November 13, 2009
No comments »
A visit to Valley Nursery on a rainy day with latte in hand is a good way to spend a rainy afternoon. I love being greeted by the giant garden troll. Wish he lived in my yard! Since this nursery is large (6 acres) I try to have a good amount of time but even a small visit is a refreshing break from the rainy weather.
I enjoy looking at their ever changing displays and find inspiration for my own seasonal decorating. But this day I was on a mission. I needed to find some help with a diseased rhodie. They have horticulturists on staff daily and they can answer any questions I have regarding my plants. They are knowledgeable regarding care, pest control, and soil preparation. I have discovered that my plants purchased from Valley Nursery almost always do quite well, probably because they stock varieties specific to our northwest environment and growing conditions. I did have one blueberry bush that didn’t survive and they replaced it. I can’t say if that always happens but they certainly seem to stand behind their plants.
Valley Nursery has wonderful garden decor for sale. The biggest hurdle is to limit my choices because of space in my garden.
Then a walk through the greenhouses is always inspiring. I have to admit I am almost out of control here in the spring and find myself with one of those big carts full of beautiful starts.
Since the fall rainy days are so dreary, it is fun to see color and to take some plants home to cheer up my entry. Have to say I do a lot of fall planting also to have some early blooms in the spring. Inside their garden store they have gifts for all my gardener friends so it is nice to get a little Christmas shopping out of the way. In the past I have made some gorgeous (if I do say so) wreaths using their wreath machine. I hope it is available this year as I am looking forward to using some of the evergreens I have saved. Happy Gardening!!
October 28, 2009
1 comment »
Sluys Bakery in historic downtown Poulsbo WA and the home of the famous Poulsbo bread.
The window display is absolutely enticing and will draw you right in their front door, unless of course you do not indulge in sugar. I allow myself a little treat occasionally so right through that door for me. “Look at the size of those goodies” I am saying to myself!
The door knob, being a metal pretzel, is completely appropriate.
Once inside the selection is overwhelming. The pastries are large, oozing with frosting and fillings, and decadent. I selected one of my favorites, a bear claw as big as my hand. I also purchased a cherry danish and some jalapeno crackers to take home. I had to resist taking home cookies, cakes, and more pastries. Of course, being reminscent of a slightly rustic European bakery, they also serve lefse and other Nordic sweets. During the holidays they always have seasonal desserts such as pies and fruitcakes. To top it all off the service is excellent. If you should have to wait, just spend your time eyeing the scrumptious spread before you. Try to decide exactly what you want before you get up there and ask for one of everything. If you are from out of town and unable to come back, I suggest you load up, otherwise you will definitely wish you had later.
October 3, 2009
No comments »
While in Kingston we decided to shoot some baskets at the Kola Kole Park basketball court. The court and park are maintained by Kitsap County Parks and in my opinion they do a good job. The court was clean and the fence in good repair. It was a sunny day, perfect for an outdoor activity and the little ones were easily entertained playing on the playground equipment next to the Kingston Cooperative Preschool. The preschool is housed in the old Kola Kole School House which was built in Kingston around 1909. The preschool has been there for 40 years or so. Just amazing actually.
After that we took a stroll around the Ed Moon Baseball Field and envisioned the years of playing that has taken place there and the hundreds of youngsters who have played on that field. This park certainly has a lot of history behind it and for such a small town has served a lot of people in so many different ways.
September 23, 2009
No comments »
The Clear Creek Trail, which is almost 5 miles long, winds through the heart of Silverdale. My favorite part of the trail begins at the Silverdale Rotary Gateway Park on Silverdale Way. Just in case you are not familiar with the park it is easily recognized by being the “skateboard park”. Just park and follow the signs shown above. Most likely there will be other walkers leading the way. It is truly an enjoyable outing for all ages and dogs are welcome if leashed, but you must carry and use your doggie bags (which are provided). It is also quite a popular bike trail.
The Clear Creek Bike/Pedestrian Trail is a 1.4 mile long, approximately 10 foot wide paved trail winding through open space next to Hwy SR3. This will be your goal after leaving the parking lot shown in the first photo.
At this point we took one of the side trails which heads for the wetlands and the boardwalk. This walk is enjoyable year around. I have walked there in all the seasons and am impressed every single time. Even in the winter it is exquisite with snow on the grasses, birds everywhere, more solitary peacefulness, and an occasional coyote. It is truly a wonderful contribution provided by the Clear Creek Task Force.
September 10, 2009
No comments »
While summer reading time is officially over, a good way to spend a rainy day is inside the Kitsap Regional Library in Poulsbo Wa. It is a well stocked delightful little library, plus the librarians are quite helpful. I walked out with more than I expected to take home. The books, cds, dvds, and magazines all have reasonable check out times and can be returned at any branch. Although small, the library is part of the whole Kitsap Regional system thus thousands of books and other materials are available and can be ordered from their computer system.
September 3, 2009
No comments »
If you have not had the opportunity to go to a concert “on the lawn” at the Suquamish Clear Water Casino, I recommend you go and check it out.
We won tickets to see Christopher Cross play. It was a beautiful evening, excellent atmosphere, good food and drinks, and a chance to hear Cross play “Sailing” while a sail boat passed behind the stage.
Christopher Cross at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino
Cross and his band sounded great, mixing his hits from the early eighties with songs that are not so well known. His voice sounded just like it did on the album we used to listen to when I was a kid.
Suquamish Clearwater Casino is a great venue for summer concerts
It was a great way to spend a late summer evening. The moon slowly rose over Bainbridge Island in the picturesque background and the evening air was filled with music.
If you have been to a concert “on the lawn” at Clearwater, we would love to hear about your experience, just post it in a comment.
August 31, 2009
No comments »
We stopped by Sacks Feed and Garden in Kingston recently and were greeted at the door by a sweet golden retriever. She escorted us as we shopped for doggie treats (was that why she was so devoted?), slug repellent, grass seed, and some fall plants. The store is stocked with gardening books, gifts, feed for all kinds of critters, and most enjoyable for us, flowers. It was a fantastic sunny day and the plants were putting on their best display for us. We decided to go next door to the Cup and Muffin to get a latte and stay a little longer. With only a trace of fall in the air plus the warm sun, it was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
August 26, 2009
3 comments »
We recently went Salmon fishing in the Puget Sound between Suquamish, Bainbridge Island and Indianola. We tried using buzz bombs, fake squid and shiners, shiners and herring and lures. No Salmon on this outing. We did see one fisherman haul in a good size silver.
View of Suquamish from our boat
We did catch a few bullheads and one dog fish, but more importantly we had a good time out on the Sound enjoying the salty sea and relaxing views. If any of you have some fishing tips, they are welcome.
