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Get inspired this spring with Gage Academy of Art! By Joanne Levy, Director of Integrated Marketing & Community Engagement at Gage Academy of Art In art, spring begins with Botticelli’s Primavera, the large and mysterious tempera on panel painted circa 1482 possibly to celebrate the wedding of Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de' Medici. For all of us who were wondering when spring would truly begin in the Pacific Northwest, this year spring began on March 20 and, for the first time in nearly 40 years, the spring equinox occurred on the same day as March’s full moon. Spring has never been more exciting to welcome in Seattle! April has arrived, and with it, the Gage Spring Art Auction & Gala, which takes place April 12. It is one of the biggest art fundraisers in Seattle, and the funds raised provide access to one of the region’s highest level of art instruction for all ages, abilities and economic means. The #GageGala is also particularly special for the unprecedented lineup of artwork featured in the live and silent auctions. Max Ginsburg has donated Tserling in Studio, oil on board. At 87, Ginsburg is one of the most prominent realist painters living in the U.S. today. For nearly 50 years, Ginsburg’s paintings have explored, with empathetic gaze, the human experience, captured the beauty of everyday life, and offered passionate commentary on class, gender and race. Marlow, by Gage’s very own Classical Atelier director Juliette Aristides, will also be featured in the live auction. Marlow is fresh and contemporary, with the conversation it establishes between tradition and present-day. Juliette, renowned artist, atelier master and best-selling author, also shares her knowledge of art in an accessible, inspiring, hands-on instructional sketchbook coming out this month. “Beginning Drawing Atelier” offers a comprehensive and contemporary twist on traditional art instruction practices. Centered on the belief that learning to draw is the best way to understand art, this book shows that artists are not only born but made. Dale Zinkowski will also be featured, highlighting his Patrick Study. Zinkowski reveals his scrupulous attention for the details, giving us the recount of real encounter with his model, rather than an idealized version of it. Zinkowski teaches at the Grand Central Atelier in New York City and was just recently a visiting instructor at Gage, teaching the workshop “Tonal Portrait Drawing.” Spring is all about looking forward, but let’s look back a moment. March 8 was International Women’s Day. Art museums were asking to name five women artists, and it’s surprising how many people can’t do it! Carol Hendricks of Gage Academy of Art wrote a blog post on “25 Women Artists to Know,” focusing on the 16th through early 20th century. Check out her blog at ArtHistoryBlogger.blogspot.com/#!/2018/03/25-women-artists-to-know.html If you are feeling inspired by all of this artist talk, good! The Spring Quarter at Gage Academy of Art officially starts April 8 and you can take classes in drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking and more! Check out these seven-week classes: Postcards From Afar, Watercolor with Willow Heath; Plein Air to Studio Landscape Painting with our new instructor Kristin Frost; Figure Drawing for Illustration with Gage new instructor, illustrator Kai Carpenter; Portraits in Watercolor with Hamid Zavareei. This spring Gage also continues to grow its offering of printmaking classes and workshops: Printmaking Techniques: Monotype with Klara Glosova, a 10-week class; and the workshop Printmaking Methods: Collagraph, Monotype & Mixed Media with Sophie Loubere. Spring has officially arrived! I can feel it, now you just have to celebrate it and capture it in living color with your art! For additional information, visit GageAcademy.org, Facebook.com/GageAcademy, email info@gageacademy.org or call 206.323.4243.

An opportunity to learn about sustainable building techniques and practices By Brett Marlo DeSantis Home's Architect by Artisans Group Photo by Poppi Photography What does “being green” really mean these days? Our modern world is loaded with urban words and catchphrases. According to urban dictionary, we must know certain words to even understand the Internet, from awesome sauce and beer me to bromance. Some of the worst culprits of modern-day jargon are: engineers, architects, designer and builders, even more so in the world of green buildings and homes. You may have heard some of the following catchphrases for energy, water, waste, nature-inspired design and small design: water conservation, energy efficiency, energy retrofits, alternative energy, storm-water infiltration, net positive waste, alternative foundations, advanced building envelopes, regenerative design, Biomimicry, the red list, material transparency, regional healthy materials, indoor air quality (IAQ), accessibility, accessory dwelling units (ADUs and DADUs), urban farming, embodied carbon footprints, living buildings, human-powered living, multimodal transportation and more. If some of these words spark your interest, the easiest way to interpret this jargon will be to go visit green projects. The Northwest EcoBuilding Guild puts on a tour of green sites every year. The Northwest Green Home Tour provides opportunities for community members to learn about sustainable building techniques and practices from the people walking the modern day talk; site hosts range from the builders, to suppliers, to homeowners living it every day. The tour takes place over the weekend of May 4 and 5, 11am to 5pm both days in the South Sound, starting on Saturday in Olympia and taking place the following day in Tacoma. It’s free and self-guided. Showing single-family homes with small to big remodels, new builds of backyard cottages, tiny-home communities to new condominiums and multi-family projects, each project features sustainable ways to live in the Pacific Northwest. This year, the Bowman family opens their home again to showcase energy efficiency through its use of a roof-mounted solar array that integrates with a ductless heat system. This Tacoma family looks forward to sharing their story and lessons learned. Point Ruston, a waterfront resort-inspired village, is opening its doors as well to show you green condominiums in a mixed-use community. And check out one of the three approved detached accessory dwelling units from the City of Tacoma’s Urban Infill Pilot Program that is going for a BuiltGreen certification. Speaking of jargon, we’ve got our own PNW urban words: mucky-muck, sasquawk northwesternus, pnw drizzle, dissnowpointment (not this year) and certainly live like the mountain is out! For more information, go to NWGreenHomeTour.org.

Recipe & Photo Courtesy of Marina Gunn Serves 6 Ingredients: 1 tbsp. olive oil 4-5 chicken thighs 1 head of celery 8 medium carrots 1 yellow onion 16 oz. butternut squash soup* 1 tsp. salt 1 cup arugula For the biscuits: 2 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder 3/4 tsp. kosher salt or pink salt 14 tbsp. unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/4 cup whole milk 3/4 oz. chopped sage (1 clamshell at grocery) 1 large egg *Note: I love using the Imagine Organic brand for my soup, or you can make it from scratch if you’re really feeling excited. Method: • Turn to medium heat and add olive oil to cover the bottom of a large pot. Add chicken thighs and sauté for 5 minutes, flip and continue for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred with a fork and set aside. • Using the same pot on medium-low heat, add chopped celery, carrots and yellow onion. Add more olive oil and salt if needed, stir occasionally. Cook until the onions are slightly transparent (7-8 minutes). • Add the shredded chicken to the sautéed vegetables, stir and add in the butternut squash soup. Cover, simmer on low for 20 minutes. Add and mix in arugula before removing from heat. While the soup mixture is simmering, make the sage biscuits (adapted from Molly Yeh’s recipe). • Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the butter using a pastry cutter or your hands, incorporating the butter until the mixture is the consistency of oatmeal and the butter is the size of peas. • Mix in the milk and chopped sage until the mixture comes together to form a dough. I usually use my hands at this point to make sure it's combined. • On a floured surface, pat the dough to 3/4” thick and then cut out round biscuits, re-rolling scraps as needed. • Add the biscuits to top of butternut chicken and vegetables if using an oven-safe pot. If not, transfer chicken and vegetable mixture to an oven-safe casserole dish or pan and then top with biscuits. • Brush the biscuits with the beaten egg and top with salt. Bake on 425°F until the biscuits are golden brown, 25- 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Chef Troy Louis Chandler It’s the morning after, and it feels like an evil yard gnome is stabbing a lawn dart repeatedly into your skull. Your stomach is turning from the prior months’ gluttonous festivities. It’s a new year, and it’s time to get clear. Menudo. Just kidding. Let’s make … AVOCADO TOAST INGREDIENTS: 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and quartered 8 slices whole wheat baguette, toasted 1 tsp. sea salt 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil METHOD: Place one quartered avocado onto each piece of toast. With the back of a wooden spoon smash each avocado down. Sprinkle with sea salt and drizzle with olive oil. *I like to reduce the amount of toast to one per person but add a poached egg on each and garnish with fresh herbs. Happy New Year! T I P : Add an egg anyway you like it! Poached, sunny side up, boiled, etc.

