Generations of families in our community have been visiting Twanoh State Park since it was dedicated in 1923, when the state leased the first 30 acres to develop this wonderful waterfront park on the east side of Hood Canal. The park was the … read more

Winter brings long, dark days, and historically humans have found ways to chase away the darkness. The tradition of festooning homes with evergreen boughs, berries and cones dates back to pagan times. In Europe, pre-Germanic people gathered evergreens because they are sturdy, last … read more

The guest list is set, the menu is planned, and you’ve washed your best linens and dishes. Now for the wine list. A holiday meal can be made complete by choosing the right wines to pair with the foods you’re serving. But this … read more

Frankly, it’s neither. While even entertaining the notion of an attempt at minimalism is panic-inducing for some, for others, the opportunity for the peace and simplicity it brings to the home and daily operations is just simply too tempting to ignore. The trend … read more

As the days get shorter and temperatures begin to cool, it’s time to start thinking about performing seasonal maintenance on your home. Homeowners caught unaware by the quickly changing weather and sudden frigid temperatures (particularly in cooler climates) might face unexpected repairs and … read more

While an enjoyable part of the holiday season is giving to others, those nearing retirement would be prudent to give something back to themselves as the year nears its end. That’s the advice from some retirement planners: Reduce holiday spending to provide more … read more

A not-to-be-missed holiday-season outing is the Kingston Lights on the green spaces surrounding the Port of Kingston building near the ferry terminal. It all begins on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. when Santa arrives on a North Kitsap Fire and Rescue truck. … read more

You love them both — your pets and houseplants — but it can be challenging to safely raise them together in the same house. Reduce the risk by selecting pet-safe plants and safely managing houseplant pest problems. Avoid problems by selecting plants suited to … read more

Chances are good that at some point during the holiday season, you’ll welcome guests into your home. Whether you lease or own your home, creating a cozy, festive setting for holiday gatherings can actually be quite simple, especially if you take on the … read more