Around the island….

At San Juan Florist, Julie gets a flower arrangement ready for delivery last weekend...and always with a smile.

Happy Solstice Eve to you…let’s look around the island:

The year's only full lunar eclipse is tonight!

• You already know that Solstice is on the 21st this year, and I’m hoping you heard about the lunar eclipse tonight, which starts around 9:30pm or so our time. Should be pretty cool, clouds permitting – here’s the backstory on that.

• The word in the street is that Sotheby’s intends to move to a new spot…I’ll get back to you with more info as that continues to emerge.

• In the latest County Conservation District newsletter, Carol mentions that Bruce & Colleen have received an award for the super job they do with their 20-acre farm…here’s more:

Mitchell Bay Farm of San Juan Island Receives Statewide 2010 Vim Wright Stewardship Award from the Office of Farming and the Environment

Bruce & Colleen run a great operation - be sure & get out to see them!

Our very own Farm and Forest Planner, Bruce Gregory and his wife, Colleen Howe of Mitchell Bay Farm have received the Statewide Vim Wright Stewardship Award from the Office of Farming and the Environment. Mitchell Bay Farm was one of three recipients of the award, which is annually awarded by the Washington State Office of Farming and the Environment, a non-profit organization working to protect both the economic vitality of farming and to promote the environmental stewardship of the state’s working agricultural landscape.

A representative of the awards committee noted, “Your farm is unique in its setting and operation. You were chosen as a winner because of your attention to the science of soil fertility, plant propagation and the biodiversity found on your farm as well as the careful stewardship and restoration of that valuable ecosystem. I can honestly say that of all the places I have visited, I would love to call Mitchell Bay Farm home!”

They're all set up in Cannery Landing - the Animal Shelter has opened a gift shop on the second level (next to San Juan Transit) that features all kinds of animal swag and is also a good place to drop by & find out more about the Shelter. Tawny (left), Jamie, and shelter director Leslie opened the shop in time for Christmas shopping, with an open house a week and a half ago & a really big dog. Be sure & go by to visit.

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