From cooking to conversations all the way to homework help and parties, the kitchen truly is the heart of the home. The average American spends more than nine days in the kitchen each year. With such a long time being spent in the … read more

Numerous species of migratory birds breed in West Sound. Many travel thousands of miles from wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. The later a bird arrives, the farther it has traveled. These species, called long-distance migrants, sometimes spend the nonbreeding season in … read more

Online car buying has become more popular in recent years, and it may be even more popular right now. Instead of having to go out to visit dealer lots, many car shoppers find it’s easy to look at inventory, set up test drives, … read more

It’s a three-bridge, two-island drive from Kitsap County to bucolic Marrowstone Island in Jefferson County. And only 35 minutes by car. The three bridges span bodies of water, each of them a geographic demarcation line. Hood Canal forms the boundary between Kitsap and … read more

The recent economic downturn has caused many Americans to worry about their money, but there is at least one potential bright spot: lower interest rates. For homeowners, this means that it may be time to consider refinancing your mortgage. Refinancing can give you … read more

With summer vacations looking a little different this year, infusing new energy into playtime — and making it a family affair — can turn time at home into a fun “staycation.” Both kids and adults can quickly grow tired of the same scenery … read more

“Why would you want to buy that piece of swampland?” asked the strawberry farmer when Jim and Lynn McIntyre showed interest in a plot of land he had tried to cultivate. The land was full of rocks and wet clay, and a big … read more

A distinctive and unexpected ingredient like rice vinegar is an easy way to bring far-away flavors to your favorite summer dishes. This pantry staple adds an Asian-inspired flavor to recipes of all kinds, from marinades to high-end meals. Explore a new way to … read more

When my wife, Kerri, and I want to take a nice drive, we often head west across the Hood Canal Bridge and take a right — and within 20 minutes, we arrive in the community of Port Ludlow. It takes us about 45 … read more