School is out — which means kids will be looking for things to do. A great thing about living in West Sound is that there are a number of ways to enjoy summer vacation close to home, and most of them are free. … read more

Just before summer warms soil temperatures to an intolerable level for cool weather legumes, fava beans are at their largest, sweetest stage. The long, bright-green pods hide a delicious ancient delicacy nestled inside their silken, white lining. Favas are known throughout the Middle … read more

After a long, gray winter, spring’s color is a welcome tonic. Not only are the plants and trees bursting with color, the birds are doing the same. Migrants that will nest in the Pacific Northwest bring “south of the border” color into the … read more

Now in its fourth year, the Rock the Dock concert series on the Louis Mentor Boardwalk at the Bremerton Marina kicks off with a bang on July 4. This summer’s entertainment line-up features 16 special performances over eight nights that encompass a wide … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 SEL S-AWD Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 166 horsepower 162 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 24/City—29/Highway—26/Combined Base Price: $26,995 As Tested: $33,095 Performance: OK power, a little low for such a big rig Eco mode … read more

Organizing Culprit No. 1: The Filing Cabinet The No. 1 organizing fail is the one you’d least expect: the filing cabinet. That’s right. For anyone except the most organized people, filing cabinets are where papers go to die. This unorthodox view comes from … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Mazda6i Grand Touring Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas, 184 horsepower 185 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 28/City—40/Highway—32/Combined Base Price: $30,195 As Tested: $33,695 Performance: Excellent, responsive engine and transmission Quite lively in Sport mode Taut, but smooth handling … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Lexis NX 200t F Sport Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 gas, 235 horsepower 258 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22/City—27/Highway—24/Combined Base Price: $38,365 As Tested: $44,605 Performance: Enjoyable to drive Sport tuned suspension Sharp 18-inch F Sport alloy … read more

 Model Tested: 2016 Lincoln MKX AWD Engine: 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 gas, 335 horsepower 380 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/City—24/Highway—19/Combined Base Price: $47,650 As Tested: $61,760 Performance: Surprising horsepower from small displacement V-6 (2.7L) Great torque Very car-like handling for … read more