Making a place your home

My great grandparents and grandparents lived in Whatcom County. My father grew up near the Custer area and graduated from Blaine High School. My parents as young newlyweds lived in the area, although my mother was from Tacoma. Employment caused my parents to eventually move in Federal Way, were I was raised. My sister attended Western and fell in love with a Blaine graduate and settled in Ferndale. My parents eventually retired to Birch Bay where my family has owned a cabin since 1960.

Then my mom's brother, wife and daughter moved to Ferndale, and my dad's brother and significant other moved to Birch Bay. This last July when it became apparent that my nest in Renton would be empty I decided to make Birch Bay my home as well. Leaving my neighborhood, job, friends, book club and the county I had lived in my full 51 years.

So I've know Whatcom my whole life, but as a visitor or vacationer. Now I am a resident. I have lots of family here, but currently no job, or many friends. I have new neighbors, new organizations, new bank, new grocery stores, new shopping areas, a new community college and university to get to know. I'm trying to discover my favorite new bars and restaurants, new coffee shops and gas stations. I have many new nooks and crannies to get to know. I am on a mission. I'm trying to make this place my new stomping grounds, make new friends (and keep the old) find a full time employment in a field that allows me to be me and provides health benefits.

This requires getting out of house and going places. Some research can be done online, but the point of living is stomping around a bit, getting to know people, becoming part of a community. In the summer time Birch Bay comes alive, but in the winter, it's a little quiet. Whatcom County is pretty spread out but I'm learning the different ways to get to different places.

This blog will be about my wanderings.