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 step is permitting. Simple enough, but many people often see building permits […]
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Posted inFood & Entertainment
The Wine Cabinet — Washington State Port Wines: An Excellent Gift for Thanksgiving and Christmas
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 a geographical name. An agreement signed in March 2006 between the United […]
Posted inAround West Sound
How Your Environment Plays a Role in Aging Successfully
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 successfully: avoiding disease and disability, maintaining a high physical and cognitive function, […]
Posted inCommunity News
Langer Smith Family and Kitsap Bank Recognized for Longtime Generosity
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 donors play in caring for the seniors, children and their families that […]
Posted inGarden
Get The Dirt — On Home Gardening
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, Pat, and I hooked up our 30-foot travel trailer to our Ford […]
Posted inAt Home
Remodeling with Renting in Mind
Vacation rentals, longer-term rentals, Airbnb.com — all are ways to make some income from your home or second home. You may be looking to rent out an entire home for a long term, a separate space in your home or just a small room, but before you get to remodeling that space, let’s look at […]
Posted inAt Home
How to Make Your Own Hydrangea Wreath
Hydrangeas are among the most popular shrubs in West Sound, and they make beautiful wreaths. Floral wreaths can cost as much as $50, but if you have your own hydrangeas, you can make a wreath for less than $6. Early fall is the time to cut hydrangea flowers when their petals feel papery and they […]
Posted inGarden
The Cutest Potting Shed Ever
A few years after Ruth and Brian* built their home on Haven Lake, Ruth decided she really needed a potting shed to house her books, seeds and vintage family garden tools. She drew up a concept picture and turned to her every-handy husband. Brian isn’t in the construction business, but he grew up and spent […]
Posted inAt Home
Five Tips on How to Successfully Read to Your Child
Reading has the enduring power to shape and develop minds, both in the home and classroom. The urgency to make the teaching of reading as effective and enjoying as possible should always be reinforced at home. The goal must be to show every child the power that comes from the world reading can bring to […]