While looking at houses with clients…
The chicken that ran after us and even followed our car a bit, can't tell if he was friendly or a guard chicken.
Swans and Old barn in Everson.
Another picture of the swans in Everson.
Amazing 2 headed swan.
Interesting story in the Bellngham Herald
Here is to a fabulous year for 2010 and beyond…small business is what makes Bellingham tic so it would be great if the small business could continue to see success…
Cautious optimism from Whatcom County business owners heading into new year
DAVE GALLAGHER – THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
With about two years of increased company closures locally, the business climate is looking tough for 2010, but there is some cautious optimism seen by local counseling experts.According to records kept by The Bellingham Herald, 89 brick-and-mortar businesses closed by the end of December, up from 83 in 2008 and 35 in 2007.There were significantly fewer restaurant closures in 2009 compared to the previous year, but a significant increase in the number of other retailers, particularly ones that have been around more than five years. Tom Dorr, director at the Center for Economic Vitality, said that trend fits what he’s been seeing in the economy.PHILIP A. DWYER | THE BELLINGHAM HERALD – The Markets grocery store manager Jim Vanrijswijck welcomes customer Sheila Seelye of Custer after opening the store for the first day of business Wednesday morning, May 13, 2009, in Birch Bay Square, one of several new businesses in Whatcom County.” 
“The keys are getting costs under control and finding ways to save money in this economy, and some are now able to do that,” Dorr said.
It’s also encouraging that the number of business openings outpaced the number of closures in 2009. There were 105 openings, according to records kept by The Bellingham Herald. However, there was a net loss of jobs because many of those new businesses started with fewer than five employees, while many of the companies that closed had a bigger workforce.
With so many job losses in 2009, there normally would be a larger uptick in business openings as people decide to become their own boss, Dorr said. However, this is a different kind of recession, where laid-off workers are risk adverse, much like banks, which have tightened lending for business start-ups.
“This is a different business paradigm than what we’ve seen in previous recessions,” Dorr said. “That good from my standpoint: I’m not seeing clients who are tapping into their 401k to start a business.”
There’s an expectation by Dorr and others that Whatcom County will see a significant number of closures in the first and second quarters of 2010. Retailers generally make a decision whether to stay open after tallying the holiday sales numbers.
The second half of 2010 possibly could see fewer business closures, but it will depend on what happens with lending, said Dave Woods, a counselor for SCORE and a mentor at Whatcom Community College and Western Washington University.
“I see people who might have a good business idea, but they better have at least 20 percent down if they want to get a business loan,” Woods said. “I’ve seen the government come out with some programs, but they aren’t tailored toward people starting a business. It’s a very confusing period right now for someone trying to get financing.”
Confidence also will be a factor in 2010, Woods said. Many businesses have been able to survive by trimming costs and taking other measures to stay open. However, if it doesn’t appear the economy is turning around, he would expect more business owners to give up trying to ride out this recession.
“The survivors are more optimistic than a year ago, but they will need to see some signs that things are getting better,” Woods said.
In the meantime, Dorr said the focus of many businesses will continue to be to cut costs, including taking advantage of a state program that lets businesses share workers.
“More are hopeful, and it may lead to increased hiring if businesses are able to get access to credit,” Dorr said.
OPEN AND SHUT
Some of the significant Whatcom County business openings and closures of 2009:
Openings: The Market at Birch Bay, The Community Food Co-op (Cordata), Ferndale Ace Hardware, United Furniture, Scotty Browns, Tully’s and Sherwin Williams (Meridian).
Closings: Johnson Outdoors, Joe’s Sporting Goods, Circuit City, Boater’s World, BB Lumber, United Auto Electric, Car Quest, Goff’s Department Store, Eleni’s Greek Restaurant, Brown’s Beauty Supply on Meridian Street, Current Industries and Nancy Whyte School of Ballet.
Reach DAVE GALLAGHER at dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2269.