Landscape architects create beautiful and functional outdoor areas By Patty Hutchens When it comes to designing or decorating our homes, we give so much thought to everything including colors, textures, countertops, cabinets and picking out fixtures. But how much effort do we put into planning and designing the exterior of our home—specifically the landscape? If you are like many, it is not much. Whether you are building a new home or want to upgrade your current outdoor living space, a landscape architect can be an investment you may want to make. And you may be surprised to learn that by investing in a landscape architect, you can increase the value of your home up to 15 percent over comparable homes, and that value will grow over time, unlike traditional home remodels. So, what specifically are the advantages to hiring a landscape architect? One is that they are educated to look at each landscape as a system, analyzing the overall picture and determining problem areas. They can also assist the homeowner in selecting the right materials, styles, textures and colors for the plan. Whether you want low maintenance or love to dig in and maintain your own garden, a landscape architect can help you plan accordingly. But it’s not just about plants and trees when it comes to landscape architecture. When working on residential landscape architecture, an architect can help plan for pools, paving, storm water management and more. While any project takes patience and planning, landscape design can be especially challenging, and hiring a professional can make the process much easier and help ensure a beautiful outcome. If you are part of a Homeowners Association, you may be required to present a landscape plan prior to developing or remodeling the area around your home. Also, for areas such as outdoor fireplaces and outdoor kitchens, you will need to take into consideration safety codes, an area in which a landscape architect can provide his or her expertise. Landscape architecture is a highly regulated occupation, and each state manages its own licensed landscape architects. To become licensed, one must have an accredited degree in landscape architecture and also work for a period of time under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect. They are also required to pass several technical exams before becoming licensed. Contrary to what many believe, landscape architects are the designers and planners of a project; they do not do the actual work. Instead, they partner with those doing the work to ensure that the project is done to the plan’s specifications. There are many benefits to hiring a landscape architect, some of which include creativity, budget and project management. Because of their education and licensing requirements, a landscape architect is able to help facilitate ideas that will be unique to your specific site. While you may have your own ideas, they can assist you in expanding on or making variations to that idea based on their experience and talent. While we may all look at the area we wish to landscape and think we know what may be best for certain areas, it’s not all about it being aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Taking into consideration the ecosystem of your land is vital to ensuring the design is sustainable. Of course, we all have a vision of what we would love our yards to look like, but often we think it may be out of reach when it comes to our budget. A landscape architect knows the costs associated with many aspects of the design and can design something that fits your budget but still enables you to realize a beautifully landscaped yard. They will assist in the bidding process with contractors and help you decide whether you should do your project in one year or do it in phases over time to make it more affordable. Because landscape architects work with installers all the time, they have the knowledge and the partnership with many to ensure you are getting contractors who are reliable and trustworthy. Before hiring a landscape architect, there are several steps you want to be sure to take. The first is to request proof that they are in fact licensed. Also, be sure to request references. While they may have a beautiful portfolio of their projects, speaking with someone who has employed their services can provide you with ease of mind. When it comes to creativity, this is likely what will set apart a good architect from an exceptional one. A landscape architect should be able to present you with ideas and outline the pros and cons of anything you or the architect proposes. Their experience should definitely shine through when it comes to this part of the process. Be sure to ask detailed questions and have everything in writing. What is the depth of work involved? What is the timeline for the various phases of the project? Are you being charged a flat fee versus hourly fee for the design proposal? Experts say that a guideline to follow when it comes to designing and implementing your landscape plan is to spend no more than 5 to 10 percent of your home’s market value. If you are spending more, you are likely being charged too much. Hiring a landscape architect on the journey from concept to completion will have you enjoying your newly landscaped living space in no time at all!

Tips to get the most out of your experience By Alinda Morris, Owner, Alinda Morris Interior Design, LLC Hiring a designer can help you avoid costly mistakes. They are a wealth of information and can provide much better options than box stores or your local furniture store. Designers can save you time by assisting you in making decisions quickly while keeping you within budget. Here are some tips to get the most out of your experience. Identify your needs. Interior decorators and designers are not the same. One is not better than the other, but it is helpful to identify which one will work best for you. Interior decorators can help clients decide on a style and assist with paint colors and window coverings. They can make magic using your existing pieces with a few new purchases and accessories. Interior designers typically have a degree/credentials. The education usually includes studying color and fabric, drafting-computer-aided design (CAD), space planning, furniture design, architecture and often an apprentice program or internship. They provide drawings: floorplans, elevations and 3D models. They can assist you with a large remodel or new construction and provide custom furnishings, wall coverings and artwork down to the last perfect detail. Be honest. Designers are almost like psychiatrists (and sometimes marriage counselors) because they get to know some pretty personal things about you: your personal needs, your likes and dislikes, how you live in your home, etc. If you have a budget, tell them. If you are not comfortable disclosing your budget, provide a range. Getting started - the consultation. Some designers charge for this service while others do not. If you are paying for a consultation, you can expect a working meeting. Most designers who offer a complimentary consultation won’t usually give out free design advice. This is a great time to get to know someone. If you choose to hire them, you will be spending a lot of time with them, so make sure you like them. Questions to ask. What types of projects do you typically work on? If you are remodeling a kitchen, you will want an expert. If you are looking to update your home for resale, you may want a stager. If you have an entire home to remodel, you will want a designer who can handle that size of a project with ease. Do you think my timeline and my budget are realistic? How do you charge for your services? When will my payments be due? Do you take a retainer or money upfront? How is purchasing handled? Procurement is a service. Purchasing through a designer is not the same as purchasing from a retail/online store. Trade-only sources involve additional costs. Items are sent to a receiver and inspected, then delivered again during the project installation. These services include handling all purchase orders, stock availability, claims and replacements for any damaged items and scheduling delivery. Some designers provide E-Design or room packages. Most full-service firms do not allow clients to purchase because there are too many variables that can go wrong. Clients who wish to purchase online to save money should be willing to schedule, receive and unpackaged all items, assemble any furniture that requires it, return items if they do not work and file claims if items are damaged or not performing well. Best advice: Do not begin any phase of work without a contact or letter of agreement.

Spring is the best time to visit By Marguerite Cleveland Discover 300 years of history, culture and food on a visit to New Orleans—one of the oldest cities in the United States. When people think of New Orleans, thoughts turn to Mardi Gras and the crazy party that is Bourbon Street, but there is so much more to this city than the French Quarter, and I am going to share tips on visiting like a local. It may surprise you to know that many of the iconic tourist destinations are also favorites of local Louisianans. Where to Stay If you have your heart set on the French Quarter by all means stay there, but you will pay a lot more with many hotels having parking fees of up to $50 a night. I like to stay in Metairie, which is a short drive from the New Orleans airport and about a 10-minute drive to the French Quarter. It is New Orleans’ first suburb and has many family friendly hotels. The Courtyard Marriott Metairie has a very friendly staff that makes you feel at home. The nice thing about this area is that it is quiet at night, and it is very easy to schedule an Uber if you wish to go out in the French Quarter. Things You Must See and Do Louisianans were foodies before it was a thing. A whole day can revolve around food and drink from beignets and café au lait in the morning, po’boys or a muffuletta for lunch, a gourmet meal at one of the iconic restaurants and a flaming hurricane or other cocktail to finish off the night. You might even be able to fit in a bit of sightseeing in between. Here are the must sees and eats. 1. Beignets and Coffee in the French Quarter. There are other places to enjoy this treat, but the Café Du Monde in the French Quarter is the original. Established in 1862, this local treasure is open 24 hours a day. My family always plans a visit whenever we are in town, and on my last visit, I ran into my cousin. What makes this place so special? It never changes. The menu has consistently stayed the same serving only beignets—a light, puffy square French doughnut lavishly dredged in powdered sugar—and various beverages. The café’ au lait is coffee and chicory with hot milk and complements the sweetness of the beignets. Insider Tip: The café is insanely popular with crowds queued up down the street waiting for a table. You seat yourself and it is cash only. For the best experience, get up early. You will be able to easily find parking and a table no later than 7am. The French Quarter can smell a little ripe in the morning after the partying crowd has turned in, but the delicious smell of beignets cooking cleanses the air. 2. The French Quarter. The Café Du Monde