but this was the first rainbow around the sun. Wow! It was awesome! Alas, it was too faint for my camera to capture. My good Dutch friend, Anneke, said:
“ ‘Ring om de maan, dat zal wel gaan, maar ring om de zon huilt vrouw en kinderen om.’ That's what they say in the olde country. Basically wife and children would cry when there was a ring around the sun.” And, sure enough, more snow fell again last night.

Snow lies all about and the sun is shining right now, but my grandkiddies are all down in Riverside, CA celebrating Christmas!!! They would have had so much fun making snowmen, snow angels and snowball battles! I have hot chocolate with marshmallows and no grandchildren. I can well imagine the laughter and squeals of delight.

C’est la vie. Excuse me if you please, I have to go make a snow angel!

PS No sooner did I make my snow angel then seemingly out of nowhere did a young man appear with snow shovel in hand, asking if I wanted the snow cleared off my driveway and walkway. Now there was the REAL snow angel! Hallelujah!

Not exactly hoarfrost tracery, but ...

B-r-r-r-r-r-r

Oh baby, it is cold here in Birch Bay! We're experiencing record arctic temperatures with snow and ice. I'm grateful we still have electricity, unlike those poor folks in the northeast!

In spite of having to deal with the inconvenience of the elements, while Suki and I were out for our walk yesterday afternoon, my eye was caught by this pattern of tire and boot tracks in the partially melted snow turned to ice.

Art is everywhere, and not always framed or displayed on a pedestal. One has only to be open to the possibilities.

More snow and ice to hit early Wednesday and again Saturday with more below-freezing wind chill temperatures.

Stunning, no?

Who would've thunk it?

Isn’t it fun to step outside of one’s routine from time-to-time? I think so, and last night reaffirmed my sense of it.

I hesitate to say it’s my habit to take my li’l 4-legged companion, Suki Kabuki Tuki Tuki, out for our evening ramble at around 7:00 p.m. most evenings, because no sooner do I state it, I’m sure I’ll deviate from my claimed habit. It never fails.

Last night was proof of just such an instance. I was engrossed in some art project or another, and when I came up for air, it was about midnight. Suki definitely needed to go out, having with great forbearance waited for me to remember her. I layered in gloves, hat, jacket, scarf, socks, walking shoes, etc., grabbed my handy-dandy flashlight and Suki and I ventured out into the dark of night.

It was definitely a bewitching hour! Most folks had hours before switched off residential lights and tottered off to bed, thrusting m’mutt-n-me into pitch-blackness. We started on our merry way, preceded by the circle of light cast by flashlight. Oh, baby! It was cold out and we were moving at a pretty fair clip.

We arrived at a point where surrounding evergreens thinned and I was awestruck by the gazillions and one stars and galaxies ablaze in the dark sky.

We’ve had rain and fog for the last couple of weeks, so to see the constellations arrayed across the cosmos was breathtaking! I stopped in my tracks to take it all in … Orion’s Belt, Seven Sisters (Pleiades), Dipper (Ursa Major) … Wow!

Did you know the Japanese call the Pleiades “Subaru” … beep beep honk-o honk-o … Subaru means “gathered together,” so I learned.

I glanced over at Orion and ACTUALLY SAW A SHOOTING STAR!!!!! When I got back home, of course I Googled and learned there are Orionid meteor showers between Nov 16 – Dec 16! Does it get any better than THIS?

After staring up at the universe until my eyes watered and I got a crick in my neck from looking up so long, and saintly Suki tired of listening to my incessant ooooohs and aaaaaahs, we headed back home.

IF I had gone out earlier, the ambient light of the neighborhood probably would have obscured the clarity of the star-strewn sky.

IF I had pooh-poohed the notion of going out for an uncustomary midnight meander, I would have missed the splendor of the experience.

Take it from me! Try something totally different; step outside of your routine. It could make for a totally unanticipated, completely satisfying experience!

Makes the raining days worth it ...

Giving of thanks for our harvest

The aroma of roast turkey wafts through the house, family and friends are busily preparing their traditional side dishes and desserts. Wine is being uncorked. Laughter is a must-have ingredient to a tasty and satisfying Thanksgiving.

I wondered what foods the Wampanoags showed the Pilgrims how to gather in 1621, what to fish for, what they hunted. They surely showed what was good in their environment to eat and what wasn’t edible. What crops did the native people help the Pilgrims plant and nurture?