20 Reasons Why You Should Call Me Today For Massage Therapy
20 Reasons Why You Should Call Me Today For Massage Therapy
- I care about my customers. I care about how each person who comes to see me feels, and what I can do to help each person feel their best. I work with you to develop a plan to help you meet your objectives, whether it is healing of injuries, increasing flexibility and range of motion, loosening muscle tension patterns from overuse or stress, reduction of pain, improving muscle function, or simply relaxing.
- Each session is custom designed for you, and with you. I am a firm believer that it is YOUR time on the massage table. I encourage your input, as we discuss how you would like your massage session to be spent. You and I will discuss if you have any special concerns, or areas that require additional time and focus.
- Do you have areas that are injured or I should be more careful with? No problem. No special requests? That’s fine too. I’m glad to provide a plan.
- I truly enjoy what I do. I find it very rewarding to see each person who has come to see me for massage therapy, feeling much better at the conclusion of their appointment, than when they first arrived.
- My rates for massage are very affordable – just $65 per session! Your session time does not begin until you are on the table and averages about 90 minutes. My policy is “Nobody gets shorted on my table.” You will receive your full massage time every time
- I am conveniently located downtown on the corner of Holly and Cornwall in the Mt Baker Professional Building, 1229 Cornwall Ave. Suite 214 Bellingham, WA 98225.
- I’m a great communicator. I listen to what YOUR needs are. I am available anytime by 360-303-6677, tomgurney@yahoo.com or http://www.facebook.com. You can speak to me directly before your appointment – not a receptionist. I am happy to discuss any questions you may have, and help determine if massage therapy and my practice are right for you. I am open 7 days per week, 8am to 7pm. Other times may be available – call for details. I take several forms of payment, including cash, checks, gift cards or trades.
- I am portable. I have a massage chair and can be available for parties, events, offices. I also travel to local rehabilitation centers and can give on location massages.
- I am continually working at keeping myself physically and mentally fit. I have not only the skill and knowledge, but also the physical strength and endurance to provide great massage therapy sessions. If you want to know how you can get physically fit let me know. I am also a Personal Fitness Trainer and a Physical Therapy Assistant.
- I’m fully licensed and legal, in compliance with all laws and standards of the State of Washington and have over 6 years of massage therapy experience and skills. I’m also fully insured and a professional member of the AMTA, American Massage Therapists Association. http://www.amtamassage.org/. I’m nationally certified as well, through the NCBTMB, National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworkers.
- I’ve received an outstanding education from Whatcom Community College – graduating at the top of my class with a 4.0 GPA. I have taken additional training, to continue to add to my skills, increase my knowledge/skills and comply with massage licensing renewal requirements.
- I don’t overbook. Why is that important? Do you want to be the eighth, (or ninth, or tenth?) appointment in your therapist’s day? Neither do I, so I won’t do that to you. I take care of myself, and schedule a limited number of appointments each day so that your massage is high quality, no matter which appointment time you choose.
- I don’t pressure you to make your next appointment at the conclusion of your session. Of course you are welcome to, if you like. I believe that you and your body know when you’re ready for your next appointment, not me and my appointment book. Length of time between appointments varies for everybody, and even for the same body, depending on stress, healing, activities, and many other factors. You are welcome to either book another session, or call me whenever you feel you’re ready to come in again – it’s always up to you!
- I use a blend of shea butter and fractionated cocoanut oil in my massage sessions. It has several benefits. It is light, doesn’t leave your skin feeling goopy, does not go rancid, does not trigger allergic reactions, and washes cleanly out of sheets and clothing. It provides a glide on the surface of the skin, perfect for massage. Ask to introduce my special oils and creams for other benefits. Or if do you have a favorite medium? Bring it in and I will be happy to use it on you for your massage.
- I do pregnancy massage. Great for helping the mom-to-be “just get through it”, as her body goes through major adaptations prior to childbirth. Comfortably positioned with pillows in a side-lying position, this massage gently soothes away aches and pains as the body adjusts to baby.
