David Moody's Blog

David Moody's Bloghttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/en-usFri, 16 Jul 2010 16:11:00 GMT10GDRSSFeeds v1.0Summer is here!http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/07/16/summer-is-here<div>There are few places in the entire world that are as fun and wonderful as Bellingham Washington and the surrounding area for good fun.  Jump of a waterfall into a clean cool Creek at Whatcom falls Park ( choose from 5' to 40' high waterfalls all with god swimming ares below.  Go water skiing or wave riding on Lake Samish ( 4 miles long) or Lake Whatcom ( 12 miles long).  Go sailing in Bellingham Bay or Rosario Straights.  Hike Glacier covered Mt. Baker of Mt Shuckson or Mt Challenger or choose from many other peaks.  Go power boating, or fishing  ( fresh water or salt water).  See and hear wonderful music at the Bellingham music Festival.  See Tower of Power ( my favorite band and yes I am going) at the Swinimish Casino 7/24.  Dance Sing go the the FArmers Market on WEd in Fairhaven on Saturday Downtom Bellingham Sunday in Ferndale ( various other oner on Lummi Island and in the County) How about the Jazz festival in Blaine or Voter the best Blues festival in the state at the Deming Log show facility.  Too much to mention .  Fun Fun Fun.</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/07/16/summer-is-here" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/07/16/summer-is-here#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/07/16/summer-is-hereFri, 16 Jul 2010 16:11:00 GMTSki to Seahttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/05/19/ski-to-sea<div>The annual home grown race dated back to the late 1890's When some of the local characters of Whatcom county would race horses canoes motorcycles form the foot hills of Mt Baker to Bellingham rewarding themselves with whiskey at the end ( and sometimes along the way)</div> <div>        The current version is a wonderful community event featuring a kids parade on Friday a classic "down home" big parade, with the unique flavor of Bellingham at noon Saturday.  The Carnival comes to town at Bellis Fair Mall for the entire week before. </div> <div> </div> <div>           The Race First a Cross country Skier heads up the mountain on a less steep rout the downhill skier runs up hill to meet them takes the baton then hands off to a runner ( I think that this year a change has been made because the 8.5 mile trek for the runner was all down hill a drop of over 4,000 feet and the jarring on the knees and body is to much and now the bicyclist takes the baton to the runner)  40+ miles for the cyclist passes the baton  to the canoe paddlers Nooksac river ( the large river draining most of western Whatcom County) Then at Hovander park in Ferndale to the Mountain bikers to the Delta of the Nooksac river on the Lummi Indian nation to the Sea Kayakers to Fairhaven.  </div> <div> </div> <div>More Blog tomorrow about the race.</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/05/19/ski-to-sea" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/05/19/ski-to-sea#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/05/19/ski-to-seaWed, 19 May 2010 11:26:00 GMTFallen Soldier Aaron Aamot Honoredhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/02/16/fallen-soldier-aaron-aamot-honored<div>I had the grateful privilege to be at the dedication of the Courtyard the fountain and torch ceremony honoring PFC Aaron Amot who died in Afganistan,  at 6pm February 11th at Birch Bay Square.  The Ware Family (co-owners of the mall) called me  at 7;30 am that day up to personally invite me to the event and bring others to attend and participate in the event.   I called as many people and organizations as possible to attend.  The Custor VFW had applied for and had received a Certificate signed by the Commander and Chief commemorating PFC Aaron Aamot's service and sacrifice.  This event was perfect to present this certificate to the Aamot Family.  The Evening was a dark and stormy night.  The rolling thunder of Harley Davidson Motorcycles which arrived at 5;30, and I directed the "mostly Vietnam War Veterans to park under cover at the Aamot Plaza.  Pete Kremen gave a moving talk, as did Mike Kent and Levi Ware.  The color Guard salute and honoring of the Veterans attending and the dedication of the Plaza where Aaron Aamot played as a young boy was heart felt and appreciated by all.  Tears were present in many eyes, including my own.  The love and honor expressed on this cold and dreary day was balance by the integrity and caring of so many people from our community.<br /> </div> <div>David Moody </div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/02/16/fallen-soldier-aaron-aamot-honored" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/02/16/fallen-soldier-aaron-aamot-honored#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/02/16/fallen-soldier-aaron-aamot-honoredTue, 16 Feb 2010 12:10:00 GMTLivable Affordable houses Whatcom countyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/25/livable-affordable-houses-whatcom-county<div>Last Friday I went out on a real estate tour with a twenty something single woman who is a regional manager of a local retail chain. Her price criteria was between $160,000 to $189,000 with the hopes that the seller would come down to $180,000 or less. In one day we saw homes in Blaine, Ferndale, (with an excellent lunch on me at El Nopals Mexican Restaurant in Ferndale), Lynden, Meridian, Bellingham, Birch Bay and back to Ferndale to see again the best liked home of the tour.  My buyer instructed me to write an offer on the Ferndale home ( which was listed for only 2 days).  The seller countered the offer,  including paying $2,000 of the buyers closing costs.  The buyer is financing the home through the Rural Housing program and is paying less than $2,000 total cost to finance the home, with a 30 fixed rate of less than 5 %.  On Saturday my buyer signed the counter offer, after receiving a complete Good Faith Estimate from Well Fargo Bank.  Today at 3 PM the house was inspected and only minor deficiencies were found.  We are scheduled to close the sale on or before 3/15/10.  The buyer will receive $8,000 federal tax refund on the first time home buyers program.</div> <div> </div> <div>I am very gratified and very grateful to have this opportunity to serve.</div> <div> </div> <div>Respectfully</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/25/livable-affordable-houses-whatcom-county" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/25/livable-affordable-houses-whatcom-county#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/25/livable-affordable-houses-whatcom-countyMon, 25 Jan 2010 20:36:00 GMTFairhaven even better for babieshttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/24/fairhaven-even-better-for-babies<div>Just opened for business, the " Baby Gear" a retail consignment and used baby shop.  