It was exactly 18 years ago, on April 1, 2004, when I was sitting at my computer straining my brain to come up with a timely subject upon which to pontificate. It occurred to me that my column was going to appear exactly on the first of April - a day that traditionally has been set aside for enjoying a practical joke or two…


We are the midst of autumn, filled with the vibrant colorful tones Mother Nature has blessed us with. As I peek around the nursery and in my own garden oasis in Everett, I am amazed at…