is located in the French Market, which is filled with shops perfect for souvenirs. Make sure to pick up some Aunt Sally’s Pralines. Slightly down the street from the French Market is Jackson Square, and it is the No. 1 destination for visitors to New Orleans. This lovely landscaped square with a prominent statue of Andrew Jackson, Hero of the Battle of New Orleans, serves as an open-air artist colony. For more than 50 years, artists have presented their work on the wrought iron fence surrounding the square. Watch for the local street performers and listen to some great jazz right on the sidewalks. You can spend a whole day in this area. Make sure to visit the St. Louis Cathedral as well as the Cabildo and Presbytère state museums. Once you are done exploring, hop on one of the carriages that line up in front of the square and take a tour of the French Quarter. What is unique about these carriage tours are they are pulled by mules that are more adapted to the extreme temperatures of the city. 3. Have a Sandwich. New Orleans has raised the lowly sandwich into a whole new level of deliciousness. Some vocab you need to know: A po’boy is what a sandwich is called and the favorites are shrimp, oyster or roast beef. You will be asked if you want it dressed. This means with lettuce, tomato and mayo or plain. A muffuletta is made on a whole round loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with deli-fresh sliced meats and cheeses and Italian olive salad. For muffulettas you need to go to Central Grocery, where this hearty sandwich was invented in 1906 by Salvatore Lupo. For a good po’boy ask the locals; there are shacks and bars around the city that specialize in po’boys, and usually the least appealing looking of places have the best po’boys. On my recent visit, a local recommended Bear’s Poboys at Gennaro’s, which is located right next to the interstate and collocated with a bar. On a busy Saturday, it was a constant rush of people dining in or picking up huge bags of po’boys to go. Bear’s specializes in slow-roasted beef po’boys, but we tried the shrimp and the oyster versions. They were so good. Ours were served dressed on a type of roll I’ve only had in Louisiana. It is soft but super sturdy and holds up to the sauces without falling apart. 4. City Park. This 1,300-acre green space is one of the oldest parks in the United States, drawing millions of people each year to visit. There are trails surrounded by oak trees dripping with Spanish moss and many themed gardens to include two sculpture gardens and the New Orleans Botanical Garden. This is the site of the New Orleans Museum of Art, Storyland (which is a themed playground with 25 giant sculptures from your favorite fairy tales), an amusement park with a historic carousel and an 18-hole golf course and a mini golf course. There really is something for everyone, and the grounds are just stunning. Insider Tip: There is a 24-hour café called Morning Call that has been in the park for more than 142 years. 5. Eat at an Iconic Restaurant. Antoine’s and the Commander’s Palace are the Grand Dames of New Orleans dining. According to Teyonda Hamilton, a long-time New Orleans resident and assistant manager at the Metairie Courtyard Marriott who is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the city, “The iconic restaurants really live up to the hype. Like most New Orleans’ families, we cook, and so when we go out to eat it needs to be not like what we cook at home. My family goes to Antoine’s or the Commander’s Palace for special occasions,” she said. Both restaurants have been around for over 100 years. Famed chefs Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme are alumni of the Commander’s Palace. Antoine’s is the oldest restaurant in the country and still run by members of the original family. This is where Oysters Rockefeller was created, and the recipe is a closely guarded secret. 6. Frenchmen Street. Located just east of the French Quarter, this is where the locals go to enjoy a night on the town and is the heart of live music in New Orleans. Enjoy lower prices than Bourbon Street on drinks and food as well as just about any type of live music. There are over 20 bars, restaurants and other venues all within a two-block area. You can experience live music seven days a week all year long. Each has its own unique experience such as the dive Igor’s Checkpoint Charlie, which is a bar, a restaurant and a laundromat. The food, the people, the history and the culture of New Orleans all come together to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you plan a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, you will never run out of things to see, do and eat. If you love the cuisine, pick up a copy of “River Roads Recipes” cookbook, with its great collection of Louisiana food that has stood the test of time and makes a useful souvenir. For more information on the city, make sure to visit the official New Orleans tourism site at NewOrleans.com. The Specifics: Where to Stay Courtyard Marriott Metairie - Marriott.com Where to Eat Antoine’s - Antoines.com The Commander’s Palace - CommandersPalace.com Bear’s Poboys - BearsPoboys.com Café Du Monde - CafeDuMonde.com Thing to Do The French Market - FrenchMarket.org The French Quarter - FrenchQuarter.com St, Louis Cathedral - StLouisCathedral.org New Orleans City Park - NewOrleansCityPark.com Frenchmen Street - FrenchmenStreetLive.com

Peace Corps volunteers recall life-changing experiences By Colin Anderson Upon graduating high school we all face the same challenging question: What do I want to do with my life? One path is to continue your education at a traditional four-year university, community college or technical school. Many enter the workforce in a wide range of jobs or family owned business. Still others feel the need to serve their country through military service. And a few simply set out to explore the world while they aren’t tied down to a career, marriage or family. In 1961, another opportunity arose for young people across the country. Then presidential candidate John F. Kennedy wrapped up a day of campaigning and arrived on the campus of the University of Michigan at 2am. Though the press corps had all retired, 10,000 students were still assembled, waiting to hear from the candidate. From the steps of the Student Union Building, Kennedy issued a challenge to the assembled crowd; a challenge that would bring about a new path of service to the country once he was elected to the White House. "How many of you who are going to be doctors are willing to spend your days in Ghana? Technicians or engineers, how many of you are willing to work in the Foreign Service and spend your lives traveling around the world? On your willingness to do that, not merely to serve one year or two years in the service, but on your willingness to contribute part of your life to this country, I think will depend (upon) the answer to the question of whether a free society can compete. I think it can! And I think Americans are willing to contribute. But the effort must be far greater than we have ever made in the past.” In March of 1961, President Kennedy created the Peace Corps, and in the 58 years since, nearly a quarter of a million Americans have answered his challenge to serve their country by utilizing their skills in the developing world. Northwest resident Wayne Nishek was among the first batch to answer the president’s challenge. Wayne grew up on a farm but always wanted to see the world. He studied abroad in England in the late 1950s and was able to experience a different culture for the first time. He also recalls seeing the devastation from World War II still present in the likes of crumbled buildings and deep holes in the landscape where bombs had dropped. “I wouldn’t say I was draft dodging, but I didn’t want to go to Vietnam like my three older brothers, but I still wanted to see the world and help people,” recalled Wayne, now 78. Wayne was at a farming conference in Denver when he first heard of the Peace Corps, and it didn’t take much selling for him to sign up. Wayne and his girlfriend signed up to be part of the first team of Peace Corps volunteers to enter southern Bolivia, but first a whole lot of life needed to happen. “We decided to get married before we left, so we scrambled and made it happen. We took a three-day honeymoon and then got on a plane to Miami to begin our training,” said Wayne. Their stay in Miami was short lived however, as the night they arrived coincided with the Bay of Pigs Invasion that set the region under immense tension. The newlyweds were instead flown to Vermont for months of training that included the Spanish language and military-style survival courses. “I remember them taking us out in a raft with our hands tied behind our back and pushing us out into the water,” said Wayne. Of the original 60 or so signups only about half made it through the training. After several months of training they were on their way to Bolivia. Once on the ground, Wayne used his farming background to help with a local rice co-op which was dealing with constantly broken-down machinery. He showed the Bolivians the mechanics of how an engine works on a combine and what was needed to maintain it. He created manuals written entirely in Spanish and was able to help vastly improve their harvesting skills. Once that project was running smoothly, he moved onto helping out with local 4-H style programs where he helped the locals breed healthier animals such as hogs and chickens. What seemed like a few simple skills he had learned through his own upbringing ultimately changed and improved the lives of countless people in the region. “People say they don’t have anything to offer, but there are a lot of skills that translate in developing countries. A lot need help with simple mechanics, reading, bookkeeping and just developing plans,” he said. Wayne’s two years in Bolivia would evolve into a lifetime of service. He would spend 19 years in Africa building homes and schools in far remote villages and teaching locals how to create and patch clay stoves. He would eventually run the first Peace Corps training camp in India, where he would send new recruits out to a remote village for a week to teach them how to get by with very little. “They learned a lot about culture, surviving with almost nothing, and came back wanting to focus on learning the language,” he said. Of all the impact he made, it was one of the smallest things that might have gone the furthest. Back in Bolivia, the humidity and heat always attracted flies, and no one was using a screen door. Wayne showed them how to build a screen and, using old rubber bike tires, create a swinging screen door for a few of the homes. When he visited 15 years later it was still the talk of the town. As he looks back at his experience, he shares that he was only just trying to make some sort of contribution to the world but instead did so much to impact a community and make it a healthier place to live. It is something of which he is proud. Like Wayne, Pastor Andrew Hinderlie had studied abroad with his experience coming in Thailand. After graduating college in the Midwest in 1978, he thought he might go back to Asia and possibly teach—until he met up with an on-campus Peace Corps