It’s no surprise we all have plenty of time to pick up new languages, learn new dances, pick up coding, and build elaborate backyard lounge areas these days… But not everyone wants to be productive all the time. Let’s face it, after a hard day of working, the last thing you probably want to do…
We first talked about Pokémon Go, the mobile Augmented Reality game involving Pokémon characters popularized on cards of the same name, in 2016 — just after the app was released. Throngs of users crowded Pokéstops, where you gather supplies and catch the characters, at the Edmonds Waterfront playing the game. About two weeks ago, the…
Dear readers: In three weeks, I’ll be giving a TED talk, and I’m hoping you’ll watch — because it’s all about you. That’s right. For several years I’ve been saying that readers will play a key role in ensuring the survival of journalism — and I proposed talking about that topic for the 2020 TEDXSnoIsleLibraries program….
COVID times are making life difficult for all of us. Our local restaurant and beverage purveyors are kept on their toes by updates on “new” procedures, changed frequently. Masks and social distancing measures daunt prospective diners. Muffled conversations with wait staff, when one does get a seat at a table, may hinder communication as to…
In October of 1918, the world was still fighting WWI, and although the end of the hostilities was near, censorship of the news still remained. Therefore, it was left to the non-combatant country of Spain to report that civilians in many places were becoming ill and dying at an alarming rate. These circumstances gave rise…
Over the last couple of weeks, we (OK, I) have been hyper focused on taking the kids’ makeshift workspaces and preparing them for more long-term use — the Edmonds School District announced this week that the 20-21 school year would start with a remote learning schedule. It has been all kinds of cleaning out closets…
Working from home isn’t as easy as it might seem. Sure, you get to avoid traffic, save money on lunch, and wave goodbye to those awkward conversations with coworkers you aren’t a fan of, but… You’re having to keep track of yourself. Unlike a regular office, you don’t run the risk of your manager stopping…
It’s amazing how all of a sudden it feels like summer! I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri where hot is really hot — as in the temperature gets into the high 90s and the humidity is close to 90% without it raining. I remember going from my air-conditioned house to my air-conditioned car to…
Hidden Pictures, by Johanna Flynn Desperation and regret are a volatile basis for a friendship, or a reationship. Yet these powerful emotions draw together two unlikely souls who are each at very different, pivotal forks in the road of their lives. Gordon’s ancestors illustrate a glowing history of celebrated life tales as one of the…
Earlier this month when writing about Southwest County Park, I found out that along with being the “largest single parcel of open space within the Edmonds city limits,” it is a Snohomish County Park. When I went through the list of Parks and Facilities listed on their site, SnoCoParks.org, I recognized more names than I…
Sign Up for Our Daily Lynnwood Newsletter
Lockdown is still in effect, which can only mean one thing: a serious lack of romance. Who can blame us? It’s hard to feel romantic with a face covered in mud masks, and a stomach full of takeout. Sure, going out is an option, but it’s not always feasible. Between tight finances and a general…
Walking, it seems, is now a “thing.” If there was a form of movement that most of us can do, made for a stay-mostly-at-home-avoid-crowds-crisis, it is definitely walking. And with this pandemic apparently here for the foreseeable future, as well as summer upon us, there is never a better time to make walking a part…
The Woodland Park Zoo has always provided a wonderful excursion for families — kids and grandkids love seeing and learning about animals from around the world. Now reopened, the zoo provides a safe outdoor experience to enjoy during summer weather. The biggest news is the zoo’s new Malayan baby tapir, born June 10 to first-time…
After emerging from Southwest County Park recently, the kids and I ran into a parent from one of their schools, and within seconds it was dueling verbal firehouses from myself and my youngest, who has never met her before. I’ve noticed that when given the opportunity, even on phone calls to family members otherwise marked…
We live in a day and age where time never stands still, no matter what we’re doing. It’s always “go” time. Errands, work, pending deadlines, catching up with loved ones, calling your doctor, making vet appointments, making dinner ― everything. And during quarantine, it’s still no different. Sure, we might get more time to hang…
One year ago today: In Arlington, John and Heather Norman are putting the final touches to an exact replica of The Spirit of St. Louis. That was the plane that Charles Lindbergh flew non-stop from New York to Paris in 1927. With little in the way of creature comforts — no heat, no bathroom except…
A popular subject amongst the group text we have going for our hockey friends is where to hike/walk with the kids. (We also talk a bit about how the kids talk to each other mid-video game as it seems to be its own language.) At our house, we’re looking for a mix of trying to…
The year 2020 seems like it’s lasted a century already, and it’s only July… Let that sink in. At just a little over the halfway mark, we’ve seen protests, fires, murders, a global pandemic, death and let’s not forget — murder hornets. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. So, to say that it’s…
To some, Michael Reagan is considered an Edmonds local legend. An international artist who has drawn the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Harrison Ford, Sen. John Glenn, Gregory Peck and many others, Mike — between portraits — is often seen walking around Edmonds carrying an American Flag in honor of those who have served and didn’t…
The Jossing Affair, by J.L. Oakley The Jossing Affair is a historical thriller about a time in Norway that tested every aspect and emotion of human nature: The story of the World War II Nazi occupation of Norway, this fictional spy story is steeped in the true and fascinating historical facts of that period. The…
If you’re like most of us, you struggle with sleep issues from time to time. Whether it’s not being able to fall asleep before 3 a.m., or running on fumes for most of the day, only to feel wide awake by 10pm, odds are high there’s something you could improve on. In fact, if you’re…
I absolutely love it when local fresh strawberries are in season. It means summer is really here (even if the weather feels like “Juneary”). Strawberries mean the 4th of July is near. Although the usual holiday festivities like city fireworks and parades won’t be happening, you can still celebrate our freedom with fresh strawberries. I…
For years, I have shared with readers my love-hate relationship with Facebook. Actually, let’s flip that: It’s a hate-love relationship. To explain, everything we post to our news websites is also posted to Facebook and Twitter. I used to do this posting individually, by hand, and with three community news websites it was fairly time…
Staying hydrated does wonders for your body. Not only does it help to debloat you after indulging in that large bowl of pasta, it also helps maintain your basic urinary function. And those are just two of the many benefits. It’s also known for aiding your skin and hair, regulating your bowel movements and temperature,…
After picking up my second set of books from the Edmonds library since they opened for socially distanced hold pickups and returns (still a thrill), I saw campers and staff at the Edmonds Boys are Girls Club in their camp t-shirts hanging out on the basketball court next to the building. The club has been…
