Category Archives: Uncategorized

Something Different – Thanksgiving Google hottest searches

In looking at the Hot searches on Google today, Thanksgiving Eve, 2011 we find #1 – Thanksgiving. Thank God! Glad it is not yet Christmas (or something scary).

Number 2 however is someone I have never heard of (mind you I do not have TV. Just Netflix. And a VCR/DVD Deck.) Yes a VCR. To many of you it’s right up there with the phone my 9-year-old saw in a thrift shop this past weekend. It was pretty old-fashioned even to my standards – ornate, fancy handle, on a pedestal. She picked up the receiver, that was familiar enough and said “mom, how do you dial it?” It was a rotary dial of course…. But she does math online, can adeptly search for horse videos and 12-year-olds seeing how fast they can sing the “50 Nifty United States” on YouTube. And do more on my cell phone than I can… she simply can’t understand a rotary telephone.

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A Visit To Langlois Pianos In Bremerton Wa.

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I was fortunate to make a visit to Langlois Pianos in East Bremerton.  5959 State Highway 303 NE, Suite 101, Bremerton Wa. to be exact.  Langlois Pianos, in business since 1865, is the oldest family-run business in the state of Washington. Ira Langlois III continues his family tradition of making custom hand made Grand Pianos and Upright Pianos.

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Out and About In Kingston on the Summer Solstice

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On the Summer Solstice this year Mother Nature gave us the most incredible whole day of gorgeous summer weather.  The Port of Kingston Marina was fantastic with Mount Rainier shining in the background.  Even the commuters unloading from the ferry were strolling, not hurrying.

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This sign in this summer weather probably made golfers long to be on the golf course.  That Kingston Rotary event must have done quite well with a large turnout.  The White Horse Golf Club is beautiful and offers a  free Edmonds/Kingston Golf Shuttle for golfers coming from the other side of Puget Sound.  The Pro Shop is open seven days a week and you can reserve your tee times online.

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A Great Wilderness Trail in the Heart of Poulsbo, Wa.

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Access to the Wilderness Park Trail  is across the street from North Kitsap High School on Caldart, or behind Viking Bank on Hwy. 305.  This incredibly lovely 11.56 acre park is right in the heart of Poulsbo,  but leaves behind concrete sidewalks and honking cars. It is a rugged dirt trail, a regular hiking trail, that makes good walking shoes or boots important.  At this time of year please keep in mind the “mud” factor, because it definitely is a little sloggy.

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I personally like to park at St. Olaf’s Church and walk across the little bridge toward the east to access the trail head.  I believe I am just enchanted by this little bridge plus I enjoy the grassy walk before heading into the woods.

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Immediately one is transported into a wonderful woods with the city left behind.

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Dog Fish Creek flows alongside a lot of the trail and birds abound.

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At several places small bridges have been placed over the creek.DSCN2372.

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This large tree was uprooted this winter in one of our wind storms.  It does not impede upon the trail however, just adding more texture to this rich environment.  Spring will be arriving soon and this park will burst forth with wild flowers and more birds, all for us to enjoy!

Another Visit to Port Gamble

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Yet another gorgeous, sunny day in Port Gamble.  This time we visited the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion.  What a fantastic site for a wedding or reception.  Just last year it was the tent pavilion so this is quite an improvement.  I believe the new pavilion holds approximately 200 guests with an adjacent tented patio.  With windows on all sides plus french doors, the pavilion affords a breathtaking panoramic view.  So with the Hood Canal view, Hood Canal bridge, wonderful expansive lawn, rose garden, slated patio, and 20 foot tall stone fireplace, this is the place to have the reception of your dreams.

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Another view showing the older tent pavilion and the new pavilion.

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Just up the street is the historic Buena Vista Cemetery.  Not only is the view absolutely spectacular, but the history on the tombstones is beyond fascinating.  After spending quite some time reading them, we walked down the hill for a latte and a bite of barbecue.  Yum!

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