Western Washington University Women's Basketball

Last night Wayne and I treated ourselves to a Western Washington University women's basketball game.

Western Washington University began as a "normal school" focusing on the preparation of women to become teachers. It has evolved into one of six state funded universities in Washington. There's still an emphasis on the field of education, but the over 13,000 students also receive undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, environmental studies, the arts, humanities, science and technology.

Western has a dynamite women's basketball team. This was our first game and we had a great time. It happened to be the first night of a two day tournament. Western played California State University East Bay with a 68 to 39 win. They followed that up with a game this evening against Montana State Northern.

At the half there was a chance for local second graders to play a "game" on the university court. The Blues vs. Reds did an admirable job, with one future star scoring a basket to the roar of the crowd.

Western is the host of many sports and performing arts events. Check out their schedules. There is probably something that you'd really enjoy. -- Margy

A Special Friendship

On Wednesday Friends Day I usually share friendships I have developed with fellow bloggers. But this week, I would like to introduce a special friend that has helped me immensely over the last ten months. Her name is Jeanne. She started as a good friend of my husband Wayne. In fact, on our first date, Jeanne brought cookies for our flight to Catalina Island.

Over the years, we've shared our home and lived near each other. Last January, Jeanne chose to move to Bellingham and found a place across the hall from Mom. Jeanne is a great cook and baker. In fact, she makes most of our dinners when we are in town. When she isn't making something gourmet from scratch, you might find her in one of the local bakeries or specialty shops.

It was fun to have Jeanne come to Powell River to see our special home up the lake. While she was there, she got her first taste of quad riding. Jeanne rode Wayne's red Kodiak and, for a change, I got to be the lead. She also got to go to a Kings hockey game with our good friends Dave and Marg -- friends meeting friends.

When Mom was in the hospital and rehab, Jeanne came to visit all the time. She brought Mom little treats. With all that yucky hospital food, they were really appreciated. Mom also enjoyed all the gossip Jeanne brought from the condo coffee klatches. Jeanne's visits helped Mom reconnect with her life before back surgery. That was a very important part of the healing process.

Now that we are home, Jeanne has become one of the family. She fixes Mom's breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She runs errands, helps with cleaning, and most importantly, shares her time with Mom. They are good friends, and that makes Jeanne an even more special friend of mine.

Do you have a special friend? I sure hope so. -- Margy

Historic Fairhaven

Bellingham has it's old town sections. One is called Fairhaven. It's a quaint district along the bay with historic brick buildings, restaurants of all types, and numerous little businesses perfect for window shopping.

This monument commemorating the city's start sits in front of an old warehouse on the seawalk/bike path. It's a lovely place for a stroll and picture taking. Fairhaven was established in 1883 by the principal land owner Daniel Jefferson Harris in hopes that it would become the western terminus of the Great Northern Railroad. It didn't and the once booming turn of the century town fell on hard times.

Fairhaven is a favourite place for several blogging friends to meet. Mary Beth comes a little ways north from Stanwood to meet up with Betty and me for several hours of coffee, sweet treats, and browsing. Several of our favourite haunts are the Eclipse Bookstore and Village Books (makes us sound a bit high brow), and Avenue Bread (for our coffee, treats and a loaf for later).

You can find Betty at her blog called Mud Creek Mama. Mary Beth has several blogs. I don't know how she does it. One is more than I can handle. She has Small City Scenes of Stanwood, Holy Houses, day4plus, and Country Charm. Do you have any blogging friends you meet with? What kinds of things do you do? - Margy

Crockpot Swedish Cabbage Rolls

We've had some cold, snowy weather here in Bellingham. I decided to make a crockpot meal that would warm us up a bit this evening, Swedish Cabbage Rolls. I used one of my old recipe books, Crockery Cookery by Mable Hoffman (Bantam Books, 1975).

Swedish Cabbage Rolls

12 large cabbage leaves
1 beaten egg
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

Immerse cabbage leaves in a large pot of boiling water for 3 minutes or until limp. Drain and remove the heavy center rib. Combine egg, milk, onion, salt, pepper, raw ground beef, and cooked rice. Place about 1/4 cup of the mixture in the center of each leaf. Fold in the sides and roll ends over the meat to make a package. Place them in the crockpot.

Combine the tomato sauce, lemon juice, sugar and Worcestershire Sauce. Pour over cabbage rolls. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours. Makes 6 servings.

Margy's adaptations: I added 1/2 teaspoon thyme to the meat mixture and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning to the tomato sauce mixture. That may not be very "Swedish," but I like the taste.

Do you have any favourite crock-pot recipes? I'd love to give them a try. I have a feeling this might be a long, cold winter after a start like this. -- Margy

Snow Dog

Where our good friend John goes, so goes Bro. Or maybe it is the other way around. Sometimes it's hard to tell.

