“Sawadee ka.” That’s hello in Thai. Sawadee ka — said with hands in prayer position (known as wai) and a tiny bow with your head. Hello from Thailand — a land of beauty and mystery. A place where royalty and religion are entwined … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, 220 horsepower 258 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 24-mpg city/34-mpg highway/28-mpg combined Base Price: $29,895 As Tested: $30,715 Performance: Outstanding driving fun with 6-speed manual Impressive torque Very … read more

The first time we saw our property, we were not smitten. Most of the land sloped significantly and faced north. The house did not make us jump with excitement either, at first. As our choices were pretty limited, we took a second look, … read more

The sight of moss on a roof is as common in the Puget Sound region as the sight of a Starbucks coffee shop. It’s the inevitability of the wet weather and shady environment — sooner or later, you’ll likely spot those telltale green … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Ford F350 Super Duty 4×4 Crew Cab King Ranch Engine: 6.7-liter Power Stroke Diesel V-8, 440 horsepower 925 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive EPA Rating: fuel economy ratings not required for 1-ton diesels Base Price: $58,650 As Tested: … read more

Visiting a health minded friend in Arizona recently, we were served a most delicious, crunchy and satisfying salad that utilized market-fresh ingredients. My friend, Linda, lives in a community where everything is trucked in, and seasonal items are not the focus of her … read more

Model Tested: 2017 VW Golf Alltrack TSI S 4Motion Engine: 1.8-liter turbocharged I-4, 170 horsepower 199 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined Base Price: $26,950 As Tested: $28,615 Performance: Fun to drive Good … read more

Manchester Village is a hidden gem in Kitsap, on the waterfront of Puget Sound, and at its heart is the Manchester Branch of the Kitsap Regional Library. The relationship of this library to the community is unique. While the branch is staffed and … read more

Model Tested: 2017 BMW X4 M40i Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6, 355 horsepower 343 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/21 mpg combined Base Price: $58,100 As Tested: $67,495 Performance: Great engine; traditional BMW power and torque … read more