- I always use professional draping techniques throughout each massage session. Your privacy is always respected.
- I am sensitive to your needs throughout your massage. I will be responsive to your preferences, such as: if you like the room lighter or darker, the table warmer or cooler, lighter or firmer pressure, or a change of music. Do you have a favorite relaxing CD, something you like to relax or meditate to? Bring it in! I’ll be happy to play it during your session.
- I enjoy meeting people – especially one on one. I love talking with people and sharing experiences. I try to follow your lead when it comes to conversation levels, as everybody relaxes differently. If you like it quiet, I am glad to oblige. If you enjoy conversation – I do too! I find conversation fun and energizing, which translates into great energy for a great massage.
- I have gift certificates! What a wonderful gift for anyone in your life! Massage is often a gift that your special someone might not get for themselves. A thoughtful gift for any occasion – give the gift of health!
- You will be supporting a local small business. I love the concept of small business, and the opportunity it gives me to offer the best service at a great price. Being in complete charge of a sole proprietorship business allows me to go above and beyond and offer excellent customer service. I am a hard-working person, fully invested in providing a great legitimate, licensed, and respectable therapeutic massage service to the Bellingham/Whatcom County community
Funny for Friday
Subject: In The Beginning
In the beginning God covered the earth with broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach, with green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.
Then using God’s bountiful gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry’s and Krispy Kreme.
And Satan said: “You want hot fudge with that?”
And Man said: “Yes!”
And Woman said: “I’ll have one too with sprinkles.”
And lo they gained 10 pounds.
And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair.
And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane, and combined them.
And Woman went from size 2 to size 14.
So God said: “Try my fresh green garden salad.”
And Satan presented crumbled Bleu Cheese dressing and garlic toast on the side.
And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.
God then said: “I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them.”
And Satan brought forth deep-fried coconut shrimp, butter-dipped
lobster chunks, and chicken-fried steak–so big it needed its own
platter.
And Man’s cholesterol went through the roof.
Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with potassium and good nutrition.
Then Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them in animal fats adding copious quantities of salt.
And Man put on more pounds.
God then brought forth running shoes so that his Children might lose those extra pounds.
And Satan came forth with a cable TV with remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels.
And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering light and started wearing stretch jogging suits.
God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite.
And Satan created McDonald’s and the 99-cent double cheeseburger.
Then Satan said: “You want fries with that?”
And Man replied: “Yes! And super size ‘em!”
And Satan said: “It is good.”
And Man and Woman went into cardiac arrest.
God sighed…and created quadruple by-pass surgery.
And then…Satan chuckled and created HMOs.
Well Bellingham didn’t make the best list but it didn’t make the worst either.
Found this an interesting post…the hyperlinks are worth clicking and reading as well, some good stuff.
“Cities with best and worst tap water
Posted Sat Dec 12, 2009 10:55am PST
(Photo: Getty Images)
How safe is the water that flows out of your tap? The answer very much depends on where you live.
It’s now easier than ever for consumers to find out what’s in their tap water. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) today released the results of a three-year investigation of municipal water supplies across the U.S.
The research and advocacy group looked at water quality tests performed by water utilities since 2004 and created an extensive database that contains info on the contaminants found in 48,000 communities in 45 states.
EWG also rated 100 big city (population over 250,000) water utilities. Below are the top and bottom results.
Cities with the best water:
- Arlington, TX
- Providence, RI
- Fort Worth, TX
- Charleston, SC
- Boston, MA
- Honolulu, HI
- Austin, TX
- Fairfax County, VA
- St. Louis, MO
- Minneapolis, MN
Cities with the worst water:
- Pensacola, FL
- Riverside, CA
- Las Vegas, NV
- Riverside County, CA
- Reno, NV
- Houston, TX
- Omaha, NE
- North Las Vegas, NV
- San Diego, CA
- Jacksonville, FL
If you live in one of the few areas that weren’t investigated, you can get an annual report of what’s in your public drinking water. If your water comes from a well, then see the EPA’s guidelines for those who use private wells.
