The late Roger Tory Peterson developed an identification system for birds that eventually earned him the title “dean of birdwatchers.” When first introduced, these guidelines were designed to aid in the identification of birds seen from a distance. They evolved into an all-encompassing system that allows birdwatchers to identify birds overhead, off in the distance […]
Featured
Featured Articles from the West Sound. These are the highlighted articles from WestSound Magazine.
Posted inHome
A Norwegian Cottage Christmas
Laila Caspersen and John Hansen were each raised in families who had observed Norwegian traditions and cultural values for generations. When they met in college and discovered their similar backgrounds, it seemed natural to marry and continue those traditions. Their home is a reflection of their love and appreciation for their cultural history, abundant with […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Good for Body and for Planet — Clean and Green
There isn’t much that Laura Kneib can’t make by hand. Clothes. Butter. Wood boxes. Pottery. Growing up in a family that made anything from their own clothes to herbal remedies has taught her two things: You make everything you use, and then you reuse. She recalls her parents going “senging” — harvesting ginseng — on […]
Posted inAt Home
Planning for Safety in Your Remodeling Project
It’s exciting to think about a remodeling project and all the fun things you will do. And while safety is not something that most people would say is unimportant, you’d be surprised at how many ways safety can become an issue. A first step is permitting. Simple enough, but many people often see building permits […]
Posted inAt Home
12 DIY Gift Baskets You Can Make for Less Than $45 a Piece
As the holidays approach, people are beginning to think about gifts to give their family, friends and colleagues. This year, as you make your list and check it twice, consider giving gift baskets that you put together yourself. DIY gift baskets are fun to assemble and can be personalized to individual tastes and interests. You […]
Posted inHome
Would You Like to Live in a ‘Tiny House’?
From the Wall Street Journal to cable television hit shows, “tiny homes” are a very hot topic — and for very good reasons. However, the interest in tiny homes far outpaces the current supply of these homes. A loose definition of a tiny house is a residential dwelling under 500 square feet that is comprised […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
The Sweet Life in Gig Harbor — Gig Harbor Candy Company
Phil Michelson had gifted his elderly father some Gig Harbor Candy Company English toffee. His father had never asked for anything in his life until, in failing health, he asked for some more of the luscious, chocolate-covered toffee. There was just one catch: The candy was only manufactured during the holidays by then owner Joe […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
The Wine Cabinet — Washington State Port Wines: An Excellent Gift for Thanksgiving and Christmas
If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving or Christmas gift to give a wine lover, take a look at the many port wines made by our excellent Washington state wineries. In the United States, there is a problem calling wines “ports” because it is a geographical name. An agreement signed in March 2006 between the United […]
Posted inAround West Sound
How Your Environment Plays a Role in Aging Successfully
Aging successfully can mean something different to each person. But, how people can achieve “successful aging” is actually quite similar no matter what the end result. In their book “Successful Aging,” authors John Rowe and Robert Kuhn outline three overall objectives to aging successfully: avoiding disease and disability, maintaining a high physical and cognitive function, […]