Building a Barn

We're building a barn this summer.

It will be a small barn replacing what I used to call a barn but what was really a shed.

I have searched the internet looking for barn plans, mini barn plans and finally settled on a 12 x 16 barn from Better Barns because I like the plans and they also sell the hardware and trim for the barn plans.

Also, I have to admit, when I saw that the paint they used on some of their model barns was the same as what we have on our house, it was was confirmation that I had found the right plans.

I have ordered the plans and Jim will start working on the barn once the weather is welcoming and makes the project "fun".

Question: Red like the house with pale yellow trim to tie into the guest house and garage (classic barn colors) OR pale yellow to match the rest of the out-buildings with the cedar natural and a green roof to match the garage which is the other building seen from the road.

We'll figure out the colors . . . and the fencing . . . and the other details as we go along, but this summer, finally, we will have a new barn - whooooo hoooo!

Check out the site: http://www.betterbarns.com/ and let me know what you think about their plans. So far I am impressed with their customer service.

Little Yellow Rubber Ducky

Did you ever toss a bottle with a note into the water and wonder if anyone ever found it?

Somehow this little yellow rubber ducky was launched, swam around Puget Sound and eventually came to settle on the beach.

Of course it is only a resting place - the tide will return and little yellow ducky will be on his way again.

Poulsbo Harbor Seals

Faces you have to LOVE!

My newish friend Sandy and I went out in the electric boats in Poulsbo. Part business, introducing Sandy to the electric boats and owner Bill Archer; part just a fun outing on what turned out to be a great photo day.

(Sandy checking her last photo)

Once again I was reminded to not plan according to the predicted weather in the Northwest. We had considered going out a couple times but didn't because it was "supposed" to rain . . . but it didn't, and then when we picked a day when it was supposed to be sunny, it wasn't. But, it was just right for some fun harbor seal photos.

There were so many great photos - you'll have to go to KitsapImages.com to see the rest.

Kitsap Cover Girl

This is my grandniece, Grace, as the "cover girl" for the NEW Kitsap Peninsula Visitor Guide.

Grace and her family visited last summer and the entire family are in one of the pictures inside the guide.

Special Event - Wesley Art Gallery

The following from:

WESLEY ART GALLERY - MARCH 2008

Year Five: Memorial for Our Fallen
It will be five years since U.S. and Allied forces entered into Iraq with hopes to establish an appropriate government there. The price we have been paying for this endeavor is the most extreme of all, over 3,972* brave young lives and counting.

Join Don Wesley as he presents the entire series of his memorial canvases depicting a bird for each U.S. soldier who has died in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

There are now five canvases in all; the latest painting titled Promised Counting is still in progress.

Exhibit Opens during Bremerton’s Artwalk - Friday, Mar 7, 5-10pm

Special Event: End of Fifth Combat Year Ceremony
Saturday Mar 23, 1-5pm
1:00pm - Gallery opens.
2:00pm - Unveiling of completed fifth year painting and a moment of silent reflection for our brave young soldiers lost, survived, and still fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan today.
3:00pm - Don will give a brief talk and share how this series of paintings and the interactions that have come with it have influenced the way he looks at his art and at contemporary war.
3:30pm – Special guest speaker.
4:00pm - Don will paint the first birds on next year's canvas titled Quiet Counting.
5:00pm - Gallery closes.

For more information about the series: donwesley.com/iraq.html
Gallery information: wesleyartgallery.com

*Deaths as of 02/24/08 per the Department of Defense and Central Command for US Forces is Iraq.

Easter Egg Hunt

I got this message from Nikki at Pheasant Fields Farm this morning.

"Hello Jean:

We will be doing an egg hunt again this year. Please view the enclosed
attachment. Also, besides what's on the attached flyer, we will be doing two
other hunts for adults. This plan just came about when Kitsap Park & Rec
staff brought it to my attention that they will NOT be providing any type of egg
hunts this year.

So, we will be an evening time hunt for age 12 to 17 yr. and another
one for 18 yr old and up. The details on this will be coming out possibly by 3
pm Wednesday (later TODAY). It will be a lot of fun if it's any kind of repeat
from last year!

. . . I will be in touch.

Nikki"

If it is anything like the other events that Pheasant Field Farms puts on it will be great fun and a family friendly activity.