recruiter. “After a lot of thought, I decided to do it,” said Andrew. With not a lot of building or farming background, the Peace Corps decided Andrew’s best fit was in planning and logistics. He went through language training and was taught survival skills as well (now a less intense version than Wayne’s). He was sent to the Togolese Republic, also known as Togo, in Africa to help oversee logistics and financial planning projects for the local government. “We would supply the expertise for the local masons, carpenters, architects, planners and problem solve with design teams,” he said. Andrew’s team built schools, outbuildings and large dry-storage buildings for grains. A self-described “Minnesota nice guy,” Andrew admits to being hesitant in some of his early decision-making as to not offend locals but learned how to be a confident leader by running many projects. “We always worked as a team, and I didn’t always want to push hard, but I learned I often had to push people to really get stuff done.” Andrew would facilitate many projects across Africa, but some of his most impactful messaging came through simple conversations. While he was learning about different cultures, Andrew was also sharing with locals the ideals of American Democracy. “This would spur discussions about our system, and a lot of times the locals would ask why they didn’t have the same freedoms and democracy in their country,” he recalled. Andrew’s commitment to his faith is evidenced from his position of pastor at a Lutheran church, but he was never afraid to explore his beliefs and how they differ from those in other nations and religions. He went to all the different churches he could find and learned from practicing Buddhists as well. “I don’t see God as just in my denomination but in all places. I see God as a God that loves this world.” Wayne recalls spending time in Muslim villages as well and being treated with the same respects as the locals. “I would leave my shoes and all of my stuff on the beach when I went for a walk. When I came back an hour later my stuff was always still there. Where in America do you think that could happen?” asked Wayne. While both men specialized in different areas, traveled to different lands and had different experiences, both Wayne and Andrew came back with a similar understanding of the world and themselves. Wayne still speaks monthly with a few of the folks from his original volunteer group; relationships that have stood more than 50 years. When Andrew returned home he quickly got involved with the international community, hosting students and having welcome parties in his parents’ home. “Once you come into my home, you are always welcome,” he said. In Togo, Andrew was welcomed with a smile and, despite cultural difference, he maintains many were very similar to the Americans he grew up with. Strangers would open up their homes to serve him a meal and would often even put him up for the night, a courtesy Andrew utilizes in his own home today. Wayne recalls dining with families as well and the common theme of respect and understanding that can be shared over a meal. “Almost every country has unique things in their culture, but if you treat human beings like human beings, eat food and share drink with each other, you’ll be accepted into a family.” The impact the Peace Corps has on its volunteers like Andrew and Wayne is felt long after they’ve left. Spreading the democratic ideals of the United States has inspired people in developing countries to fight for additional freedoms and take political office. Many come here to work on college degrees or to become doctors to bring aid to their homelands. What might seem like common skills to us can be life altering for a group of people whose daily struggle often isn’t paying bills but finding enough food and clean water for their family. “I really didn’t realize the privileges I had as an American until I came home,” said Andrew. “You learn to do with what you can, and we can do so much with American ingenuity,” said Wayne. Both men share their experiences of keeping an open mind toward other cultures with those they encounter throughout the day. In a time of increasing division, both come back to sharing a meal and having a conversation. “People don’t learn how to speak face to face or to talk one on one anymore, which I hope will change,” said Wayne. “We are so afraid of those who are different, and I don’t think that’s who we are as Americans,” said Andrew. “I think we’ll grow through this because we are a country that celebrates diversity and (know) that we don’t all have to be the same to lead a wonderful life.”

The sun still shines! By Colin Anderson Over the past few years my wife and I have come to really appreciate traveling in the month of September. With summer vacations over, kids going back to school and tolerable weather around most of the country, people aren’t necessarily putting travel high on their list during this month. Residing in the Northwest and being far from pale blue and bathtub warm ocean waters, we are happy to take a beach vacation any time of year. If you do head to the southern United States, Mexico or the Caribbean this time of year, you are always rolling the dice as mid-August through the end of October is peak hurricane season. While that can certainly ruin a vacation, your chances of being stuck in a major storm are pretty miniscule and your chances of having prime beaches, easy reservations and calmer streets are all but a sure thing. This past September we decided to book a six-night trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Located on the very southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, this once small fishing village would be unrecognizable to those who visited some 30 years ago. The towns of Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas are connected via “The Tourist Corridor,” where a staggering number of all-inclusive mega resorts reside. As our friendly cab driver pointed out, there were six new massive resort complexes currently under construction. As we traveled the near hour-long (and $70) ride from the International Airport to Downtown Cabo San Lucas, we were pleasantly surprised at how green and beautiful the surrounding landscape was. The area is very much a desert but still quite colorful. The driver showed us where George Clooney’s oceanfront villa was (currently for sale) and some incredible golf courses where six-figure membership gets you through the front gate. Alas, these were not in our travel plans. Many come to Cabo San Lucas for the all-inclusive hotels. Here you’ve already pre-paid for just about everything: room, food, drinks and entertainment. While I can very much understand a vacation in which you don’t have to plan anything, leave the pool or rarely take out your wallet (except to tip of course), we are much more into exploring new places, so our destination was an older condo complex set just a block back from the beach. When we talked with several Cabo veterans about going down in September, they all told us to push the trip off until October when the heat and humidity would both drop significantly. There is no sugar coating it; September is a hot and humid month for the Baja peninsula. With Hawaiian island-like weather most of the year, many locals actually leave during August and September to take their vacations away from the heat and humidity. With plane tickets and hotels 40 to 60 percent cheaper during these months, we decided the little bit of extra heat would be OK to deal with. The Beach The main attraction to most tropical vacations is the beach, and Playa el Medano is the center of all the daytime action in Cabo San Lucas. Playa el Medano stretches from the marina up along the entire bay and is the main safe swimmable beach in the area. The beachfront is littered with casual bars and restaurants, a few expensive all-inclusives and, as like the rest of Mexico, plenty of vendors. Dressed in all white and constantly meandering up and down the beach, they are looking to sell you everything from hair braiding and henna tattoos to sombreros, jewelry and cigars. While it can be a little overwhelming at first, a simple “No thank you” or just ignoring their attention-grabbing pitch will often lead them to move on rather quickly. Vendors are not allowed inside the beachfront restaurants either, so as long as you aren’t in the first couple rows of beach-front seating, you’ll be left more at peace to take down your margarita or Dos Equis. Water sports are easy to arrange here with jet skis and parasailing easily rented right from the beach. A dip in the warm waters feels incredible after walking through the humid air. The seas are less tranquil in the fall, but you can still wade out about 20 to 30 yards with your feet on the bottom. Water taxis are running constantly to take visitors out to Lover’s Beach at El Arco, the area’s famous landmark. While still busy, there are no services here, so it’s a little less hectic than on Playa Medano, and seeing El Arco up close is also a memorable sight. The Food As you would expect, seafood is the specialty in most restaurants and cafés in Cabo. With high heat during the day, we found ourselves mostly munching on appetizers and fish tacos. We found Tacos Gardenias right behind our condo and ended up eating there several times. The fresh fish ceviche and molcajete were incredible. Fresh fish or shrimp tacos were grilled or fried and came with a tray of about a dozen different sauces, salsas and garnishes to make an awesome and affordable lunch or late-night snack. Baja Brewing Company was started by a couple of friends from Colorado and now has three locations. We frequented the one atop the Cachet Beach Hotel roof just about every day. With so few tourists around, we were able to snag the tables with the best view, kick back and enjoy solid craft beers. As mentioned earlier, many locals will take off during the humid season, so a few of the more heralded restaurants were closed for a few weeks while the owners took their vacations. I would estimate this was only about 5 to 10 percent of the restaurants, and we were able to find plenty to eat everywhere we went. We splurged one evening and went to Los Tres Gallos, which focuses on locally sourced traditional Mexican fine dining. The open-air restaurant was dimly lit, and you feel like you are eating in a 200-year-old courtyard. The meal and ambiance were incredible. The Nightlife Other than the beach, many come to Cabo for its renowned nightlife which is located around the marina and the streets directly behind it. Once the sun goes down the music goes up and loud beats pump into the streets as employees look to lure you into high-octane parties at places like The Giggling Marling, El Squid Roe and Mandala. The over-40 crowd often makes its way to Cabo Wabo in hopes of spotting owner Sammy Hagar or some of his buddies up on stage for an impromptu live set. We found a few of the smaller bars a bit more appealing like Happy Endings Cantina with its two beers and two shots for $5 daily promotion and Pochos with its open patio and views of the super yachts parked in the marina. While partying and beach going is always available, there is plenty more to do with a week in Cabo. Some of the best sport fishing in the world is found off its shores; there are horseback and ATV trips into the surrounding desert; and a day trip up to the town of Todos Santos can give you a break from fast-paced Cabo to enjoy a peaceful and artsy community where you can also visit the Hotel California from the famed Eagles’ song. There is always a reason off-season travel is cheaper, but those willing to risk the potential for less than ideal conditions often come away with an incredible experience for a lot less than they would have otherwise paid. What are you waiting for? It’s never too early to start planning your fall getaway today. #gigharbor #tacoma #washington #253lifestylemag #travel #cabo #mexico #leisure #getaway #vacation #bestplaces #offseason #tourism

