Life in Coupeville

Summer Update for Krueger

admin — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 00:38:40 +0000

Yep, haven’t posted in a long time. We’ve had steady sales–a lot of second-home buyers and some military folks too stationed at nearby NAS Whidbey Island.

Summer has been great on Whidbey. It’s a lovely 65 degrees right now, sunny and all the mountains are out. Missed the farmer’s market–busy working on revisions–but enjoyed a nice walk today. Did you know the walking trails around town go all the way out along Parker Road? You can really go for a long walk in every direction.

Tonight’s the Pleine Air Gala Event. It’s been fun seeing all the painters around Ebey’s Landing with their easels.

Also, we had a great dinner last night at the new Front Street Grill on, you guessed it, Front Street. Right on the water, the beautiful craftsmanship will wow you (owner Dan Miranda is also a custom home builder). The food was awesome too. I had a filet mignon and it was no less than spectacular. Would it be so wrong to eat that every day? Women need iron, right?

Daffodils, orcas and gray whales

admin — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 01:55:56 +0000

For your viewing pleasure. Daffodils, cherry trees, crabapples, tulips, boy everything is blooming now. Is Spring the prettiest season? Not sure! But it kind of looks like it.

After school, we rushed to the wharf where two adult orcas and a baby orca were sighted earlier. “You just missed it!” Sounds like when you miss the surf break, except they say, “Dude, you just missed it. Epic!”

Yesterday, Local Grown on the pier also said gray whales were sighted. Sounds like a good time to daytrip to Coupeville and hang out in the coffee shop. Don’t forget a piece of pie, or some of the seasoned nuts and other local goodies William stocks. Next door, there’s great Asian food at Kim’s–we ate there on Saturday. I love the prawns with egg rolls and vermicelli–light, veggie-full and flavorful. And for you kite lovers or those needing souvenirs, head to the store next door. She’s got tons of kites, t-shirts, mugs and more.

Or sit at Mosquito Fleet Chili on Front Street. Head down the steps for a great meal! They won this year’s Mussel Chowder competition and my spouse gives it two thumbs up. I love their cornbread muffins. Yum!

New Library Expansion and more

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:31:40 +0000

Have you walked downhill to the recently opened Coupeville library? I think we’ve been four times a week since they opened the doors to this beautiful new building. The sun pours in, there is plenty of room, a wonderful meeting area and the staff even has a private area for breaks.

If the weather is nice, now is a good time to head to Meerkerk Gardens south of Greenbank. The rhodies and daffodils are all coming into bloom now and this is a garden treasure not to be missed.

Progress is being made at Dan Miranda’s new building on Front Street. His restaurant should be opening fairly soon.

There are a lot of hidden treasures in Coupeville. A lot of folks don’t know about the Collections store, the little shingle building before the wharf–right next to the salmon/native spinning wheel. She has terrific presents for babies, affordable jewelry and lovely casual wear for women. I often find great gift books there too.

Speaking of books, don’t forget The Kingfisher can order books for you. Do your searching online, or check them out at the library first, then give him the ISBN or Title and he can order them for you. Keep your purchases in town, keep your sales tax dollars local.

Spring has sprung!

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:30:38 +0000

Sorry for the extended delay! Just when everyone was healthy and whole, I thought, gee, I’ll get a puppy! Boy, I forgot how much work that is. He’s cute, but whoee, a handful. I ended up with a bronchial infection for almost three weeks–just from getting up at night to take him out for his business.

Daffodils are out, cherry trees are in bloom, the birds are all coming back…yeah, Spring! We went for a few family bike rides this weekend–one at Fort Ebey State Park and one on the mainland at Bayview, with a quick stop in LaConner. I’ve seen lots of road bikers out and about too.

Have you stopped by the new Coupeville library? It opened this Monday, the 8th, and we’ve already been three times. Yes, three times. My daughters love it and I do too. Very sunny, lots of room, a super meeting area, room for the staff to turn around and actually work…a nice use of our tax dollars.

Speaking of new, try the new Hawaiian BBQ and Teriyaki restaurant on Main Street, right between the Methodist Church and the Thai Restaurant. Two new restaurants are also planned for downtown, a new steakhouse and a Mexican restaurant–both with amazing views on the water. Yeah!

Johnny Bulldog plays this weekend to benefit the Senior Class of Coupeville High School. Love Creedence Clearwater Revival? Well, you’ll love this band, as the lead singer sings for CCR Revisited. The drummer’s no slouch either–Larry Mason of FunkMason and formerly, the Brandos. Shout out to Marcus hitting the ivory on the keyboard, Kevin on electric guitar and. Saturday, 6:30pm at Bayview Hall in Bayview.

That’s all for now. I’m thick in the midst of sending material to agents and also halfway through my third book.

