It’s cold and wet; snow covers the deck and the sidewalks. Nothing warms the home and heart more than turning on the oven and baking something fragrant, spicy and tasty. The holidays are coming and a traditional delight for me is mincemeat. No, … read more

It is no secret. The holidays are not necessarily “the happiest time of the year” for everyone. This can be particularly so for aging seniors who may feel isolated during Christmastime due to limited mobility, diminished health or lack of contact with friends … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Subaru WRX STI Engine: 2.5-liter flat-4 turbocharged, 305 horsepower 290 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway/19 mpg combined Base Price: $38,995 As Tested: $39,790 Performance: An all-wheel-drive rocket Crazy acceleration and handling Super … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 GT Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 168 horsepower 167 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22 mpg city/27 mpg highway/24 mpg combined Base Price: $27,395 As Tested: $28,245 Performance: Good acceleration Paddle shifters Drive modes: 2WD, … read more

When friends of Katie and Glenn Eberling open their mailboxes and find a personal, creative, original invitation to a Christmas party, the holiday season officially begins. The couple have been holding Christmas gala parties for several years to kick off the Christmas season, … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Kia Forte EX Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 164 horsepower 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway/28 mpg combined Base Price: $21,200 As Tested: $26,540 Performance: Spritely performance, especially in sport mode Well-sized for city … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Acura MDX AWD Advance Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 290 horsepower 267 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined Base Price: $56,400 As Tested: $57,340 Performance: Strong, smooth engine Good acceleration Excellent long distance … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 146 horsepower 146 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway/29 mpg combined Base Price: $26,240 As Tested: $28,810 Performance: Sport and regular operating modes Paddle shifters … read more

Bremerton sculptor Alan Neweberg breathes new life into old wood — creating semi-abstract, large-scale, highly finished carvings from fine woods such as black walnut and clear fir. As tall as 9 feet, the sculptures — geometric pieces with straight lines and hard edges … read more