Veterinarian cares for horses in Mongol Derby By Dan Thompson Photos Courtesy of Bruce Pedersen As a traveling veterinarian and a world traveler, Bruce Pedersen is accustomed to rugged terrain. He practices veterinary medicine in Watford City, North Dakota, and Butte, Montana, boom towns 550 miles and 150 years apart, and lives the rest of the time—“the goal is half the year”—in Sandpoint, Idaho, he said. He has also traveled to India a number of times, climbed to the base camp at Everest with his daughter and taken a humanitarian trip to Swaziland and South Africa. But none of those places quite compare to Mongolia. “The landscape was like nothing I’d ever experienced,” Pedersen said. “No fences. I describe it as a Galapagos experience: It’s the same that it was probably 3,000 years ago. These horses were pure, naturally selected, semi-wild, just amazing.” He was describing the 1,400 or so horses needed for the annual Mongol Derby, an event first run in 2009 that re-creates and pays homage to Genghis Khan’s version of the Pony Express, meant to send messages across the vast Mongolian Steppe as fast as possible. Pedersen, one who relishes new experiences and the personal connections that open such opportunities, was encouraged by a friend to apply to vet the race. His application was accepted, and last August, he headed to Ulaanbaatar for pre-race training and a three-week adventure along with eight other vets (for the horses), a team of medics (for the humans), about 40 riders and a host of locals. Their goal? Keep everyone healthy—most certainly the horses—and finish the 1,000-kilometer course in 10 days or fewer. He nearly didn’t make it out of the United States. A day or two before the race he looked at his passport. Expired. So, he and Heather (his wife) drove through the night to Seattle, secured a last-minute passport, and then Pedersen boarded a plane headed across the ocean toward Mongolia. “I didn’t really explore it that much. I’m not the best at preparation,” he said this winter, looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the bed and breakfast he and Heather own and operate in Sandpoint. “It was like going to a movie where you haven’t seen the trailer. “I’m gonna vet the Mongol Derby,” he said to himself. “It sounds like fun.” It went far beyond pure fun, though. For Pedersen, the trip became about the relationship between a people and the earth that sustains them, and the balance between how technology is an aide but also a hindrance to the human connections that it so often seeks to foster. “Animals are a piece of our connection with the earth and what I saw in those people and how intimate their lives were with those animals and agriculture,” Pedersen said of the Mongolians. “How much removed we’ve gotten.” The Mongol Derby draws riders from across the world. The 2018 roster included women and men from 11 different countries, mostly from the United States and Australia. “The riders help each other, and that’s one of the big important points,” Pedersen said. “They call it a race, but it’s really more of a journey. It’s not as much about winning as it is about completing.” The task is daunting: Ride 1,000 kilometers in 25 to 28 stages in 10 days—this year’s winners finished on day seven—navigating with a GPS and elementary maps that show little more than peaks, valleys and the next checkpoint. At each checkpoint riders meet unique horses. If you’re first to reach a checkpoint, then you get first pick of your next steed. All the animals belong to Mongolians who loan them to the race—part of each rider’s $13,000 entrance fee goes toward paying locals for their horses and hospitality—and are then returned after a leg of the event. “There is enough value in 50 horses hired to the Derby to satisfy all their cash needs for a year. It's a game changer,” Katy Willings, Derby chief since 2018, wrote in an email. “That said, we tend to hire the horses in fives and 10s, numbers which mean we can be confident that the herders have spent time on each horse to prepare it: Can it be caught and handled, saddled, mounted, is it fit to carry an adult at speed?” No horse is ridden twice, and the horses that go well earn a financial bonus for the herder, Willings said. Pedersen’s job was to check the horses for injuries and elevated heart rates. To some extent, too, he, along with the medics, was assessing the well-being of the riders and their fitness to keep riding, especially mentally. But over the entire event Pedersen said he only assessed one penalty, and not one horse sustained a serious injury. “We had one colic, but 1,400 horses, just pretty minor lamenesses, a cut we had to sew up,” Pedersen said. “The riders were beat up way worse than the horses.” The Steppe is unforgiving. Vast and varied, the terrain tests riders’ skills in navigation and horsemanship, and also their mental mettle. Between checkpoints, riders wore an emergency SOS button that they could press if they got into trouble. That happened a couple dozen times over the course of the event, usually because a rider had been thrown from the horse and it had sped off. Other times it was for minor injuries. But this year, the majority of riders finished. Each rider wore a GPS, which, pragmatically, showed the operation center where everyone was at a given time, helping ensure their safety in an emergency. But it also ensured they followed the strict rules of riding only by daylight. A rider could either bed down at a checkpoint or stop along the course overnight, taking care of their horse and lodging with locals or sleeping wherever they opted to. They just couldn’t ride again until 6:30 the next morning. Pedersen also stayed with locals and drank his share of yak milk and other fermented dairy. Their hospitality impressed him. “It gives me a unique perspective on a working animal, and I think that’s where I’ve grown to really appreciate purpose, as in when animals have a purpose,” Pedersen said. “A sled dog, a Mongolian Derby horse. There’s a need to do something, something that drives us, to give us purpose. “Out there they are one step away from being wild.” Indeed, many of the horses still bore the faint stripes of their Zebra cousins, Pedersen said, and most were only about 13 hands tall. But they were stout, strong, fast—and they sure loved to run. Pedersen knows a thing or two about competitions like the Derby. He has vetted the Iditarod in Alaska five times—he plans to do so again in March—and has done so in other races as well. Often the events recreate some sort of historical journey of necessity: The famed serum run in Alaska, for example, is the inspiration for the Iditarod. Others, like Race the Wild Coast in South Africa, are held so that riders and horses can test the limits of their capabilities. Pedersen first worked the Iditarod when he was a young vet in Jackson, Wyoming. The parallels between the sled dog race and the Derby were many for him, especially the high level of respect for the animals. But the level of support is much different. The Iditarod ensures very quick access to primary care for mushers and dogs, but that’s simply not possible in Mongolia. “The Mongol Derby was a lot more isolated, more intimate with the way things used to be, not as much technology or modernization,” Pedersen said. And for as harsh as the Steppe was in August, it’s not nearly as treacherous as Alaska in March. Alaska wouldn’t be safe if there was less support, he said. “The Alaskan environment in the winter is so much more unforgiving.” The experience in Asia reminded him of the life-saving value of technology, most certainly. But the nights spent with people who lack so much of what Pedersen has back in the United States also reminded him of the ways that technology gets in the way. “To observe their family time was a bit enviable on the quality of those interactions. The single focus of tending for their animals, they milk yak, they lived off the land,” he said. “Modernization has infiltrated a little bit … but I still felt that it was preserved to some historical aspect of how it was.” Pedersen sees parallels in North Dakota, where, when he sees large animals as a vet, they are ranch horses. Animals with a job, a purpose, a clear connection with the land. Toward the end of the Derby, Pedersen and a handful of vets found themselves at the final checkpoint, and they had a realization: Why not ride? “We said, wait a minute, we’re in Mongolia. We need to throw a leg over a horse and ride,” Pedersen said. So, they cobbled together what equipment they had, including the Mongol saddles that were, to put it much more delicately than the saddles themselves, jostling to ride. The final leg was about 36 kilometers, and Pedersen was on it. The horse he rode belonged to a Mongolian boy who loaned it to him. “I was honored by that young boy. That’s his prized possession,” Pedersen said. “That was his horse and he let me ride it.” The horse knew how to choose a path, much better, he realized, than he did as a rider. He nicknamed it Cereb, short for cerebrum, because it was so automatic for the horse to navigate the terrain. One leg into a marmot hole—which were multitudinous and often obscured—would undoubtedly toss Pedersen and lame the horse. “These horses want to run, so they are hell bent. It’s not just a trot. At first I’m steering them, and then I realized, no, you let them have their head,” he said. “Just to be on them and feel them, it gave us a real appreciation for the riders.” They rode across the finish line and steered right into a lake. It ended with a big party, including some Genghis vodka (he brought back a flask of it). “I think among the crews in particular there is a feeling of having been into battle together,” Willings said. “So many of the challenges of the event are unbeknownst to the riders, thank goodness, and we adopt a kind of ‘game face,’ which at the event's safe and successful conclusion, is fun to take off again and admit how crazy things got at times.” Five or six days later, Pedersen boarded an airplane in Ulaanbaatar, bound for Beijing, then Seattle and then Spokane. Pedersen is still often on the move, driving to Butte and Watford City, maintaining his role in the vet practices he helped start. But he is always looking for the next adventure. He’s even considering riding in that race along the South African coast. “I might still have it in me,” he said. At the least, Pedersen has the Iditarod coming up. And maybe even another trip across the Steppe, where there is no fence in sight.

