When an errand ejected us from the Kitsap Peninsula during the middle of the pandemic, Phil and I decided to make a socially distant day trip out of it. In the middle of the Southworth to Fauntelroy Ferry, there’s a short stop at the Vashon Island dock. Neither one of us had ever explored the…
There is nothing like wandering around a grand, dark forest to feel in tune with nature. With towering trees above you, the gentle patter of rain, and the rush of wind, you can feel lost in the untamed wilderness from the safety of the trail. We had the fortune of escaping into the Olympic National…
Dahlias are famous throughout the Pacific Northwest. This huge, showy flowers bring bold color to the scenery. Even post offices boast huge plots, sponsored by the local Dahlia society. Growing these big, show stopping blooms has to be hard, right? Pike Place Market’s Flowers The first dahlia I ever remembered seeing was in the Pike…
After you’ve gotten your mead in to your fermenter, you’ll need to carefully watch for signs of fermentation. If after the first week you don’t see any signs of fermentation, you should troubleshoot and correct any issues. Signs of fermentation may include bubbles rising up through the airlock or an increase in depth of the…
Adding a trellis to your raised bed is an excellent way to maximize the usable space in your garden. Spreading plants like squash, cucumbers, and zucchini are well known for taking over garden beds. Between munching pests and diseases, you need to get your plants off the ground and out of reach. We built a…
Hiking trails near the Puget Sound offer a wide range of trains, eco systems, and density of people. The variety accommodates the needs of different dynamics of people seeking adventure in the great outdoors. From water views to mountain climbs, the Puget Sound is an outdoor playground. I’ve compiled some highly recommended short hikes and…
The Olympic National Park is a huge draw for those wanting to get out of the city. Just a short drive from downtown Seattle, it’s easy to escape city life and get lost in the untamed wild. National Parks as a whole restrict pets from most hiking trails. However, there are easy and accessible places…
My husband and I recently made the decision to move from Southern California to just outside of Seattle, partially driven by circumstances surrounding COVID-19. While developing our game plan for moving, we investigated different options for a cross country move. Even though we haven’t landed on a final decision, we developed our own pros and…
The recent pandemic has resulted in a surge of home bakers taking the opportunity to try their hand at new or length recipes that their work schedules never previously allowed. Sourdough bread might seem like a new trend, but before the advent of modern refrigeration, baker’s yeast was rare or non-existent. If you wanted fresh…
Recently, my father in law entrusted me with a box of old family photos and letters. Inside, there were a stack of old, faded negatives. At first, I was afraid we’d have to take them to a professional scanner or photo developer to see the images, beyond just holding them up to the light. However,…