Once I get the info on the Adult events I'll post those as well.

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY CELLULOID BAINBRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL

Bainbridge does tend to do things their own way. Their film festival includes films that were either filmed on the Island or feature residents in some way. Narrows the field a bit, but still, it has lasted 10 years, it is a good festival and it is FREE.

Check it out:
Saturday, March 15 ~ 10am- 3:30pm
Sunday, March 16 ~ 10am-8pm
Historic Lynwood Theatre
4569 Lynwood Center Road
Free!
A two day screening of movies that were either filmed on Bainbridge or feature a Bainbridge Islander in the cast or crew. Plus two filmmaker forums!

Cowgirls at the Paradise Theatre - Gig Harbor

I haven't seen it, I really only know what the promo says, but COWGIRLS, it has to be fun.

I should have ended up a cowgirl.

• I rode ponies, even the ones that cost a nickel outside the grocery store.

I looked forward to every opportunity to ride my cousin's horses when we went to their Michigan farm.

I took English riding lessons in the Chicago suburbs.

I went to camp in Colorado when I could finally save enough and convince my parents to let/help me go.

I worked at another ranch as a counselor/riding instructor/guide.

I went to college in Colorado and took riding to meet my PE requirement.

I stayed and lived in Colorado for 9 years, but it just didn't work out for me to live on a ranch and work with horses.

I even bought the board game "Cowgirls"

So, when I got the notice about the play coming up FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 16, 2008 at the Paradise Theatre in Gig Harbor I had to pass along the information.

Cowgirls is a musical comedy that focuses on a trio of classically trained
female musicians that is mistakenly booked to play Hiram Hall, a country western
concert bar in Kansas. The owner of the club, Jo Carlson, must raise enough
money during the weekend to pay off debtors or the hall will be closed. Though
mostly unfamiliar with country music, the trio convinces Jo and her employees,
Mickey and Mo, to allow them the chance to transform themselves into legitimate
cowgirl performers in time for the first performance.

BUY TICKETS

Art at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort

Have you been to the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort?

Not the casino part, the hotel part.

The hotel cannot be seen from the highway and is hidden behind the large casino structure.

The hotel is a beautiful NW structure and worth visiting for the art and the views.

In a recent blog I had pictures of the new totem pole being raised on the lawn at the resort hotel. The totem pole alone is worth a visit to the hotel. I took Jim there today to show him the new addition and although we have been there many time for concerts, meals and meetings, we couldn't help but stop and enjoy the art in the lobby.

The lobby is a wonderful place to sit and relax and you'll find yourself surrounded with museum quality art and as you walk the halls you'll find a history lesson in photos.

Jim's favorite it the spindle on the wall in the bar area and I love the glass mask.

The hotel has a brochure at the front desk with information on their art collection. Be sure to get one before you wander around.
Then, take a break, get a drink from the bar and enjoy the surroundings.

Rainbows in the house

We live in a rennovated beach house built in the 1920's.

The window in the living room is believed to have been made in Denmark and was orginally in a hotel in Seattle that later burned.

(We were told it was the Seattle Hotel if anyone has any knowledge of its history or if that is even the correct hotel.)

The window, and a similar one in the house next door, were salvaged and used in the two cabins built by the same person.




When the sun is out, and at the right angle, we get rainbows all over the living room.

Abby on the couch with rainbows and our living room rug showing the colorful lightshow.

I'll post a picture of the window at another time.

Point No Point Lighthouse in Winter

My favorite photo subject is the Point No Point Lighthouse, probably because I am there so often and see it in all sorts of weather conditions and all seasons.

I tend to carry a longer zoom when I am there but yesterday, because of a recent fall and limited mobility, I carried my smaller lens and didn't take the normal beach walk, but just stayed near the lighthouse and enjoyed a close-in view.

It was afternoon creating some strong shadows and with a nice breeze the flag was flying.

Because it is winter the grasses offered a nice soft contrast to the harsh shadows.

Jim took Abby down the beach and I had time to just relax and take pictures from the Northwest side which is closest to the parking lot and opposite of where I usually focus so I was able to add some nice photos to my stock gallery: http://www.kitsapimages.com/.