The results of the investigation raise some concerns about municipal water supplies in the U.S. EWG says 316 different contaminants were found in the nation’s tap water. The group also points out that more than half of those contaminants aren’t regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Establishing more effective source water protection programs and developing enforceable government standards for contaminants would go a long way toward improving the nation’s water supply, according to the EWG.
In the meantime, no one is suggesting that you go out and start drinking bottled water (although, of course, in emergency situations it can be necessary). Experts still agree that drinking tap is preferable to drinking bottled water. Bottled water is much more expensive than tap, it takes a huge toll on the planet, and it’s not necessarily any safer than tap. “Bottled water is not regulated in the same way as tap water,” says Olga Naidenko, a senior scientist at EWG. “With bottled water, consumers often do not know what they are getting, and 25 to 40 percent of bottled water on the market is simply tap poured into a bottle.”
Knowing what’s in your water is the key. Once you know which contaminants are present, you can find the best filter to get rid of them.
Environmental journalist Lori Bongiorno shares green-living tips and product reviews with Yahoo! Green’s users. “
Cold Weather Tips with special bonus
brrr this is the slippery stuff
Cold Weather Tips
- During this cold season, remember not to heat your home with your barbeque, charcoal, propane patio heater, or other method intended for the outdoors as they will release carbon monoxide in your home. Generators are also intended for outdoor use only and are unsafe to use indoors.
- Check on elderly relatives and neighbors. Your ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age, and older people are more susceptible to cold-related injury or illness like frostbite or hypothermia.
- If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide them an adequate place to sleep – off the floor and away from all drafts. Make sure that they have access to unfrozen water.
- Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
- Dress warmly and in layers – don’t forget the hat and gloves
- Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider, hot cocoa or soup.
- Dress in several layers of loose-fitting clothing to create pockets of insulating warm air.
- Wear wool or fleece fabrics, not cotton as it dries slowly; warm socks with a thermal sock liner; comfortable, closed shoes; a scarf, hat and earmuffs to prevent loss of body heat; a water repellent, hooded outer garment to add extra protection; and mittens instead of gloves to keep hands warm.
- Walk around or move in place to increase circulation and generate additional body heat.
- Drink warm beverages.
- Do not drink alcohol as it will cause a loss of body heat by dilating blood vessels.
Don't forget to put on those snow tires or all weather tires
Driving Tips:
- Do not use the cruise control when there is ice on the road. If the cruise accelerates on ice, you may lose control of the car.
- Let off the accelerator as you approach a bridge.
- Just because you have four-wheel drive and studded snow tires does not mean you can still drive safely at 75 mph on ice.
- Do not run parallel to semis during a snow storm or when driving on ice. Either pass them or stay well behind them.
- Black ice is nearly invisible and will accumulate on bridge overpasses – especially those crossing water.
- Carry some emergency items in your car – flares, blanket, candle, matches, tire chains and a small folding shovel like soldiers carry. They may save your life if you go off a rural country road during winter.
- Never throw hot water on a frosty windshield; it might crack the glass. Use a scraper or start your car early and let the defroster do the job.
- If you take your car through an automatic wash on a freezing day, don’t try to use the power windows until all the water dries up – wind will evaporate the ice as you drive around.
Don't forget the pets (in this picture: Tom and Picard)
Cold-Weather Plumbing Tips
- As temperatures reach freezing, close all air vents and other openings in the crawl space under your house. (Note: Monitor temperature and open one or two vents in warmer weather for ventilation.)
- In freezing weather, never set your home’s thermostat below 55 degrees.
- Insulate pipes prone to freezing, such as those near an outside wall; those in unheated areas of your home; or any exposed plumbing such as outside faucets.
