For years, we dreamed of a life of travel. Whenever a favorite vacation was coming to an end, my husband and I would say, “Wouldn’t it be great if we could stay longer — like forever?” Well forever is now, as we embark … read more

All of our garden plants are winding down for the year, yet the joy of each season’s garden still plays out in gardeners’ minds as winter sets in. Ask yourself what plants had an outstanding performance in the garden this year. What gave … read more

Give your unflocked tree a new life by recycling it after the holiday season. Trees are chipped into mulch or compost, which can be returned to the earth as a soil amendment. Santa says, “Treecycle your Christmas tree! It’s cheaper and better for … read more

Birds have been a part of holiday celebrations and traditions for hundreds of years. Their place in the festivities continues to grow. During dark Scandinavian and Northern European winters, Christmas celebrations brightened the days and lifted spirits. A large part of the activities … read more

Research and education aren’t the only things you’ll find at The Salmon Center in Belfair — there’s also art! The beautiful, etched-glass double door (see gallery at bottom) was the creation of local artist Randy Calm of Phoenix Design South. Calm, who specializes … read more

No one can deny that Bremerton has been in a slow takeoff, with attempt after attempt to revive, modernize and bring back the spicy little city that once was. Of course, we know that will never happen, for that which was is now … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Ford Fusion Energi Titanium Engine: 2.0-liter I-4+electric, 141 horsepower (188 hp combined) 129 lb-ft torque Transmission: Electronic CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 42 mpg gas only/97 mpg electricity+gasoline Base Price: $34,120 As Tested: $37,690 Performance: Outstanding fuel economy in electric … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab Engine: 4.0-liter V-6, 261 horsepower 281 lb-ft torque Transmission: 5-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway/17 mpg combined Base Price: $33,390 As Tested: $37,040 Performance: Strong, smooth V-6 engine Very good torque … read more

Lana Decker’s love of Christmas began when she was in high school. Over the years, she’s amassed quite a large collection of ornaments, santas, trees… so much so, that the collections have taken over the Deckers’ three-car garage. At last count, she had … read more