Week In Review

     Although I try and post more exciting bits of our exploring around the area, between work and having three kids, and just life--we are just not getting out as much right now.   So for those little adventures around Bellingham I try to do a week in review.   My next post will be about our family's great train ride several months back.   I try to keep posts up to date, but have been failing on this.   

     Early in the week we learned that the corn maze had opened up near the big city of Lyndan.   We did not learn that it was only open on weekends this time of year.  And the whole sight was closed and very dark.  I tried to convince the kiddos that if they were quiet enough they could do the maze for free by the light of our cars headlights, but they were not game.   After looking at the web sight, and how big this maze looks, I hope to soon return when the maze is actually open, and have more to tell about the trip.  

     The above is not the big corn maze.  It is part of the garden in front Hill Crest Chapel.  Were a large car show was recently held.  With proceeds going to the youth programs. 

Another part of the garden. 

I have always really enjoyed sun flowers

Two of the kids checking out there future mode of transit.

The many trophies up for grabs.

                                          My personal favorite was this old pick-up.

                          Of course there was also lots of food and activities for all!

       Across from the church is this great tree.   I hope that we do not see an early freeze, because I believe the colors will be amazing this fall!   

   

    I am borrowing my step moms very nice camera at the moment.  It is so nice, I am almost afraid to touch it.  In fact so far I have only takin' one picture with it.  This is mostly because of my busy schedule.  Over the next few days, I am actually going to explore with the camera.  So you will soon see my results.  Unless they are really bad.  I am mostly thinking using the camera will make me want to upgrade mine soon.  

      Speaking of in-laws.   I learned yesterday that 80% of our significant others and our parents have the same eye color.  So your mom and dad most likely have the same eye color as your wife and or husband.  The result did not explain this, but I am thinking because we search out mates that remind us of our parents, with the qualities and such>?

   I personally believe the only thing that should taste like pumpkins is pumpkins and pumpkin pie.   But in light of the season thought I should post this picture.  Especially since I am sitting in a Starbucks typing this post.  Sipping coffee, OK--guzzling coffee.  For many many more deep thoughts and almost amusing pictures please check out my longer running blog series at  http://www.wyomingjack.blogspot.com/   Our very old bed has become beyond uncomfortable and my wife and I really do not get any sleep.  Plus get the benefits of waking up with sore backs and sore everything else. We went bed shopping last week and ended up at  DeWaard and Bode the appliance/bed store up by The Home Depot and Dennys. I give a huge kudos to our clerk--Jeff. He took tons of time to professionally help us and pick a bed perfect for us, not perfect for his sales quota. He actually knew what he was talking about and went out of his way to attempt to get us payments on the bed. And than he sent us a thank you card in the mail this week. Great service for sure! I have often rambled on about how no one actually knows how to do there job. Call any service help-line or visit most stores in this town, and you will see what I am talking about. When I have free time, I enjoy asking cashiers to actually count my change back to me, instead of placing the lump sum in my hand. A good 90% can not actually count the change back. I must say it was awesome to find such a great worker! Although we ended up spending a lot for a bed, it is beyond comfortable. And we are now ruined, after resting on it in the store, to be un-comfortable until we get the bed delivered. 

Fall also marks that snow is just around the corner.  

I will prepare to sleep on the couch now, for when my wife sees this picture posted.

;)

One always has time to make snow angels!

                                **"The cops never think it is as funny as you do!"**

1. In light of driving someone to court last week I offer these. I stole this list but am sure I could add many more. Like Don't ask a motorcycle cop were his seat belt is!
   The top 20 things not to say to a cop when he pulls you over.
   
   20. I can't reach my license unless you hold my beer.
   19. Sorry officer, I didn't realize my radar detector wasn't plugged in.
   18. Aren't you the guy from the vil...
   
   
   

   liage people?
   17. Hey, you must have been doing 125 to keep up with me, good job.
   16. I thought you had to be in relatively good physical shape to be a police officer.
   1
   5. I was going to be a cop, but I decided to finish high school instead.
   14. Bad cop. No donut.
   13. You're not going to check the trunk, are you?
   12. Gee, that gut sure doesn't inspire confidence.
   11. Didn't I see you get your butt kicked on cops?
   10. Is it true that people become cops because they are too dumb to work at McDonalds?
   9. I pay your salary
   8. So uh, you on the take or what?
   7. Gee officer, that's terrific. The last officer only gave me a warning.
   6. Do you know why you pulled me over? Okay, just so one of us does.
   5. I was trying to keep up with traffic. Yes, I know there is no other cars around, that's how far they are ahead of me.
   4. What do you mean have I been drinking? You are the trained specialist.
   3. Well, when I reached down to pick up my bag of crack, my gun fell off of my lap and got lodged between the brake and the gas pedal, forcing me to speed out of control.
   2. Hey, is that a 9mm? That's nothing compared to this 44 magnum.
   1. Hey, can you give me another one of those full cavity searches?

