August 30, 2010
No comments »
Usually I post about fun places to go, but this post is about a good place for your dogs and cats when they are in need of medical services. This vet clinic seems a little like the “old time” vet offices, where help and service were paramount, instead of expensive decor or taking your wallet to the cleaners.
Voted first place in Best of North Kitsap in 2009 and Best veterinarian in 2008, Poulsbo Marina Veterinary Clinic has definitely earned it’s place in the local pet world. They have a constant busy schedule and treat all types of animals, plus do a lot of humane work.
The office is unpretentious and efficient with a large, friendly considerate staff. They are consistent with their hours and service. With a staff of three experienced veterinarians they are able to provide just about any service you need or will refer you forward if necessary.
Give this office a try if you are needing services or looking to change your vets. Most likely you will not regret the choice.
July 1, 2010
No comments »
Kingston has one of the cutest, most user friendly chambers in Kitsap County. They have come a long way from their humble beginnings in the little modular building across the street.
The chamber office is manned with the most informative volunteers, plus there is virtually a treasure of information available. Every event for miles around seems to be covered. You are sure to find more info and brochures than you intended.
Besides now being an absolutely pleasant addition to town the little building is an eyeful for the flower lover/gardener. It is, quite simply put, “looking good”! The office just seems to invite one to stroll about and continue on down the street.
And last but not least, a note of gratitude —
to Kitsap County for the fantastic new garbage bins they have been putting around. They are clean and efficient, and so much better than the old blue barrels (which, by the way did their duty!)
May 29, 2010
No comments »
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.
Another view showing the older tent pavilion and the new pavilion.
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!
April 14, 2010
No comments »
On a wonderful sunny Sunday we visited Port Gamble, WA., a 120 acre National Historic Landmark located on the shores on Hood Canal. A visit to this little town is always pleasant, rain or shine. We started out at the Port Gamble General Store, which is under new management. Actually our goal was the store as we had heard they have awesome hand dipped milkshakes, and I am testimony to the fact that they do! They are large so you might consider sharing one. They also have a good selection of top notch ice creams so we did a little sampling of the spumoni and it was superb. I noticed they have espresso drinks and a restaurant in the back. I did not go there but next visit will check it out. It is good to see the store up and flourishing again.
Across the street from the General Store is Olympic Outdoor Center located in the old fire station. I used to visit the Artful Ewe yarn shop in the old station and loved the building. The yarn shop has moved down the street into the Old Market Building. Olympic Outdoor Center moved from Poulsbo Wa sometime last fall I believe. That is just one of several changes I noticed around the town. Actually there are lots of changes, new businesses arriving, several moving, and a couple leaving.
Next we meandered over to the community hall and post office. I don’t exactly know why but I am always seized by an urge to go inside this building, but we couldn’t because it was Sunday. I think it has alot to do with the wonderful wooden floors and the incredible old feeling. Having said that ALL of the buildings in Port Gamble are old, but for me this one has a great feeling to it. On my next visit to Port Gamble the building might be open and I can take some photos from inside.
Stay tuned as we make our way on down the street. I highly recommend a visit to this charming quaint little town that functions at a much slower pace than the rest of the world.
March 16, 2010
No comments »
Kingston has a new bakery in town! Just what we have wanted for so long. It is located in the Old Kingston Hotel at First and Washington.
This new bakery is a combination of bakers and businesses under one roof from what I gathered on my visit.
Mirracole Morsels is a family owned baking company, serving the local community with natural morsels of goodness. I spoke with Nicole Matheson while I was there and she is the provider of the wonderful cookies (we shared a raisin oatmeal because of the extra large size) and their famous granola. Lacey Menne of Borrowed Kitchen Bakery is the baker of the breads. We purchased a tomato baguette which we took home and made a super sandwich out of brie cheese and tomatoes.
The view from the deck of the bakery is fantastic, overlooking the Kingston-Edmonds ferry and the Port of Kingston. This will be a wonderful place for breakfast, lunch, or snack times in the summer. I can’t wait to sit out on the deck or in the garden and enjoy their great pastries with a cup of coffee, which by the way comes from Cup & Muffin just down the street.
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
No comments »
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.
