Of all the delicious fruits grown in the Northwest, pears may be the most versatile, succulent and satisfying of all. Pears transcend summer into fall, ripening late summer to early autumn, depending on variety and weather conditions. This beautiful fruit lends itself to … read more

Bats Eat Insects Galore Bats were a topic in this column in fall of 2008. Since a horribly devastating disease called “white nose syndrome” or WNS is decimating bat populations nationwide, it’s appropriate to revisit information about one of nature’s most awesome weapons … read more

This time of the year provides some of the best birdwatching. A walk on the “edge” will produce the largest variety of bird species. Forests and heavy brush bordering fields, wetlands and other open areas create this edge effect birds are drawn to. … read more

Native plants are the perfect complements for West Sound gardens. They are easy care, once established, and many of our “domesticated” or “cultivated” plants once had native roots. Also look for native plants that survive well in British Columbia, Oregon and perhaps Northern … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Chevrolet Volt Premier Hatchback Engine: 1.5-liter I-4 gas plus twin electric motors, 149 horsepower (combined) 294 lb-ft torque (combined) Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 42-mpg gas, 106-mpg electric Base Price: $37,570 As Tested: $39,930 Performance: Strong acceleration Smooth, quiet … read more

Opposites attract: Night owls marry early birds, party people partner with homebodies and we, neat freaks, just can’t live without some messies in our life. We love them: They are our partners, our children, our aging parents. They are spontaneous, funny, out-of-the-box thinkers … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium Engine: 2.5-liter flat four gas, 170 horsepower 174 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 24-mpg city, 32-mpg highway, 27-mpg combined Base Price: $25,795 As Tested: $28,540 Performance: Excellent bad weather traction Quite nimble off-road … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Ram 2500 Power Wagon Crew Cab 4×4 Engine: 6.4-liter V-8 gas, 410 horsepower 429 lb-ft torque EPA fuel economy: not rated; our best was 15.2-mpg highway Transmission: 6-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive Base Price: $51,160 As Tested: $58,645 Performance: A mountain goat … read more

Model Tested: 2016 VW Beetle Dune Convertible Engine: 1.8-liter I-4 gas turbo, 170 horsepower 184 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 25-mpg city, 34-mpg highway, 28-mpg combined Base Price: $25,995 As Tested: $26,815 Performance: Decent power, but nothing spectacular OK automatic … read more