What food was at that first celebration? The Wampanoags usually celebrated their harvests with food and rejoicing. They probably had venison, wild turkey, rabbit, woodchuck, lobster, clams, mussels, sea bass, bluefish. They supposedly also had beans, potatoes, corn and squash. Hmmm, lobster for Thanksgiving! I’ll have a serving of that, if you please!

What foods are planted and harvested right in your own areas? I think of the blackberries, strawberries, apples, raspberries, marionberries, blueberries grown in this area. I know of local gouda and farmer’s cheese from our dairies here. There’s also a goat farm for goat milk and cheese. We have crab, mussels, oysters, salmon. I saw a pheasant dash across the street one night; geese, duck aplenty. Deer and rabbit I’ve almost hit a time or two driving through the woods at night. We could survive on local produce, and many people are getting back to working the soil and sharing their bounty in co-ops and truck farms.

Something to think about, eh?

Well, wherever you are, as you sit down to your turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, Brussels sprouts, hot buttered rolls and pumpkin pies, let’s, like the Wampanoags and the Pilgrims, thank the Great Spirit for the bounty of our land and our many blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow! Would you look at that sunset!

Eyes and attention fixed on my computer. Work--work--work! One of the other Realtors pointed out yet another stunning Birch Bay sunset. Pays big time to look up and out the window from time-to-time! Now THAT's what I'm talkin' about!

The second one was taken about 20 minutes earlier. Light changes so swiftly!

Loving it here in Birch Bay!

An interesting time here in Birch Bay and in the world. Our country elects a new president, and in the process overcomes centuries of racial prejudice. We, and the world, cheer this milestone and hope for a new and better era.

Speaking of fighting for a new and better era, I’m reminded that November 11th is Veterans Day. I must admit that I don’t usually take note of this American holiday, except to silently thank my Dad, Captain Eugene M. Hinsvark (deceased) who served his country in World War II and in the Korean War; and to e-mail my appreciation to my ex-spouse SSgt Ronald E. West who served during the Vietnam conflict.

This year a couple of happenstances brought me to think more about Veterans Day.

For one, I came across an article written by Jack Kintner in The Northern Light, “On Veterans Day, a local veteran recalls a life of service.” Cory Swinburnson, who lives in Blaine with his wife, Julia, told of his years of service in the Navy. He mentioned the antiwar picketers he encountered and the harassment he experienced while traveling in uniform through Boston’s Logan Airport. I remember that era and although I was against the US being in Vietnam, I felt it was unfair to take it out on those soldiers bravely carrying out the orders of our Commander-in-Chief, and fighting for me and you.

Secondly, during a couple of killer games of Scrabble with a Birch Bay denizen, I found out he had been a Marine during Vietnam. He told me about a number of Vietnam vets he knows here on the bay. The barkeep told us about one of his regulars who gifted a young ex-Marine with a special cap with all sorts of cool Marine insignia. The recipient was cheered by the gift. The camaradarie touched me. So, I decided I wanted to know more about Veterans Day.

Did you know that following the end of The Great War (World War I) President Wilson, in 1919, proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations … "

That original Armistice Day was not only to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, their love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good, but it was also designed to perpetuate peace through goodwill and mutual understanding between nations.

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Armistice Day was primarily a day to honor veterans of World War I, but after World War II required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, “Armistice” was struck out and “Veterans” inserted. On June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor approximately 2.9 million U.S. veterans of all wars.

I think it’s important to give credit to those men and woman who have served and currently serve in our country’s armed forces. But, I also think we, as a nation, need to remember that additional aspect of the original Armistice Day. The service and sacrifice are to perpetuate peace through goodwill and mutual understanding between nations.

Peace is the ultimate goal.

My thanks to all veterans everywhere!

If you’re interested in finding out about non-profit organizations who help support our troops, go to http://reconnectamerica.com/giveback/ and find links to Armed Services YMCA, Operation Gratitude, The American Legion, Sew Much Comfort, and others put together by The Military Channel and Military.com.

Ah, yes, the fun of genetics!

Just received a comment about Benito Bernardo from my youngest sister, Joan Ramsey. She's bested me with the following:

I would love to ride with you and Sr. BBBones, Sis! I'm sure the conversation would be spine-tingling.

Of course, you know I'm just a tad on the demented side, so what I have on my dashboard year-round probably wouldn't surprise you.

