Thursday, April 26, 2007
I Passed!!!
Today I took my examination for a real estate salesperson in Washington and passed! Now I just have to meet with and select a broker. Hopefully by the end of next week I will be officially licensed. Woo Hoo!!! :-)
Photos from April 21
Roozengaarde Tulip Field
Roozengaarde Tulip Field
Roozengaarde Tulip Field
Bridge over Deception Pass from mainland WA to Whidbey Island, WA. You can see the swirling whirlpool waters. To read some fascinating information on Deception Pass Click Here
Looking back to mainland WA from the middle of bridge over Deception Pass. Out of the frame to the right is where we saw the Bald Eagle.
Exploration
Well, last weekend we were able to get out and do some exploring!! We took the whole day, first visiting the Tulip Festival; then moved on to a neat coastal town called La Conner (known for their antique shops) where we walked around for a bit then had lunch.
From there we headed up to Anacortes. That was your typical larger city so we didn't spend much time there. It was still early enough that we didn't want to head home yet, so we pushed on to Deception Pass; which was really cool!
We parked and walked over 1/2 of the 900+ foot bridge which is quite high off the swirling whirlpool waters below. There is a trail below the bridge, so of course we took that about 2/3 of the way down to the water. On our way back across the bridge to the car we saw a Bald Eagle soaring above the trees. Of course I didn't have my zoom lens with, so no photos. :-(
From there we drove over the bridge and into Deception Pass State Park, which is located on Whidbey Island. We parked at a beach and walked around there for a bit before heading home; which was only about an hour drive away!!!!!!!!
In the next post I'll put up a few pictures from the trip.
From there we headed up to Anacortes. That was your typical larger city so we didn't spend much time there. It was still early enough that we didn't want to head home yet, so we pushed on to Deception Pass; which was really cool!
We parked and walked over 1/2 of the 900+ foot bridge which is quite high off the swirling whirlpool waters below. There is a trail below the bridge, so of course we took that about 2/3 of the way down to the water. On our way back across the bridge to the car we saw a Bald Eagle soaring above the trees. Of course I didn't have my zoom lens with, so no photos. :-(
From there we drove over the bridge and into Deception Pass State Park, which is located on Whidbey Island. We parked at a beach and walked around there for a bit before heading home; which was only about an hour drive away!!!!!!!!
In the next post I'll put up a few pictures from the trip.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Happy (Belated) Birthday Emily!
I missed your April 1st celebration - but here's a shout out for you... I guess you could say the sound takes awhile to travel from here to AZ. :-)We miss you and can't wait to see you in 1 MONTH!! Then I'll get a picture of you too! :-)
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
The Grass is Growing!
Well, the yard is starting to come along ... the hydroseed has germinated and the grass is growing! There are some splotchy areas, but otherwise it's coming up nicely.
Over the weekend, I put 25 new plants in the ground and 2 more in pots. WhEw! I was sure tired afterwards! Daryl had other projects he worked on in the garage to try and get it organized.
In a previous post (below) is a partial list of some of the new plants, here are the rest:
~ Kumasaka Camillia
~ Stainless Steel Hybrid Tea Rose
~ Texas Rose (yellow)
~ Lover's Lane Hybrid Tea Rose
~ Arizona Grandiflora Rose
General overview, including the patio ... this looks to the West
General overview, this looks to the west also; just a bit to the right (or north) of the 1st photo.
One of the planter beds Daryl made by moving rock - this is where the coneflowers are planted. I am facing East now and the house is to my right. The guest room and my office windows face this area.
To the far side by the fence is the garden area and it's on the opposite side of the house from the photo above, again I am looking East. Some of the seeds are starting to sprout, but because I didn't mark the rows I don't know what it is that's growing! I like surprises! :-)
Over the weekend, I put 25 new plants in the ground and 2 more in pots. WhEw! I was sure tired afterwards! Daryl had other projects he worked on in the garage to try and get it organized.
In a previous post (below) is a partial list of some of the new plants, here are the rest:
~ Kumasaka Camillia
~ Stainless Steel Hybrid Tea Rose
~ Texas Rose (yellow)
~ Lover's Lane Hybrid Tea Rose
~ Arizona Grandiflora Rose
General overview, including the patio ... this looks to the West
General overview, this looks to the west also; just a bit to the right (or north) of the 1st photo.
One of the planter beds Daryl made by moving rock - this is where the coneflowers are planted. I am facing East now and the house is to my right. The guest room and my office windows face this area.
