Tag Archives: Washington

Washington State’s Hidden Treasure

The title of this blog may be a bit deceiving. Perhaps, it should read: “ONE of Washington State’s Hidden Treasures.” The Evergreen State is filled with natural wonders, many of which are tucked away in the hills and valleys that line the area. This particular “treasure,” which I am sharing with you today, was discovered during a recent family vacation. My aunt and uncle live in Milton, Washington (located south of Seattle and just east of Tacoma) and have graciously hosted us during a number of our family vacations. The first couple of times we visited we took in the … Continue reading →

All the President’s Pets (Washington and Lincoln’s, At Least)

Monday was President’s Day. A virtual trip to the Presidential Pet Museum made it easy to hail the resident pets-in-chief throughout history. But to celebrate the two men whom President’s Day initially honored, George Washington (whose birthday is really today) and Abraham Lincoln (whose birthday was February 12th), I thought I’d profile the pets that were specific to their administrations: George Washington: Born February 22, 1732; Served as President 1789-1797 Technically his pets never lived at the White House, because it wasn’t built yet. (John Adams was the first president with the distinction and honor of residing there, and he … Continue reading →

West Coast Waterfalls

I’m a sucker for waterfalls. Perhaps, it’s because I grew up in Hawaii and lived within walking distance of some of the most popular falls in the world. Or, maybe it’s because a sense of calm rushes over me when I hear the sound of cascading water. Whatever the reason, regardless of where our family travels, if there is a waterfall within a 50-mile radius of where we are staying I make sure we make a stop. There’s no question Hawaii has some spectacular falls, as does California. In fact, the West Coast of the United States is home to … Continue reading →

All Hail the Resident Pets in Chief!

Photo by Peter Mackay Presidents are often known for their policies, diplomacy (or lack thereof), and in some unfortunate cases their scandals or assassinations. In honor of Presidents’ Day, I thought I’d focus on a different side of the White House. One Pets Blog readers might better appreciate: the variety of pets who have called the White House home. I think the first pet I remember hearing of living at the White House was Jimmy Carter’s daughter’s cat. I was just a little girl at the time (maybe eight?), and it caught my attention because I was surprised a cat … Continue reading →

“Presidents Day” Sales are a Misnomer

You all do know that there’s not really a Presidents Day holiday, don’t you? What most people are celebrating is Washington’s Birthday. Washington was born on February 22nd. He’s a hero, and not just because we live in Washington state. He is one that is truly worthy of a day of honor. Not every president (especially some in recent history!) is due such recognition. In 1968, Congress moved Washington’s birthday celebration to the third Monday in February, regardless of the date that it fell on. This was done in part to simplify holiday schedules for Federal employees. Prior to this, … Continue reading →

Adventures in Whale Watching

Looking for a whale of a trip? Then load up the family and head to an area where you can get up close and personal with some of the largest creatures on Earth. My family enjoys whale watching off the Hawaiian Islands, but I recently learned about another group of islands where the whale watching has been hailed as some of the best in the world. The San Juan Islands, a group of small islands off the coast of Washington state, is considered by naturalists as a must-stop destination for whale watching enthusiasts. And the experts aren’t just referring to … Continue reading →

Not Your Typical College Football Player

It seems all the men in my life are obsessed with football—specifically college football. Once September rolls around it is not easy to find a male relative who is willing to do much more than flip between several “key games.” Needless to say, I have picked up a thing or two about the sport, including becoming familiar with some of the game’s most popular players. I had heard the name Alex Mercier before. He is currently a wide receiver who plays for the Washington Huskies. What I didn’t know about the college co-ed is that when he’s not playing football, … Continue reading →

Stepparents As ‘De Facto’ Parents: The US Supreme Court Weighs In

The U.S. Supreme Court let stand a ruling this week that outlines a new classification of parent: the ‘de facto’ parent. This classification affects anyone who acts in the role of a parent without a blood connection to the child. The case the Supreme Court let stand was that of a lesbian couple who shared a child and eventually split. The child was carried via artificial insemination by one woman but shared no blood connection to the other. However, both women acted as parents for the full seven years of this child’s life. Did one parent have more rights over … Continue reading →