Add visual interest to your space By Alinda Morris, Alinda Morris Interior Design LLC Looking for a way to add impact to your space? Wallpaper is a great way to add visual interest to your interior environment and can take you far beyond what can be achieved with paint. Use wallpaper in place of the painted accent wall to help define your space. If you have an open floor plan, custom area rugs, lighting and art can also assist you in this process. Incorporate layers of texture and pattern into more sophisticated spaces such as an entryway, dining room, master bedroom or a formal living space. If you are going take a risk, a powder room or a mud room is a great place to start. Geometric patterns and bold prints work great in small spaces. To take your project to the next level, don’t forget about your ceiling. Texture is My Favorite Color - Grass Cloth Taking inspiration from the natural environment invites us to make our interiors warmer and more inviting. Grass cloth is a subtle beauty. However, it is not simple to install—or to remove—so do your research or hire a professional to assist you. Imperfections and slight variations of color are inherent in natural materials. Seams are visible and often integrated into the design because color variance from one roll to the next can be quite pronounced. Most grass cloth is made from materials like arrowroot, raw jute, sisal and reed grass. They require special care such as lightly vacuuming, as moisture will damage the paper. Some manufacturers offer wall coverings in a commercial-grade finish, offering the illusion of natural materials with a washable surface. What to Expect Walls need to be prepared correctly in order to look their best. Walls that have even a light texture may need a liner. Some custom papers require level five (flat walls). Your wallpaper installer should confirm this with you. This is not the step to skip. If this investment is outside your budget, go for self-adhesive removable wallpaper like tempaper. They offer fun, high-impact looks that are easy to apply and remove. Best Tips • Always begin your project with a specific goal in mind. • If you are going to invest in a quality covering or custom product, leave the installation to the professionals. For more tips and design inspiration, follow Alinda Morris Interior Design LLC on Instagram @alindamorris.

Kauai, Hawaii, offers both serenity and adventure. By Colin Anderson & Stephanie Krebs-Anderson. There is a lot to be thankful for living in the Northwest, but the truth is during the winter months we may long for some sunshine and warmer weather. When the days are short, the temperatures are chilly and gray drizzle makes things just wet enough to mess up your day, we remember the wonderful islands of Hawaii where it’s almost always 80 degrees and sunny. As a couple that has a serious travel bug, it’s rare we visit the same place twice. But after our first trip to the island of Kauai, we were back again this past May, less than two years later. There are slices of paradise on each of the Hawaiian Islands, but for those looking to step out from behind the all-inclusives, dinner shows and crowded Waikiki and add some adventure to your vacation, the north shore of Kauai simply can’t be beat. In and around Hanalei Bay you will find some of the most spectacular beaches and scenery in the world. You can surf, snorkel, scuba, hike, bike and fly. This truly is a remarkable island, and your visit will bring you a new-found appreciation for nature. His Perspective As a traveler, I like to see and experience as much of an area as I can because who knows if I’ll ever be back again. Relaxing on the beach is always part of the trip, but I can only lounge for so long before wanting to find the next experience. This might be my favorite thing about Kauai. You can drive up and down the North Shore, find plenty of places to explore, and if you feel like a little beach time, just pull over and plop down your chair and towel. Kauai is known for adventure both by sea and land. One of my favorite excursions we’ve taken is something you wouldn’t likely come across at the concierge desk. Our group of four hired a local by the name of “T” to take us into the center of the island and float down a century-old irrigation canal originally created to bring water from the mountains to the taro fields and pineapple plantations in the valleys below. The drive was on one of the roughest and craziest roads I have ever been on with washed out sections the size of a Mini-Cooper. We passed through the area where they shot the entrance to Jurassic Park, and we were soon riding boogie boards down a 2-mile canal. We passed through several pitch-black tunnels and ended at a beautiful swimming hole. Another great land adventure is hiking the first two miles of the Kalalau trail. This trail begins where the road literally dead ends. It’s an 11-mile hike that wraps around the famous Na Pali Coast which you can also tour by sailboat, zodiac, kayak or helicopter. This hike is rated a difficulty 9.5 out of 10 by the Sierra Club, but the first two miles are doable if you are in decent shape and have hiking experience. Permits are needed to go further than two miles, but thousands of people make the 11-mile trek each year to camp out at Kalalau Beach—one of the most beautiful beaches and backdrops you will ever see. The trail is steep and rocky, and you traverse streams that can swell at a moment’s notice. Both times we’ve done this hike it has down poured for a short time, making for an even wilder experience. Back in the water, you’ll find a colorful array of fish snorkeling at Ke’e beach, excellent surf and boogie boarding waves in the picture perfect two-mile crest beach of Hanalei Bay, and will more than likely come across giant sea turtles snorkeling at Anini Beach. Having such an immense turtle swimming just feet away from you is really an amazing experience. Like other vacation destinations, there are plenty of restaurants from grab-and-go to upscale fine dining, and shops carrying trinket souvenirs to fine art. You’ll notice that only a couple bars stay open past dinner, but after a day of exploring and sunny beaches, most retire early instead of seeking out the nightlife. If you get the chance to visit this island, enjoy the beaches, but don’t be afraid to step out and find your own adventure. Her Perspective When my husband and I settled on a vacation to the island of Kauai and began to talk to friends and colleagues about our trip, one of the most common things we heard from other visitors of the island was “Kauai is incredible.” After having visited the island twice, I agree. The Hawaiian island of Kauai is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The island has natural presence that truly must be seen to be believed. Kauai served as the backdrop to many famous movies (Jurassic Park and Blue Hawaii for example) so you likely have seen this spectacular place before without even realizing it. If you are in search of a tropical paradise that comes complete with stunning, high lush green mountain peaks that seem to always be draped in a shroud of mist and that are contrasted against a coastline of white sand beaches and rolling turquoise blue ocean waves, look no further than Kauai. The “Garden Island” is the perfect backdrop for burying your toes in the sand and your nose in a book while the ocean crashes to the shore. You can boogie board, surf and drink beer from your cooler while you get far too much sun and apply too little sunblock. You will probably have more than one encounter with some of the most colorful chickens you have ever seen, as they inhabit the island and seem to be its most numerous residents. These free-range creatures will probably be your morning alarm clock too. They seem to be lurking everywhere, including outside your window. Impressive sunrises on the island make for a perfect excuse for getting up early for a run, taking a yoga class on the beach, or walking down to the nearby beach to stand in the ocean and watch the sun come up for the day. Opting for a vacation rental by owner over a hotel will usually include the perks of having a little more privacy, a lot more space, and typically a cache of beach gear to let you create your own experience. Plus, if you have a kitchen, it can easily be stocked. The island boasts multiple farmers markets, with one happening most nights of the week. The markets are a great chance to be amazed at how much better things grow in the tropical climate (hello giant onions!) and to find and try fruit not typically found at your regular Pacific Northwest farmers market (hello papayas!). Creating your adventure, not your style? There are also tons of resources and companies that will ensure your vacation has just the right amount of zip-lining, surfing, fishing, snorkeling or whatever you enjoy. If you are looking to have rocking party where you stay up late and hop from club to club, this is not the place for you. And no one is going to walk up to you and try to sell you some trinket you don’t need. Kauai’s charms are much more natural and serene – and when you leave you’ll find yourself planning the next trip before you get home. #local #253lifestyle #travel #leisure #hawaii