To the far side by the fence is the garden area and it's on the opposite side of the house from the photo above, again I am looking East. Some of the seeds are starting to sprout, but because I didn't mark the rows I don't know what it is that's growing! I like surprises! :-)
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Happy Birthday Stacey!
Today is our friend Stacey's birthday! We're thinking of you!! Wishing you a year filled with good health, happiness and prosperity!
Happy Birthday Romie!
Today is our friend Romie's birthday! Have a wonderful day - and a year filled with everything your heart desires! Too bad we can't go to Red, White and Brew! :-(
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Go Rob, Go!!!!
Today our friend Rob is competing in the Arizona Ironman - we're rooting for you!! Hopefully you can hear our cheers from the Washington Sidelines! :-)
Good luck with the race - we know you will do awesome!
Good luck with the race - we know you will do awesome!
Happy Birthday Josh!
Today is our friend Josh's birthday... we hope you have a great day Josh!! Have fun at your party; we'll be thinking of you today! We wish we could be there to celebrate with you!
A World of Flowers
We had our first experience at Flower World on Friday. Oh WOW! It is a nursery covering acres and acres of land. Just the rose section had well over 50 varieties to choose from. To say I was overwhelmed is an understatement. We only had an hour to wander and pick stuff before they closed. Though it wasn't nearly enough, we were still successful in getting a load of plants.
Saturday we went to Home Depot in the morning to get more plants, decorative bark, etc. We got home at about lunch time and spent the rest of the day working on the house / yard. We added a few other flower beds to areas that were rock. Here's a list of some additions to the plant varietes we already had:
~ (Ludwig Spaeth and Charm) Lilac
~ Coneflower
~ (Popcorn) Japanese Snowball
~ Bella Deep Rose (Low ground cover)
~ (Sunfire) Coreopsis
~ (Flaming Silver, Valley Rose and Mountain Fire) Pieris
~ Scabiosa (Pincusion Daisy) (In a patio pot planter)
~ Garlic Chives (In a patio pot planter)
~ Sweet Red Bell Pepper (In a patio pot planter)
~ Hot Banana Pepper (In a patio pot planter)
These are just the ones I planted yesterday. I have about 7 more to get in the ground and I'll post those after I get the tags off of them.
Saturday we went to Home Depot in the morning to get more plants, decorative bark, etc. We got home at about lunch time and spent the rest of the day working on the house / yard. We added a few other flower beds to areas that were rock. Here's a list of some additions to the plant varietes we already had:
~ (Ludwig Spaeth and Charm) Lilac
~ Coneflower
~ (Popcorn) Japanese Snowball
~ Bella Deep Rose (Low ground cover)
~ (Sunfire) Coreopsis
~ (Flaming Silver, Valley Rose and Mountain Fire) Pieris
~ Scabiosa (Pincusion Daisy) (In a patio pot planter)
~ Garlic Chives (In a patio pot planter)
~ Sweet Red Bell Pepper (In a patio pot planter)
~ Hot Banana Pepper (In a patio pot planter)
These are just the ones I planted yesterday. I have about 7 more to get in the ground and I'll post those after I get the tags off of them.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Happy Birthday Donnie!
Today is our friend Donnie's Birthday - thought we would give you a shout out! Have a wonderful day and terrific year. We wish you only the best now and in the future. Wish we could be there to celebrate with you!!!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Steak Milanese
I got this delicious recipe from Cuisine at Home magazine and made it about 2 weeks ago. I'm going to include the magazine's information on this recipe as well:
In Northern Italy, there's a classic dish called scaloppine Milanese (Milan-style cutlets). Traditionally, veal or pork is pounded thin, then breaded and fried. It's a terrific dish - even with fairly inexpensive cuts of beef.
To make it, first pound the steak pieces into thin cutlets using a meat mallet. This tenderizes them and helps the cutlets cook quickly and evenly. Then dredge the cutlets in bread crumbs - I prefer using homemade ones made with French bread because they have great texture. But if you're short on time, store-bought crumbs will work too. Chill the cutlets for 30 minutes to help the breading adhere during frying.
While the beef is in the fridge, boil the water for the linguine and make the tomato relish. Then simply saute the cutlets and finish the pasta. How easy is that?
Ingredients:
1 lb. top loin steak, trimmed
Salt and Pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
2 cups fresh break crumbs
1 cup Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/4 cup red onion, diced
3 tablespoons kalamata olives, halved
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup vegetable oil
Garlic Linguine (see recipe below)
Directions:
Cut the steak into eight 2-oz pieces, then pound them to about 1/4" thick using the smooth side of a meat mallet. Season both sides of the cutlets with salt and pepper.
