I've recently come across two web sites that are helpful for folks that have just relocated.  They are yelp.com, which reviews local restaurants, spas, doctors, etc.  Second is an alternative to googleearth, everyscape.com.  Gives three dimensional images of streets and cities at eye level.  Enjoy 04/05/2009

    Scalloped Oysters Ingredients: 6 to 8 tablespoons cold butter, cut in small pieces 1 quart oysters, shucked, liquor drained 2 cups cracker crumbs 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg salt and pepper, to taste -1/4 cup whip cream   Preparation: Lightly butter a 1 1/2 to 2-quart casserole dish. Set aside 1/3 cup of cracker crumbs and 1 tablespoons of butter for topping. Cover the bottom of the dish with some of the cracker crumbs then top with a layer of oysters, a layer of crumbs, and some of the butter pieces. Repeat layers until all oysters are used. Season with the salt, pepper and nutmeg. Pour the cream over the dish then top with reserved crumbs and butter. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 30 minutes, or until heated and browned. Serve immediately.Serves 4.  For more recipes ... 03/05/2009

Some days are just meant for sleeping in and awaking to a hot cup of coffee, a quiet beach, and watching the waves gently draw on the shore. This is my morning. The sun is out the sky is bathed in light... and the world is waking up all around me in a sweet melody that is the Pacific Northwest. 02/28/2009

History is all around us. Sometimes we get curious as to why things are the way they are. For instance I was searching today on-line for some information on the quiet little town of Allyn, Washington, when I ran across a trivia question. Who or what was Allyn, Washington named for? After some research I found the answer... "The community was first settled in 1853. The town was platted and papers to form the town were filed on September 6th, 1889.  The Town was named in honor of Judge Frank Allyn of Tacoma who was influential in the early development of Allyn. Rumor has it though, that he never actually lived or visited Allyn. By 1890 Allyn had a post office, school, newspaper, sawmill, two saloons, a hotel and wharf. For a small rural community, Allyn has an interesting and colorful his... 01/05/2009