Life

colorful background of many stacked heart shaped pills. 3d rendering

To keep Valentine’s Day alive, take care of everyday business

In a study of married couples, husbands and wives who shared housework duties had greater relationship satisfaction than those who didn’t.

colorful background of many stacked heart shaped pills. 3d rendering
The Flying Karamazov Brothers are among the performers at the New Old Time Chautauqua Benefit on Feb. 2 in Arlington. (Peninsula Daily News 2017 photo)

Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

The Flying Karamazov Brothers will be among the performers at the New Old Time Chautauqua Benefit on Feb. 2 in Arlington.

The Flying Karamazov Brothers are among the performers at the New Old Time Chautauqua Benefit on Feb. 2 in Arlington. (Peninsula Daily News 2017 photo)

For a fruitful home orchard, keep climate, space and pollinators in mind

Start by visiting your local garden center to find varieties that are disease-resistant, space-efficient and reliable.

Toward the end of February, the bare branches of spike winterhazel hang with inch-long clusters of bright yellow flowers that glow like little lanterns. (Great Plant Picks)

Great Plant Pick: Spike Winterhazel

What: Corylopsis spicata, or winterhazels, are pleasing year-round but a pure delight in late winter. Toward the end of February, the bare branches of spike… Continue reading

  • Jan 31, 2024
Toward the end of February, the bare branches of spike winterhazel hang with inch-long clusters of bright yellow flowers that glow like little lanterns. (Great Plant Picks)

You’d be hard pressed to spot a flaw in this amethyst-purple glass vase

This 19th-century, tulip-shaped vase was made with pressed glass and natural gemstone coloring. It sold for $960 at auction.

Dave Thompson and Thor are on the hunt. (Photo by David Welton)

The nose knows: Class teaches dogs, owners to find scents

South Whidbey resident Georgia Edwards has taught nosework classes for more than a dozen years.

  • Jan 30, 2024
  • By Kate Poss For the South Whidbey Record
Dave Thompson and Thor are on the hunt. (Photo by David Welton)
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 is powered by a twin-turbo 510-horsepower V8 engine. (Photo provided by Mercedes-Benz)

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 provides power-outage backup

This big SUV can wear different hats, depending on circumstances.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 is powered by a twin-turbo 510-horsepower V8 engine. (Photo provided by Mercedes-Benz)
In a far-off corner of the Peloponnese, clan wars left the hill town of Vathia in ruins. (Rick Steves / Rick Steves' Europe)

Rick Steves on the Peloponnese, a peninsula of Greek surprises

With its multifaceted history, welcoming people, dramatic ruins and stunning vistas, the Peloponnesian Peninsula has it all. Yet it is one of least explored parts of Greece.

  • Jan 28, 2024
In a far-off corner of the Peloponnese, clan wars left the hill town of Vathia in ruins. (Rick Steves / Rick Steves' Europe)

Help, my bed breakfast doesn’t have a bathroom!

Evonne Hopkins books a room at a bed-and-breakfast that doesn’t have a bathroom. Can she get her money back?

  • Jan 27, 2024
  • By Wire Service
Silhouette of man climbing up a mountain

Why New Year’s resolutions falter, and how to sustain them

Changing a habit takes a simple intention, but sustaining effort in the midst of everyday life takes a different set of skills.

Silhouette of man climbing up a mountain
Storm Large is scheduled to perform Feb. 14 in Edmonds. (Associated Press)

Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Singer Storm Large has scheduled a show in Edmonds, where the group she often sings with, Pink Martini, will perform tonight.

Storm Large is scheduled to perform Feb. 14 in Edmonds. (Associated Press)
2024 Honda Passport TrailSport AWD (Photo provided)

2024 Honda Passport TrailSport AWD

All 2024 Passports benefit from a new center console with a large, newly-integrated armrest and expanded storage.

  • Jan 24, 2024
  • By Larry Lark
  • Cars
2024 Honda Passport TrailSport AWD (Photo provided)
Ice covers flowers on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Lake Oswego, Ore. An ice storm threatened to topple towering trees onto power lines and turned mountain highways treacherous Wednesday in the Pacific Northwest, where residents were urged to avoid travel. (AP Photo/Gillian Flaccus)

Hardy hubris: Pacific Northwest winters test gardeners’ climate optimism

The internet will tell you we live in a Zone 8 for perennial plant hardiness. Experience will tell you it’s not so simple.

Ice covers flowers on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Lake Oswego, Ore. An ice storm threatened to topple towering trees onto power lines and turned mountain highways treacherous Wednesday in the Pacific Northwest, where residents were urged to avoid travel. (AP Photo/Gillian Flaccus)
Outdoor faucet cover in the winter with icicles on it

Tips to conserve energy, protect pipes during extremely cold weather

Cold temperatures can mean higher electricity bills, and frozen water pipes can be an expensive inconvenience.

  • Jan 24, 2024
Outdoor faucet cover in the winter with icicles on it

While snails can symbolize laziness, their shells have long inspired art

Adorned with colorful glass “jewels,” this miniature brass snail’s shell was striking enough to fetch $51 at auction.

Lily Gladstone poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in New York. Gladstone has been named one of The Associated Press' Breakthrough Entertainers of 2023. (Photo by Victoria Will/Invision/AP)

Lily Gladstone makes history with Oscar nomination

The Mountlake Terrace High School graduate is the first Native American nominee in the Oscar’s competitive (non-honorary) acting categories.

Lily Gladstone poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in New York. Gladstone has been named one of The Associated Press' Breakthrough Entertainers of 2023. (Photo by Victoria Will/Invision/AP)
The plug-in hybrid 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale premium compact SUV has seating for five.

2024 Tonale is Alfa Romeo’s first small SUV and plug-in hybrid

The premium compact offers 285 total horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

The plug-in hybrid 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale premium compact SUV has seating for five.
A figure known as the Lake Stevens Bigfoot sits among trees and along a stream on Lundeen Parkway in Lake Stevens, Washington on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Sasquatch of Lake Stevens is legendary as hometown hero Chris Pratt

Two mossy and mysterious figures in the woods of Lundeen Parkway turn heads and lighten up a gloomy day.

A figure known as the Lake Stevens Bigfoot sits among trees and along a stream on Lundeen Parkway in Lake Stevens, Washington on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Here’s one for your Relationship Toolkit: Stick to the subject!

Let’s be honest. From time to time, we’ve all been guilty of dumping dirty dishes from the “kitchen sink” on our partner.

Norway’s rugged west coast is slashed by fjords — stunning inlets carved out by ancient glaciers. Of these, the Sognefjord – Norway’s longest (120 miles) and deepest (1 mile) – is tops. Ferries and catamarans connect visitors and locals alike to several of this sparsely populated region’s scenically situated villages and towns.

Rick Steves’ Europe: Norway’s fjord country blends serenity with grandeur

Yes, Norway is expensive, but the great scenery and affable ambience are free.

  • Jan 20, 2024
Norway’s rugged west coast is slashed by fjords — stunning inlets carved out by ancient glaciers. Of these, the Sognefjord – Norway’s longest (120 miles) and deepest (1 mile) – is tops. Ferries and catamarans connect visitors and locals alike to several of this sparsely populated region’s scenically situated villages and towns.