These Two Fluffy Knuckleheads

 So hellbent on tipping over everything in the house.  So adorable.

The Various Diners of Whatcom County 21: Acme Diner

2045 Valley Highway, Acme, WA

Well now, how about a place I've never even seen before?  In a part of the county I've never even been to before?  It's not like there's much else there, other than a post office!  Welcome to the delightful Acme Diner!

#CatLife

 

What I love about this pic of Mandu is that right behind me is a comfy king-size bed filled with blankets and cat toys.  But now, sleeping upon my stinky sweatshirt, on top of a rickety clothes stand, is the preferred place of comfort.

The Various Diners of Whatcom County 20: Skylark's Hidden Cafe

1308 11th St, Bellingham, WA

Back to fancy, fancy Fairhaven!  It's a new year, and with the post-holiday blues hanging over me I headed here for my beloved dose of Eggs Benny.  I'd been wanting to try this place for a while, and was very pleased with how it turned out.  It's more of a restaurant than a diner, and a nice one at that, but definitely worth a visit.  Let's get down to our breakfast business!

The Various Diners of Whatcom County 19: Avenue Bread

2301 James St, Bellingham, WA (one of three locations)

Not dead!  However, there have been some changes over the past few months.  My Dad is fine, but we've moved him into managed care.  My part-time work continues at the animal shelter.  And my thirst for delicious breakfast food in friendly environments remains unquenched!

Here we are at lovely Avenue Bread, which is a Bellingham mini-chain.  So yet another place that makes their own EB muffins!  Approved!

"Because We've Ended As Lovers"

Jeff Beck, "Because We've Ended As Lovers" (actually a Stevie Wonder tune, natch)

R.I.P. Jeff Beck.

As an aspiring 17 year-old guitarist I was much more interested in trying to emulate speed and bravado masters like Hendrix and Page.  Beck was, of course, a step ahead of everybody, bringing in jazz influences and a superbly unique technique mixing expression and vibrato.

Too soon, too soon.

"even the things that did not work"

"Everything was new and grand, even the things that did not work, and that made up a little for daddy not being with us.  Mama said that daddy was supposed to finish up the crop year and that Uncle Alton would manage to look after her things.  Uncle Alton remains the most beautifully stoic and courageous man I've ever known.  He inevitably found the time and the wherewithal to do whatever was asked of him.  Years later, when mama got bone cancer and had to stay in bed a year in a full body cast, Uncle Alton took me in with his houseful of children, keeping me and loving me as one of his own.

Shortly after we were in the house, mama gave us one of her terse, elliptical explanations of how things were.

'Me and your daddy's separated,' she said.

'Separated?' I said.

'Yes,' she said.

'Separated from what?' I said.

'Each other,' she said.

Well, hell, I knew they were separated from each other.  Hadn't I just been on a bus for three hours?  It would be awhile before I understood she was talking about more than distance."

-- Harry Crews, A Childhood: The Biography of a Place

Mount Baker

 

Mount Baker, Washington

I drove up to Baker today, for the first time in about 10 years or so.  That might sound weird, but it's a bit of a haul and even with clear-ish weather you've got plenty of icy patches up and down the mountain.  Last time I was up here was with my Dad.  It was cold and snowy of course, and completely packed, and I was actually worried I wouldn't find a parking spot.  It's prime season for skiers and boarders and snow-shoes.  Me, I just walked around a bit and smiled at the people and good dogs.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Silver Jews, "Buckingham Rabbit"

I just got back from Baltimore, where I spent a week with my sister, my nephew, and my Dad who is now in a nursing home.  I've got more to say, and pictures to show, but things went well despite having one of my flights cancelled.  Me and my two furry knuckle-heads want to wish you a glorious 2023, wherever you are, wherever you find yourself, fortunate or unfortunate circumstances be damned.

It's the Year of the Rabbit.  Let's not get caught.