   
   

   

   
   

   That someone I drove to court last week was my mother in law.  I will not explain the circumstances, but will say that it was a great joy for me to be on that side of the court room experience.  I have been in more than my share of court rooms ----and having the judge yell at you, is never a high light.  We were just out of Seattle, and it was extra nice and sunny that day.  I was going to use my borrowed camera --but had intended to fill in at work that afternoon.  So thought I was going to have to hurry home.  I ended up not going to work.  Is it considered playing hookie if you miss a day you are not actually on the work schedule?

   
   

       I did have some time to roam around and get some pictures of course.  And than for about half an hour I lost my mother in law.  She was in the court room, and her public defendant called her to her office to go over paper work.  It was long enough I was starting to think this was all code, and they took her to the near by jail.   I even called my wife, and told her I had lost her mom.  But she soon returned to the court room and it was decided when her next court date would be.   Her absence gave me plenty of time to listen to other rulings.  Which as I said, is more than enjoyable when you are not guilty of anything.   Equally as fun is the new police scanner App we just got for our Ipod.  And now a few pictures from that day.  And yes I realize that these are all out of Whatcom county.  Enjoy anyway!

   
   

   

   
   

                                       The local bike tie up posts are metal bikes.

   
   

   

   
   

   Even this building is chained to the ground to keep burglars at bay. 

   
   

   

   
   

   In front of the city hall building.  

   
   

   

   
   

   About 80 feet away was a river to enjoy.

   
   

   

   
   

   

   
   

   Above is a reflection of the water in the concrete of a huge bridge spanning the river. 

   
   

   

   
   

      Last week we also ended up at a salvage yard  crammed full of great sights.  Most are beyond the normal family's budget though.  As you head down Baker View toward I-5 --get in the right hand lane around Fred Myers.  Instead of jumping on the highway, merge right just before the over pass.   When you see the above old wagon take a right into the drive way.   

   

   
   

   
   

   This helicopter sits out front of the main storage building.   Another large building awaits exploring below this one.  

   
   

   

   
   

                                        The Red Barron zooms just above your head. 

   
   

   

                                                     On this day Elvis sang us a song.

   
   

   

    So many other great sights await.   If you live in Bellingham it is well worth a look.

   

   
   

   Last week we also ended up in Ferndale for a few hours.  

   I hope that our family can move to this town soon.  

   But it is not in the cards right now. 

   I feel the above shot looks like something from the ET movie

   
   

   

   
   

                                                           **"Sheep are safe!"**

   
   

      I have mentioned this many times, mostly in my other blog series.  But being from Wyoming I have heard alllll of the sheep jokes.  And have savored the fact that I was raised in the back woods state.   Anyways, I now have quite a collection of toy sheep displayed on our entertainment center.   Above are my two newest ones.  The one on the right is very old, and doubles as a wind up music box.

   
   

   

                                                      This is most of my collection!

   
   

   
   

   

   
   

   Actual shop in Fairhaven.

   I found it amusing. 

   
   

   

   
   

   
   

      Best picture sign in Fairhaven if only because it shows there are coffee shops in either direction. Tonys--which now has free wi fi and a personal favorite shop of mine the Firehouse Cafe.

   
   

   

   With our less sleep for the past few weeks---this is the floor board of our car at the moment.

   I have just started working weekend nights at work, and it is very fast paced.  My tips depend on me being able to keep up, so have been consuming caffeine.   Nothing new---this just kind of puts it in perspective.

   
   

   

   
   

   
   

   Lastly for today--I share my new favorite T-shirt.

   Speaking of Facebook---please check out my new page on the sight!

   
   
   
   

   Wyoming Jack/Bobble Head's Blogs Exploring Bellingham & Whatcom county

   
   

   

   
   

   Like this blog sight---I am hard at work at getting you more posts and more fun!

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

Another Day In Paradise!

    Good morning all!   My other more established blog uses the above picture to introduce my "mini rants."  I do not know if anyone else enjoys them, but I find them very entertaining and calming.   Plus I get to rant without really yelling at anyone.  I have not written one for awhile.  But feel free to check them all out and leave me some feedback.  http://www.wyomingjack.blogspot.com/

Today I use the picture to explain all of the construction going on in the Bellingham area.  It seems like every road is being worked on this summer.  And tons of new business construction is going on.  I can not begin to explain it all, just tell you if you are a driver in the area, expect delays.  

     With my many past experiences in court for traffic violations, all expensive.  I also believe that the roads in this area and Oregon, should be super smooth and great.  I alone have paid for the re-paving of most of I-5 and believe several court houses have an ashtray with a plaque with my name etched on them!  And every time I go to court, the court room is full.  You have to figure at least half of the people there will end up guilty and be paying into the court system.  Roads here are very nice compared to many places I have lived.  But I feel in that same thought wave, if we as a state legalize weed, and use even a fraction of the cash to finish fixing all of the roads that are now under construction, we could be driving on all streets of gold soon.   

     This blog sight is also greatly under construction.  I have a ton of new posts and ideas to add to the sight.  Including a whole list of web sights very useful for visitors and new residents to the area.  Of course there will many more pictures and exploring blogs.  Showing you were I explore and more of the free and reasonable types of entertainment this area has to offer.  