When John takes his quad for a ride into the bush, he's never alone. Right behind in his own handmade plush box is John's Black Lab named Bro.

Bro likes riding in all types of weather, but his favourite seems to be winter. He's a true "Snow Dog."


The only thing that Bro doesn't like about snow is when it rains down on his head from alders weighed down with a fresh accumulation of the white stuff. First it lands on his head, and then it piles up in his box. Between stops, it makes for a cold nose and butt.

John is always looking for ways to keep Bro warm and comfortable on the trail. A sweater and raincoat keep his body warm. Then there's a hoodie for his head and ears. It may not look dignified, but seems to be a welcome addition to his winter attire.

When he reaches the destination for the day, Bro knows there will be a tasty lunch of crunchy dry food topped with tongue licking good sardines. For dessert there will be pieces of John's sandwich, cookies and muffin. When the meal is done, he enjoys sharing the spectacular views with his human buddy. Man truly is dog's best friend.

Do you know someone who has a pet partner like Bro? Tell us their story. -- Margy

Long Tow Home

On a brisk Fall day, the Bayliner gets a tow back up the lake to our float cabin.


She'll stay moored there for the winter.

Plus, she's a safer boat to use on blustery days when we need to get to town.

Meanwhile, the North Harbour in Powell River is undergoing major renovations. -- Margy

TV Ears Saved our Family Time

You see it on TV, hear it on the radio, see adds in newspapers and magazines. Claims are big, so you are skeptical, can it be true?

There's lots of hype for a product called TV Ears for people with hearing difficulties. One of Mom's hearing aids died and getting to the doctor for a new set was problematic. The result was VERY LOUD television volume. That made it tough on the rest of us in the room. So I decided to give TV Ears a try.

You can purchase them online for a lot less, but I got Mom's at our local Radio Shack. Easy is worth something I guess. It took a few days for her to get used to the knobs, but now Mom is proficient at adjusting the sound to match her hearing needs. An overnight charge lasts about 10 hours and the ear buds are comfortable, even over her remaining hearing aid.

The add says, "It saved our marriage." For us, they saved our family TV time sanity. We only wished we had purchased them years ago. But better late than never.

If you have someone in your life who needs help with hearing television, give TV Ears a try. We're glad we did. -- Margy

Introducing Fran at "Bonnie of Clyde"

This week for Wednesday Friends Day I would like to introduce Fran and her blog called Bonnie of Clyde.

Fran, an English teacher, and her husband Pete, a builder, live in the United Kingdom. They have purchased a 58-foot ex-ammunitions barge that they have named Bonnie, hence Bonnie of Clyde. They are in the process of renovating her into their dream retirement home. Much of Fran's blog chronicles what they have done so far. Here's a list of her posts so you can take a look at the progress so far.

Introduction - Bonnie's beginning
Work done so far...
Busy Two Weeks
Getting Ready to Launch
New Hatch
Home At Last
Busy Busy Busy
Work Resumes...
Two hatches
All black and shiny!
And now a floor
Pantry and Utility
Lower floor plan
And then there was light
Sunday, a day of rest
Things that won't go bump in the night
Bigger Holes -
Bedroom Roof
Getting Ready
Going....Going....
Gone!!
Window Frames
Roof/Floor
More Floor/Roof

Fran and I both speak English, but I'm always finding a few words that I've never encountered before. I always love learning new things. Here are a few examples:

strimmed - same as using a weed eater
chuffed - delighted with yourself
allotment - land parcels assigned for individual gardening
damsons - a type of plum

Thanks Fran for teaching me something new in every post. So head on over to check out Fran's blog. And tell her a friend sent you. -- Margy

Bellingham's Billy McHale's Restaurant

Traditions start simple enough. You do something once, like it, and then do it again, and again. That’s the way our Billy McHale’s tradition started. It's conveniently located on the Guide-Meridian. We use the Lynden/Aldergrove crossing returning from our float cabin in Powell River, so Meridian is a straight and easy shot back to our Bellingham condo. Thus, Billy McHale’s is a good place to stop for dinner on the way home. It makes coming back from the best place on earth a little easier.

Why do we like Billy McHale’s so much? First, the atmosphere. It's casual with lots of antiques, old pictures, neon art and even trains running overhead. They have several early bird specials from 4:00-6:00 p.m. with the entre (including their award winning pork ribs) and any dessert from their regular menu. Try their tasty ice cream Peanut Butter Pie. They also have lunch specials with your choice of homemade potato chips (thick, crisp and well seasoned) or ranch fries (try them with a side of bleu cheese dressing). Get the pulled pork sandwich, it’s huge and an award winner.