- In extremely cold weather, leave cabinet doors under sinks open to keep warm air circulating.
- Be sure you know where your master valve is located so you can turn your home’s water off temporarily if a line does break. In most homes, this valve will be located near the water heater, near the clothes washer, or where the water service line enters your home.
- In extreme cold weather, if you are going to be gone for an extended period of time (2 days), it is advisable to shut the master value off.
- Be sure to shut your garage door during cold weather to prevent pipes within the walls from freezing.
- Remove hoses from outside faucets and either buy inexpensive faucet covers or even a towel wrapped around the faucet is better then nothing.
- If you have a bathroom over a garage, never leave the garage door open.
- Remember: When thawing things, slower is better.
- A hair dryer trained at the frozen area of the pipe is appropriate. A blow torch is not. ***This seems to be the most useful tip****
- Pipes warmed too fast may break anyway.
And as a special bonus for all you wood cutting folks I have included chainsaw cold weather tips 
vroom vroom
Cold-Weather Cutting
Chainsaws are often called into use during cold and unpleasant conditions. The risk of injury can climb when you combine compromised operator control due to cold and increased stress on the chainsaw itself. Cold and snowy conditions along with wood that can be frozen hard can lead to more rapid wear and increased chance for mechanical failure of the cutting chain. When cutting in cold climates and conditions, follow the tips below to minimize the cold-weather wear and tear on your saw.
- Chain tension. Even metal can shrink and contract in cold weather so it’s very important to have your chain properly adjusted for cold-weather cutting. It may be necessary to check and adjust it more frequently in very cold conditions.
- Cutting teeth. Your chain can only cut as well as it’s sharpened. Keep your cutters sharp and touch them up as often as needed while cutting. Cutting hard and frozen wood will dull your chain quickly. Safe and dependable cutting demands a sharp chain.
- Oil, oil. Cold-weather cutting calls for lighter-weight bar-chain oil. If need be, you can dilute your normal chain oil with 25% kerosene. Make certain that your chain is receiving oil when cutting and oil your chain liberally while cutting in cold weather.
- Bar talk. Keeping your bar groove clean and oil holes open will help insure safe chain operation while cutting. Symmetrical bars should be turned over to guarantee even wear.
- Check your depth. The leading portion of each cutter acts as a depth gauge and regulates the “bite” of the cutting teeth. You should always check and adjust the depth gauges at each chain sharpening.
- Sprocket wear. Watch the wear on your drive sprocket. Drive sprockets generally last for about two chains. Replace sooner if you notice significant wear.
New Recipe
Happy Thanksgiving
Turkey Recipe
You know how I am always sharing recipes, well I just got this one emailed to me by a friend and couldn’t resist sharing…
Here is a turkey recipe that uses popcorn as part of the stuffing — imagine that!
When I found this recipe, I thought it was perfect for people like me, who aren’t sure when poultry is thoroughly cooked, and don’t want to overcook it. Give this a try!
1 – 8 to 15 lb. turkey
1 cup melted butter
1 cup stuffing (Pepperidge Farm is good)
1 cup uncooked popcorn (Orville Redenbacher’s)
Salt/pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Brush turkey well with melted butter salt, and pepper. Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn. Place in baking pan with the neck end toward the back of the oven.
Listen for the popping sounds. When the turkey’s ass blows the oven door open and the bird flies across the room, it’s done!
And, you thought I didn’t cook…
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Friday Funny…
Who says today’s kids aren’t smart? I wish I’d thought of this…
At a high school in Montana a group of high-schoolers played a prank on the school.
They let three goats loose in different parts of the school.
Before they let them go, however, they painted numbers on the sides of the goats – 1,2,4.
Local school administrators spent most of the day looking for #3…
wind aftermath
Link to storm photos in Bellingham herald
Our own little wind "disaster". It came off in one big piece and smacked into the side of the house missing the window by inches...
Flickr Photos
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