I grew up in the Puget Neighborhood. We actually lived at the top of Puget St. and I remember distinctly having to walk up "the hill" after school. That's ok, it was great exercise and everyone would walk home. We would be laughing, sharing stories of the day, planning what would happen over the weekend. Whether it was someone to stay over or a game of Kick the can. Back then the neighborhood consisted of pretty much everyone who lived around the area not just a few nearby or next door. Kids would come from Queen St. St. Paul and even a few that lived in up on the top of Puget, what is now considered Pacific View.

A few years later we moved to W.Racine which became the Mecca for our games. Having lots of brothers and sisters and all their friends we always had something going on. Kick the Can was one of the most popular. Of course everyone has different variations which you can check out in the link above.

I have many found memories growing up in this neighborhood and looking forward to showing you the area.

You may be wondering why Pizza is in my post? Well, I was in the Puget neighborhood Papa Murphy's picking up a pizza for my family. I visited with the manager and she indicated the particular pizza I was ordering has been very popular this month. It was 4 dollars off the normal price and it took in 22% of their sales. The Chicken Artichoke for $8.99 what a deal. Offer lasts until the end of January.

As always, looking forward to your call

Real estate- Real life

Katharine

Activerain has changed my profile but not me...I have a new little red ribbon, don't I feel special... cool features as for placement in the big picture, but this is the picture so far for 2009

I wasn't able to do my normal Polar Bear Dip this year :(

Actually my kids weren't, I usually stay inside and cook Lasagna and STAY WARM!

That is ok, we had an unusually snow stricken winter and cold snap that made me spend time with my family and throw out my arm on this new Wii thingy....

I had clients lined up for showings, to view properties and to do business. Then Mother Nature decided that she was going to intervene and let us slow down and spend some quality time together.

What a wonderful time, I almost felt like I was in a time warp and things were out of my control. I had already worked on my business plan for the year and was ready to get started on it. Darn these wonderful business groups that got me kickstarted!!

Anyway I am soooo excited for the year. I have been looking at houses with a wonderful couple from Hawaii. We have so much in common and I really enjoyed spending time with them. We have a lot in common and basically life is good. period.

Another couple is buying there first home and I am excited.. because I have been there. I remember the hoops I had to go through! 3 months worth. Guess what though, they are looking at a much better % than we were. I think it was about 9-11% for me and now it is 4 and 3/4 or a tad bit more depending on all the factors.

I am working with people I am so excited about. To me, it doesn't matter what price range they are in. It is about finding what is right for them!!!

The company that I work for is positive and looks toward the future.I have been constantly impressed from week to week and love the people I work with. I actually always love the people I work with, (just my nature to look for positive things) but these guys come up with fresh new ideas from week to week.

We had a business planning meeting that involved all members, and came up with something that is going to blow the socks off the community in the future.

I have implemented my plan and I am already ahead of the goals I set. My team is doing very well even though we are in a R.......n. See... I can't even say it, or spell it out completely.

This past year, the sale I was most excited about was a home less than 20,000 dollars. I referred the selling portion to another agent that could advise them appropriately. His wife spoke the language fluently and basically.... it was the right thing to do. He is an activerain member and that is how I found him.

He is now my teammate and I love it!! We are going to have a great year and I look forward to 2009!

Robert invited me to join the group and share a few photos. These wonderful photos were taken on the glorious winding road on the coast between Bellingham Washington and Bow Edidson Washington.

Photos were taken by my daughter, do not copy.

Katharine Carey, Realtor, Buyertours Realty, Bellingham Wa.

Chuckanut Drive in Bellingham Washington is one of my favorite places to go for a drive or to get away for the day. On in given day the beauty of the ocean and the northwest rainforest prevails. There are several places to visit, park & enjoy the view along the way.

If you want a little more adventure you can take a hike on a number of trails around Chuckanut. I recall a hike to Fragrance Lake. My family has many different versions of that particular hike, in fact I recall it ending with my Dad placing crawdads in the foot of my bed. He is always the prankster. You can only imagine a teenage girls reaction. I don't recommend this part for your family but the hike is wonderful.

You can also enjoy the day at Larrabee State Park. From walks on the beach, having the train pass by and climbing a rock wall there is something for everyone. Young and old love traversing tidepools or just enjoying the waves lapping on the shore. This is a wonderful place to look for special treasures from the ocean, just be sure to put back all living creatures from the sea back where you found them :).

There are a few notable places to dine along Chuckanut Drive as well. Should you care for a romantic sunset and wonderful meal or just an appetizer with a view. Oyster Creek Inn, which has closed recently and is currently looking for another revival. I had a wonderful mother/daughter moment with chocolate chip cheesecake and will always have fond memories of that day. The Oyster Bar, which poses wonderful views and food to match. A wonderful dinner with friends was enjoyed at this restaurant. I especially remember the mussels. Chuckanut Manor which holds a spot near and dear. This was a place that was a favorite of my late grandfather. It is always a pleasure to reminisce with the owner and the stories he tells. It has an opportunity the others do not, in that you can stay in one of the bed and breakfast suites. What a way to wake up in the morning and look out upon that gorgeous view. Last on the journey would be the Rhododendron Cafe where you will find the great history of Chuckanut Restaurants.

If you would like to take home some of the seas bounty then stop by Taylor Shellfish farm for fresh Dungenous crab, oysters, and Mussels.

This is the freshest we could find for our neighborhood crab feed. There is no better way to get to know your neighbors than by cracking crab together and finding out who eats theirs as they go or who piles it up for a one course meal. The mussels are just wonderful. It's funny, I never ate mussels until I was probably 32 and wow was I missing something. Of course the oysters are over the top and my favorite is on the barbecue with a little butter, Tabasco and a gentle squeeze of citrus. My grandfather always had them raw on the half shell. There's a Swede for you. There is a story about Lutefisk for another day.

The drive out Chuckanut is enjoyed by many motorists whether it be by motorcycle, sportscar with the top down or a mini van full of children so please drive carefully. The curvy road and amazing views lends itself to an enjoyable ride. There are many auto and motorcycle clubs that like to take this drive as a group. I remember watching a gaggle of Porsches cruise by as a teen thinking what a life...

During the winter, Chuckanut Drive may have closures due to rock slides, so please be aware of the road.

You will need to see if the road has been closed due to slides.

So next time you decide to visit Bellingham Washington,or live here and need to get away for the day take a drive out on Chuckanut and enjoy all the beauty it has to offer.

It is a great way to spend the day whether with family, friends or just a loved one for a romantic drive.

-Katharine Carey- Real life, Real estate in Whatcom County Washington

*special thanks to my daughter for taking the drive herself (another story for another day) and taking these wonderful photos. Please do not copy them as they are her work.

Much appreciated and Thank you for taking time out of your day . Comments welcome :)