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

Getting more out of a vacation starts with finding ways to stretch your travel budget. To help, travel deals publisher Travelzoo recently unveiled the top six destinations where Americans will find the strongest deals in 2017. “We predict three trends will influence travel … read more

It might not feel like you alone can have an impact on the environment, but over time, small lifestyle changes can make a substantial difference. Need some ideas to get started? Draw inspiration from the collective efforts of one California olive company working … read more

The late Roger Tory Peterson developed an identification system for birds that eventually earned him the title “dean of birdwatchers.” When first introduced, these guidelines were designed to aid in the identification of birds seen from a distance. They evolved into an all-encompassing … read more

It’s exciting to think about a remodeling project and all the fun things you will do. And while safety is not something that most people would say is unimportant, you’d be surprised at how many ways safety can become an issue. A first … read more

If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving or Christmas gift to give a wine lover, take a look at the many port wines made by our excellent Washington state wineries. In the United States, there is a problem calling wines “ports” because it is … read more

Aging successfully can mean something different to each person. But, how people can achieve “successful aging” is actually quite similar no matter what the end result. In their book “Successful Aging,” authors John Rowe and Robert Kuhn outline three overall objectives to aging … read more

The family of Helen Langer Smith and Kitsap Bank were recently recognized with philanthropy awards for their decades-long generosity and loyal support of Martha & Mary. The awards were given during the organization’s annual Donor Appreciation Reception, which recognizes the important role that … read more

This coming January, I will turn 70 years old. What a glorious age to be. I retired from WSU Kitsap Extension at the age of 67 and continued writing this column and other pieces for WestSound Magazine magazine. This past summer, my husband, … read more