The stately, wrought-iron gate at the top of the driveway gives the first clue to what lies beyond: “Wurlitzer Manor.” Wurlitzer Manor, the Gig Harbor home of Barbara Hammerman and Raymond Lavine since 2002, sits atop a bluff overlooking the Tacoma Narrows, with … read more

Editor’s note: This excerpt is adapted from “The Gift of Gathering: Beautiful Tablescapes to Welcome & Celebrate Your Friends and Family” by Bre Doucette, published by Harvest House Publishers. Reprinted with permission. Your table is your foundation. Whether it’s a picnic table, a … read more

A gravel lane heads arrow-straight through a dull flood plain west toward Dyes Inlet. But turn left off the lane into the driveway of Ron Gillespie and Joyce Merkel, and you find a profoundly different world. Strolling under a broad arbor dripping with … read more

With the opening of Maynard’s Restaurant in Silverdale, Chef Maynard “JJ” Meland’s dream of feeding people in a unique and sustainable way has become a reality. The son of a chef, and cooking professionally himself for more than 25 years, Meland has had … read more

“Ut pictura poesis,” wrote the Roman poet, Horace. In his seminal guide for fellow poets, “Ars Poetica” (The Art of Poetry), he urged them to write poetry with the same deliberation a painter would give a painting. “As is painting, so is poetry,” … read more

Norbert and Lisa van Dam of Seattle had historical ties to the South Sound when they bought their Grapeview property. Lisa remembers summers on Treasure Island when she was a girl, and later when their children enjoyed holidays and vacation adventures there. Both … read more

It’s mind-boggling. China’s population is more than 1.4 billion. Yes, billion with a B. Eclipsing the United States with the 2019 population count at 330 million (India fast gaining on China with 1.3 billion). Billions of people. Where to put them all? How … read more

As winter dampness settles in, the changing season alters the way people take care of their skin. Indoor heat can be drying, as furnaces and heaters take humidity from the air. Indoor air can be stuffy too, and the cold dampness chills to … read more

The room buzzes with excitement as people gather, serve themselves some refreshments and find their seats. The artist instructor prepares palettes of paint, distributes brushes and socializes with each of the guests, and then the fun begins. Most of the time, everyone in … read more