This is me ... my bobble-head skeleton (Mr. Spats) is dressed in a purple suit, being hugged by a baby pink teddy bear (Fuzzy-Wuzzy) holding a heart stating "I Love You" and a pink flower, with a ghost whose eyes flash blue and shrieks when you press his button, Horace, and Speedy Gonzales on their respective leashes.

Yes, this is me.

Don't know if there is any particular statement here ... even the ugly has its beauty, if you look for it; embrace the dichotomy of life; the scary/unwanted need love, too; don't speed through life so fast you don't see the beautiful details, but don't fear rushing headlong into the unknown ... Who knows?

This is me.

Love you, Sis!

-J

Ah, yes, the fun of shared genes!

Death 'n' Life

I thought Halloween would be an appropriate time to bring Señor Benito Bernardo Bones, dangling from my rearview mirror, to the blog, but Halloween came and went and no mention. Then November 1—All Saints’ Day and Dia del Muerto—and still no word about my resident skeleton. Today is All Souls’ Day and the End of Daylight Savings. It’s now or never, I tell you.

I’ve been asked from time-to-time, the significance of the glow-in-the-dark skeleton hanging within view as I drive down the way. I’ve learned it’s off putting to some people. Death comes to mind; fear of the unknown; perhaps even thoughts of painful death. Others look at it and think Halloween thoughts of witches and ghouls and goblins and spooky such. Some see him as comical; others consider the idea a little eerie.

It brings a number of considerations to my mind. I think Señor Benito Bernardo Bones helps me keep things in perspective. This life, too, will pass, so I don’t have to be so serious, enjoy the moment. I’m going to die, that’s a certainty, but I’m alive now so I welcome the reminder my traveling companion imparts to loosen up and make the most of what I can do now, while I have the choice. With that there is a deep reverence for LIFE.

I also think Sr. BBBones keeps an eye socket on the road for me, making certain I avoid death on the roadway. Silly, no? So far, so good!

When I’m driving with the convertible top down, BB Bones dances a most merry jig! We both so enjoy our roadtrips! We carry on insightful conversations, as we see interesting places or things along the roadside together. He has a (bone)dry wit and is quick to point out things I might have overlooked. He’s simply an excellent touring escort.

When I know I’ll have a client in the car, I’ll carefully place Benito Bernardo to rest in the glove compartment. But afterwards, I quickly bring him back to life dancing from the mirror. When he’s not there, I miss his silly bones.

Want to come for a drive with me ‘n’ BBBones?

Last night a friend and I decided to catch a play presented by the Blaine Community Theater. First time I’ve had the pleasure. The group performs right here, so why not? I’m glad I went! “Vampire Dreams” written by Suzy McKee Charnas and directed by Christopher Key and Linda Adler was enjoyable.

It was fascinating to watch how the story moved along between the four actors. I was swept up into the current day storyline of a Manhattan psychiatrist, her own wants and needs held at arm’s length, dealing with a patient, a professor, who wasn’t allowed to return to teaching until he was “cured” of his delusion of being a vampire.

Clever interaction took place between shrink and patient, bringing about a risky openness and candor in both characters.

Cast consisted of Karen Edland (Dr. Floria Landauer), Christopher Key (Prof. Edward Weyland), Phillip Wheeler (Kenny) and Kerry Walker (Lucille). The crew was comprised of Rick Collier, Marc Cutler, Laree Griffith, and Autumn Griffith.

A hearty congratulations and “Thank You” to cast and crew!

“Vampire Dreams” was performed at Blaine Middle School October 17, 18, 24 and 25, and will be performed again at The Firehouse Performing Arts Center in Fairhaven October 31, November 1 and 2. (360) 391-0582 for more details.

Want to get involved in the Blaine Community Theater group? I understand they’ll be meeting at the Blaine Library the evening of November 3rd. I think they said 6:30 p.m.

They’re always on the lookout for new b-l-o-o-d .

http://www.blainecommunitytheater.org/

Autumnal Reds

Speeding through September into October, and so many more indications of autumn upon Birch Bay than just golden leaves turning to red. There’s a chill in the air even when the sun is shining, all the little crab boats have been dry-docked (a solitary faded blue and white catamaran remains bobbing on high tide, someone optimistic about taking ‘er out for one more sail before pulling ‘er off the tide flats for the winter), more chimneys are sending up cheerful smoke signals, people are exchanging soup recipes and bringing pumpkin bread into the office.