Experiencing a work holiday in New Zealand, family style. By Jillian Verby Klaucke, MD. It was freezing outside. The chill in the air was biting, and the ocean roared as waves crashed on the long, sandy beach. A gentle breeze blew as the sea mist coated our faces. Though it was August, it was mid-winter in New Zealand. And my family and I, including a 5-month-old and a 2-year-old, were about to ditch our warm clothes for swimsuits. And dig in, literally, at Hot Water Beach hot springs. The natural hot spring river becomes accessible for a soak two hours either side of low tide, when visitors come armed with a spade or small shovel and dig their own spa pool in the beach sand. The Pacific Ocean provides a scenic backdrop and cold water to temper the heat of the spring, which can reach 147 degrees Fahrenheit. Our family found ourselves in this extraordinary place over a long weekend after moving to New Zealand for a year-long work holiday in 2017. Upon arrival to Auckland, our small family was greeted with “Kia Ora,” which translates to mean “Hello” or “Be well and healthy.” Our children were delighted to learn “Hongi,” the traditional Maori greeting in which people press their noses together and touch foreheads. My daughter, Greta, was entranced by a performance of a “Haka” at the Auckland museum, a traditional Maori war dance that has evolved into a demonstration of community and strength. As newcomers to New Zealand, we learned to use the Maori language daily. We have habitually changed our vocabulary and now say nappy, rubbish, jumper (for sweater), petrol, wee and pram despite returning to the U.S. One of my son’s first words was “Ta,” which is a common way to say “Thank you.” In contrast to the tranquility of natural hot pools, the urban scene in Auckland also took some adaptation. Many of the homes in the city are placed two per lot, with a “front house” and “back house.” Each plot may have room for a small yard or garden. The homes were smaller, built for warm weather, and lacked insulation. Without central heat, homes were warmed with a heat pump or heater in each room, to be turned on only when the room was occupied. Economy cars were the standard, and work fleets were made up of vans, rather than pickup trucks, to save on fuel, which could cost up to $3.80 NZ per liter (or about $9.90 USD per gallon). While in Auckland, my husband and I both worked in health care. Jonathan had contracted to complete pediatric and sports orthopedic fellowships, and I worked as a general practitioner in a clinic in the Mission Bay suburb. The practice where I worked was staffed at any one time by a practice nurse and three physicians and was just big enough for each one of us to have a combined office/exam room. Each consultation was limited to one health concern or 15 minutes maximum, whichever came first. That may mean that a patient was seen once or twice a week, or booked a longer visit if more time was needed, and it helped that GP practices and the health-care system are subsidized by the NZ government. Patients are not required to have insurance and only pay small fees to see physicians. More complicated health concerns can be addressed in the specialist realm, but wait times for covered care can be up to four to six months to see a specialist or a few weeks to months to complete routine imaging such as ultrasound. In NZ, 100 percent of all medical care is covered for children under age 13. For anyone in New Zealand, whether permanent resident or visitor, any accident, such as a broken bone or getting the wrong vaccination or an infected bug bite, is covered under the ACC, or Accident Compensation Corporation. As a GP, government-funded services resulted in access to resources needed to solve a difficult problem or make a diagnosis, but I found that New Zealanders in general were self-reliant and realistic about outcomes and utilization of such resources which helps keep funding in place. I often had travel consultations during my sessions with patients. Because NZ is so close to the Pacific Islands, families would come in to discuss pre-travel vaccinations or return to report tropical illness or other travel medical concerns. Many NZ residents are foreign nationals and have connections to their home countries. This made our visits quite interesting, as I would have to translate a prescription from Chinese, or French, or read doctor’s notes from Chile or Argentina (with the help of a translator). Many of the families that we met, either professionally or socially, in New Zealand were pleased with the infrastructure. Aside from medical coverage, public works kept the country tidy and functioning. We potty trained our eldest in NZ, and I was thankful for the ubiquitous, clean public toilets available in every town. Museums were free for NZ residents, and the library system could obtain any book available in the world on request. Roads were well maintained, and I got used to navigating rotaries, or roundabouts, while driving on the left side of the road (thus clockwise). Our kids thrived in our new locale, trying new foods and learning new habits. One of my favorite memories was of my daughter, who saw live New Zealand green-lipped mussels in the grocery store water tank. The mussel is a traditional Maori staple and is very affordable. While seated in the cart, she asked me, “Mummy, can we get mussels please?” And I, pleased with Greta’s willingness to try new foods, exuberantly packed up a kilo into the shopping “trolley.” When we were at home, after steaming them with lemon and garlic, we sat down to eat. As my husband and I savored the flavor, we didn’t expect our daughter to eat her mussels and then resolutely ask for more, more, more! Greta and her brother adapted easily to the kiwi lifestyle. Soon after arrival, Greta ceased wearing shoes, like most of the children in Auckland, and no longer fussed when applying sunscreen, happy to oblige with the Slip! Slop! Slap! Campaign. On Hot Water Beach that afternoon, we were lucky that burn time is a bit longer in the winter, but despite, we lathered up in sunscreen before taking a dip into the pools. As the sea roared over our shoulders and we felt the warm water of the pools, my husband and I looked at each other, nodded and knew that we were fortunate to have the opportunity to call New Zealand home, if only briefly. After 14 months in an amazing country, it’s nice to be home in the U.S, but we also miss the community that we were a part of in Auckland and the stunning beauty around every turn as we traveled in New Zealand. We would love to return, but, as it’s said in Te Reo Maori, “Ma Te Wa” or time will tell (and hope to see you soon). Jillian Verby Klaucke, MD, is a family physician who has lived and worked in New Zealand on three separate occasions since 2001 and was recently there for 14 months with her family over 2017-2018.

Sugar Ray Seales Overcomes By John J. Raspanti He’s seen a lot—a Palestinian terrorist group called Black September holding 11 Israeli athletes at gunpoint; the joy on his parents' faces as an Olympic gold medal was placed round his neck; money he earned come, and then go. He’s seen parades, awards and even a day named in his honor. In 1980, the way he saw the world would become radically different after a fight against a journeyman opponent. “I was thumbed in the (left) eye,” said Seales. “It was never the same. Things changed. I’ve been in the dim for a long time.” The right eye wasn’t much better. Sugar Ray Seales was 28. He was advised to quit. He wouldn’t. It’s not in his DNA. Eye operations became as routine as going to the gym. “I’ve had seven eye surgeries—four on my left, three on my right,” said Seales. They cost over $100,000—more than Seales made during his boxing career. It wasn’t supposed to have turned out this way. After winning the gold medal, Seales came home to Tacoma, Washington, a hero. He was the man. “We all looked up to him,” said fellow Tacoma native and 1976 Olympic gold medalist Leo Randolph. “He was our inspiration.” Seales turned pro in 1973, reeling off 21 successive victories with 12 knockouts. A title shot looked inevitable until he ran into future Hall-of-Famer Marvelous Marvin Hagler in 1979. “We fought in a TV station,” said Seales. “It was freezing, and Marvin Hagler comes out of the dressing room sweating. We were freezing. So, we got beat.” Less than three months later, the two southpaws met again. This time the results were different. Two judges scored the fight a draw, while the third had Hagler winning. “I thought I won eight rounds,” Seales said, without a hint of bitterness. “But that’s boxing.” Seales soldiered on, meeting hard-punching Eugene “Cyclone” Hart in Atlantic City, New Jersey, nine months later. Seales tried to box, but Hart pressed the action. “He hooked me in my hip,” Seales said. “He hit me hard—the hardest. Harder than Hagler.” Seales picked up the NABF middleweight title in 1976, but what he really wanted was a world title. In 1976 he traveled to London to face seventh-ranked contender Alan Minter. The winner might get a shot at middleweight champion Carlos Monzon. Seales was favored to win. The oddsmakers looked like soothsayers in the early going. Seales dominated the opening rounds of the bout, causing Minter to bleed. He banged Minter with hooks and jabs. Minter had an ugly lump on his forehead. Seales was cruising until a vicious left hand crashed off his chin, knocking him to the canvas. He got up quickly, but his legs were wobbly. Minter attacked until the referee stopped the fight. Seales was back in the ring four months later. He needed the money. He fought 11 times in 1977, winning 10 of them. He fought all over the United States. The goal was the same—a world title. But it wasn't to be. That dream ended in 1979 when Hagler starched him in the opening round. Four years later, Seales retired. He was 31 and nearly blind in both eyes. With boxing no longer part of his life, Seales bounced around, eventually finding another calling: teaching children. “It was the Lord's choice,” said Seales. “Muhammad Ali once told me, ‘Service to others is the rent we pay for our room in heaven.' "The Lord wanted me to teach autistic kids. That’s what made me the person I am today. Everybody was winning. They were learning. I