Lots of folks have their own angle on the Fourth….Josie & I came over for the holiday (it’s a holiday week, with Canada Day last Monday for a long weekend, as folks say in Canada) & it was great to get out all over the island & see people, swapping stories & hugs & lots  Continue Reading

Well, it looks like two islanders – a writer & a cartoon artist – are moving ahead in their work, and the recognition that goes with it. Both are in contests now, and you can help them by voting for their work! Let me tell you about this, starting with Wendy Wiegert & continuing with  Continue Reading

It’s been a while since you & I checked in. I’m happy to report that Victoria remains THE tourist destination for you, this summer. Only $6.90 to walk on the WSF ferry, and $2.50 to ride the bus from Sidney to Victoria, which leaves plenty of money for ice cream. Tens of thousands turned out  Continue Reading

Great news! The sun came out & the sky cleared for the event: longtime islanders Emily Reed & John Geyman were married Saturday, and met up with a couple hundred well-wishers for a reception at Ernie’s, which ended with John flying Emily in his plane around the island, to the delight of the cheering crowd.  Continue Reading

I thought I would take a moment to report in from 7 miles away that Victoria had a sunny summer–like weekend just now, just like you. I see it is my purpose in life to report to you what I see in the streets, so here goes: •  Hockey isn’t going very well. Our beloved  Continue Reading

It’s time: Don’t weight any more! Last year, I knew something had to give….I had gone over the 200 pound mark, and plain felt bad. I knew that Shelly VanSkyhawk was working with folks with weight issues, and I was hearing about good results. So I called Shelly, and in three months, had left 37 pounds  Continue Reading

Island Stage Left has another winner this spring with its production of “A Number” by  Caryl Churchill. In this two-man production, director Helen Machin-Smith and her cast take on a number of challenges: the show is only 55 minutes long, but packed with enough going on that the audience last night, at the end of the  Continue Reading

Hey, let’s see what see what’s new around the island: • You remember Friday Harbor High science teacher Marc Vermeire – he’s teaching in China these days, and also (no kidding) appears in this advertisement in China selling dried seafood – here’s the link (click here!) to a Chinese version of YouTube. ++++++++ • You  Continue Reading

Here’s the word from Milene & the County Elections folks: San Juan County has not had an April election for at least 20 years (that’s how far back we looked).  But this week, you will receive your ballot for our upcoming April election.  Not surprisingly, there’s a lot of confusion about this election:  Why are  Continue Reading

The president signed the act this morning…. And if you like, click here to view the Official Proclamation signed by the president.