Cloud cover obscures the sun and the entire spectrum of colors is dulled. I think the red leaves demand notice. Red refuses to be subdued. However, when the sun bursts through … wow! A metaphorical light switch is flipped on and all colors glow.

But today, I’m enjoying and rejoicing in reds; from fallen leaves to …

(Hmmm, maybe tonight’s a good one for making some homemade tomato bisque, eh?)

By-the-way, all of the above photographs were shot with a Treo phone. Doncha just LUV modern technology? Bring it on!

Shiver m'timbers ...

Sitting on the beach at the Birch Bay State Park a couple of days ago, I watched as a kid and his brother played for over an hour around an ancient tree trunk that beached after some long ago storm. The boys’ father was close by, no caution to be careful. He just let them have fun climbing all over the old tree. They were so involved in their adventure it seemed obvious to me that they needed no electronic gadget to occupy their imagination. Did they imagine themselves as castaways on a deserted island? Did they imagine themselves as pirates looking to the horizon for an unsuspecting four-mast schooner to overcome and carry off the gold dubloons, jewels and silver pieces of eight? Do kids today still imagine such daring escapades, or are most totally mesmerized by My Virtual Life and other video games too many to mention? I guess I think back on my own childhood fantasies, out-of-doors, wandering through grassy pastures with the sun heating my back, listening to crickets and bees. I still smile with childish glee at the sight of butterflies and dragonflies. I don’t want to make too much of this thread of thought. But, I silently cheered on these scrawny li’l fellows and their simple play.

Here's to ART in Blaine and Birch Bay ... Salut!

This past Saturday I attended the first annual Art at the Winery at the Dakota Creek Winery in Blaine, WA. Kudos to winery owners Ken and Jill Peck for putting on an excellent first time art show! From the well-directed parking, well laid out art exhibition, live music all day, and free wine tasting, to the congenial festive atmosphere, it was super! The sunshine was dazzling—the next day it rained katz-n-dawgs—and there was an amazing turnout of patrons and visitors. Obviously sunshine, art, and wine made for a winning combination!

There were over 55 artists exhibiting at this initial art show, and from the comments I heard, I know more artists will be drawn to exhibiting at the show again next time. I will be!

I was pleased to speak to so many of the exhibitors at the art show who live in Birch Bay. I’ll be sharing some interviews with sculptor and painter Jim Agnello, lampwork beadmaker Sabrina, and my multi-talented neighbor Kim Wilson who works in watercolors (and designs and cares for the most gorgeous garden. It’s a delight for Suki and I to walk past Kim’s exuberance of color and textures.) I’ll be adding to the shout out about other artists residing and working in Birch Bay!

So, when all is said and done, it was great fun to see the beginning of, hopefully, Ken’s and Jill’s annual art/wine tradition at the Dakota Creek Winery!

Dakota Creek Winery is located at 3575 Haynie Rd, Blaine, WA Open 1-5 Thurs-Sat (360) 820-4752. They specialize in producing limited quantities of premium wines made from hand-picked grapes from Yakima Valley, Wahluke Slope, Rattlesnake Hills and Columbia Valley. For more information www.dakotacreekwinery.com

Taking GOLD in Birch Bay ...

When I awoke this morning I noticed the heater in the bathroom had kicked on, and I was happy for the warmth. A couple of weeks ago I noticed Canada geese starting to “V” overhead, honking their passing. I noticed my maple starting to color. I’ve noticed the days dawn later and later and sun sets earlier; gone are the 18 hours of daylight. Out walking with Suki this morning, we ooh and aah at all the incredibly beautiful gold fallen to the road

.

And unto the world a girl child is born ...

Just received a call about an hour ago. I was in a meeting and the following wonderful news was left on my voicemail:

“Hi Mama, or I should say, Grandma! Sierra was born at 5:25 p.m. and she weighed 5-lbs 11.6 oz and is 17-3/4” long. A beautiful, beautiful little girl! I love you, Ma! ‘Bye!”

Couldn’t reach him, but I have no doubt that he is busy with his darling wife Kim, his son Nathan, and Kim’s mom, Robin, whose cell phone he used to call me from the hospital with his joyous news.

My youngest son, Owen, and his family are down in Fruita, CO and I’m way the heck too far up here in Birch Bay, WA. But my heart is right there with them as they celebrate their new arrival: Sierra Grace West.