did it for 17 years. They didn’t want me to retire.” With his second retirement came restlessness. Even with all the disappointment, pain and loss, boxing beckoned. Seales heard the call. He hadn’t lost his passion. He’d give back again by coaching. In 2008, Seales and his wife moved to Indianapolis. He found a gym that needed a coach. The job wouldn’t pay him a nickel, but that didn’t matter. Money was never his God. Legally blind for years now, he bumped into the heavy bags as he maneuvered around the dingy gym but could see enough to coach. He took on two teams that, the year before, came in third place in the state tournament. The next year they won it all. “We’ve won nine Golden Glove team championships in 10 years,” Seales said. Seales was happy and content, but then a miracle happened. A doctor named John Abrams performed more surgery on his left eye. “I’ve been living in Indianapolis for 11 years,” said Seales. “All those years I’ve been in the dark. The bifocals I had on wasn’t telling me what needed to be told.” The surgery was performed. Seales was stunned. “This Dr. Abrams, he took care of me,” said Seales. “I was lying on the couch for three hours. I was out, but a nurse held my hand. The next day I didn’t need my bifocals anymore. I was blind for 11 years with glasses on. Now, I didn’t need 'em.” “A miracle” is how Seales describes it. He can see his kids now. Long ago he accepted the pitfalls of his life. No need to blame. Move on and teach. “With boxing, you have to love it,” said Seales. “Focus on what you’re doing, and listen on how to get it down.” Seales has focused all his life. And now, for the first time in many years, he can really see. John J. Raspanti is co-author (with Dennis Taylor) of "Intimate Warfare: The True Story of the Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward Boxing Trilogy," an Amazon bestseller, and an expert analyst on The Ringside Boxing Show, a podcast on The Grueling Truth Sports Network. #sugarrayseales #boxing #sports

Grab your best gals and plan a weekend getaway to Vashon Island – Heart of the Sound. With three ferry terminals on the island, if you live in Seattle, Tacoma or out on the Kitsap Peninsula, it’s just a short ferry ride and a world away. Coming from North Idaho, it is a further jaunt but makes a great base for a longer vacation. You can easily reach Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula and Tacoma from the island. When looking for a location for a girlfriends’ weekend, you want a great place to stay with a nice spot to sip a glass of wine or cocktail, quaint shops, yummy restaurants and lots of local flavor. Vashon fits the bill, and the best part is it’s not well known as a tourist destination, and its close proximity means you spend more time on your weekend and less time traveling. One of the best-kept secrets on the island is the beautiful, historic waterfront homes available as vacation rentals on some of the most pristine natural areas on the island. The Vashon Park District manages the Belle Baldwin House at Fern Cove Park and the Keepers’ Quarters at Point Robinson Lighthouse Park. For a girls’ weekend, there is no question that it must be the Belle Baldwin House. In 1912, she became the state’s first female physician. Located at Fern Cove Park, the home is set in a forested area with a nice lawn overlooking 750 feet of Puget Sound beach, perfect for sunsets and cocktails. The home has a fully stocked kitchen, three bedrooms, one bathroom and sleeps six. Fully restored with a vintage vibe, it has all the household items you need for a comfortable stay. Friday. Try to get an early afternoon start to beat rush-hour traffic for the ferry. Plan to swing by the Sugar Shack to pick up dinner before heading to the Baldwin House. The Sugar Shack is the brain child of owner Hedy Anderson. She is known around the island as “The Caramel Lady” for the delectable candy she makes for her business King Caramel. In 2017, she paired with Chef Wally Bell to start the Sugar Shack, a unique food shop that carries local treats and sells prepared meals for take-out. You’ll often hear locals asking Chef Wally, “What’s for dinner?” when they see him around town. The shack is open Monday through Friday from 4 to 7pm. Check their Facebook page to see what they are serving and just swing by to pick up a meal. Don’t forget some King Caramels for dessert. Saturday. Start your morning at the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie. It is located in the center of the island in a building more than 100 years old. A hub of island life, you’ll find plenty of coffee, antiques and may even see the vintage roaster humming away. This is where friendly locals hang out. It’s a great place to sip some coffee and learn about things to do on the island, like the live music jam on weekends that you must be vetted by a local before receiving the location. A step into Vashon Bodywork and your cares start to slip away as the soothing music, aromatic smells and luxury venue work their magic. The only therapeutic and organic spa on the island is the brainchild of owner Deja Mariee Star. She believes that living a green lifestyle is not a trend but a state of mind. The products and services at Vashon Body Works reflect that philosophy. The spa uses and sells products that are made from hand-picked fresh plants and botanicals which are rich in minerals, nutrients and vitamins. Everything is chemical-free, non-toxic and 100-percent organically grown. Star can tailor a visit for a small group. Services include massage, therapeutic bodywork for chronic pain, organic facials, waxing and sugaring, and many more; by appointment only. After the spa treatments, swing in to the Pure Organic Café and Juicery located next door for a quick pick-me-up. This cute little place serves organic, vegan and gluten-free food items and juices. A quick swig of an energy-packed juice shot and you’ll be set for some marathon shopping in Vashon. Pure strives to use local island produce when in season and sources from Washington and Oregon as well. Spend the rest of the day in “Downtown Vashon” enjoying the shops and having lunch. Plan to pick up items throughout the day for dinner back at the Belle Baldwin House. One of the most interesting shops on the island has a large metal Giraffe outside its namesake shop. It’s perfect for a girls’ trip selfie. Once inside you will love the carefully curated collection from more than 45 countries and local artists from the Pacific Northwest. When you walk in the door, you are warmly greeted and offered a spot of tea. Owner Priscilla is passionate about fair trade and the artisans who hand make many of the treasures sold at her store. Each item has its own unique story that she is happy to share with her guests. Gather is a unique venture. A mother-daughter team opened this space, which is part art gallery and part just a great place to hang out, hence the name—Gather. The gallery is bright and cheerful with many places to sit and a large dramatic table, a work of art on its own which serves as a place for art classes or events. Visit the Facebook page before you visit Vashon as there are often art classes held. One recent class was on Travel Journal Sketching with watercolor pencils. Local artists have found a great venue to sell their work, and you will find many beautiful pieces hand made by those who call Vashon home. You have to love a baking company that creates most of its products from handmade croissant dough. My first visit here was over a year ago, and I still remember the crisp, buttery croissant from that visit, still just as memorable on this visit. They sell a mixture of sweet and savory pastries with a croissant-dough base. Try a croissant dog for something different. It’s a hotdog baked with a croissant wrapped around it. Their most popular items are their cookies. Plan to pick up pastries for a Sunday morning breakfast. No visit to Vashon is complete without a visit to The Hardware Store Restaurant. Owner Melinda Powers has created a great local hangout. The building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, also serves as a gallery for local artists and a musical venue for events and fundraisers. The food is great! Locally sourced, organic, all-natural and hormone-free ingredients make up a menu of classic food items that just taste better. It’s a perfect stop for a late lunch and is located in the midst of all the shops so you can take a break whenever you like. Before heading back to Fern Cove, visit Nashi Orchards and taste the Perry. This is a wine made from various types of pears with a bit of fizz added to it. They also handcraft apple ciders. Both are very refreshing on a warm day. Owner Jim Gerlach works very hard to manage the soil and condition of the trees. His attention to detail shows in his award-winning products. Plan to enjoy a tasting, then explore the orchards and visit with the herd of St. Croix sheep. After a busy day, head back to the Baldwin House. Fern Cove Park adjacent to the house is a scenic spot to walk, beachcomb or birdwatch. The little bridge heading up to the house is a good place to take photos. The home is perfectly equipped to throw together a simple supper to share with the gals. Enjoy the sunset while sipping a glass of Perry. Sunday. Appreciate a hot cup of coffee and pastries from Vashon Island Baking Company for breakfast. Morning is a magical time at the cove. Often a fog has rolled in and you can hear the sounds of the cove with the view obscured by the mist. After check out, head to the ferry terminal to begin your trip home. If you have extra time, there are plenty of places to hike on the island or enjoy the many waterfront parks. By Lindy Petersen #weekendgetaway #vacation #vashonisland