Everyone knows the story of Hansel and Gretel, the German fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. Abandoned in the forest, the children came upon a house made of gingerbread and other sweet delights, but owned by a wicked cannibalistic witch. The witch intended to … read more

This season, the holidays seem to have me wrapped in the warmth and excitement of holiday magic and tradition. My only child left for her first year of college out of state this fall. Her arrival home for the holidays this year helps … read more

Ferns are some of the earliest forms of plant life found on the planet. Fossil records date back to about 500 million years. About 300 million years ago, ferns dominated swamp forests, where they became the coal deposits that we mine for energy … read more

Painted in traditional Scandinavian colors of red, white and blue, the two-story, craftsman building on Poulsbo’s main street is known by longtime residents as the Nilsen-Sonju house. Norwegian settler Einar Nilsen built the house in 1908, renting the upper rooms as apartments before … read more

The view from the farmhouse porch instills a sense of peace and tranquility, as the ever-changing light signals the progression of seasons — and only the voices of birds flitting in and out of gardens and over the flood plain below break the … read more

Even though Julia and Dennis Carpenter took on all aspects of the interior architecture and design, they loved the building process. Yes, there were a multitude of details and ongoing decisions, but they had skills and time. Stepping into the Carpenters’ home demands … read more

Thad Lyman and Katie Doherty continue to amaze and delight Gig Harbor diners with their innovative, fresh and seasonal Northwest cuisine at Brix 25°. The menu is updated as frequently as when new food products are available, or when standbys are in short … read more

Confucius once said, “If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else.” Charity is the gift that keeps on giving, and there are many ways to give generously. Dr. Paul McCullough has … read more

For Stan and Jane Rein, the joining of their lives five years ago led to a second momentous union: that of the duplex Jane had called home for the previous seven years. The two-unit building at Bainbridge Island’s Yeomalt Point sat at the … read more