Place the flour, eggs and crumbs into three separate shallow dishes. Dredge cutlets in flour, followed by the eggs, then the crumbs. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet; chill for 30 minutes.
Combine the tomatoes and the next 6 ingredients in a bowl for the relish; set aside. Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high to 350 degrees.
Fry the cutlets in batches until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Fry remaining cutlets.
Top the cutlets with relish and serve with linguine on the side.
Garlic Linguine:
1/2 lb. dry linguine
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons parmesan, shredded
salt to taste
Cook linguine according to package directions in a large pot of boiling salted water; drain.
Heat oil, garlic and pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium-high while pasta cooks. Cook until garlic begins to sizzle, about 1 minute, then toss linguine with garlic oil, parmesan and salt.
For the best flavor and to prevent sticking, toss the pasta in the oil while the pasta is hot.
In Northern Italy, there's a classic dish called scaloppine Milanese (Milan-style cutlets). Traditionally, veal or pork is pounded thin, then breaded and fried. It's a terrific dish - even with fairly inexpensive cuts of beef.
To make it, first pound the steak pieces into thin cutlets using a meat mallet. This tenderizes them and helps the cutlets cook quickly and evenly. Then dredge the cutlets in bread crumbs - I prefer using homemade ones made with French bread because they have great texture. But if you're short on time, store-bought crumbs will work too. Chill the cutlets for 30 minutes to help the breading adhere during frying.
While the beef is in the fridge, boil the water for the linguine and make the tomato relish. Then simply saute the cutlets and finish the pasta. How easy is that?
Ingredients:
1 lb. top loin steak, trimmed
Salt and Pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
2 cups fresh break crumbs
1 cup Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/4 cup red onion, diced
3 tablespoons kalamata olives, halved
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup vegetable oil
Garlic Linguine (see recipe below)
Directions:
Cut the steak into eight 2-oz pieces, then pound them to about 1/4" thick using the smooth side of a meat mallet. Season both sides of the cutlets with salt and pepper.
Place the flour, eggs and crumbs into three separate shallow dishes. Dredge cutlets in flour, followed by the eggs, then the crumbs. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet; chill for 30 minutes.
Combine the tomatoes and the next 6 ingredients in a bowl for the relish; set aside. Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high to 350 degrees.
Fry the cutlets in batches until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Fry remaining cutlets.
Top the cutlets with relish and serve with linguine on the side.
Garlic Linguine:
1/2 lb. dry linguine
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons parmesan, shredded
salt to taste
Cook linguine according to package directions in a large pot of boiling salted water; drain.
Heat oil, garlic and pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium-high while pasta cooks. Cook until garlic begins to sizzle, about 1 minute, then toss linguine with garlic oil, parmesan and salt.
For the best flavor and to prevent sticking, toss the pasta in the oil while the pasta is hot.
House Photos
Click the photos to see a larger version.
Newer photo of the front - without snow. This is what the landscaping looks like!
One of three views of the family room. I haven't decided if the recliner chair is going to stay there... we like the u-shaped seating, but I don't like how it blocks the french doors - though they are still usable. What do you think?
Another view of the family room - this looks out towards the dining 'bay'... it's not really a room, just a pass through from the living room to family room. To the left of the table is the kitchen.
Final photo of the family room. The only thing we have left to do in here is add something to store the DVD's... but I haven't found what I want to use yet.
Newer photo of the front - without snow. This is what the landscaping looks like!
One of three views of the family room. I haven't decided if the recliner chair is going to stay there... we like the u-shaped seating, but I don't like how it blocks the french doors - though they are still usable. What do you think?
Another view of the family room - this looks out towards the dining 'bay'... it's not really a room, just a pass through from the living room to family room. To the left of the table is the kitchen.
Final photo of the family room. The only thing we have left to do in here is add something to store the DVD's... but I haven't found what I want to use yet.
Creamy Banana Bread
This was a delicious recipe! I made this bread yesterday and it's almost gone already. I found it at: Allrecipes.com
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1-1/4 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinammon
Directions
1. Cream the butter and cream cheese together. Gradually add the white sugar, and continue beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder, and soda; mix until batter is just moist.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chopped pecans, brown sugar and cinammon.