I am so thankful for my growing family ... my grandkiddies Mikayla, Shelby, Alexxis, Nathan, Cole and now Sierra Grace are incredible human beings. I marvel at their fresh insights and individual personalities. OMG! How did I get to be this old?????

I couldn’t be happier than I am right now and everyone is safe and sound and life is unfolding just as it should!

Something for everyone ...

I have been warmed to the core lately by the generosity of people around me.

From Bill who brings in his gorgeous homegrown dahlias to share with the office, to Carolyn and Duke whose home I am selling who shared with me their freshly picked from the garden beets, to a neighbor of mine, Jim, who brought over a couple of bags of crab he had just caught and cooked ... to the young lady in the checkout line at Haggen who paid for the groceries of the man in line behind her who forgot his wallet and then declined giving him her name and number so he could repay her. The fellow, Lowell Jackson, wrote a letter to the editor of The Northern Light about his experience. He went on to say the lady told him,

"Do this for someone else if you find the opportunity."

There are ample opportunities to be generous with our time, our smile, our resources, our friendship, our thoughts and our actions. Choose to be generous and just see if it doesn't make YOU feel better, too!

(Thank you, Lowell Jackson, for sharing your experience. It brightened MY day!)

Let the season commence ...

Dungeness Crab (Cancer magister) season opens tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. Don’t you dare get in the way of all the boats laden with crab pots that will be speeding out to rigorously protected spots in the bay and strait. Around the bay, crabbing is practically a religious experience and is fraught with tradition. There's a different feel to the community in anticipation of crabbing, beach crab feasts are being planned, everyone spectulating about whether it will be a good season or not, you just can't help but be pulled into the spirit of the season!

My mouth waters just at the thought of freshly steamed crab dipped in melted butter. Oh, Baby! Crab recipes from commonplace to exotic will be enjoyed across the Bay once folks start hauling in their crab.

I can’t say that I was a big fan of crab before moving to Birch Bay. But, then I hadn’t experienced Dungeness before. Now I’m a convert! What delectable flavor!

Dungeness Crab was named after the Washington town of Dungeness, where the crab was first commercially harvested. I understand it was the first shellfish to be commercially harvested on the North Pacific Coast.

But enough about dry, dusty ol' history.

Bring on the crab!

Night Sounds

I didn’t get home until late last night and Suki was anxiously mincing around just inside the door, leash in mouth, tapping her toenail on the face of her Sienna Miller watch, impatient to go for a walk and relieve her little (ahem.) I jest. But I took her out nonetheless.

It was about 9:30 p.m., a delicate but very crisp crescent moon visible in the darkened night sky. There was very little movement of air; still. My four-legged pal and I appeared to be the only ones out at that time of night; the scuffing of my shoes on the roadway the only sound to be heard.

We stopped to sniff and gaze out on the then dark pond; Suki sniffed and I gazed. Four or 5 Mallards flew up from the pond and made their way over our heads. In the silence, their wings made a whistling sound as they flapped on their way to the other side of the bay.

In the peacefulness of that intimate whistling moment, total joy washed over me. How blessed I am to have a little more time to enjoy that serene pond before I move … whenever it is that I’ll move.

Moved to tears ... of relief ... ?

As I look back to the move saga exploding into being with the receipt of the first letter notifying me the owner wanted to occupy the house I'm in, I’m amazed that it has only been about 15 days. I think I’ve stressed and agonized enough for at least a month or two.

I’ve thrown out stuff; I've packed stuff; friends have brought me more boxes for what I need to pack; I've sold books and taken clothes to consignment stores and Goodwill; and around it all I've continued to try maintaining a busy work schedule.





Other friends have offered Jeeps, Forerunners, trucks and even a Jag to help me move my boxes once they’re filled.

Another friend brought to my attention a house for reasonable rent, constituting a move from north end of the bay down to the south end of the bay; another friend graciously offered sharing her home with me. I looked into renting a studio apartment.

Yet another dear friend provided me with a checklist of what to pack first, because I was so overwhelmed I was having difficulty deciding even what to do FIRST.

So many people have gifted me with support and offers of assistance with the move. It has been incredibly heartwarming to know I have a safety net of friends willing and able to pitch in and help!

