Passing through Ellensburg in pear season, one is compelled to stop at a fruit stand and be enraptured by the presence of firm, ripe, voluptuous pears. Pears can be red, green and yellow in color, and they grow in sizes from prune-sized seckels … read more

The life of a remote worker is the envy of every I-5 commuter. Who doesn’t dream of working from a home office, where every day is casual Friday and the commute is a 30-second stroll? It turns out, in West Sound, many people … read more

For local gardeners, fall is the time to clean out garden beds and get bulbs in the ground. The mild climate of West Sound makes it ideal for growing a wide range of spring-blooming bulbs, with crocuses, hellebores, cyclamen, daffodils, tulips and grape … read more

Editor’s note: This is an adapted excerpt from “36 Bottles of Wine,” by Paul Zitarelli, recently released by Sasquatch Books. There you are, casually negotiating pizza toppings with your friends. Someone blithely mentions mushrooms. Heads nod around the room. Universal approval. Does a … read more

As summer approaches and the economy remains strong, homeowners are readying to turn their remodeling dreams into reality. The 31st Annual Remodeling Cost Vs. Value Report takes a deep dive into the 21 most popular remodeling projects in 149 markets. It examines trends … read more

I was skeptical when I first tried it, but after one taste, I was hooked. Chili is a classic fall food that is often served when the weather turns colder. Instead of being outside on the deck, we start to spend Sunday afternoons … read more

Kitsap residents can now recycle their used cooking oil for free at the South Kitsap Recycling and Garbage Facility in Olalla. This is the fourth cooking oil recycling station in the county. Why is it important to recycle used cooking oil? Cooking oil … read more

Editor’s note: This excerpt was adapted from “Cooking from Scratch: 120 Recipes from Colorful, Seasonal Food from PCC Markets,” recently released from Sasquatch Books. Used by permission. In the Pacific Northwest, when we experience several straight months of cool, overcast weather, it pays … read more

Most homeowners know that large-scale upgrades can potentially lower their monthly insurance premiums. But did you know there are DIY home improvement projects that can also save you a lot of money? By being proactive, you can boost your home’s value and improve … read more