3. Divide 1/2 batter into two greased and floured 8x4 inch loaf pans. Sprinkle pecan mixture over batter in pans, and top with remaining batter.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Notes:
~ I cut the recipe in half because I only had 1/2 cup mashed banana and it worked great!
~ I sprinkled some brown sugar on the top before baking - YUMMY
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1-1/4 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinammon
Directions
1. Cream the butter and cream cheese together. Gradually add the white sugar, and continue beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder, and soda; mix until batter is just moist.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chopped pecans, brown sugar and cinammon.
3. Divide 1/2 batter into two greased and floured 8x4 inch loaf pans. Sprinkle pecan mixture over batter in pans, and top with remaining batter.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Notes:
~ I cut the recipe in half because I only had 1/2 cup mashed banana and it worked great!
~ I sprinkled some brown sugar on the top before baking - YUMMY
A Night Out!
Last night Daryl and I enjoyed a great evening out at McMenamins Pub in Mill Creek, WA - which is a suburb of Everett and about 17 miles from our house. We were joined by our real estate agent, and friend, Amy with her husband Nick.
It was a great time - the food and brew was very good! Conversation flowed and we really enjoyed spending time with friends.
It was a great time - the food and brew was very good! Conversation flowed and we really enjoyed spending time with friends.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Whole Lotta Rain
It's been a few days since my last post. There hasn't been too much exciting so I figured I would wait and get more to write about.
Friday was the warmest day we've had so far, though Saturday was very nice as well. The electrician was out to do all the extra wiring stuff we couldn't have done during construction since the house was finished when we bought it. Mainly just things like extra outlets, surround sound pre-wire, etc. He also installed the ethernet cord so we could get our desktop computers hooked up to the internet!! YAY - I finally have my computer back! I had been working off my lap top which has almost no software on it. Now I don't have an excuse for not catching birthdays and anniversaries on time! :-)
Sunday we finished some more things around the house and in general just had a lazy kind of day. Our neighbors invited us to dinner on Sunday and they cooked up a wonderful feast with spiral sliced ham, beans w/peppers, bread, red potatoes, and more. It was very nice getting to know them better and sharing Easter dinner together. We really appreciated them opening their home to us.
Yesterday it rained well over 2" and it was constant downpour. Since I had a sore throat it was a perfect day to stay home and catch up on movies.
Today (Tuesday) I got a lot of computer work done and also found out that getting my license in WA should be a breeze. Turns out, since I am already active in Arizona they waive all education requirements and I only have to take the state law test. Since the tests are expensive, I will find a way to study Washington real estate law before going to test.
I tried a new banana bread recipe today, so if it turns out good I'll post it here - so be sure to check back. I'll also be posting a great recipe for Steak Milanese.
Friday was the warmest day we've had so far, though Saturday was very nice as well. The electrician was out to do all the extra wiring stuff we couldn't have done during construction since the house was finished when we bought it. Mainly just things like extra outlets, surround sound pre-wire, etc. He also installed the ethernet cord so we could get our desktop computers hooked up to the internet!! YAY - I finally have my computer back! I had been working off my lap top which has almost no software on it. Now I don't have an excuse for not catching birthdays and anniversaries on time! :-)
Sunday we finished some more things around the house and in general just had a lazy kind of day. Our neighbors invited us to dinner on Sunday and they cooked up a wonderful feast with spiral sliced ham, beans w/peppers, bread, red potatoes, and more. It was very nice getting to know them better and sharing Easter dinner together. We really appreciated them opening their home to us.
Yesterday it rained well over 2" and it was constant downpour. Since I had a sore throat it was a perfect day to stay home and catch up on movies.
Today (Tuesday) I got a lot of computer work done and also found out that getting my license in WA should be a breeze. Turns out, since I am already active in Arizona they waive all education requirements and I only have to take the state law test. Since the tests are expensive, I will find a way to study Washington real estate law before going to test.
I tried a new banana bread recipe today, so if it turns out good I'll post it here - so be sure to check back. I'll also be posting a great recipe for Steak Milanese.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Beautiful Day!!
Whew; What a day! It was so beautiful out - my windows have been open since this morning. The temperature reached 65 and it was sunny, which is shorts weather in Washington. I cleaned house, had our blinds installed - then went out to set plants in an empty spot of the front yard. After Daryl got home we planted all the seeds in our garden (carrots, 2 kinds of beans, peas, 2 kinds of lettuce, cucumber, squash and zucchini)... though I think it's too late for some of them... we'll see - this year is an experiment. We enjoyed spending time on the back patio as well.
