After safely celebrating a social distant Halloween, we replaced door knocking with some candy drop off/exchanges, I felt more hopeful that we could find some ways to replace or amend or holiday traditions while staying safe and trying to keep fun for the kids who are already missing out on so much. This year there…
P is for pandemic… It’s also the first letter of pizza. Circles of dough covered with sauce, cheese and assorted toppings, the food that gives us comfort during these pandemic times. The business model for a pizza parlor goes hand-in-hand with the measures created during periods when patrons cannot dine “inside” the restaurants. Listen to…
We’ve all heard the song lyric, “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know…” There’s just something about snow on Christmas that makes it a little bit more special (although I’ll take snow any day of the year). Believe it or not, there is a meteorological definition for what…
Welcome to The Writer’s Desk: a new monthly column providing tips for fiction and memoir writers. This month I’ll feature part 1 on revision because many of our readers participated in National Novel Writing Month and are anxious to revise their 50,000-plus-word masterpieces. Revision is a lengthy endeavor and every writer has their own process….
Edmonds School District Superintendent Dr. Gustavo Balderas sent a letter to students and families this week with some information about some changes that aim to “release some pressure on our students, families and staff.” The three Wednesdays in December will be “No New Work Wednesdays” for students from 7th to 12th grade. Elementary School students…
For most gardeners, December will be spent looking at seed and tool catalogs and dreaming about spring. Given the recent increase in interest in gardening due to the pandemic and potential seed shortages as the gardening industry adjusts to the demand, it could be a good idea to get seed orders in as early as…
It is the most wonderful time of the year! Winter is finally here, at least to meteorologists and other weather enthusiasts, and it makes me excited for the possibility of scenes like the picture above. Meteorological winter officially arrived Dec. 1, ahead of its astronomical counterpart. (You can read more about meteorological and astronomical seasons…
I hope that everyone had a safe and lovely Thanksgiving holiday. I missed gathering with friends this year- — not only for the wonderful company and conversation but also for the variety of food that everyone brings. Family gatherings are steeped in food traditions, which makes them comforting and welcoming. In our house, my husband…
Musician Marina Christopher had her 2020 all planned. In January, she was in New York City playing bass with a touring group. She had other stops scheduled and was ready to drop in at a favorite spot, Vito’s in Seattle, for another gig. But, 2020 had other plans for the Mountlake Terrace-born-and-raised artist. She has not let…
Either more people are decorating for the holidays earlier than normal this year or they’re more comfortable posting it on social media. I have seen a few houses lit up already, which seems earlier than expected, and I saw post after post on social media of people putting up Christmas decorations last weekend. I also…
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Tainted Times 2, by Valerie J. Brooks Your heart will be racing as you turn the pages of this psychological noir thriller and follow the adventures of former criminal defense attorney Angeline Porter. After her self-defense killing of two leaders of an extortionist mob, the new leaders want her money and then they want her…
It is a little hard to believe, but Thanksgiving week is here. Even though this year looks a little different than previous years, we can still make the most of it. Some of you may be attempting to have outdoor gatherings this year, and if that’s you, you are probably very interested in whether it…
This has been an unprecedented and overwhelming year. Even as we move into winter, COVID is not letting up. Our lives have been compromised by the significant consequences of this pandemic and we all feel the cumulative and collective stress and worry. We’ve figured out various ways to cope this year, and with good reason…
After being hit with several storms over the past couple weeks, we are finally expecting a break from the crazy weather. November tends to be the wettest month of the year, and it definitely seems like we’re living up to that expectation. Interestingly enough, through the first 18 days of the month, we are actually…
We are no stranger to storms impacting our area, especially during this time of year. Most of us are used to the rain and wind that accompany these storms. However, sometimes the winds associated with these storms are especially powerful and can really pack a punch. Our region avoids the dangers of hurricanes and strong…
Nov. 19-20: Bagel delivery coming to Edmonds/Shoreline Here’s a bit of information about a new neighborhood delivery that’s coming to Edmonds and Shoreline. Bagels from Eltana located on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. I ’d seen a notice regarding this opportunity, and contacted Eltana to gather all the details. Holly responded, and here is their story- “Our neighborhood…
It has been quite the wet week so far, hasn’t it? Multiple storms have impacted us this week, bringing decent amounts of rainfall over the area. Above is a map showing some precipitation totals for this week through 4 p.m. Thursday. As you can see, totals primarily ranged between a half inch and one inch….
When You Grow Up To Vote, by Eleanor Roosevelt, updated by Michelle Markel New Illustrations by Grace Lin Recommended especially for readers ages 6 – 12 A famous woman, Eleanor Roosevelt once said that “Government is like a game. If you do not know the rules or what each player is supposed to do, it…
Making music in the time of COVID has called for inordinate creativity. Social distancing restrictions have made life especially difficult for performing artists whose life work—and livelihoods—normally depend on gathering crowds of people in ways that are severely restricted, if not totally out of the question, in these unprecedented circumstances. Notwithstanding the above challenges, Sarah…
Around here, November is typically the wettest month of the year in terms of average total precipitation. You can see in the above graphic that the normal amount of total precipitation for the month of November is just over six inches, higher than every other month. The number of storms tend to ramp up this…
Not much new to be done in the garden this month. Clean up and prep for winter is still the name of the game. The only annuals to plant in the ground are for harvest next year, including greens, peas, garlic, and flowers. Planting now can get you a few weeks jump start on spring….
Locked Out in the Snow, by Kim E. Kimmy Illustrated by Hannah June Recommended especially for Young Readers ages 4 – 9 It’s the merriest time of the year and Kim is walking on snow. She’s headed for the school bus that will take her to her second-grade class, on the last day before winter…
This Halloween is poised to be one like no other, with the normal festivities having to be altered or even cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But for those still venturing out for some safe fun, it is important to keep the weather in mind. In a year that has been anything but ordinary, will…
First, an alert about a Saturday event: Scott’s Bar and Grill in Edmonds’ Lake Ballinger neighborhood offers up colorful drinks and dessert to raise funds for breast cancer on Oct. 31. $1 from each specialty cocktail or dessert benefits the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. ~ ~ ~ ~ What to do about Thanksgiving this year? Well…plan ahead…
Our Halloween routine has looked the same for so long, it’s safe to call it our Halloween tradition. We took pictures with the neighbors across the street, met a group of friends on Sunset Avenue in Edmonds, took a group picture, and knocked on doors while taking in the view, heading back on 2nd Avenue…