Wayne and I love a good brew, and Billy’s has quite a few on tap. Are you looking for a place for a drink, appies or a place to watch the big game? Try their spacious bar with large screen TVs and an outdoor seating area with heaters. There isn’t a bad seat or meal in the house. Come on by and start a tradition of your own. -- Margy

Dead Cat in the Middle of the Rug

Well, not really. Just dead tired, cooking his old bones in front of the fire.

Stick Tail loves this time of year, especially with a toasty warm fireplace. -- Margy

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Today was a rare quiet Sunday here in Bellingham. I decided it was a good time to make cookies for Mom's lunches. I picked one of her favourite recipes for our first batch.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cubes (1/2 cup each) softened butter or margarine
1/4 cup oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups dry quick cooking oatmeal
2 cups lightly crushed cornflakes
1/2 cup shredded coconut, packed
1 12 oz. bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cream butter with oil and sugars. Beat in milk and eggs. Add flour, baking powder, salt, soda, and vanilla. Mix well. Add cereals, coconut, nuts and chocolate chips. Mix by hand until well blended. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls on ungreased baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake at 375 degrees (my oven does better at 360) for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Don't over bake. Cool about 3 minutes and remove from the pan. Cool and store in a covered container. Enjoy.

I don't know where the recipe came from. It is typed and quite old. It may have been from a cookie exchange when Mom taught school, or one of her night school cooking classes. No matter the source, it has become a family favourite. Give it a try and it might become one of yours too. -- Margy

Artistry in Nature

I love the artistic shapes that bare trees make against the sky.

And the leaves on the ground make a beautiful picture of their own.

Thanks for stopping by. -- Margy

Bellis Fair Mall

On any given weekend, or weekday for that matter, I can find many of my fellow countrymen (and women) shopping in Bellingham, Washington. Bellingham is the closest major city south of the Canadian border on Interstate 5. That makes it a strong draw for shoppers, especially now that Canadian and US dollars are close to par (equal value).

Some of the prime shopping locations include Walmart, CostCo and Bellis Fair Mall. The mall is strategically located near the intersection of Bakerview Road and the Guide Meridian, both of which can be easily reached from I-5. For shoppers who want a more leisurely approach, The Guide has a border crossing at Lynden/Aldergrove. That is our crossing of choice.

Canadian shoppers are attracted by low prices, excellent value for their dollar and lower taxes. Even if they don't stay long enough for a personal exemption ($50 after 24 hours, $400 after 48 hours, and $750 after seven days), paying the required duty still makes purchases a bargain. Locals also enjoy the wide variety of department stores and specialty shops scattered throughout the indoor mall. Grab a bite at the food court, or take in a show at Regal Cinemas, Bellis Fair has something for everyone.

On the corner of the mall, but tucked away from the hustle and bustle, you'll find the Centre Pointe Condominiums. We chose it as the perfect location for Mom. It's close to the border for us to visit frequently, near excellent medical care including St. Joseph Hospital, and within walking distance of shopping and restaurants. And views of lofty, snow-capped Mt. Baker top it all off. -- Margy

Shrooms in the Hood

Today I took a walk to the mall. On the way back, I found mushrooms bursting through the soil in the parking lot planters.

I'm not much at mushroom identification, but I found an excellent site called Rogers Mushrooms. There is a feature you can use for visual identification.

Based on a search through the site, I believe these are different stages of a mushroom called Amanita. It starts out as a firm, bulbous cap that is white to cream. The upper surface is scaly. As it matures, some of the caps get an orange tint, especially those in direct sunlight.

It was a sunny, warm morning after two days of heavy rain. The mushrooms were growing at the base of pine trees in planter soil that was littered with tree mulch. The mature caps became concave, splitting the flesh in several places.

Do you know mushrooms? Maybe you can help me with the identification. -- Margy

Last of the Leaves

We've had several storms pass through with clearing skies behind.

Winds have taken their toll on the last of the fall leaves. I'll miss them and their lovely colours. -- Margy

Introducing Lorac at "Ahhh...The Cottage LIfe"

This week for Wednesday Friends Day I would like to introduce Lorac and her blog called Ahhh...The Cottage Life!


Lorac (the online handle for Carol Merten) is a fellow Canadian blogger. I find her most often at Skywatch Friday where she posts lovely views from around her home in Georgetown, Ontario. She also participates in other memes such as Watery Wednesday and Weekend Reflections.

Lorac loves to take pictures and share them with all of us through her frequent posts. On her profile she says, "no fancy camera, no training, just a love of photography," and that love shines through week after week.

Here are some favourite posts I'd like to share:

• Skywatch Friday - autumn leaves
• Bruce Trail Walk - nice walk, beautiful scenery
• Walking Stick - an amazing insect
• Mellow Yellow Moth - nice contrast
• The Story of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

So head on over to say hi to Lorac and check out all the other delightful posts she has to offer at Ahhh...The Cottage Life! Feel free to tell her a "friend" sent you. -- Margy