Now that the fence is all done, the dogs got to enjoy being out back with us. Since it's been dry the last few days, they were allowed to walk on the areas that have hydroseed - boy they loved exploring the whole yard!
Tomorrow is supposed to be 70 and sunny as well so I'm sure I'll have another update of wonderful outdoor activities over the next few days.
Now that the fence is all done, the dogs got to enjoy being out back with us. Since it's been dry the last few days, they were allowed to walk on the areas that have hydroseed - boy they loved exploring the whole yard!
Tomorrow is supposed to be 70 and sunny as well so I'm sure I'll have another update of wonderful outdoor activities over the next few days.
Pasta E Fagioli Soup
I found a fantastic recipe for this delicious soup (made it on Sunday 4/1) and thought I would share. It has officially become a favorite recipe and will probably be made at least once per month! If you come visit us - I will be making this soup to have on hand! :-)
1 1/2 teaspoon Olive Oil
1.5 pounds ground beef
6 ounces onion, chopped
7 ounces carrots, slivered
7 ounces celery, chopped
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can light or dark red kidney beans, drained
44 ounces beef broth
1 1/2 teaspoon Oregano
1 1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 teaspoons Parsley, fresh chopped
3/4 teaspoon tobasco sauce
24 ounces spaghetti sauce
Ditalani pasta
Directions: Brown ground beef, drain. In a large pot add oil, onions, carrots, celery and tomatoes. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Add ground beef; drain and rinse beans, add to the pot. Also add beef stock, oregano, pepper, tobasco, parsley and spaghetti sauce. Simmer until carrots and celery are tender, about 45-60 minutes. Cook pasta separate and add to individual bowls of soup when serving.
Serve with warm garlic bread or bread sticks.
** If you add pasta to the soup pot it will get mushy the longer it sits and for left overs.
Original recipe (though I have changed a few things) from: Olive Garden Recipe
I should also note that Pasta Fagioli is technically an Italian vegetable soup recipe and doesn't include meat - though the addition of hamburger is really good!
1 1/2 teaspoon Olive Oil
1.5 pounds ground beef
6 ounces onion, chopped
7 ounces carrots, slivered
7 ounces celery, chopped
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can light or dark red kidney beans, drained
44 ounces beef broth
1 1/2 teaspoon Oregano
1 1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 teaspoons Parsley, fresh chopped
3/4 teaspoon tobasco sauce
24 ounces spaghetti sauce
Ditalani pasta
Directions: Brown ground beef, drain. In a large pot add oil, onions, carrots, celery and tomatoes. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Add ground beef; drain and rinse beans, add to the pot. Also add beef stock, oregano, pepper, tobasco, parsley and spaghetti sauce. Simmer until carrots and celery are tender, about 45-60 minutes. Cook pasta separate and add to individual bowls of soup when serving.
Serve with warm garlic bread or bread sticks.
** If you add pasta to the soup pot it will get mushy the longer it sits and for left overs.
Original recipe (though I have changed a few things) from: Olive Garden Recipe
I should also note that Pasta Fagioli is technically an Italian vegetable soup recipe and doesn't include meat - though the addition of hamburger is really good!
Yard Updates
Well, the fence was finished yesterday (4/3) and the landscaping was 95% installed effective last Wednesday (3/28). They are coming out either today or tomorrow to finish the side of the house on the garage side.
We hired out phase 1 of the landscaping project just to get us started so the dogs could get out back sooner rather than later. The project included:
Spread about 55 yards of topsoil, roll out and compact the ground, install plants/trees in a planter beds around all fence and house areas, blow in hydroseed for grass and move boulders. For plants we have: Blueberry, Raspberry, Oregon Grape, Hydrangea, Jasmine, and others. For trees we have: 2 cherry and 2 apple. We asked the landscapers to leave a section roughly 32x40 for a vegetable garden which Daryl and I will plant.
We hired out phase 1 of the landscaping project just to get us started so the dogs could get out back sooner rather than later. The project included:
Spread about 55 yards of topsoil, roll out and compact the ground, install plants/trees in a planter beds around all fence and house areas, blow in hydroseed for grass and move boulders. For plants we have: Blueberry, Raspberry, Oregon Grape, Hydrangea, Jasmine, and others. For trees we have: 2 cherry and 2 apple. We asked the landscapers to leave a section roughly 32x40 for a vegetable garden which Daryl and I will plant.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Off to Washington
Since I am just starting off on this blog, I figured I would catch you up to today and go from there. I hope to use this forum to share photos, recipes and our journeys as we explore a new home location.