I who am one of the luckiest men in the world blessed with two fantastic grandson's, one 18 month and the other 9 years old have had my life enhanced within the addition of a local baby shop.   Vegi Tales, Mickey Mouse,  Transformers, Sponge Bob,  the Beatles, Mario, cars, trucks, puzzles, boots, bibs and playpens, all have become fun and important in this 62 year olds life.  Clean, hardly used and work perfectly  ( they grow out of them so quick ).   The Proprietor is bubbly and in service the location on Finnegan's Alley is 1/2 way between my  Fairhaven Realty office and my house ( which are only 6 blocks apart).</div> <div>        So come all you mothers, fathers, brother, sisters, gramdmothers, grandfathers and friends and make your frugal buying, fun, at the Baby Gear shop in Fairhaven.</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/24/fairhaven-even-better-for-babies" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/24/fairhaven-even-better-for-babies#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/24/fairhaven-even-better-for-babiesSun, 24 Jan 2010 11:09:00 GMTThe Fairhaven Harbor is fullhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/15/the-fairhaven-harbor-is-full<div>Both Coast Guard Cutters the Sealion and Terrapin are home and in view of my office window ( their were both out to Sea yesterday.  The Malaespina is in port and will way anchor for Alaskan ports at 7 PM and the Kennecott Ferry is still in Dry dock.  </div> <div>                Please welcome Mr and Mrs Dan and Areane Ringler to Fairhaven they just closed their purchase on their home in the "Southside" of Bellingham ( near Fairhaven District ).  Dan is a recently retired Professor From Ann Arbor MI. </div> <div><br />  </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/15/the-fairhaven-harbor-is-full" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/15/the-fairhaven-harbor-is-full#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/15/the-fairhaven-harbor-is-fullFri, 15 Jan 2010 14:09:00 GMTI lived in Memphis April 4 1968http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/14/i-lived-in-memphis-april-4-1968<div>In April 1968 I was stationed at Naval Aviation Training Station in Milington Tennessee. Milington Tennessee is Just north of Memphis.  I was a Seaman In the U.S. Coast Guard training to become a airman structual/hydralic mechanic..  The Coast Guard at that time did not have enough Compliment (people) or funding to have their own Aviation training facility, so the Coast Guard paid the Navy for training us.  I married Marinette Sept. 20 1967 and very soon there after headed for Memphis.  Marinette is a Filipinos-American.  As we were approaching Tennessee from Arkansas I heard on the news that the first interracial marriage performed in the State of Tennessee happened that weekend.  This announcement brought trepidation to my wife and somewhat to myself.  The next 6 months were intense.  Marinette was pregnant with our one and only daughter.  I came down with German Measles ( mild measles with probability of very bad birth defects for pregnant women). My daughter was born breach and the dilivery was hard but she was healthy with no defects. There was daily shipments of wounded and dismembered Marines and Sailors returning from Viet Nam to the Military Hospital on the base.  There was a Garbage strike in Shelby County (the County that Memphis is in) and Martin Luther was assassinated.  There were riots luting and the National Guard was on the Streets.  The entire City of Memphis was off limits for all personal on the base ( went in town anyway for Martin Luther along with Mahatma Gandhi are two of my greatest human hero's).    I was brought up in Santa Clara County and though out my life up to that point there was not a majority of any ethnic group ever in my schools or neighborhood.   I became more realistic in my understanding of the hate and prejudiced that was across the nation at that time.. I found that the northern states were nearly as bad as the south in their fear based prejudicial  thoughts.   </div> <div>         The practice of non-violent and peaceful loving actions in the face of death is a powerful life to live.  Today with so many dead and suffering from the earthquake in Haiti I am touched by the fellowship of mankind that is available to all of us human beings on this planet.  I only hope that the concept of respect and integrity with a large dose of love, compassion, grace and service guide all of us for the rest of our human history on this planet.</div> <div> </div> <div>Hopeful</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody </div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/14/i-lived-in-memphis-april-4-1968" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/14/i-lived-in-memphis-april-4-1968#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/14/i-lived-in-memphis-april-4-1968Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:10:00 GMTFairhaven Trail Remains!http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/11/fairhaven-trail-remains<div>At  the very last minute the City council of Bellingham at the urging of Mayor Dan Pike and the clear language written 40 years ago dropped the requirement for Jacaranda to install a new trail as a requirement to receive permission to move a local water line.  When I returned from my mastermind retreat I looked out my office window and saw walkers on the trail no chains or blocking signs.  I called the President of Jacaranda and he told me that verbally the City of Bellingham and Jacaranda Corp agreed to a 5 day extension of the existing easment.  The the final solution will be in the details in the contract that comes back from the city to get a more permanent agreement beyond the 5 day extension to work things out. </div> <div>       A sensible and logical compromise.  Way to go</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/11/fairhaven-trail-remains" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/11/fairhaven-trail-remains#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/11/fairhaven-trail-remainsMon, 11 Jan 2010 17:36:00 GMTMastermind at Yellow Point Lodgehttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/06/mastermind-at-yellow-point-lodge<div>This has the potential to be the most useful blog I have ever done.