Hi there, I'm hoping I can throw my question out there and maybe get a little honest feedback??

my husband and I are locals (we're actually in Skagit now but come to town on the reg), born and raised, and we are working hard to to hopefully develop and strategically leverage some of the skills that we have developed over the years into something that resembles sustaining ourselves! We've always loved salvaging wood from quality barn deconstruction projects of our own, and collecting other sustainable, versatile and natural materials! We build custom items like crates, trays, decor, and frames, to cabinets, furniture, rustic to fine furniture like desks and tables, using all reclaimed old- growth barn wood!

The cat tree speciality- We started with a local custom request about a dozen years ago for a large cat condo/tree made with natural tree branches, and they had different requests like an enclosure and a high perch, carpeted platforms and special spots for toys and scratching, and of course the base that could support all of it!

We took that challenge and we had so much fun building it, and proceeded to design and build over 15-20 different unique cat trees and installations, delivering to many happy clients from Vancouver B.C. to Oregon!

So my question is- is there demand out there for this kind of product? If so, what would be the best way to discover that we exist? Should we have some completed models maybe out at a locally owed pet store? Or a vet? Or would you like an option to order all of it online, like you would with an Etsy seller? Can you say what would be an effective way to reach you as an interested customer, locally?

Thanks for your help!

Found a hard boiled egg along the main road of Silver Lake Park this weekend in the bushes. Unfortunately cannot return as it was studied for science. How long was it out there?

*I had to repost because you can't include links to IG"

Let me explain.

I'm a dad of 3 who has had to sacrifice my artistic career to support a family doing what I hate, technical support.

I've been drawing all my life. Even went to an art school in Vancouver bc to learn 3d modeling but had to go back to tech support because the industry was insanely stacked against me in Canada (I'm not Canadian) and I didn't know anyone in the industry in Washington back in 2013 when I got my certificate for character modeling... So I had to go back to keep the roof up there and the food in bellies.

Thing is that now I'm divorced from the mother of my youngest so they're not with me, my eldest is on their own and my middle kid is with me, trying her luck with Bellingham's awesome entry level job market, meaning she's been applying since December and still getting a no.

I'm just feeling the shift.

Support jobs are going away with the AI push and eventually that will mean me.

Well all I know to do other than support is to draw, and I'm pretty damned good at it. I'll add some images of my work here.

Now I tried to tattoo on fake skin in the past and it was really hard to figure out as I had no one to mentor me and honestly I would rather go the traditional route and do an apprenticeship.

Thing is that I have limited time as I still need to keep the roof and bellies as is, so I work from 7am to 4pm Monday through Friday. I really do wish someone would be willing to help me learn how to apply what I can do to skin.

So this is my open call to tattoo shops in Bellingham. Anyone willing to help a weirdo out?

They were showing off their full starfish catch of the day to all the passersby down on the pier walk by Boulevard Park. Many of us were impressed indeed 🤣

As the weather warms up, we want you to stay safe and healthy while enjoying our beautiful lakes and beaches. Whatcom County Health and Community Services’ Living Environment and Food Safety programs remind you to check for swimming beach closures or shellfish harvest advisories before you go.

Swim Safely

May 18-24 is Healthy and Safe Swimming Week!  High levels of harmful bacteria, like E. coli, can ‘hitch a ride’ with stormwater runoff, and make their way to our local saltwater swimming beaches. Swallowing or touching contaminated water can make people and pets very sick. Stay safe by protecting yourself from waterborne illnesses.

• Wash your hands for 20 seconds before eating, especially if you have been playing in or touching sand. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. 
• Avoid unusually cloudy water. Cloudy water can be a warning that there are more germs in the water than normal.
• Stay out if you see pipes. Pipes draining into or around the water could be putting germs or harmful chemicals into the water, especially after heavy rainfalls.
• Look for swim warnings or closures. Check for signs near the water, and if you see advisory signs posted at the beach, be sure to follow them. You can check the WA BEACH program interactive map for alerts before you head out. WCHCS and local partners monitor water quality at several public saltwater beaches in Whatcom County from early June through August, including Marine Park, Taylor Beach, Little Squalicum Park in Bellingham, Birch Bay County Park, and Larrabee State Park.

 

Know Before You Dig

Sometimes, naturally occurring marine biotoxins like Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) are found in local shellfish. Check the Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Safety website for the most up-to-date information about shellfish harvesting.  Please remember that cooking does not destroy biotoxins, and it’s never safe to eat shellfish harvested in areas that are closed due to biotoxins. Shellfish sold in restaurants or stores are safe to eat because they are tested before they are sent to markets. Also, keep an eye out for posted signs at the beach.

When in doubt, stay out!

Algae can grow excessively, creating what is known as a "bloom," in both freshwater and saltwater environments. These blooms can sometimes produce toxins that are harmful to humans and pets. You and your pets should avoid swimming in areas where you can see an algae bloom. Visit our Harmful Algae Bloom page for more information.

Report suspected waterborne illness

If you think you might be sick from a waterborne illness or have concerns about a specific beach location, please contact us. You can report a suspected waterborne illness through our online complaint form. 

Learn more

Check out our Recreational Water Quality page for more information and safety tips while having fun on the water. Enjoy the warmer weather!

Our sweet Posey accidentally got out this morning. She's indoor only and has never been outside before. She's about 2 years old and very timid. She's a diluted calico, mostly gray with white and red patches on her legs and belly. She most likely will not come when she's called so if you spot her please DM me! We're very worried and distraught!

Pretty sure that's garlic mustard and I don't have long before it goes to seed. Question is: should I yank it ASAP or harvest the leaves & seeds as they're edible and handy in homemade mustard?

I just found this giant silk moth in the south Lake Whatcom area. He is very cute. Apparently they only eat as caterpillars and dont have mouths when they become moths (they are also very cute as caterpillars!). I moved him to a lawn chair to protect him from my dog, but apparently they only live a few days. : (