Ah, Italy! Ancient ruins, century-old churches and basilicas, wonderful restaurants and markets, picture-book scenery, canals, rolling hills, vineyards as far as the eye can see, boutique wineries and friendly people. What’s not to like? Well, it all depends on when you go. If … read more

Keeping the people you love in the conversation and part of any celebration or family gathering is one of the most meaningful things you can do. Have you noticed someone in your family withdrawing to a corner at your family gatherings? Were they … read more

‘Tis the most stressful time of the year. If your plans include being a houseguest — or hosting friends and family — here are a few quick tips to help you be your best. For Houseguests 1. Ask about ground rules in advance. … read more

Generations of families in our community have been visiting Twanoh State Park since it was dedicated in 1923, when the state leased the first 30 acres to develop this wonderful waterfront park on the east side of Hood Canal. The park was the … read more

A not-to-be-missed holiday-season outing is the Kingston Lights on the green spaces surrounding the Port of Kingston building near the ferry terminal. It all begins on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. when Santa arrives on a North Kitsap Fire and Rescue truck. … read more

Paulette Hoflin is a sculptor known for the uncommon material she chooses. This material can be less than an eighth of an inch in size, but when gathered en masse by multiple stitches of fine thread, the beads can take on the three-dimensional … read more

How did codes of the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet inspire the name of a pair of globally sourced fair-trade shops operating on Port Gamble and Winslow’s main drags? According to Tracy Zhu, owner of the two Tango Zulu shops, it was her search … read more

“Don’t waste your time reading this. I mean, put this down and walk away, and I am serious. This even wastes my own time. It’s more than you wanted to hear, and it’s more than I ever wanted to write, but I said … read more

Linda McWhirter’s art rocks. Literally. McWhirter paints lovely images — some whimsical, some very detailed and realistic — on small, smooth stones she finds here and there. She’s been doing her little rock paintings since she retired from 20-plus years of teaching — … read more