</div> <div>  I have been part of a Mastermind group for over 28 years.   Mastermind as I use the word here, is from research done and literature written by Napoleon Hill "The Laws of Success" and the much more popular "Think and Grow Rich".    Our Mastermind group currently uses the "Mastermind Journal" format written by the late Rev. Jack Boland  who was a Unity Minister, Recovering Alcoholic who used the 12 steps of recovery and also an avid student of Napoleon Hill.  Mr Boland has combined these three separate disciplines and has come up with a 8 step guide to setting life's goals.  </div> <div>             A Mastermind group is a group of people who meet on a regular basis and support each others goals.  Napoleon Hill discovered this phenomena by observing the most successful people of his time, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison , J.P. Morgan, Andrew Carnage, and others. He found that all these people surrounded themselves with people who were smarter that they were in their own fields. My Mastermind partners can be described as follows Three women, four men ( i think a group should be no less than 3, and no more than 8) One Accountant, one Chiropractor, one Physical therapist one Realtor one Loan officer one Land use Consultant and one Spiritual teacher and counselor.  In the past we have had a resturanteer, Two Attorneys, a Social worker a Mortgage lender a Massage therapist and homer engineer.  I think that diversity is very beneficial in forming a mastermind group.  Choose people you hold in high regard in both integrity and intelligence.   We meet approximately once a month ( the book recommends once a week and some groups do,  I find that once a week to meet becomes a hassle and once a month works for our group.  </div> <div>          Each year we go on a retreat ( for the last 19 years to Yellow Point Lodge on Vancouver Island near Ladysmith B.C)..  We all share our gratitude list for all the significant events of our lives over the last year with each other.  We set Goals for the upcoming year and adjust our life's goals if we desire to.  We validate one another's goals and make a solemn commitment to support each others goals,   Our goals are financial, educational, professional, spiritual. and include  relationships.  We set Health goals, exercise goals and any category of goals that each and every partner holds important to themselves.  WE validate and absolutely support one another's goals for the upcoming year. </div> <div>          Most of my Mastermind partners have volunteered their time and experience, free of charge, to help any one or any group to help form their own Mastermind group. I have done several workshops over the years to do so.</div> <div>              The power and clarity process of the Mastermind has help manifest some amazing things in our lives.  Marinette, my wife for the last 42 years,  and I have received much benefit in our marriage from this process.  If you have any questions please blog me back. Ther are no computers at yellow Point Lodge so my next blog will be after 1/10/10.</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div> <div> </div> <div>Respectfully</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/06/mastermind-at-yellow-point-lodge" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/06/mastermind-at-yellow-point-lodge#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/06/mastermind-at-yellow-point-lodgeWed, 06 Jan 2010 10:51:00 GMTThe trail to Fairhavenhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/04/the-trail-to-fairhaven<div>Jacaranda Land Corp granted permission to the City of Bellingham to install and maintain a walking and bicycle trail across its property located between Mill street and Knox Street  ( just north of the Fairhaven Village Green park to just behind Fairhaven Realty).  Jacaranda Land Corp has asked permission to move a local sewer and water line 30 to 50 feet to the 10th street right of way for over 2 years with all expenses paid for by Jacaranda Corp..  The City of Bellingham has tentatively agreed to said moving, subject to Jacaranda Corp. building a new trail on the 10th street Right away including any retainer walls,  to the Cities and Park department specifications.   Jacaranda finds such a request unreasonable and expensive especially in the light of the free rent use of their property for 40 years.  Jacaranda Land Corp gave formal written notice to the City of Bellingham 54 days ago, that as of Jan 10th the City can no longer use the trail which is their right to do so as per the original agreement granted to  the City, at the Coties expense there must be erected signs on the trail saying that it is closed.  The City of Bellingham Council and Mayor Dan Pike will be discussing the matter today.</div> <div>         I do hope that the City agrees to move the trail at their own expense and it even seems appropriate to send a letter of gratitude to Jacaranda Corp for forty years of free trespass.</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/04/the-trail-to-fairhaven" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/04/the-trail-to-fairhaven#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2010/01/04/the-trail-to-fairhavenMon, 04 Jan 2010 20:34:00 GMTLarrabee State Parkhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/29/larrabee-state-park<div>There is so much more about Larrabee State Park that I did not describe that I am going to add herein.  Other Sea life include, Orca Whales, Pacific Grey Whale, Otters. Dolphins, Minke Whales and the worlds largest Octopus ( the Giant Red octopus).  There is a Repelling Cliff that is often used during the Summer, located right next to the Boat Launch ( with access to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands).  I have caught my limit in Dunginess Crab at low tide with my hands and a net tied to my waist in one hour.<br />        In Spring of 2000 five Large Grey Whales visited Bellingham Bay for 3 months.  I would see them every morning, on my drive to work, along Boulevard park blowing water spouts.  There was one sick and dying Whale.  His life long whale friends were keeping him company during his last days.  The four whales remained several days after he was washed  up on the beach near the end of Cornwall Avenue. Near Downtown Bellingham ( a site being considered for an Aquarium in the future).  Fisheries and Shoreline management gave the carcass to the Lummi Nation Tribe.  The tribe towed the dead whale to the "Glory Hole" and area of Bellingham Bay know for its rich Crabbing bed.  Within 40 days the carcass was picked clean by the Crabs ( amazing).  The bones were distributes among the artists of Lummi Nation.  