That’s just how Whatcomtom rolls.

Actually it is really better to look at about 5 houses when you are on a search but the market in Whatcom County has gotten pretty competitive for homes under 300,000. We went from having a couple weeks to look at a home to now homes that are priced well are getting multiple offers at list price or above. Sooo that means if there are a bunch of homes that a client wants to look at it is better to go sooner and not miss out on the perfect home. So we look at 11 homes. Bliss tried to get pictures at each house but some are just of the neighborhood. We lucked out and had good weather and a client that even brought us snacks.

This picture I liked as even though it is out of focus it reminds me of the Spring we are having. Lots of rain and cold weather with little bits of Spring peaking though just like the in focus flowers in the background.

It started out pretty with lovely moss colored porches

And then there was this!!! yup that is a taxidermy puffer fish hanging up as decoration. There were several throughout the house watching you.

Some houses went for the more traditional decorations, like bird-feeders.

Remember these? fun that some of the older homes have them built in.

We saw signs for lost hens, this one’s name is Dumpling. I hope she is found soon.

We found a free table that just needs a little  refinishing.

Nice green lawn, I don’t think the grass ever got really brown this winter. It is definitely growing now. Hello Lawnmower my old friend, can’t say I have missed you.

Staging tip #37: Apparently when you are missing appliances like a refrigerator a fake tree makes an excellent substitution.

Almost done.

Last one, time for a break. It was a great day and we even found a few possibilities.

I had some out of town clients that are looking at waterfront property and we went to Stanwood and Camano Island on Saturday.

Sunday Lake – Stanwood

Another one from Sunday Lake

A really pretty Madrone tree. There were a lot of Madrone trees on Camano Island.

One of our favorite houses of the day, was a beautiful newer home built in the style of an old fashioned craftsman with plenty of cubbies and fun roof lines.

Our view on the way home, even though it was cold and almost snowing it was still beautiful.

While headed to the grocery store to pick up some items there was an animal there helping raise money and food for the food bank.

Can you tell what it is before scrolling down?

He is a prize winning llama!

All joking and cute animals aside in this season of frantic buying and baking and shopping and shipping, please do not forget to give. No matter what you celebrate it is a great time to offer what you can. If not money or food you can always donate time. There is so many opportunities. Your local volunteer center is a great place to start.

You will find it is the best gift you can give your self.

My wife is guest blogging for me today with another tasty recipe. This one is actually pretty healthy to.

I wanted a “healthy snack” to satisfy those chocolate cravings and came across this recipe, which I modified just a tiny bit.

Hot Fudge Brownie Larabars from Chocolate Covered Diet’s Blog.

Instead of bars I wanted bites sized balls and I also added in Cashews as I like their milder flavor compared to walnuts. The best part of this recipe? no added sugar except for the chocolate chips, which you could leave out.

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup cashews

1 and 1/3 cups pitted dates

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

3-4 T cocoa powder

1/4 chocolate chips (optional)

Throw all the ingredients into a food processor, blend until smooth then form into bite sized balls. Here was the challenge for me. I do not own a food processor (yet). So I used my regular old Oster blender. Yup a blender. BUT I had to blend the ingredients once all together, then dump them into a large bowl and add them back into the blender 1/4 cup at a time. Yes it was a pain but it also shows even if you do not have a food processor you can make some nice healthy snacks. Store in fridge in airtight container.

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In memory of the over 100 sled dogs that were brutally killed on this week in April 2010 I thought I would post this wonderful poem…

If A Dog Were Your Teacher
Author Unknown

If a dog were your teacher
These are some of the lessons you might learn…

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face
to be pure ecstasy

When it’s in your best interest
practice obedience
Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory
Take naps and stretch before rising
Run romp and play daily

Thrive on attention and let people touch you
Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do
On warm days stop to lie on your back on the grass
On hot days drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree
When you’re happy dance around and wag your entire body

No matter how often you’re scolded
don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout
run right back and make friends

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm
Stop when you have had enough
Be loyal
Never pretend to be something you’re not

If what you want lies buried
dig until you find it
When someone is having a bad day
be silent ….sit close by…and nuzzle them gently.

In memory of the over 100 sled dogs that were brutally killed on this week in April 2010 I thought I would post this wonderful poem…

If A Dog Were Your Teacher
Author Unknown

If a dog were your teacher
These are some of the lessons you might learn…

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face
to be pure ecstasy

When it’s in your best interest
practice obedience
Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory
Take naps and stretch before rising
Run romp and play daily

Thrive on attention and let people touch you
Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do
On warm days stop to lie on your back on the grass
On hot days drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree
When you’re happy dance around and wag your entire body

No matter how often you’re scolded
don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout
run right back and make friends

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm
Stop when you have had enough
Be loyal
Never pretend to be something you’re not

If what you want lies buried
dig until you find it
When someone is having a bad day
be silent ….sit close by…and nuzzle them gently.

Pickles is now at the Bridge running free, chasing bunnies, eating all the whip cream he wants.

This is very funny but is rated PG-13  (so if you aren’t over 13 or are easily offended by body part references please do not read).

It is from The Oatmeal if you want to visit the original link.