Storm front

There was no time to waste this afternoon if we were going to get in a Frisbee toss before the thunder bumpers moved in. By late afternoon the towering cumulus were nothing short of impressive, poking through opposite direction cirrus. Very cool.

But in spite of the convective majesty all around us, with Casey it's first things first.

Anything grows

During a walk on the southside today we couldn't help but notice this flora sample - a palm tree - dedecked in holiday lights. Just goes to show that practically anything will grow, survive winter, and still get a jump on Christmas in the Evergreen State.   

Coffee break at Tony's

One of our favorite digs in Bellingham for the last 30 years has been Tony's Coffee in the old Fairhaven Terminal Building. It's been around long before espresso caught on almost anywhere in the state. And today it was the perfect spot to spend some time with our friend Aspen just catching up.

In the old days - late 70s or early 80s - it was common for local bands to play sets in the area just to the left of the entrance - right where the gent in the ballcap is mulling over his laptop. Times change, but the coffee roast is still their own and raises the bar for other local coffee joints.

Vic, Casey, and Aspen outside of Tony's near mid 20s British telephone kiosk.

Good sign

An encouraging sign today, almost six o'clock, and 
the sun taking its sweet time setting. 

Sunny bay watch

It seems like everyone was out today. A light onshore breeze, with temps in the low 50s, just perfect for a hike over Taylor Dock to Wood's Coffee.

And no one in any big hurry to get back home.

Like you've never seen this before

Don't know what these two are going to do when it's time to stop using the fireplace.

Nearly normal cascades

Casey wasn't that impressed today but the water volume at Upper Whatcom Falls was way down from a couple of weeks ago when the water levels were running much higher.

The cascade only crested on just over half of the 60 foot wide drop off. Still impressive but not near as torrential as last month.

Casey on the WPA-era stone bridge overlooking the Falls. 

And looking forward to his hike off leash on the interurban, the falls barely kept up my impatient hiking companion's attention. Who can blame him though with all that territory to reclaim?

Looking south from Old City Hall

This sunset was worth pulling over to the side of the road and
taking it all in. But aren't they all in the Great Northwest. 

A tiny step toward world peace

Another corner of Casey's world is his involvement in the peace movement - well, his parents' involvement anyway.

Today Casey (not in photo) and Gene (center) showed up on the main drag supporting Bradley Manning and the local Veterans For Peace chapter.

Calm before the storm

Timing is everything. A wind advisory has been issued for the Northwest coast until late this afternoon, so a tranquil though sloppy walk in the woods yesterday becomes that much more appreciated today as the gales keep howling outside. 

Bellingham's steady landmark

Bellingham's Old City Hall, downtown's oldest, most familiar picture postcard landmark, looking as stately as ever, with harbor winds carressing, sometimes whipping through its cupolas.   

The slate's clean for spring

That's right, kid. It's all gone.

It doesn't take long with a warm front in February and temperatures "soaring" into the 40s.

Bleak promise

Casey and I thought we would check out the neighborhood greenbelt in its full, outright winter phase. He loves going full tilt in the white stuff, so today we indulged him.

Tomorrow rain, and then more rain, until spring...the price we pay for the greenery.   

But for now Casey, enjoy.

Just resting my eyes

Bubba-Sally

This look is Classic Casey - one ear down (a drop version), one ear up (a prick version). It doesn't happen that often, but when it does we just attribute it to his Pop and Mom (Bubba and Sally). The partial blue eye is also a genetic hand-me-down from his blue-eyed Blue Merle Pop.  

Winter's last hurrah?

Waking up to another record-breaking low came as no surprise, but we were underwhelmed with the snowfall. Barely two inches blanketed the neighborhood, but you know what, Casey was a happy boy.

Winter will just not loosen its grip with spring less than a month away. High winds and bitter cold are expected for the next couple of days, with temperature records being shattered tonight.



We might be going out on an icy limb here, but after this weekend conditions will be getting back to normal. Enjoy it while you can, kid.

   

Sort of giving peace a chance

In Stella's little corner of the world, there's no chaos, no hate or discontent, and no gnashing of teeth. But believe it or not, she snores. 

Rough seas and a mixed bag of weather

Winter seems to be going out with a bang this year. Winds gusting to 40 knots, freezing rainshowers, and temperatures in the 30s today...with 4 inches or more of snow falling tonight. 

Someone's going to be happy in the morning.

I'm pooped. Anybody wanna go home?

It won't be long now, long now...won't be long now

(It won't be long now...how much longer...not much longer...if I just watch that door.)

(That's not my Mom...won't be long now.)

Random Border Collie thoughts while waiting for Vic to reappear from the depths of Jo-ann's Fabric Store. Not exactly patience personified.

(I knew it...it was just a matter of time...as long as I just kept staring at that door...I wonder if she brought me a goodie. Think she brought me something?!)