People are doing some interesting things… • The Flea Market & Craft Fair is at the Fairgrounds this morning – hope to see you there! Among the zillions of folks you’ll see, Carla MacDiarmid (right) is selling her paintings (here’s her site, to give you an idea of her style)…she’s be moving off island next  Continue Reading

I sure like the way Doug Bison has settled into the old Garuda & I spot…he has a wide range of impressive & evocative sculptures & other art – be sure & swing by to check the place out! The octopus below is a polysculpture piece by Adam Rees, and it is incredible to see  Continue Reading

Yep, it’s Tom Hanks’ Polar Express for the kids at the Library tonight (here’s details), go see Elf with Will Farrell for kids at the Community Theatre (here’s the scoop), or drop by the Palace for runaway train adventure Unstoppable or Cher/Christina show Burlesque.

As we look at the direction our island (and our habits & spending) are headed with the problem of garbage & trash & dumping stuff, it might be helpful to consider ways to solve the problem – at the root of a growing mess. Annie Leonard has more:

The FHMS PTA & Jan sent over the word – this is going to be fun! Here’s more: Breakfast with Santa Returns to Friday Harbor Santa, the Grinch and kids of all ages come together on Saturday, December 11 at 10 a.m. when the Friday Harbor Middle School PTA presents Breakfast with Santa at the  Continue Reading

Looks like Harper Poesy is open for business over at Surina Business Park, next to the pet store. She offers haircuts & hair coloring (she’s a certified Redken colorist) & waxing services. Owner/stylist Tea Quinn says: “I love doing hair and this community supports my creativity to flow more than ever.” You can schedule your  Continue Reading

What’s up: • Cynthia is opening a new place for you to work out next week on the 13th (check out her Facebook writeup) – here’s the scoop: Cynthia Burke announces the opening of XYZ movement arts – X for exercise, Y for yoga and Z for Zumba. The studio is dedicated to offering a  Continue Reading

Just got this note from Rick Thompson, our schools superintendent, and I really like the way he draws the picture of what’s good & going right in our school district with clear, easy-to-visualize examples. Here’s his note: In the last few weeks I have had the pleasure of visiting district schools and classrooms.  How great  Continue Reading

It’s pretty common to long for the “good old days,” especially when things are funky around the world. This video will help fill in some of that misplaced nostalgia with a dose of reality, and maybe a little hope as well. See what you think!

You’ve seen Regan Taylor‘s little store at the Corner Store when you drive by on Cattle Point…the building used to be THE grocery store on the island (built in 1896), and now it’s a good place to find collectibles, antiques, and interesting stuff. Really interesting stuff – a fridge from the 1920s, turn of the  Continue Reading

Well, it was windy all night & to start the day…hope you’re coming out of it all right! Meanwhile, around the island…. • My friend Mary Fowler checked in to say she’s looking for her cat – can you help? Here’s the deal: Our very friendly orange and white cat has been missing now for  Continue Reading

I got a chance to see Mike & Julia last month when their book was first released…it will really, really really add to your understanding & appreciation & pleasure to hear their presentation. I’m really glad to hear the stories & backstories of this wonderful addition to the collective memories that make our island so  Continue Reading

It was thirty years ago today that John Lennon passed away, but his music remains….here’s a little acoustic version of Imagine:

If e-mail actually came in a bag, here’s what it would look like: Q. We’re thinking about moving to the island. What’s it like living on an island with nothing to do? – Naomi & Greg, Issaquah A. Thanks for asking. Actually, we’re full. Call Lopez. Q. Where do you get all the pictures you  Continue Reading

As the sun rises over the island, let’s take a look around…. • Hey, I hear islander (and native Scot) Sandy Cameron has been asked by his son to help put on a Burns Dinner in…South Korea, where he’s stationed. He was a huge part of the dinner’s success here, so it looks like he’s  Continue Reading

Mark Madsen reports the project has hired a contractor: The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild is pleased to announce that Adam Eltinge will join our team as Construction Manager for the Brickworks Project. Adam and his wife Deanna (Sundstrom) recently moved back to Friday Harbor to make their home and raise their two children.  Adam  Continue Reading

You’ve heard it before – Green Day’s “Wake Me Up When September Ends”….and a good morning to you, too!

Art from Argyle House (I love his photos!) went out yesterday with Peggy and Kurt from Naknek Charters; he tells me they are offering tours to see the Stellar Sea Lions.  Here’s the link. Thanks, Art!

Just got the word from Chamber of Commerce president Julie Corey how the decorating contest went – here’s the scoop: The Chamber is proud to announce the winners of the 2010 Decorating contest! The Grand Prize Winner ($100.00, bragging rights for a year, and their name on the Santa and Orca Trophy they get to  Continue Reading

An elf just sent me this to share with you: Santa Claus is coming to CHRISTMAS ISLAND Saturday, December 18th Please join us at the Grange Hall for an old fashioned Christmas Celebration! Doors open from 4-7pm Inside Santa will have beautiful teddy bears for every boy and girl….young and old.  Come join us around  Continue Reading

What was it like Friday night at the Community Theatre’s Holiday Festival? Lots of smiling faces & friends…this will give you a feel for the evening:

One of the best places to eat on the island is at Duck Soup Inn…you already knew that. The restaurant is closed for the season…you already knew that. Head chef Gretchen Allison gets her winter cooking classes going next week…you gotta know that! (Here’s the entire schedule of classes – the Mexican class in January  Continue Reading