Overall an amazing winter day in the Northwest; no rain, lots of sun and as always, spectacular scenery.

Calling Kayakers - NEW - Paddle Kitsap 2008

There is a new event coming to Kitsap this summer.

Paddle Kitsap is the brainchild of John Kuntz, owner of Olympic Outdoor Center in Poulsbo, but the event is quickly catching on and gathering support from individuals. companies and communities.

When John first talked to me about his kayak event idea he was thinking of a paddle from Belfair, around the entire peninsula, to Allyn. While this longer paddle is still a possibility down the road the 2008 Kitsap Paddle will launch in Port Gamble and the first day will end in Kingston. Day two, will be a little shorter and will go from Kingston to Poulsbo with final night celebrations in Poulsbo.

Participants can choose to paddle the entire 2 day route or they can join in on the second day and make it a one day paddle. The dates are August 1 and 2, 2008.

Not all the plans are finalized and the various communities are being asked to join in and help support the event which could become a signature event for the North Kitsap area.

Kitsap Paddle is planned to accommodate paddlers of various abilities. The two day paddle may be better suited to strong paddles, and day 2 alone will be good for most levels, including families.

The official Press Release has not come out yet, and I will post it here when it does, but in the meantime if you are interested you might want to start making your reservations, especially for lodging.

Some camping will be made available, but hotel, motel and B&B options fill up quickly in the summer. Click here for a list of lodging options in North Kitsap.

Consider bringing the whole family, even if only one person is participating, it is a great time to enjoy Kitsap! For more on the area: http://www.visitkitsap.com/.

Northgate Mall Totem Pole restored to its original glory

I spent most of today watching the Suquamish Tribe raise a new totem pole on the grounds of the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort.


The pole actually isn't new but spent over 50 years at the Northgate Mall and before that it stood as a proud cedar for over 600 years.

The pole has been totally restored by native artists and will stand tall (see the man in the lower right of the photo) looking out toward the water.

It is visible from the Agate Pass Bridge, much of the north end of Bainbridge Island and from the water as boaters travel between Suquamish and Poulsbo.

The pole stands over the entertainment stage at the hotel and will add to the ambience of the summer concerts which, I have heard, are going to be better than ever this summer and still free.

I'll post a link to the concerts when it becomes available.

The artist who orginally carved the pole, with an ax, was Dudley Carter, (1891 - 1992).

The pole stood at Northgate Mall from 1952 until recently and was almost distroyed but the Suquamish adopted it, moved it to their tribal center where the artists worked on it.

It was moved to it's new location and raised this morning. A public dedication followed this afternoon.

If you have a chance stop by the Suquamish Clearwater Hotel just to see the museum quality art, including the new totem pole.

Here is the Press Release:

Northgate Totem Finds A New Home In Suquamish

Suquamish Tribe hosts dedication ceremony for the historic piece of art
next Wednesday

SUQUAMISH, February 15, 2007- A famous piece of Northwest art will soon
become part of the skyline overlooking Agate Passage at Suquamish Clearwater
Casino Resort.

The 59-foot totem, referred to as the "Northgate Totem" was created by
famed sculptor Dudley C. Carter, whose artwork can also be seen in carvings on
the grounds at Kiana Lodge, another business owned and operated by the Suquamish
Tribe.

Carter originally fashioned the "Northgate Totem" in 1952 to decorate
the north entrance to Northgate Mall in Seattle. It stood there for more than 55
years until renovations to the site required its removal last fall.

Rather than see the totem destroyed, Northgate Mall executives
graciously donated it to the Suquamish Tribe who, in conjunction with their
tribally owned corporation Port Madison Enterprises, paid for its removal,
transport and restoration.

A dedication ceremony for the newly restored totem is scheduled
February 20, 2008 at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort Event Lawn, where
the totem is being permanently placed.

"I’m excited about having it here. It’s really a tribute to the
Suquamish People that they would adopt this totem as their own, investing
considerable resources into this project," said PME Hotel Director Sam Askew.

After decades of braving the elements outside Northgate Mall, the totem
required extensive renovation before it could be raised. A team of well known
Northwest artists including Michael Pavel, Dave Casey, Gordon Nielson, Shaunte
Bernal and Ed Polin painstakingly re-worked the cedar carving, ensuring a long
new life for it in Suquamish.

