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We are blessed with an abundance many varieties of apples here in the Pacific Northwest. In addition, there are three apple trees in my backyard, and they produce lots of fruit every year. … more
Finally, a spell of good weather will send both new and old gardeners into rapture. When the spring sun comes out, the sap doesn’t just rise in the trees. It feels as if every living thing in … more
For a dedicated birder, March in Washington is, on the surface, a relatively quiet month. It's a bridge between winter specialties and spring migration. But if you look carefully, you will see that things are really starting to happen in the bird world! Many of the earliest migrants, such as Violet-green, Tree, and Barn swallows, will show themselves... more
My family and I moved here about five and a half years ago from California. We fell in love with the place that became our home at first sight. In addition to two homes on three acres, the former … more
In this past year writing about the healthcare system, I came to realize that most of us feel depressed and powerless. Pawns in a system rather than patients, wondering if it will ever get better. We … more
St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner (it’s officially next Sunday, March 17, this year). Although I am not of Irish ancestry, my name, Shannon, is very Irish. That makes me … more
... cat v. bird research published in 2013 estimated that cats kill between 1.3 and 4.0 billion birds in North America each year. more
Several weeks ago, I received a few photographs sent by reader John Hutchings. John noticed that a single bird was spending its night in the roof vents of his house, choosing a different vent each … more
March is National Women of History Month. In 1980 President Jimmy Carter was successfully lobbied by a coalition of women’s group to issue a proclamation recognizing National Women’s … more
This chili recipe is healthy, easy and delicious. My daughter tells me she can’t eat chili unless I made it.  With the changing weather, this warm comfort food is perfect on raw, windy … more
In an alley one block north of Bigelow Park in NE Olympia, the biggest and likely oldest Madrona tree in Thurston County is in declining health, but still breathtakingly beautiful. Its location … more
Introduction – In 2023, Liam Hutcheson located and documented 378 bird species in Washington, a new state record. I enjoyed hearing Liam tell the stories of his Big Year and I asked him to … more
Happy Leap Year!  And to all the Leap Year Babies, Happy Birthday! Since it only happens every four years, I hope you are doing something epic this year to celebrate. What does … more
As winter drags on in the PNW and your medical columnist returns from vacation, I decided to make this week’s health topic just that. I love vacations and as it turns out, they are good for our … more
Many people enjoy sandwiches from time to time. My family especially likes a favorite called Croque Monsieur. It is versatile, warm, filling, and may be served for breakfast, lunch, dinner or weekend … more
No two springs are exactly alike. And each spring, every gardener is one year older, so we’re never exactly alike either.   The more years of gardening behind us, the bigger the … more
Check the calendar. It is 1/3 rd of the way from the winter solstice to the summer solstice, and the birds have noticed. They’re beginning the spring migration. Migration time for many … more
I have been talking to my friends and family about the younger generation recently and we all agreed we don’t have a clue what is going on. Teenagers and even younger kids, car-jacking Kias and … more
A quest to establish cordial relations with insects and bugs led me to “Insects and Gardens: In Pursuit of a Garden Ecology,” by Eric Grissell. “Insects, at an estimated weight … more
Some years ago, I stopped at the store on my way home from work to pick up a few items, including a light bulb. When I got home and was putting things away, I realized there was no light bulb. I … more
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