Celebrating a Holiday

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:59:47 +0000

Eek…where have I been? Well, we’ve had a bit more excitement and are very happy Whidbey General Hospital is right down the road. I’ll tell you, the ER staff is terrific and the nurses are great too. Wasn’t me this time, but the spouse who scared the living daylights out of me. And so, I longed for a holiday. You know, sipping a cold beverage by a sandy beach. Anyway, I took a break and now I’m back.

But, if you too long for a holiday, and we no longer “send Mommy for a little rest”…how about this–Island Medical Spa will soon be opening their new Coupeville location on South Main Street. Who wouldn’t enjoy a massage or facial? The new location will have a Vichy shower and promises to be very glamorous. 360-678-9005.

Or, visit the The Seaside Spa & Salon on Historic Waterfront Front Street, 678-0508. Check out the Vanity Room, which is a Spa Boutique. Bath salts, scrubs, handcrafted artisan soaps, jewelry, bath fizzy bombs. Hours are Tue-Sat, by appointment. Gift certificates for the holidays are available, or for any occasion. But if you buy one during December, get 15% off purchases from the Vanity Room. This is a full-treatment day spa and salon, offering manis, pedis, hot rocks, body wraps, facials, collagen treatment and more. They are participating in the $1000 Red Ticket Giveaway.

What’s that, you ask? Well, participating businesses of the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association will give you a red raffle ticket for each $20 you spend. One lucky winner will receive $1000 at the drawing held outside the Island County Historical Museum on December 20th at 1pm.

Come to Coupeville for your Christmas shopping. Keep your tax dollars local. I always shop Front Street and find great stuff. Santa loves to find goodies at The Honeybear Toystore. Why get something plastic? How about a gift certificate to one of the delicious restaurants? Stop by Penn Cove Co-Op Art Gallery. They have local treasures, from watercolors, cards, baskets, jewelry, pottery, blown glass and more–you can easily find a one-of-a-kind gift around $20! Jan MacGregor Studios has neat stuff too. Well, gee, all the stores do–and I hate shopping. Forget about the mall or Costco or online…shop local!

Don’t forget, we have a lot of great massage therapists in the area too. Can’t think of what to get Mom, or Sister, or Auntie, or Grandma, or your Wife? Women often like being pampered. And if you ever argue with your kids about getting them to bathe…try a fizzy bath bomb. Guaranteed to cause everyone to want to jump in the bathtub!

Pumpkins and Grass-Fed Beef, Pigs and Free-Range Animals on Whidbey Island

admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:18:13 +0000

Don’t forget Sherman Farms off Highway 20, north of the pedestrian overpass, 46 S. Ebey Road, Coupeville. Look for the pumpkin signs. I believe they do trolley rides through the fields on weekends, 11-4. They also have a cool catapault where they let you launch Hubbard Squash and watch it splat. Speaking of which, you can always pick up delicious pre-cut squash at Prairie Center/Red Apple in Coupeville. Not sure of other groceries. It’s inexpensive, delicious and full of vitamins. I use their microwave directions, add a bit of butter and brown sugar, and YUM!

Also, stop by the Farmer’s Market on Saturday, 10-2, for Harvest Fest, the last market of the season and check out pumpkins, fall flowers, tomatoes and other bounty from the garden. Georgie from Willowood Farms will have her terrific farm-to-market cart full of local produce. Case Farms and Dugualla Bay in Oak Harbor also offer a pumpkin patch.

After the Market, head south to Greenbank Farm for the Oktoberfest on Saturday!

Speaking of buying local…did you know there are several options for locally grown grass-fed or free-range animals. Vegetarians stop reading! But for the rest of us who like hormone free, tastier and healthier food, here are a few options:

Sherman Farms is now selling grass-fed beef. Call them at 360-678-6344.

Jenne Farm will raise pigs or beef for you. I think poultry too, but I’m not 100% sure. 360-678-4433 or click on the link to get to their email link–sorry, couldn’t post it–and they’ll send you more information.

And 3 Sisters Beef sells beef, pork and free range eggs at the Farmer’s Markets, Prairie Center/Red Apple in Coupeville, Bell’s Farm off West Beach Road (eggs only, though they are grazing cattle there now), Saar’s Market in Oak Harbor, Payless Foods in Freeland and other places and by calling 360-675-2136.

And lastly, speaking of eating locally, did you know one of our Krueger Commons folks has caught TWENTY-THREE SALMON so far this year! From the beach! My poor other friend has only caught Sole from his boat. In fact, another fishing friend gave his wife a fresh salmon “so her husband would know what they look like.” They laughed, ate like kings and gave back some delicous homegrown corn from their garden–their salmon. Which actually, it kind of is as she used the Native American tradition of putting a dead salmon in the planting hole with each seed. She also used some kind of radioactive chicken poop because her garden this year was amazing. Hands down, she has a green thumb.