"All of the original paint and areas of extensive rot had to be
removed," said Askew.

In addition to restorations, the originally red hued totem is being
re-painted with earth tones and colors found in the natural environment.

Sunny Port Townsend Winter Day

A sunny, long holiday weekend calls for a drive and a little exploring.

Our thought was to drive up Mount Walker where the views toward Seattle and toward the Olympics can be spectacular.

However, we got to the road and found it closed. Not a real problem, we took a walk at a nearby campground and then headed toward the north end of the Quimper Peninsula to explore and then have lunch in Port Townsend.

Following lunch at The Public House, we drove to the north end of town to walk Abby and take a few pictures of Mount Baker and the ever changing marine scene. Beautiful!

It's all about the clouds

These were huge, beautiful, fluffy clouds with bright sunlight on them.

I look out at Jeff Head every day and the view is different every time I look.

This is the first picture I have processed through Lightroom and Photoshop. I have been organizing with Lightroom but not using all the features. I am weaning myself off Elements to just Lightroom and Photoshop so this was an experiment.

LOCAL TV SERIES NOW IN THIRD YEAR OF LOOKING BENEATH THE SURFACE

Thanks to Donald Larson for bringing this to my attention.

I have long been aware that our area has some of the best cold water diving in the world. I became even more aware of the beauty beneath our waters when I worked on the www.VisitKitsap.com website and added a page on diving.

The information below is great - a TV show that shows off our spectacular area as only a few ever see it.

Featuring unusual way to raise money for children's cancer research, "SEA-Inside: Pacific Northwest" kicks off its third year as the only TV series to focus on what's underwater in the Pacific Northwest. "The beauty of this series," describes its producer, John F. Williams, "is that it lifts oceanography out of its scientific pigeonhole and carries it into the worlds of art and story-telling."

In video-magazine format, each episode of "SEA-Inside: Pacific Northwest" features several underwater-themed videos by a
variety of producers. This first episode of 2008 offers a whirlwind tour of the prior two seasons as a tribute to the many videographers, photographers, musicians and artists who have contributed content to the show in 2006 and 2007.

That is followed by a mini-documentary about a diveathon, an underwater fundraiser in which relay teams of divers created a presence underwater for 24 continuous hours in Puget Sound near Redondo. "No-one wants to hear that children, in particular, have cancer," said event co-organizer Valerie Lyttle,
who is also an emergency room nurse and an underwater videographer. The amount of money raised by this small group of dedicated divers was astonishing.

"SEA-Inside: Pacific Northwest" is a half-hour TV series produced by Suquamish, Washington resident and underwater videographer John F. Williams. "The point of this TV series is to introduce people in the Pacific Northwest to their underwater neighbors," said Williams, "it's the only thing like it in the region. The focus is on the Pacific Northwest, but a few videos from all over the globe are included, since similar issues are present in every ocean."

"We are altering our environment on such a huge scale that the oceans can no longer buffer us against our own mistakes," Williams continues, "so awareness of what's going on in our
waters is especially important now -- we need voters who are informed about this invisible environment."

Episode 13 will appear on 38 cable-access stations from British Columbia to Florida, from Vermont to southern California, reaching about three million homes. "SEA-Inside: Pacific
Northwest" is a non-profit project that provides a new half-hour TV show about the underwater world every other month.

For more information about the show and to learn when it will be airing in your area or how to see it streaming on the internet, visit the web site:

http://SEA-Inside.org

In Washington:
Bainbridge Island TV, Channel 12 (BITV)
Bremerton/Kitsap Access Television (BKAT) Kitsap County, Washington 6:00 p.m. on 1st and 3rd Mondays
Bellingham Channel 10 (BTV10) Whatcom County, Washington
Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) Pierce County, Washington 6:00 p.m. daily
Hood Canal Communications (Local Channel 46) (much of Mason County)
King County Television (KCTV) King County, Washington
Mount Vernon (TV-10) Mount Vernon, Washington
Portland Community Media (PCM) Portland metropolitan area
including Multnomah, Washington, Columbia, and Clackamas counties in Oregon, and Clark County Washington State
Port Townsend TV (PTTV) Jefferson County, Washington
Puget Sound Access (PSA-77) Southern King County, WA
Thurston Community Television (TCTV) Govt./Educ. Access, CH. 3 Olympia & Thurston County, Washington
Voice of Vashon (VOV) Vashon and Maury Islands, Washington
Yakima Educational and Sports Television (YES-TV) Yakima,
Washington

NEW: The Great Peninsula Future Festival

Here is a new festival planned for this summer. It sounds big, exciting and looks like it is going to be a well organized event with many groups behind it.