Even with all the kind offers, I was still slammed for time to get everything choreographed and still dance the real estate dance! I was just putting one foot in front of the other and hoping it would all work out, somehow!

Here the saga of the move takes another radical turn. Just last night the homeowner called me to say his daughter has decided to honor my previous lease agreement because she can't make her move from CA as she hoped, and so I have until next July to move.

Well, now. I THINK I’m relieved. Yes, of course, I’m relieved to know I now have TIME to sort through everything and put order to the chaos AND have time to earn a living. But, I’m still in emotional full gear! What a roller coaster ride!

So, the sorting and packing continues and I’ll still move, but on my terms. This entire experience has been a blessing; nerve-wracking, but a blessing nonetheless. It gave me the kick in the pantaloons I needed to de-clutter and get rid of stuff I’ve been hanging onto for much too long.

More soon; have an appointment to go interest someone in buying a Birch Bay getaway! Wheeee!

Facing realities, not relatives ...

I was going to chronicle my experiences moving and I’d best get at it; chronicling AND moving!

I moved up here away from all family and friends. No big, right? Well, over these five years, friends and relatives have sent photographs and I had them plastered all over my kitchen, mostly on my refrigerator. Each time I’d go into the kitchen, or get something out of the freezer, or put foodstuff into the refrigerator, I would see and think about those I love … School photos of my grandkiddies, Shelby walking her mare Savannah, Nathan’s first pre-school photo with a boo-boo on his little forehead, 86-yr old Aunt Helen standing in front of her brand new Mustang (she’s since sold that and bought a brand new Pontiac Firebird,) Terry playing with Sam with a measuring tape, the Whimmen all smiling and posh, Ann BF and her horde at Christmas, a clever note from Katrin, Paul and Rebecca in all their finery, Mel at Buchart Gardens, Joanie, Dale and Chrissy in Santa hats, Alexxis in her Little League uniform, Owen huggin' Kimmimossa, his squeeze and mom of Nathan and Sierra, Anneke and Chuck at Burningman. While talking on the phone, I would look at my rogues’ gallery. It was a comfort. They kept me company. They made me smile.

Yesterday I removed my tribe from the refrigerator. And, to my surprise, I mourn their loss. Isn’t this peculiar? I can’t see their smiles, I can’t see their eyes. Nothing has changed. They are all right where they’re supposed to be. But, I’m now alone.

I’m adjusting. Change is adjustment, isn’t it. I’m fine with this, but I was surprised at that initial reaction to the loss of the faces I know and love.

♥

I need to establish a rhythm to my moving preparations. Everything is chaos and a mess as I decide what to keep, what to toss, what to pack long term, what to set aside for immediate use. YIKES! And RIGHT NOW is my busiest real estate time of the year … now is when I attempt to gather as many nuts as I can for the winter--and real estate is still a bit dicey! YIKES!

And last but not least, Suki refuses to lift a dainty paw to help! She just wants to be cuddled, fed, go for walks, and play, and sleep.

Hmmm, I could go for some of that, too! Woof!

Who Suki? It is my pleasure to introduce ...

Suki Kabuki Tuki Tuki

This 10-lb, one-eyed Shih Tzu came into my life about 4 years ago courtesy of Furbaby Rescue in Blaine WA. When I first saw her on their website she had just gone through surgery and the removal of her eye. She was grotesque looking, with the white plastic collar to keep her from scratching the wound. Suki's owner had died and the lady's children inherited the dog, but they wanted it put down because they didn't want to pay the surgeon's bill. I could not resist. This first photograph is how she looked just 3 months or less after the surgery. The second photograph is how Suki looks today.

She has graciously provided me with years of levity and constant companionship, she doesn't complain about my snoring, and loves me unconditionally. Well, she does insist on frequent games of "go fetch." She is quite the consummate Human Whisperer and has me trained pretty darned well, let me tell ya! So, I'll definitely only consider a new home that would

welcome my 4-legged 1-eyed companion.

Suki is a major player in the life and moves of Birch Bay Kay. Hmmm, if I move away from Birch Bay can I still lay claim to Birch Bay Kay?

Stay tuned ...

In the beginning ...

Yesterday I received a letter from the couple whose abode I’ve been renting for the last five years, giving me official notice to vacate in 60 days. Their daughter is moving back to WA from CA and she wants her house. YIKES!