One of my friends got two rib bones ( about 7' long)  he turned them into Pendants  with porcupine quills to form a Triangle inside a circle and made enough money to attend a spiritual conference in the Plains Indian Country of the U.S.</div> <div> </div> <div>Respectfully</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/29/larrabee-state-park" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/29/larrabee-state-park#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/29/larrabee-state-parkMon, 04 Jan 2010 20:12:00 GMTThe Wardner Castlehttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/30/the-wardner-castle<div>In 1889 James Wardner moved to Fairhaven Washington ( Fairhaven was still a separate City then ).   Mr. Warner was already very rich from his discovery of the Jackass Silver Mine in Idaho for over 100 years the highest producing silver min in the U.S. While prospecting in the Mountains in Idaho James warner had a stubborn Jackass who bolted away from Mr. warner toward the end of a long hard working day of prospecting.  After some time and mush effort James caught up with the donkey.  Between his cursing and muttering to himself he noticed that the canyon that the donkey had climbed up the pack animal seemed to be starring at a exposed silver vain in the rocks. Hence the Jackass actually found the strike and so apply named.  James Warned was a Mover and Shaker and founded the First national Bank of Fairhaven and several other transportation businesses and land development Companies.  In 1892 he built the Warner Castle, a stately Victorian Mansion custom designed by Curtland Cutter the most famous Victorian Architect in North America.  The original home was built on 30 acres ( most of which was sold off over the years) and sighted on a natural bench overlooking Fairhaven and the San Juan Islands.    Mr Warner sold the home in 1896 and took his family to South Africa to open Gold mines there.    Mr Warner was a teller of tall tales and to this day it is hard to pick out what is truth from one of his fabrication. </div> <div>              I have had the privilege of selling the Castle twice in the last 10 years.  In fact the property is for sale $100,000 less than the current owner paid for it.   it is currently listed at $895,000 by another agent bit if you have an interest please contact me and I will be glad to provide all details.</div> <div><br />  </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/30/the-wardner-castle" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/30/the-wardner-castle#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/30/the-wardner-castleWed, 30 Dec 2009 11:54:00 GMTBack to Business and Beautyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/28/back-to-business-and-beauty<div>I apologize for my absence in bloging.  My dads death has taken and emotional toll on me, but the good news it that he raised 4 fine sons and a grumpy but ever responsible daughter, and we will carry on his legacy of putting in a good days work. </div> <div>           Larrabee State Park;  The Larrabee Family donated the original park land  in 1915 was the first Washington State Park, and still one of the largest in the State.  It is 2,000 acres large.  I was privileged to be part of the purchase of the most recent addition of the park some 97 acres of prime beach ( Clayton Beach) and 100 year old forest. ( over 150 foot tall evergreens).  This park is one of the most beautiful parks in Washington.  Clayton Beach is a sand beach (  very rare most Puget sound beaches are pebble) The Chuckanut sandstone cliffs near the Camping area and Ampha Theater are unusual in that  the interaction with the salt waves, form intricate geomorphic features, some looking like sculptures of kings throne, others mushrooms and even others animal figures.  there are sea caverns and pocket beaches.  There are 10 miles of official trails and as many unofficial trails.  I would rank this park with Big Sur in Beauty.  Fragrance Lake and the trail to it are exquisite.  Lost Lake is better fishing than Fragrance Lake and a farther hike.  The Campsites are exceptional.   Wild life would include Deer, Bobcat, Cougar, Bear, Skunks, Minks, Salmon, Trout, Dungeness Crab, Oysters, Clams, Eagles, Seahawks and hundreds of other species.  The lookouts are Panoramic overseeing 173 San Juan Islands Chuckanut Bay, Samish Bay, and the snow caped Olympic Mountains.  </div> <div>             I hope that this info is enough to wet your appetite .  For this treasure of a park, has a lifetime of experiences for the consistent visitor or camper.</div> <div> </div> <div>Respectfully</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/28/back-to-business-and-beauty" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/28/back-to-business-and-beauty#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/28/back-to-business-and-beautyMon, 28 Dec 2009 13:49:00 GMTBellingham to San Jose CAhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/11/bellingham-to-san-jose-ca<div>940 miles with the 4300 foot high Siskiyu Mt Pass in the middle. One of the greatest gifts my dad gave me was a love of reading.  I inherited his meager but rich in content library.</div> <div>          Billingham seems a long way away but close in my heart. I miss the salt air and the seagulls crying and the seals barking and the lack of aggressive packed in drivers.</div> <div>          With both of my parents gone my mortality is at a new awareness level whatever accomplishments in life one obtains having your mom or dad to appreciate them like no other humans on this planet ( made even more obvious by my experiences with my grandchildren).  <br /> </div> <div>        I will be glad to be home soon.</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody<br /> </div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/11/bellingham-to-san-jose-ca" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/11/bellingham-to-san-jose-ca#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/11/bellingham-to-san-jose-caFri, 11 Dec 2009 11:07:00 GMTLummi Islandhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/09/lummi-island<div>The San Juan Archipelago of Islands consists of 173 Islands with Orcas the largest (although Sna Juan Island also claims to be the largest, for all intents and purposed they are the same size but very different)  </div> <div>                 Two of the Islands are In Whatcom co proper Lummi Island and Elizia Island,  Portage Island is more often a peninsula and is part of Lummi Indian Nation Tribal trust lands.  There are some who consider Lummi rocks Islands also.  