Blipmeet!

What a great day we had! After a hearty brunch with a friend of Laurie's in Mt. Vernon, we headed farther north to Bellingham to the home of Blippers Cynthia (LocalFoodLover) and Phil (Pilipo). We visited awhile and drank some locally made sparkling apple cider (yum!) and then drove up to Fairhaven and to Boulevard Park where we met up with Ann (ArtistAnnie) and her husband Arvin. We unloaded the scooter and took off for the promenade, where we all ambled and talked and laughed and - need I say - took photos. It's such a scenic area - Bellingham Bay (or Salish Sea) and some of the San Juan islands. That combined with the company of instant good friends made for a wonderful afternoon. After walking the promenade, we sat overlooking the bay with our coffee. The time flew by, the air got chilly and we parted ways, smiles all around.

I'm so grateful for this wonderful community - I never would have known these amazing people if it weren't for Blip and the ways we share our lives here. Though Cynthia and Phil had visited Laurie and me once in Portland, I felt like I've known them for years. And Ann is every bit as delightful as her blips would have you believe - there aren't many people I meet in person for the first time with such a warm embracing hug.

More photos of the meetup here.

And here are more photos of the deer and her two fawns who visited this morning.