      I currently work at the Silver Reef Casino, and love my job.  More on that in a blog post soon. And this whole sight is under construction.  Adding to the fun and enjoyment for visitors with a major expansion.  Most of the highway is under construction when I come home late at night.   A good time to do highway work, but all of the flashing lights make it hard to decide which lane is yours some times.  

Last week my wife and I spent some quality time at the casino. 

I am in my work outfit because I was working. 

She came to work with me, and than tyred to win some money.  The key word is tried.  She usually does really well on the machines, until I sit down beside her, and than she starts to loose.  making me want to seek shelter at the bar.

Sadly I ended up working late, but we still had some time to hang out and enjoy the casino and each other. 

Working there also gains me deep discounts on motel rooms.  So some day we are going to pawn off the kids and spend the night there.  Of course I will include a blog about that. 

Us with our oldest, before we left the house. 

         Woods Coffee, a place I enjoy and have written about many a time, if for no other reason than maybe to gain some free coffee's.   Because things somehow taste better when they are free. **Please note, I have still not seen any free coffee.....-just sayin'   They are adding two new locations.  One on Lakeway.   The only protest I have to all of this is that Bellingham claims to be a mom and pop store type of town, but places like this and Starbucks are taking over while the little coffee shops fold up and close all over town.  There is not much sadder than a "coffee house closed" sign out front of a store.  I love the local coffee shops were you get much more personal service.   I wrote a whole blog awhile back about my favorite coffee shops all around Whatcom.  And have a 2nd edition in the works.  Please share with me your favorite spots to sip coffee, so I can try those places out also.   Of course I am typing the above paragraph while sitting in a Starbucks, so that kind of alters my opinions I guess.  

    A new family kid zone is now open on the Guide Meridian.   Our kids and I have not yet tested out the place, but they advertise reasonable prices and an adult zone, with coffee and free wi-fi.   After we visit, I will give some thoughts on the place.  I do hope they last, places like this do not seem to last long in Bellingham, or they last and the prices sky rocket!

In the midst of all of this construction talk.  

Please note, if you see this sign--there is a large bump coming. 

It might be a mile past the sign, but it IS coming and it will be a LARGE bump.

    

     I also must quickly add that I had before thought that the above sign was a joke.  But a few months back while my family was exploring, we spotted the same sign.  And it is real, for speed bumps entering the air force base.  

     We reside in the great little town of Fairhaven, so now some construction news closer to our home. 
    I talked the other day about having great donuts at Rocket Donuts downtown.  They are expanding with a 2nd location right in the heart of Fairhaven.  In a large build also including the new location for the flower store.  This construction sight takes up the surrounding sidewalk, but has many peep holes so young and old can watch what is going on.  

   Off Old Fairhaven Parkway they are building some new condos.  This is a fun sight to watch because it looks totally different every day we pass the area.  Plus many of the local residents are protesting the dig.  Because of wildlife and water runoff.   Not pictured is a large tree stump that remains, although everything around it is dug up.

   The above farmers Co-op and a tool store just opened further up the Parkway.  I was aware that it was under construction, but not that it had already opened for business.  You find this just before the entrance onto the freeway across from the AM/PM gas station.  

  Even the trails are under construction.  Friday the kiddos and I took off in the afternoon and ventured out Slater road.   I pass these trails every day on the way to work, and had been wondering were they lead.  From the road it looks like they just journey through fields.  This is partially true.  We stopped in the parking lot just before the large iron bridge.  

   Eventually we ended up in the wonderful parks in Ferndale.  I have several past blog posts about these parks.  After getting back to the car, we than cut across to Ferndale and attempted to go to the street festival.  I can not say about Saturday, when more events were hopefully going on, because we did not find a need to go back.  Friday evening was highly disappointing.  With maybe a block of activities --mostly consisting of a stage and a super large beer garden. 

                        But in today's theme will add that this playground was just added.  

On this warm day I was some what jealous that the ducks had a pool and we do not.

But when you rent, you can not just start digging!

     So last month I rambled on a little bit about a man who robbed the local Banner Bank in Fairhaven.  I still find it amazing that anyone can rob a bank and get away with it in this day and age.  And this guy got away on a bicycle.  Anyways, last Tuesday the same man hit the same bank, and again got away on a bike!   Did they not beef up security?  If you have your cash at this bank, maybe you should consider some were safer, like your bed mattress.  And all of this makes me start to really think I should buy a new bike!

                                   And now for today's picture of the day!   Wahoo!  

  I have really been into tree and cloud pictures lately.  This was shot Friday afternoon just outside our back door.  An the never ending attempt for the perfect picture, I find it amazingly calming to roam around and take pictures.  I hope you the reader enjoy my shots, even half as much as I enjoy taking them.  

      Were do you think I should explore next?  Do you have better pictures than mine?  Please share!   All comments help me improve my posts.  To my e mail  pontos62or@yahoo.com   or my newest page on Facebook at    

1. Wyoming Jack/Bobble Head's Blogs Exploring Bellingham & Whatcom county