What we commonly call the "Kitsap" Peninsula, since Kitsap County takes up most of the area, is actually the "Great" Peninsula. This new event carries the name "The Great Peninsula Future Festival".

Here is their press release:

Sustainability Themed Festival Planned for Port Gamble

The first annual Great Peninsula Future Festival, August 2-3 in Port Gamble, will feature world-class entertainment, hand-made crafts, delectable food, interactive displays and educational booths organized around the theme of sustainable living. Planners expect between 5,000 and 8,000 to “come for the entertainment and stay for the message.” Use of the Port Gamble site has been donated by Olympic Property Resources.

The GPFF Planning Council is a nonprofit charitable and educational group formed by Kitsap County Commissioner Steve Bauer and representatives from a dozen nonprofit organizations, including Stillwaters Environmental Center, Kitsap County WSU Extension, the Kitsap SEED Project, Kitsap Audubon Society, Poulsbo Farmers Market, West Sound Conservation Council, Kitsap Conservation Voters, WA State Farmers Market Association, Kitsap Community and Agricultural Alliance, Kitsap Citizens for Responsible Planning, New Old Time Chautauqua, and the Oregon Country Fair.

The Council is chaired by Sandra Bauer, one of the organizers of the hugely popular Oregon Country Fair held each year near Eugene, Oregon.

“Our goal is to educate the public about sustainability issues in innovative, interactive and interesting ways,” said Bauer. “The Festival will be a well-rounded event with great local food, juried crafts, entertainment, children’s interactive play and educational area and educationally based interactive exhibits based on a central theme of sustainability. We will address the urgent issues of our times in a festival atmosphere to attract and engage families, as well as the larger community.

Bauer predicts that the annual event will grow into a major regional attraction, bringing attendees and sponsors from all over the State.”

The GPFF Council is seeking business, corporate and organizational sponsors at several levels of support. The Council is also accepting applications from nonprofit organizations, as well as food vendors and companies whose products tie into the theme of sustainability.

For detailed information on how you can become a sponsor, exhibitor or supporter, visit the GPFF website at http://www.greatpeninsulafuturefestival.org/. Or you can contact Sandra Bauer at 425-788-7496 or email her at Sanbauer@aol.com.

March at the Verksted Gallery in downtown Poulsbo

The Verksted Gallery will feature three artists during the month of March 2008.

Jody Brouwer creates both beautiful kaleidoscopes and functional boxes of stained glass. Her work, which she has learned from her grandmother consists of brilliant color and texture.

Norm Hix is one of the galleries newest members. He has had a love affair with wood since the age of 6. He makes intricately turned art pieces, bowls and whimsical wooden ornaments.

Dinah Satterwhite is a black and white photographer who hand colors her work with oilpaint. She creates beautiful and moody works of art.

You’ll find all of these artists’ work prominently featured throughout March at the Verksted Gallery, along with original arts and crafts from over 37 regional artists at this fine arts & crafts co-operative gallery.

Verksted Gallery
18937 Front Street, Poulsbo, WA
Open daily 10am to 5:30 pm
360-697-4470
www.verkstedgallery.com

Ciscoe Morris, James Cutler Keynote Speakers at 2008 Bainbridge Island Home and Garden Show

Bainbridge Island resident James Cutler ( left), nationally acclaimed for his contributions to sustainable design in architecture, is slated to speak at the 2008 Home and Garden Show. Also returning this year is witty TV personality Ciscoe Morris (right). Morris is widely regarded as the foremost gardening authority in the Northwest. The theme of the trade show is Going Green: Sustainable Living in the Home and Garden, and the event will take place at Woodward Middle School on Saturday, March 22 from 9AM – 5PM.

