Luanne Highlander

Funny how many of us in the Pacific Northwest go to Hawaii to vacation in the months of December through February. With record cold, rain, wind and snow (sounds like the postal service pledge) this winter, in order to continue loving (and we do love the Northwest) being here is to go away to the exact opposite climate than ours in the winter. Just a month of snorkeling in Kona or hiking the Na Pali Coast or sport fishing for Mahi-Mahi gets us in the mood for the rest of the cold weather ahead and realising how wonderful it is to live with the eagles, clear blue sky and giant evergreens again.

We prefer going to a couple of the Hawaiian Islands-two

I just finished uploading this Waterfront Rental , Rental - 3027 Silvern Ln, Bellingham WA

Beautiful Lake view home with Lake access. 4 bedroom 2.5 bath. 200' lake front private beach, dock and park. Walking distance to Silver Beach Elementary, Whatcom and Barkley trails. For more information or to rent this property contact: Tim Evans 858-344-7504 Pet friendly! meow...woof! (with appropriate pet deposit)

The average price for a home in Bellingham rose twelve percent from prices in 2005. Median prices for homes in Bellingham, Washington rose to $368,672, according to a report in the Bellingham Herald, Whatcom County's major newspaper. Ferndale, Washington's home prices are also up thirteen percent to $329,521. These comparisons are from 2005-2006. Western Washington University's Department of Economics and Business Research also gives the NorthWest region high marks for appreciation. In some areas nearly twice the national average for 2006.

In addition, the retail growth for the Bellingham area is also expected to grow six

Along with the new editor and bi-monthly format of the Pacific Northwest Retirement magazine, are two new travel writers. Luanne and Charley Highlander will take you on adventures through out the Pacific Northwest. All aboard as they show you how easy it is to hop the Amtrak in Bellingham, Washington to Vancouver, British Columbia for an overnight excursion. Go with them on a weekend tour of the Northwest's premier, and not so well known wineries or go on an island hop to the San Juan Islands. Be looking for the new bi-monthly magazine beginning February/March of the Pacific Northwest Retirement magazine. Look for the new travel column beginning

Stewart Title in Bellingham offers first rate services to those who are buying and selling real estate in the Bellingham-Whatcom County area. I use them as my proimary source for Title and escrow closing services. My favorite Escrow closing officer is Marlin Dubois. She is the best in the business! Stewart Title has two locations. The Main office 2200 Rimland Drive Suite 110 Bellingham, Washington 98226 (360) 647-8155 FAX (360) 738-0290

Stewart Title also just opened a brance in Fairhaven, a district in Bellingham on the southside at:1200 Old Fairhaven Parkway, Unit 204 Bellingham, Washington 98225 (360) 647-8155 for real estate sales on the southside.Stewart

The Editor, Marian Yunghans, of the Pacific Northwest Retirement Magazine left to be more involved with AARP at the State level.  (Article in December’s issue.) Replacing Marian is Carolyn Leeper. Carolyn has been involved with the magazine on the adertisement level. The magazine is going to be a bi-monthly one starting this year (2007)