Lummi island has approximately 700 full time residences and swells to 1200 in the summer.  Most of the island is unpopulated and is either department of natural resources (DNR) or Zoned Timberland.  The North end of the Island is Where most of the population live.  There is a County run Ferry the "Lummi Island Chief" that funs from 6 AM to Midnight on a 1/2 hour schedule ( there are exceptions to the schedule).  The Island is just under 2,000 feet tall ( the second highest behind Orcas Island ) it is 6 1/2 miles long and about 1 mile wide.  The Views are spectacular on the Island. There is no year round safe harbor, with the exception of Knotty Bay also know as Deep water Bay Which is a good harbor for maybe 12 small craft but is 2miles by gravel road from the nearest house.  The Islanders are very friendly ( they wave at passers buy, an Island tradition).  There is one Grocery/general store and two restaurantsa elementary school, a library, and a small beautiful Church ( which meets the definition of a Hamlet ).  Lummi Island has very little public beach but it is a Jewell non the less.  Houses are affordable, as well as view lots.</div> <div>          I look right at Lummi Island out my office window.</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/09/lummi-island" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/09/lummi-island#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/09/lummi-islandWed, 09 Dec 2009 16:37:00 GMTLandlord licencing proposal.http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/08/landlord-licencing-proposal<div>The City of Bellingham is considering an ordinance to charge for each rental unit and license Landlords.  This stemming from one residence that has a problem with loud neighbors that won't stop partying, and Terry Boreman City Councilman long time goal of having such an ordnance.  I have found Terry to be a reasonable and valuable City Councilman, but on this issue I disagree.  The current disturbing the peace law which has a $500 fine for each violation should be all that is necessary to deal with the occasional disturbing neighbor.   This law if passed with mandatory inspections would require 4 to 5 new inspectors because of the large stock of rental housing in Bellingham and tax an already over worked planning and police department. and is like using a hammer to crack an egg.</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/08/landlord-licencing-proposal" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/08/landlord-licencing-proposal#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/08/landlord-licencing-proposalTue, 08 Dec 2009 21:28:00 GMTNortheasters How are they created?http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/07/northeasters-how-are-they-created<div>Just about every year in Whatcom County ( which is happening Now) a "Northeaster"  a sub zero wind and air mass that comes blasting through Whatcom County from the North east.  On rare years we get none.  On opposite rare years, we get 3 separate ones.  I have experienced them as early as mid November and as late as mid March.  The towns of Sumas, Lynden, Ferndale, Blaine, Everson and Nooksac Get blasted with winds 40 to 80 miles per hour ( on very rare occasions 100 mph) Bellingham, Deming and Acme are protected by Mountain ranges from the direct blast of the wind.  But these areas do get the Cold air mass that can hang around for up to a week but usually 4 days or less, makes for very cold but beautiful days.  The views of the Snow caped Peeks are spectacular.  The Marine and Island views are also great. </div> <div> </div> <div>The Cold air mass develops over the "interior Canadian Shield" ( Hudson Bay, Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta ) The cold air builds higher and higher over the Canadian Shield, until it falls over the Canadian Rocky Mountain Passes This Freezing wind flows down the various passes and funnels to the Frazier river Canyon, in the same manner that the rivers flow into the Frazer river.  This funneling effect ( the venturi effect) increases the wind speed. and opens up into the British Columbia Lower Mainland/Frazier Valley. In fact the Valley that Sumas Lynden and Ferndale is Geomorphicly topographically Part of, is the Frazier river Delta dating back 11,000 years ago when the last local ice age was melting back. </div> <div> </div> <div> After a few days our more normal weather pattern comes off the Pacific Ocean pushing the Polar air mass east and we get wetter and warmer weather.  ( in the transition period, sometimes we get a snow storm).</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/07/northeasters-how-are-they-created" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/07/northeasters-how-are-they-created#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/07/northeasters-how-are-they-createdMon, 07 Dec 2009 16:37:00 GMTThe essence of Belllinghamhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/06/the-essence-of-belllingham<div>A very special day with my 9 year old grandson is one piece of the many parts that make up what is Bellingham.  Greater Bellingham is rich in Geographic Beauty, but the love of this beauty by the human inhabitants make it ever more rich.</div> <div>      As I have been bumbling along reporting on the trivial to profound events and personal experiences in this blog over the past 1 1/2 months it has occurred to me that what I am actually doing is delineating the essence, or  the spirit of Greater Bellingham.  Of course it is my bias, but aren't all blogs?  The following days experience gives a glimpse of this essence.</div> <div> </div> <div> Saturday 12/5/09 6:55 AM I left the house for a always uplifting 12 step meeting, of over 50 people, the quality and honesty with filled with deep compassion is even more amazing in that is so common to happen in this gathering every Saturday. </div> <div>        8:20 AM I went to my Fairhaven Realty and prepared for my showing of a 2800 sq. ft. house on 1 acre in town for less than $400,000 thousands dollars.   I talked to three of my fellow agents, a customer from Michigan and left just in time for my 10 AM appointment.   The appointment went well</div> <div>          11;15 AM arrived at my daughters home to huge my 18 month old Grandson and take the 9 year old on a Christmas season day.</div> <div>            11:35 AM arrived at Bloedel Donavon Park for the annual children's gift Bazaar ( held in the gymnasium ) where all gifts are $6 dollars of less.  My Grandson, with his saved up birthday money and allowance, bought hand made gifts for his two nieces, one nephew and mom and dad and Grandmother. and only need a $3 supplement from me.