Winding Down

Winding down or gearing up. I'm not sure where I fall at this moment. We have been having all our last of the summer BBQ's, coffee dates, and walks along the bay with friends and family, so in that sense we are winding down our time here in Bellingham. We also are making packing lists, buying school clothes (mourning that the girls will not be wearing school uniforms), organizing and putting the house to bed for the year, so we are also gearing up for the move too.

Kayaks at the ready

Reed Lake

The last of the summer strawberries

The remnants of a lazy afternoon spent with friends

Someone who would very much like a bite of your cookie.

Good boy Tucker.

Last evening we celebrated a birthday of a dear friend and at the same time said "see ya later". 

We don't say goodbye.

Goodbye is sad.

I can manage "see ya later".

We had hamburgers from the grill, and birthday cake, and a campfire. It was a gorgeous evening, the kids drove off at some point to watch the sunset over the bay and we grown ups went for a walk. It was peaceful and bittersweet.

6 days until we leave........I think we're ready.

Layered Bean Dip

For Sue's Birthday

1, 15 oz can black refried beans

2 ripe avocados

juice of 1/2 lime

salt

2 cups sour cream

1 package taco seasoning mix

1 medium tomato seeded and diced

1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese

3 green onions sliced 

Place the refried beans in a medium mixing bowl. Mix the beans with a wooden spoon until creamy and smooth. Spoon the beans onto a serving platter and smooth out evenly into a circle.

Peel and dice the avocado and place in a small mixing bowl.  Add the lime juice and a big pinch of salt. Mash the avocado with the tines of a fork until fairly smooth and the lime juice is well incorporated. Spoon the avocado mixture over the beans and spread evenly.

Mix together the sour cream and the taco seasoning and spread this on top of the avocado.

Evenly sprinkle the tomato, cheese, and green onions over the top of the sour cream.  Refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 3 hours before serving.

Serve with tortilla chips.