Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… The practice of mindfulness is an important tool to have in your mental toolbox especially when life gets stressful. I’ve learned different mindfulness techniques or meditation practices over the years mostly within the context of a yoga class or  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… Recently my sister Betty unearthed a piece of applique needlework that I made in the 80s called “Grandma’s Garden”. It was my fanciful depiction of our grandmother Belle Mullis working in her garden. As kids growing up in the  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… Eating fresh wholesome food is one of the cornerstones of maintaining good health. As anyone who shops for food knows, this can get expensive. Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor has generated greater access to good food by partnering with San  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… Even while we cherish our late summer days there is a twist to the seasons this time of year.  Kids head back to school and while I’ve been out of school for a long time I still feel the  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… It is August on San Juan Island. The roads are dusty and the traffic is wild. This time of year dodging mopeds and navigating around long lines of bicycling tourists can fray an islander’s nerves. If you are tempted  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the SJ Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… With a move in my future it is good timing for me to have the Mullis Center’s Parking Lot Sale on August 24 as further inspiration to selectively pare down my belongings.  I often think about culling my clutter but sometimes  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… Most Islanders do not need to be reminded to appreciate the beauty of nature. It is why we live here. And yet, if you live here 24/7 you know that even our island paradise is not immune to the  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… A new book club is starting up at the Mullis Center. If you would like to be there for the launch of the new club, the first meeting will be held in the Mullis Center library on Monday, July  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… If you can breathe you can do yoga. So they say and I believe it. One of the most useful things I’ve learned in yoga class is the long, deep, yoga breath. To do it, you fill your lungs  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the SJ Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… Artist Thrinley DiMarco is offering a collage workshop at the Mullis Center on June 15 and 16. Says Thrinley, “The mystery and magic of creativity is simply seeing what everyone sees but thinking what no one else has thought. Out  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… With the popular community lunch program at the Mullis Center expanding from two to three days per week, now Monday, Wednesday and Friday, a few other changes have been made as well. Now, the Mullis Center’s monthly Pancake Breakfast  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… Seeking role models for positive aging led me to the British stage and four outstanding actors and great friends each who have been awarded the title of “Dame” by the British Empire for their service to drama.  Dame Maggie  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… What a relief it is to fix a stamp onto that envelope addressed to the IRS and send it off in the mail. Phew! I’m sure I am not the only one who finds filing taxes both mysterious and  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… Beginning April first (no foolin’) the Senior Lunch program at the Mullis Center is expanding to three days a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. As our island community gets older and costs of housing and healthcare keep going up,  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… If you are caring for a loved one, an aging parent, a spouse or child with special needs, a neighbor or a friend and if you are not a paid care provider, the Mullis Center is offering a free,  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the SJ Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… If sourdough rye, pickled herring, Icelandic yogurt with blueberries, or sugar snap peas and garlic potatoes sound good to you, you may find the Nordic diet a satisfying choice. Similar to the Mediterranean diet but focused on a Scandinavian lifestyle  Continue Reading

I was staying at Sakya Kachod Choling, the Buddhist Center on Mt Dallas, when I learned that my friend Ben’s cancer had spread into parts of his body that changed his situation from fighting for his life to acceptance of his death. A Buddhist Center is a good place to be at a time like  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… Last Thursday’s Senior Lunch at the Mullis Center was especially festive if also bittersweet. It was Wendy Stevens, our County Senior Services Manager’s Farewell Retirement Lunch. Things got off to a rousing start as Garth Shebek led a chorus of  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… You’ve probably heard of the Mediterranean diet.  It has long been recognized that a typical, traditional lifestyle from the Mediterranean with a diet rich in olive oil, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes, fish, and shellfish can  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… The New Year begins and after the indulgences of the holidays many of us enjoy the opportunity to take the old calendar down and give ourselves a fresh start. Instead of resolutions, I know some people who prefer to  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… Family traditions are something we value especially at the holidays. I’ve been thinking about how family traditions evolve and change over time. Three of my four sisters will be visiting me next week for a Pre-Christmas gift exchange party.  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the SJ Update, written by Peggy Sue McRae… I set out this week to do some initial holiday shopping. Thanksgiving is over and I’m ready to decorate. With my dog-eared Island a’ la’ Carte Coupon Book from the Mullis Center I saved 15% at Ace Hardware on a promising  Continue Reading