</div> <div>              12:25 PM arrived at the Mt baker Theater and Walton annex theater and joined 250 parents, grandparents and at least 1/2 where children and watched a free magic show (donations were accepted but not required) It was amazing (all good magic shows should be) and very entertaining.</div> <div>               1:45 arrived at the Fairhaven/Alaska Ferry Terminal building ( the Northeastern freezing wind just showed up as well) and went up stairs to hear a cute choir just my grandsons age singing about the Grinch (your are a mean one Mr. Grinch) and jingle Bells. Then walked across the other side of the building to see the most spectacular Gingerbread cabin to castle display on the planet.  The "Up" (the flying one from the movie) house and the multiple interpretation of the fire damaged Whatcom Middle school and the Yellow submarine were our favorites. Then we went down stairs to go got a firetruck ride, said hello to my friend and client/customer who has a 4 year old son and is the principal at a local elementary school ( lucky kids) while we waited in the freezing wind to ride on the Collectors item firetruck.  We got to ride in the front seat with my grandson pulling on the chain that activated the big bellowing horn ( only when told to by the fire chief).  Then we went back inside to hear the most delightful saxophone quartet play Bach, Jazz, Blues. Rock and Christmas carols. What a delight to the ears.  All this with this big 1/2 dome of windows behind the musicians with the whitecaps and the tall ship and the Kennecott Ferry in view.</div> <div>             5:15 arrived at my home picked up my lovely wife if 42 years, went to my daughters house and played with the toddler.</div> <div>              6:15 arrived at the James street estates ( and adult Mobil Home park)  where 90% of the owners make the most outrageous and original (and store bought)  Christmas lights, that light up the sky so well that Santa uses the glow for navigation purposes.</div> <div>                All this was free and we were home by 9PM.</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div> <div>         </div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/06/the-essence-of-belllingham" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/06/the-essence-of-belllingham#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/06/the-essence-of-belllinghamSun, 06 Dec 2009 19:59:00 GMTHistoric Mansion and Gingerbread Castleshttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/04/historic-mansion-and-gingerbread-castles<div>I represent a Historic Mansion for lease in Blaine WA. This Classic Arts and Crafts Home was built by the Morrison Family, the richest family in Blaine, 100 years ago.  They were the owners of the Morrison Lumber Mill. on the Waterfront in Blaine in 1900.  The Morrison family also owned mills in Bellingham and Anacortes.  The home is commercially zoned and  adjacent to the new under construction Government buildings at the International Peach Arch  Border Crossing yet in a family neighborhood as well.  The home features Imported ( around the Cape Horn )  European stain glass in the Formal dinning room, the staircase landing with settee and both Victorian era deluxe bathrooms,  Original light fixtures, beautiful Mahogany, Oak and Heartwood Douglas fir wood beams molding and box beam ceiling.  The entry is a sweeping staircase leading up to a large front covered porch, cantilevered Bay windows and two many details to mention.  Suitable for office and residence. Call me for more details </div> <div> </div> <div>The lighted boat parade starts in 65 minutes right in front of my bay view office.</div> <div>             </div> <div>     The Gingerbread house/castle and everything you can think of, that can be replicated in candy and gingerbread, is on display at the Alaska Ferry terminal building this weekend. This year is more traditional than in past years.  There are several " Whatcom Middle School replications." some castles some mangers  and a great "UP" the flying house from the movie with amazing detail.  In past years Star Trek, and Harry Potter were represented but still a delight to see.  The weekend events are sure to get even Scrooge into the Christmas Spirit.  Bands, Choirs, Santa, Horse drawn Carnage rides and much more, all free, and all fun at the Fairhaven Ferry Terminal, all weekend.</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/04/historic-mansion-and-gingerbread-castles" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/04/historic-mansion-and-gingerbread-castles#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/04/historic-mansion-and-gingerbread-castlesFri, 04 Dec 2009 17:02:00 GMTOyster Creek and Taylors Oystershttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/03/oyster-creek-and-taylors-oysters<div>Taylors Shell fish ( formally the Rock Point Oyster farm) has been cultivating and harvesting fabulous oysters for over 116 years.  There is a hairpin turn at the souther end of the sinuous portion of Chuckanut drive ( arguably the most beautiful Salt water view drive in the state of Washington).  This Business is unique and a treasure for the citizens of Whatcom and Skagit County.</div> <div>          A visitor can drive directly to the "shucking and processing house"  on the dock.  You can walk around and see all the various aspects of the operation and buy wholesale fresh oysters, Dungeness Crabs ( alive in a tank) clams, and shucking knives.  They will ship around the world.  I have on many occasions bought  6 dozen oysters (they often add a 7th dozen for good measure)  in a flow through net bag right out of the bay water. take them to a pot luck barbeque and been a hero as the  succulent morsels pop open and we dip them in garlic butter and eat them from their hot shells.  </div> <div>   What a treat. Yum!</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/03/oyster-creek-and-taylors-oysters" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/03/oyster-creek-and-taylors-oysters#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/03/oyster-creek-and-taylors-oystersThu, 03 Dec 2009 16:55:00 GMTSunny Fairhavenhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/02/sunny-fairhaven<div>The clearest view days in Whatcom county are in the fall and winter.  All day I have had to wear my sun glasses.  It is also good weather to paint exterior and lay concrete.  I am the listing agent on the sale of a new construction home built by Bill and Ken Kramer of Kramer Construction.   We are to close the transaction  on or before 12/23/09.  