About mid-January Daryl accepted a promotion within Boeing which moved us to Washington state, in Everett near Seattle. So, the whirlwind of getting our house ready for sale, finding a new house in Washington and, in general, picking up our lives to move across the West started.
We had 30 days before Daryl was to report for work in Washington... eight of those were spent house hunting in and around Everett. We found a home near Lake Stevens, which is about 10 miles East of Everett. We are considered 'out in the country', however local stores and restaurants are about 5-10 minutes away. Larger chain (big box) stores are 15 minutes away. Click here for some pictures of Lake Stevens from the Chamber web site
On Sunday, February 18th we left Arizona at about 10:30 am for our four day drive to Washington. Our first stop was Santa Clarita, second Sacrmento, third Eugene, OR and our final (but temporary) destination of Puyallup, WA. We stayed in a corporate apartment for one month while Daryl trained at the plant he would be supporting.
The drive with 2 dogs and 1 cat went much better than we could have expected - the cat did exceptionally well and the dogs are used to traveling. La Quinta hotels is fantastic as they allow pets with no questions or additional deposits. Knowing this ahead of time, Daryl scheduled each stop so there would be a La Quinta we could stay at.
On March 15th we drove up to Lake Stevens to spend our first official night in the new house. Our furniture was scheduled to arrive between 8 and 9 am the next morning. We slept on the floor and had a styrofoam cooler to keep a few things cold for the night, but it was well worth it! I will get updated photos posted soon now that we have moved in.
We have found that although it is really nice having a company come in to pack everything - it makes unpacking so much harder. Boxes labeled Living Room had Guest Bedroom stuff, Kitchen had Living Room stuff, etc... So, knowing this, next time I will ask they not mix rooms! If the box still has space left in it - stuff with paper! Our goods all arrived and not a thing was broken!! Kudos to Dircks!
In between unpacking and getting settled, we've taken some time to explore our new neighborhood. We live nearby the Centennial Trail, which is a path that follows an abandoned train track, runs about 17 miles in length and is considered a county park.
On days that are rainy or cold, we stay home and unpack. Days that are nice and/or sunny - we go walking. Well - that pretty well catches you up. From now on posts will be more specific about what we do on a day to day basis. Enjoy!
About mid-January Daryl accepted a promotion within Boeing which moved us to Washington state, in Everett near Seattle. So, the whirlwind of getting our house ready for sale, finding a new house in Washington and, in general, picking up our lives to move across the West started.
We had 30 days before Daryl was to report for work in Washington... eight of those were spent house hunting in and around Everett. We found a home near Lake Stevens, which is about 10 miles East of Everett. We are considered 'out in the country', however local stores and restaurants are about 5-10 minutes away. Larger chain (big box) stores are 15 minutes away. Click here for some pictures of Lake Stevens from the Chamber web site
On Sunday, February 18th we left Arizona at about 10:30 am for our four day drive to Washington. Our first stop was Santa Clarita, second Sacrmento, third Eugene, OR and our final (but temporary) destination of Puyallup, WA. We stayed in a corporate apartment for one month while Daryl trained at the plant he would be supporting.
The drive with 2 dogs and 1 cat went much better than we could have expected - the cat did exceptionally well and the dogs are used to traveling. La Quinta hotels is fantastic as they allow pets with no questions or additional deposits. Knowing this ahead of time, Daryl scheduled each stop so there would be a La Quinta we could stay at.
On March 15th we drove up to Lake Stevens to spend our first official night in the new house. Our furniture was scheduled to arrive between 8 and 9 am the next morning. We slept on the floor and had a styrofoam cooler to keep a few things cold for the night, but it was well worth it! I will get updated photos posted soon now that we have moved in.
We have found that although it is really nice having a company come in to pack everything - it makes unpacking so much harder. Boxes labeled Living Room had Guest Bedroom stuff, Kitchen had Living Room stuff, etc... So, knowing this, next time I will ask they not mix rooms! If the box still has space left in it - stuff with paper! Our goods all arrived and not a thing was broken!! Kudos to Dircks!
In between unpacking and getting settled, we've taken some time to explore our new neighborhood. We live nearby the Centennial Trail, which is a path that follows an abandoned train track, runs about 17 miles in length and is considered a county park.
On days that are rainy or cold, we stay home and unpack. Days that are nice and/or sunny - we go walking. Well - that pretty well catches you up. From now on posts will be more specific about what we do on a day to day basis. Enjoy!
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