Antique Appraisers Kathleen Victor and Dan Jensen, both certified appraisers, will be on hand to analyze household antiques and family heirlooms, as part of their daylong “Antique Evaluations By Professional Appraisers” special feature. This is a unique opportunity for Home & Garden Show goers to receive a verbal approximation of value of antiques and other household treasures.

Over 75 exhibitors will participate this year with colorful and informative interactive exhibits, and there will be an outdoor plant sale as well. The Home and Garden Show is being produced by the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Wells Fargo Bank, Ace Hardware, Bainbridge Gardens, Bainbridge Wireless, Bainbridge Review, Prudential Northwest, Westsound Home and Garden Magazine and Winslow Paint Company. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available.

Bainbridge Island Home and Garden Show, March 22, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Woodward Middle School, 9125 Sportsman Club Road. For more information, please call Elizabeth Gadbois, Event Coordinator, or Kevin Dwyer, Executive Director at the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce, (206) 842-3700, or visit the Chamber of Commerce Events website at http://www.bichamberevents.com/.

Speaker Schedule
· 11:00 – 12:00 James Cutler, AIGA
· 12:00 – 1:00 Accessory Dwelling Unit Panel
· 1:00 – 2:00 Marianne Binetti
· 2:00 – 3:00 Terry Moyemont
· 3:00 – 4:00 Ciscoe Morris
· 10:00 – 4:00 Antique Appraisers – Bring your antiques and have them appraised at the Home and Garden Show!

Call to artists & Arts Organizations

. . . and Muscians and Musical Organizations!

This is year two of this event and if you missed it last year, mark your calendars now. It looks like it is going to be bigger and better than before.

Check out the website for all the details.

100 in 100 - Photo Tips

Way back in 2007 Adorama offered 100 photo tips over 100 days. Here is the link to the 2007 series.

Now, by popular demand, they are returning with another 100 photo tips in 100 days, starting on February 18th. Check this page, bookmark it and check daily for some great tips. One a day is just about right to absorb and try!

Poulsbo and Mount Rainier

My new computer arrived, the replacement for the one that died.

First, I have to say that Dell was very responsive and although it turned into an ordeal, in the end they sent me the new version of my 1 1/2 year old computer. I'm a happy camper.

In the process I am trying to switch over all my photos and learn new software; both photo processing and Vista. I found the photo above, one that I never processed before and decided that I liked it.

It was taken from the water, Liberty Bay, looking at one of the Poulsbo marinas with Mount Rainier in the background.

Farm Kitchen Cooking Classes

Farm Kitchen, which I've mentioned before, is one of my favorite places.

It's a venue for all sorts of wonderful events; weddings; dinners; gatherings.

It's a commercial kitchen making it possible for smaller vendors and individuals to have access to a kitchen that meets all those regulations.

It's an organic farm and has beautiful gardens.

Farm Kitchen also offers cooking classes and there is still room in their Spring classes. What a great activity this time of year.

I've taken some of their classes (that's me on the left, in the lower right picture from the Farm Kitchen website) and you not only learn to cook but you get to taste the results. It's informative, informal, social and a great "date" or friends activity. There are a variety of classes taught by several individuals so check them all out and make your reservations now for a great class and perhaps a weekend get-away!

And if you want to stay the night, Farm Kitchen Guest House is on site or you can check out some of the other North Kitsap lodging available.

Upcoming events at the Naval Undersea Museum

The Naval Undersea Museum just sent me the following upcoming events. I have only attended a couple of their events and they have been outstanding but under attended. The museum has a wonderful auditorium and they bring in good speakers. Check below to see which might be of interest to you:

Free and open to the public! The Naval Undersea Museum is offering the following events:

February 9, 2008
The Naval Undersea Museum presents distinguished speaker Dr. John Findlay, professor and chair of the History Department at the University of WA. Come hear an exciting and informative talk on “WWII and the Transformation of the Pacific Northwest”. The talk will be held on Saturday February 9, 2008 in the Mary Bonnin room at 2pm.