I'm sure that said event will help Santa with my two Grandson's wish lists.  Not to long ago it was not advised to do exterior painting when the temperature was below 52 degrees in the last 15 years new paint formulas allow exterior painting to occurs during temperatures as low as 36degrees Fahrenheit..</div> <div>          Tomorrow my dads ashes will be spread over the Pacific ocean at least 3 miles out from San Francisco bay.   My daughter and I will be sharing our thoughts and feelings during that time.</div> <div>          It is a new form of being alone on this planet that most of us go through, my mom died 10 years ago, now I'm the Granddad.</div> <div> </div> <div>The Sea Lion Coast Guard Cutter is still at sea.</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div> <div> </div> <div> </div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/02/sunny-fairhaven" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/02/sunny-fairhaven#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/02/sunny-fairhavenWed, 02 Dec 2009 15:46:00 GMTBellingham Downtown fishing!http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/01/bellingham-downtown-fishing<div>It may not be rare in Alaska but in the Continental U.S. it is.  Every Year right in the middle of the Civic Center of Bellingham 20,000+ fish race up a cascading stream  to spawn.  These salmon are large and delicious to eat if cooked right away or smoked.  Many of the local homeless people and needy families eat well during this November to early January fish run.   The seen is right out of a fisherman's fairytale.   Just below the Downtown Post office and Stately Victorian City Museum Building ( formally the Bellingham City Hall) runs Whatcom Falls Creek.  Fisherman and women,  line each side of the creek jigging their rods with their barbless hooks ( in most cases) hoping to snag a Humpy Salmon ( some of the purest fisherman have a bright pink or day glow green lure on the hook in hopes that it will irritate the salmon and they may strike at it but most are snagged.  At the time this rum happens the fish are not interested in feeding only in propagating the species.   I have been there several times over the last 10 years when as many as 4 anglers on the NW side of the stream have a fish on.  All the fisher persons cooperate with the lucky anglers, and allow them to walk pass to the cement and steel stairs that they reel and pull in the fish on, to either net or grab by the tail ( the preferred method for those who catch and release into a large plastic tube that allows the fish to swim into the adjacent Hatchery to be spawned).  What a beautiful site to see our clear connection to the wild abundance of the Sea right in the middle of commerce.   </div> <div>             When Captain Vancouver came into Bellingham Bay ( he so named after a Stores officer back in England)  when he went ashore he was met by local First Nation Peoples ( both the Nooksac and the Lummi Indian tribes claim to have been there),   Captain Vancouver asked what do you call this place? : referring to the whole region.  That answer was Watecum misunderstanding the question and referring the the cascading noisy water.  So Whatcom County is names for noisy water in Salish language. </div> <div> </div> <div>Also note that Captain Vancouver was the Cabin boy of Captain Cook and had been to the Northwest before with Cook looking for the northwest passage and general exploration,  Captain Bly was Cooks first Officer.</div> <div>           </div> <div>      So grab your poles ( and if your are over 12 years of age get your fishing license and catch dinner.</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/01/bellingham-downtown-fishing" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/01/bellingham-downtown-fishing#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/12/01/bellingham-downtown-fishingTue, 01 Dec 2009 11:06:00 GMTTo discribe Bellingham each beauty at a timehttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/11/30/to-discribe-bellingham-each-beauty-at-a-time<div>I have decided to delineate the special features both Geographic and social that make the Greater Bellingham (focusing on Fairhaven) area, one special feature at a time.  I am not going to limit myself to Whatcom county because Chuckanut Dr. and Chuckanut Mountains don"t recognize man made political borders.</div> <div>          A local report: the Sea Lion, the 87' Coast Guard Cutter is out to Sea, the Terrapin is still out my window.  I am deeply saddened by the senseless death of the four police officers in Lakewood WA, my heart goes out to their families.  If you know a policeman please call them and tell them how much you appreciate all they do.</div> <div> </div> <div>                  Lizard and Lilly Lakes;  I moved to Bellingham to teach (as a Graduate Assistant) Geography at Western Washington University and pursue my Masters in Geography.  When I just moved here in the Summer of 1975 I explored many places and still do.  I ran across a old timer who told me about Lizard and Lilly Lake on the top of Blanchard Mountain ( Skagit County at southern end of the Chuckanut Mt. range).   I bought a USGS Map ( the South Bellingham Map) and set out to find the trail head by trial and error.  The map showed that the trail started on the Shaw Rd which is a dead end rd off Barrel Springs Rd..  The trail goes over Blanchard Mt. and back down to the west at Chuckanut Dr.  I went with a friend named Jim Munch.  We left at 8:30 AM and crisscrossed through the brush and trees until we came upon a small makeshift cabin on the said of a ravine.  As we approached a booming voice from within the cabin said " Who are and what do you want?".  I said we were looking for the Blanchard Mt trail.  The voice said that we had to go up and north and we would run across the trail.  By the sound of the cabin voice I sensed he was none to social so we left following his instructions.  In about 20 minutes we found the trail and hiked some one hour more and came upon a very nice gravel road with a car parked next to the trail. ( it would have saved us 1.5 hours of hiking had the map shown the road).  The trail is known as the incline trail, for each step is up.  As we neared the top of the mountain ( only 3,323 feet high ) we came to a beautiful trail that was graded and wide ( I have subsequently found out it is an old rail bed used for narrow gage rail for the original harvest of the timber some 100  years ago).  This trail led us to Lizard Lake with a 150 foot high cliff above the lake silent serene and dark because the cliff was to the south.  