September 2020 in Lynden, WA

Thanks to our great friend, Elaine Essensa, for the use of her condo on the Homestead Golf Course in Lynden, Washington. This has been the perfect spot for us for the month of September. We have a beautiful view, visiting duck buddies, a jetted tub, electric grille, extremely comfortable king bed and peaceful solitude.

Lynden is a quaint Dutch town, 5 miles from the Canadian border, which has been closed our entire visit. It is a short 1 mile walk into town, mostly on a trail. On the way into town, there is a cute Hobbit House and a park.

Bellewood farms was a few miles down the road. Homemade pies, jams, apple turnovers and incredible fritter bites. We road the train, a tractor with carts behind to take you to the apple orchards.

The Pioneer Museum was quite huge and very interesting to attend. Displays of storefronts as well as antique carriages.

Rikka and Joseph came to visit. Robin made a delicious lunch, teriyaki meatballs, BBQ chicken wings, and Caesar salad. We all played Five Crowns card game and then drove to Fairhaven for ice cream.

We walked the Sehome Arboretum by Western Washington University. Beautiful area to walk. A strange woman kept appearing from paths in different directions. We think she was an apparition.

Lots of fun activities, Appel Farms known for cheese (and goats), Boxx Berry farm, Twin Sisters Creamery. Marionberry Habonero jam, bleu cheese and other delightful cheeses. Hovander Homestead Park in Ferndale is scenic and has bunnies and geese.

Along with most of the western US, we had hazy skies and poor air quality mid month. Fortunately, our air quality did not get above 200 and only lasted about a week.

Whatcom Falls is a beautiful waterfall, better than several we saw last month. Great walking trails. Larry came to visit us one day and walked the trails and neighboring cemetery. Then we went to Boomers for burgers. Robin and I loved their mushroom swiss burger and waffle fries.

We had the opportunity to visit with Brad’s mother Joyce both prior and after his passing. She is a very strong woman of faith. Also, met up with Rob, Brad’s cousin. Brad was our friend for 20+ years and dealt with many tragedies and challenges for the last 10 years.

Katy came to visit twice. Both times we went to Fairhaven to shop and then to The Loft on the Bellingham waterfront. The best chicken avocado melt with bacon on sourdough ever.

Overall, the Lynden area was a very pleasant place, full of beautiful day trips, temperate warm days, slow pace of life and a delightful homestead.

Next, off to Vegas!