February 23, 2008
The Naval Undersea Museum presents National Engineers Discover E-Day. On Saturday February 23, 2008 from 10am-2pm children from kindergarten to eighth grade are invited to explore the wonders of science! Participants will have the opportunity to partake in hands-on science activities, experiment with kinetic energy and buoyancy, build a cantilever structure, and engage in the Raw Egg Olympics. For more information please contact Joyce Jensen at (360)396-5547. Visit the National Engineers web site at http://www.eweek.org/

March 8, 2008
Join the Naval Undersea Museum March 8, 2008 in
the Mary Bonnin room at 2pm to hear distinguished speaker Mr. John Clear.
Mr. Clear is a retired submariner, historian, and researcher. During his talk “Silent Service Speaks”, he will take you back to the days of the diesel submarine fleet.

The Naval Undersea Museum also has the following temporary exhibits on display:

Women Divers: Part of the Navy Team (Exhibit Hall)

Service and Sacrifice: The Trident Family (Pier Room)

Admission to the museum is free and hours of operation are Mon-Sun, 10am-4pm, Closed on Tuesday. For more information about events, exhibits, and volunteer opportunities please contact the Museum at (360)396-4148.

The Puget Sound Navy Museum - OPEN

I did a posting a while ago on the Seattle PI website: http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/kitsapandbeyond/archives/120786.asp, about the opeing of the NEW Puget Sound Navy Museum, in it's NEW location.

I just got this reminder from them that they are open. With the construction going on in downtown Bremerton the museum is a little difficult to get to, BUT worth the effort. They would love to see visitors!

Coming from Seattle it is an easy walk from the Bremerton ferry terminal and from Kitsap I find it easiest to park near or under the conference center and walk through the ferry terminal and new Fountain Park.

However you get there, do put it on your list of things to do this winter. They need your support and you'll be glad we went!

The Puget Sound Navy Museum would like to remind the community that it is open and free to the public. Although downtown Bremerton is undergoing major construction for the new tunnel, museum visitors are encouraged to visit and can find their way into the museum by following worker instructions. The entrance to the museum is located on the right side as you face the building.

With many temporary and permanent exhibits on display the museum is an exciting and educational experience for adults and children. Visitors can learn about the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, the USS Parche, and a major exhibit about the Ship Fitters Shop at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

The museum’s featured winter exhibit contains information and artifacts from the USS John C. Stennis. Stennis is homeported in Bremerton, WA. It is a staggering 1,092 feet long, towers some 20 stories above the waterline, and has a crew of 3,200 ship personnel and 2,480 air wing personnel. When it deploys, Stennis has many of the same amenities you would expect to find on land in any American city. It is
self-contained, complete with a daily newspaper, television stations, fire department, library, hospital, general store, laundry, barber shops, and a post office with its own zip code. Stennis can carry approximately 85 planes.


For more information please contact Cynthia Richards at (360)396-5548. Museum Hours of operation are 10-4, Mon-Sat. & 1-4, Sun. Admission is free.

Indianola Pier walk

My friend Marcia, owner of Morgan Hill Retreat is almost always up for lunch or exploring or both.

Today we did both. She had never been to the Indianola Store or on the pier so I picked her up and we headed to Indianola and enjoyed sandwiches, soft drinks and Cracker Jacks at the friendly store.

You'll mostly find locals in the store, which is a combination of deli and small grocery/convenience store with a country relaxed feeling.

After lunch we walked out on the pier which I've talked about before. Much like some of my other favorite places, you can go there again and again and it is always different. What stays the same is the long length of the pier stretching out into Port Madision. At high tide you often feel you're on the water and at extreme low tides you'll find yourself high in the air.

Today was a medium tide and as always there are great opportunities for bird watching. Today it was a Kingfisher on the pier, a variety of waterfowl on the water and we heard one of the regular Bald Eagles calling.

Heading back toward Port Gamble we stopped at CB's Premium Nuts and picked up a bag each of fresh roasted salted peanuts, for later. Good news, CB's plans to start making fresh peanut butter, probably starting this weekend! CB's is located just East of the corner of Bond Road and HWY 104.
Dropping Marcia off I snapped this picture of one of her chickens, and I also picked up a dozen fresh and colorful eggs.

2007 Kitsap Peninsula Tourism Awards Announced

Congratulations to the winners of the Kitsap Peninsula Visitor & Convention Bureau Annual Tourism Awards.

Winners were: left to right

Dee Cappola, West Sound Home and Garden Magazine - Tourism Promoter of the Year.