There is one of the largest stands of "Devils Club"  I have ever seen with leaved 2 to 3 feet across with big thorns on the leaves and stalks they stood over 15'tall.  We walked on the Lizard Lake a sunnier and rounded lake with more open water ( great fishing I found out on later trips).  We hiked down the other side and stopped at the top of the Bat Cave cliffs.  and gazed at the most beautiful view of the San Juan Islands and Olympic Mountains to be seen from land.  On our decent there was much mud and puddles. and we got dirty wet and tired.  When we arrived on Chuckanut Dr. we walked to Chuckanut Manor and I talked to the owner Mr. Pat Woolcock.  I told him that I had no wallet and only $2. in my pocket and if he did not want two muddy strangers in his restaurant I understood.  Pat invited us into the bar and served us coffee and two hot and delicious bowl of Oyster stew.  My wife picked us up in about 45 minutes and we returned with a party of 6 and had a wonderful dinner and I have been a grateful customer of the Manor ever sense ( Pat still owns the place and the trails are much improved and well marked now).  On return trips I have walked through the tightest thicket of your fir trees I have ever seen I literally walked from limb to limb some 500 feet to reach the USGS marker that denoted the hight of the mountain and the view is fantastic.  I walked the "plank" ( a Old Beaver lodge is out in the middle of Lilly lake with the narrow end of a tree trunk next to land and gets wider as you walk to the beaver island).  I have good balance and grabbed my fishing pole and net with bait in my pocket and walked to the island, leaving two friends to watch me and contemplate the potentially wet journey. No sooner did i slowly drop my fishing line down to find the fish hiding under this floating island, I caught a beautiful trout.  My friends were excited and took the risk and both fell in the lake on their log trek but eventually joined me and we caught a beautiful lunch of firm rainbow trout that we cooked and served on the spot. </div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/11/30/to-discribe-bellingham-each-beauty-at-a-time" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/11/30/to-discribe-bellingham-each-beauty-at-a-time#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/11/30/to-discribe-bellingham-each-beauty-at-a-timeMon, 30 Nov 2009 16:37:00 GMTGreatful for Greater Bellinghamhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/11/27/greatful-for-greater-bellingham<div>I fell in love with Bellingham the first time I visited here.  Ironically the first time I visited Whatcom county was 1949.  I was two years old.  My parents decided to take the train to Seattle to visit my Mother's Farther and Mother; my Grandparents.  My mother often dated the back of photos and this is how I know the year.  The passenger trains at that time were pulled by high speed Steam engines.  My mom and dad did not pay for the two year old and I rode on my moms lap and on the floor or under the seat.  I remember the loud noise and the black smoke as the train went through the tunnels.  I think that the drama of the experience embedded the adventure in my brain to be remembered in my forever.  While we visitor Mr. Edward Freeman who lived in the Ballard district of Seattle( my Grandfather), we went up to a snow caped Mountain.  My mom told me my whole life that it was My Rainier.  My Grandfather corrected this information while I was interviewing him about his entire life while he was in his mid 80 and he told me that the Mt. that we went to was Mt. Baker.  I remember the thrill of my first snow ball fight with my older brother Ed and my grandfather.  My inner being always wanted to come back to this beautiful place and Live and I have lived in this most beautiful place in the world ( my very bias opinion) for over 34 years.</div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/11/27/greatful-for-greater-bellingham" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/11/27/greatful-for-greater-bellingham#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/11/27/greatful-for-greater-bellinghamFri, 27 Nov 2009 23:47:00 GMTThanksgiving every dayhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/11/25/thanksgiving-every-day<div>One tribe of people helping another tribe,  facing a harsh winter.  A family expressing thanks communally over a warm and delicious meal.  Carrying a attitude of gratitude today and all days that I and you have left on this precious and sacred Earth.  My dad is relieved of his pain.  I will spend tomorrow cooking for 11 people some lifetime friends, family and some new acquaintances that will become friends.  </div> <div>   I once was invited to see the "Corn Dance" in the San Philippe Pueblo  in New Mexico. The Pueblo is nearly as old as the Toas Pueblo.  Much of the whole tribe danced all day in the bright sun ( at lease it was April so it wasn't to hot).  Each dancer covered his body in red dust to protect their skin from the cancer causing sun rays.  The center of the village was a large square that after 600 years of dancing was worn down 35 feet to form a bowl.  the ritual was mostly first nation celebration with a mixture of Catholic Church.  As my wife and I were leaving we got to our car and a comely Native Woman in her 50s motioned us to come into her home.  My wife said; should we go in?  I said it would be an insult if we did not.  The adobe was completely made of mud straw and sticks.  it housed a family of 7 and in the long low livingroom, surrounding a table made of 2 4X8 sheets of plywood  layed on wooden boxes were 4 generations of family from a infant to a crippled 86 year old ( 18 people not counting us).  there was two chairs side by side.  (few of the chairs matched)  we were invited to set and bless such a feast I have never seen.  this was the tradition, to invite strangers into the homes of these beautiful people after the "Corn Dance".  The green chili stew was the best I've ever tasted ( I had thirds).  We talked of life, love and gratitude. We talked of wonderful meals we have shared in our lives.  I promised to send a salmon back to them.</div> <div> </div> <div>My Dad is in a better place .  Just maybe they serve green chilly stew there.</div> <div> </div> <div>Love and Light </div> <div> </div> <div>David Moody</div><P><a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/11/25/thanksgiving-every-day" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/11/25/thanksgiving-every-day#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>David Moodyhttp://davidmoodyrealtor.com/blog/2009/11/25/thanksgiving-every-dayWed, 25 Nov 2009 16:42:00 GMT