I live in the perfect spot; 1100-sq ft, private, single-level nestled in pines and cedar, tucked back to a secluded duck pond. I’m a 5-minute walk—with Suki, of course—to the beach at Birch Bay.

There is enough space between trees for sunlight to warm the cockles of my heart. Suki and I have been very happy here, with room for all my hobbies.

Having grown up as an Air Force brat, and then marrying (2x) Air Force men, I’ve lived in a lot of different homes in a number of locations. As I think back about each and every one of them, other than a fabulous old vintage home in Smyrna, Tennessee when I was about 6 years old, this home in Birch Bay has been the nicest of any in which I’ve lived.

Here I am, having to move again. Always one to see the silver lining to a situation, once I eased through the shock and the distress of the first 24 hours, I decided I’m going to chronicle this move.

I think writing about it might help ease the distress.

Anyway, I thought I would start this moving ordeal with how I came to be here in the first place. The beginning is often a very good place to start, n’cest ce pas?

In 2003 I quit a fabulous job in the corporation offices of ESRI, cashed in my 401K, sold my humble home, put EVERYTHING in storage in CA, and in October kissed and bid adieu to my grown sons, family, friends and close acquaintances and I hopped into my Miata and drove up to Bellingham, WA. I had twice visited there very briefly and assessed that it was a university town, on the water, had cultural events that seemed interesting, why not.

I looked at available places and nothing really “spoke” to me. Since I moved up here because some small still voice whispered “Go!” I was waiting for further input. I had rental check in hand for a condo that didn’t have a garage, nor enough room for my stuff, but it was the only thing available in my price range. Don’t you just hate being limited by money?!!!

As I drove to the property management office, the voice said, “Go see the Birch Bay home.”

I had already been to Birch Bay and decided it was too far out of town.

“Just go see it.”

I got on the freeway and then talked myself out of it, and headed back toward the property management office.

“Oh, come on, Kay! Just go look at it. You can always come back and take the condo. Just look at it.”

I reluctantly got back on the freeway, headed out to Birch Bay.

I walked into this home and I KNEW INSTANTLY that it was perfect for what I needed! Perfect!!!!! I’ve been here five happy, eventful years.

And I received nary an, “I told you so.”

This moving tale continues ...

Just a lazy bay day ...

I'm supposed to be working up a CMA (comparative marketing analysis) for a client wanting to know the value of her home. She wants to sell in order to purchase a home where she can also care for her elderly mother. Nice, yes? I see more and more families combining households for one reason or another. I think it's great, family members helping one another. It certainly isn't for the faint of heart. But it does make financial sense in these days of increasing prices in all areas of our life. Combine buying power, resources. Oops, I got off on a tangent ...

I'm supposed to be working up a CMA, but the afternoon is quiet, temperature in Birch Bay is a pleasant 78-degrees, just a breath of a breeze stirring the wild grasses, blooming blackberry brambles and morning glories around the north end of the bay. It's just not a time to be in a hurry. It's a time to feel the hazy sunlight on my skin, listen to the rustling grasses, watch the eagles out on the tideflats, be aware of all the people across the bay at the state park. It's a lazy summer day.

I'll do the CMA tonight. Suki and I are heading out to the beach.

4th of July thoughts on 1st ...

I was going through my photo files and came across this bracelet I had beaded a while ago, and was struck by a similarity between this bracelet and Birch Bay. Since this miniscule community is only 5 minutes from our country’s border, it is home to red-white-blue Americans, red-white Canadians, a sprinkling of red-black-gold Germans, red-white-blue French, Dutch, a growing number of green-white-red Latinos, red-gold Chinese and quite a few light blue-yellow Ukrainians, to mention only a few. We really are a colorful mix right here in li’l ol’ Birch Bay.

As I look forward to our upcoming 4th of July celebration, celebration of our independence, I’m thankful for the multi-ethnic influences that are a part our community. The common thread that weaves us all together is our love for this humble little bay. There’s a kinship of families and individuals of all nationalities who have for many generations come and/or brought their families to enjoy the understated gifts of Birch Bay; a kinship that recognizes the desire in newcomers, that of looking for a connection with a slower pace, a closeness to nature, an inexplicable attraction to water.

Birch Bay isn’t fancy. Birch Bay isn’t touristy. Birch Bay just is where we all live and play!

Here’s to INDEPENDENCE in Birch Bay in so many wonderful hues of red, white, blue, yellow, green, purple, black, orange and teal!