I took an Amtrak day trip to bountiful Bellingham one recent Sunday. While I was there, I met and spoke with some very nice people. 

The death of Eric Slocum, who took his own life Feb. 25, 2012, launched numerous tributes to the former KOMO-TV and Radio reporter and anchor on the air, in print and on-line.

Seattle will celebrate its 18th-annual Neighbor Appreciation Day, a day to reach out to neighbors, create new friends and express thanks to those who help make your neighborhood a great place to live. 

The completely counter-intuitive legal doctrine of corporate personhood is, of course, far more than simply one of the countless sources of jokes at the expense of Mitt RMoney (Romney). 

While parents generally are careful to keep their children up-to-date on immunizations, many are not as meticulous about getting themselves vaccinated — or about keeping track of which vaccines they’ve had. 

February is American Heart Month, and while many people will talk about heart disease and stroke, there are other heart conditions that people may not even know they have. 

Fifty years ago, the Space Needle was born. The opening of the Century 21 World’s Fair was quite the feat for Seattle and surrounding areas in 1962. The whole endeavor created jobs for all, and Madison Park grew even more in popularity. 

Once older people were considered wise because of their life experiences and the knowledge gained over a long life. But that is changing because of the speed at which the world is now evolving. 

 A man called me recently to ask if we had anyone who could talk with his mother about her need for in-home care. 

As I talked with him I realized that, although he was a successful businessman and used to managing people and negotiating deals, in the face of his mother's situation, he was lost.

One of my best friends for more than 30 years underwent open-heart bypass surgery a few weekends ago, and it was a bit of a wake-up call for everyone involved. 

Unconditional love. Eternal gratitude. Joy expressed in wagging tails and purrs. A warm, soft body to cuddle with. A simple lifestyle. Facial expressions that reflect our every mood. Kisses whenever we want them. These are but a few of the wonderful things our pet companions bring into our lives. 

The following are selected reports from the Seattle Police Department. They represent the officers’ accounts of the events described.

The following are selected reports from the Seattle Police Department. They represent the officers’ accounts of the events described.

Storytelling is as old as speech. It is the path that links people to their past, their present and their future. From prehistoric narratives told in caves to today’s gossip shared at the dinner table or on Facebook, stories are what keep us entertained and enlightened. 

For some, the bell has already tolled; for others, clouds are on the way. 

Many Seattle restaurants are expected to suffer in 2012 from mandated sick leave for workers, as well as the highest minimum wage in the country: $9.04 an hour.

“Annie’s Corsets” — that’s what my father always called it. 

It’s actually named for Anna Curtis, the wife of Amos Bowman, an early Fidalgo Island settler.

The Washington Public Market and Wine Cellars has opened in Snohomish, providing yet another good reason to visit this charming, old city on the river.

Spring is close at hand and with it, the opportunity to renew our gardens and bring our winter dreams to life. 

Dear Ray, 

Our agent found us a tenant for our house after she was unable to sell it. The lease agreement stipulates that our agent is owed a commission if the current tenant purchases our home while occupying it. 

That agreement expired more than a year ago, and we have continued to extend the lease to our tenant on our own. They now want to purchase the home. Is the original contract null and void since it has expired?

— H.

Baseball and softball players are gearing up and getting ready for the upcoming season of Seattle Central Little League (SCLL), which runs from mid-March to late June.