Linda Thurrott, Best Western Bainbridge Island Suites, Innkeeper of the year.

Mary Ann Huntington, Lifetime Tourism Award.

Shannon Chatfield of the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, Hospitality Frontliner Award.

Bill Archer, Northwest Electric Boats, Co-Tourism Promoter of the Year.

Joyce Olson, North KPVCB Visitor Center, Volunteer of the Year.

Dale Bliss, North KPVCB Visitor Center, Volunteer of the Year was not present.

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for all you have done to support and promote tourism on the Kitsap Peninsula!

Technology: love it or whatever

This has been the year of technology stress.

The websites I work on for the Kitsap Peninsula Visitors & Convention Bureau had a major setback as the company working on our new site closed their doors and the company designated to take over decided to "cherry pick" the clients leaving us on our own without a completed site.

We were forced to move our old site to a new server and start where we left off a year ago, but to date the site isn't working correctly and we're unable to move forward with upgrades or even some of the basic updates.

Just one of those things, things change, people move on, business decisions are made but frustrating none the less.

I was just coming to terms with this year long ordeal when my personal laptop started having issues. Dell was very responsive; first they replaced the mother board with one day service. Next they sent a second mother board but the technician found a software solution.

Things went well for a week or so and the original problem returned. Now my computer has completely locked up and a replacement is on the way. Now I have to go through the hassle of getting a variety of companies to allow me to download a new copy of their software for my new computer and get it all set up.

What does this have to do with photos or Kitsap and Beyond? Not much, but I have been distracted and at this point I don't have my laptop, photo software or photo hard drive available so the blog has suffered.

Stay tuned.

Kitsap's Mr and Mrs Perfect Tourist

Working in tourism there is often discussion of what constitutes a "real" tourist.

If someone goes a few miles down the road for a festival are they a tourist? Do they need to come from over 50 miles to qualify? Do they need to put "heads in beds", stay in a hotel, to be a "real" tourist?

We went out last night for a few drinks and stopped in Voodiez Bar and Grill at 18932 Front Street Poulsbo. Friendly bar where we know a few people who stop in now and then. We met a friend and he introduced us to Mr and Mrs Perfect Tourist.

This couple used to come over from the Seattle side to Poulsbo by boat. They fell in love with Poulsbo and returned often over the years - 18 years now! They are currently without a boat but they still return to Poulsbo once or twice a month.

They stay in a hotel - 2 nights at a time.
They eat in restaurants.
They buy gifts.
They party; drinks in one location; on to dinner; then take in some live music.
They bring in new money and spend it.

Definitely "real" tourists, the type we would like to attract more of - lots more!

We ended up going to dinner with the Perfect Tourists at Mor Mor Bistro and Bar. They knew all the staff and the staff knew them. We live here, go to Mor Mor occassionaly and the staff hardly notices us. We had to go out with the Perfect Tourist couple to get the great big welcome.

It was interesting talking to Mr and Mrs Perfect Tourist. They love Poulsbo, but feel it might not be quite the same thing if they actually lived here. They like keeping it as their "special" place to visit.

We told them about a few places they hadn't heard about and/or visited and they were excited planning their next day of checking out new things and spending their "other side" dollars on our side of the water.

They told us about a band playing tonight. They have another evening planned as tourists. We might join them, but then, we might just relax and stay home since we're going to friends for Superbowl tomorrow and three nights out in a row would be a bit beyond our norm.

Bailey's Bakery and Cafe

I love working on projects. Things with a beginning and an end.

Recently I was given the opportunity to work on a web page for a bakery/cafe on the Long Beach Peninsula. Bailey's Bakery and Cafe has already gotten a lot of great presss recognition but until now they didn't have a web page.

Jayne Bailey, the owner, and my cousin, didn't want to spend time on a website so I offered to set it up and make it generic enough that no daily changes are required. She gathered the several logos she has been working with, articles and such and mailed them to me.

It was great fun going through it all and creating a pallet of colors, a design, and the best part, getting it up and running. Now I'm working to get it listed on the various tourism sites around the state and adding the web link where it was already listed.

I did mention that Bailey's has gotten a lot of praise - check the site and next time you're on the Long Beach Peninsula be sure to stop by and check it out.