Enjoy the fall! We had another offer yesterday, so only four units left. Two corners and two interiors, all exceptional.

Volleyball Starts Monday

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:04:29 +0000

Don’t forget, it’s time for adult rec league volleyball. Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm at the Coupeville Middle School Gym. $30 through December 21st.

For more information contact Heather Kortuem hrkortuem@hotmail.com

Everyone is invited from the island or off-island. Get off the couch, turn off the TV and jump around…or in my case, get an inch or so off the ground.

3 Corner Units Left

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:59:36 +0000

Only three corner units left at Krueger Commons.

While I was meeting the local Sears rep for our latest second home buyer appliance delivery, another couple drove up to take a look. Once they toured #206, (the blue one on Wilkes with the patio surround of California lilac bushes and all bedrooms viewing the woods) and the waterview unit, #214, the husband said, “Honey, get the checkbook.” The view from all the bedrooms of the waterview is breathtakingly beautiful, the madrone trees, the light shining in from the protected forest, the water sparkling downhill in Penn Cove.

Time is running out. The first-time home buyer credit expires on November 30th–as in your loan or sale has to be closed by then. Banks are taking about one month for processing, so if you’re going to snatch up the free $8000, better hurry. Prices are their best now.

I’ve got another appointment on Thursday scheduled with a military officer. 3 Corner Units left, only 2 Interior.

Weekend events–Tour de Whidbey, Open Studio Art Tour, Kite Festival and more

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:18:44 +0000

Wow, it’s a busy weekend on Whidbey!

Friday is early release day. Come to the Elementary School and learn about astronomy! This free program (open to those outside the district) will start at 1pm at the Multi-purpose Room and is given by the Island County Astronomical Society!

Friday night is an art opening at the Raven Rocks Gallery at Greenbank Farm, 5-7pm, for photographer Tom Trimbath. He’ll display works from “12 Months at Deception Pass.”

On Saturday, look for bike riders for the Tour de Whidbey. Road bikes will roam our beautiful island, participating in the fundraiser which benefits Whidbey General Hospital. The family ride starts at Coupeville Elementary and is a gentle, 10-miles. Other mileage options are available starting from Greenbank Farm, including one of the most challenging century rides in the state.

The Morris Men from Seattle & Vancouver will be downtown at 11am on Front Street performing their dances.

Also, it’s the Kite Festival at Fort Casey on Saturday and Sunday. Free! Free parking. Free family fun.

The Open Art Studio Tour will also be taking place Saturday and Sunday. Tour artists in their studios. I’m telling you–this is very cool. We have some very talented people on Whidbey!

You’ll also see folks on motorcycles driving on their way to the Oysterrun in Anacortes.

Keep a heads up as it sounds like lots of folks driving around this weekend. If you’re in Coupeville, walk to the Saturday Farmer’s Market from Krueger Commons and tour art studios within walking distance. They’ll have free apples from the Whidbey Apple Exchange Event. Folks can enter apple items at the October 3rd Farmer’s Market.

Whidbey Island Writers Association Fall Classes

admin — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:06:22 +0000

WIWA FALL CLASSES 2009

To register:

E-mail wiwa@whidbey.com with your personal information and choice of class(s). Then mail a check or call the office with your credit card number. Or come by the office in Freeland during office hours: Monday, Tuesday or Thursday mornings 9-noon. Register soon!!

Crafting Fiction that Sells in Today’s Marketplace

Tuesday Evenings, 7-9 PM

September 29-November 17

Fee: $115 for members, $135 for non-members

Site: United Methodist Church, Coupeville

Instructor: Literary Agent Andrea Hurst

Memoir: Writing Your Story

Monday evenings, 7-9 pm

September 28-November 16

Site: United Methodist Church, Langley

Fee: $115 for members, $135 for nonmembers

Instructor: Barbara Joy Laffey

Writing Poetry: The Body and the None-Others

Saturday afternoons, 1:30-3:30

October 3-November 21

Site: Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland

Fee: $115 for members, $135 for nonmembers

Instructor: Robin Barre

Puzzle Pieces: Navigating the Maze of Writing for Children

Monday evenings, 6:30-9:00

September 28-November 30

Site: Jim Davis House, Greenbank Farm

Fee: $180 for members, $200 for nonmembers

Instructor: Multi-published author Deb Lund

Fiction, or plain and fancy lying

Wednesdays, 10-12:30

September 30-December 2

Site: Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland

Fee: $115 for members, $135 for nonmembers

Instructor: Published author and MFA Instructor, Wayne Ude