I discovered these characters in an old railroad luggage wagon at the Old Mill Cafe in Carlsborg earlier this month, dressed up for an evening on the town.
Category: Businesses
The “everything store” expands
Swain’s General Store in Port Angeles is a local institution. Before we moved here DH informed me with an air of authority, “If Swain’s doesn’t have it you probably don’t need it.” The point can be argued. But for the real goods you need from day to day Swain’s has it. Tools, hunting and fishing gear, hardware, kitchenware, work, casual and outdoor clothing, shoes and boots. It’s all there. Mind you, Swain’s isn’t fancy. But when you need something and want to stay local I’m happy to leave fancy merchandising to the big city stores.
A few months back the appliance store that shared the building with Swain’s closed, giving Swain’s an opportunity to expand. The wall’s down now and the store’s being rearranged. Shifting that much stuff seems like a herculean job. But another positive thing about Swain’s is that the staff is great and most of them have been there a long time and they’re in it for the long haul.
Here’s a peek into the new area. I’m sure everyone will be happy when the dust settles.
Fall color
I love the landscaping around the restaurants at the Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course. This time of year it’s especially striking. (We go for the burgers, not golf.)
Pumpkin time
The pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch look ready.
Have you gotten one yet? The good ones are going fast.
Searching for the perfect chile rellano
I’ve been searching for a good chile rellano since I left California. I know, I know. The further north you get from the Mexican border the lower the odds of finding one. But I still try. Last week we went to Jose’s Famous Salsa on East Washington. All in all the food was good. Compared to most I’ve had the rellano wasn’t disappointing. In fact, it was pretty good and the salsa’s really good. I think I’ll return and try their tacos and tamales. But I may have to head south for what I’m craving…or break down and get cooking.
More sand art
I discovered some new sand sculpture in process last week on North Sequim Avenue. Sue McGrew, who recently completed a beautiful piece at the Arts in Action Festival in Port Angeles last month, was at work on this as I drove by.
I don’t know the genesis of this piece but it looks to me like unique advertising for the law office behind it.
Update: The Peninsula Daily News has reported that this piece was commissioned by Jacques Dulin who is celebrating 50 years of patent law. Here’s a link to the article.
Utility art
I read in the paper a couple of months ago that the City of Sequim had commissioned art to cover some of the utility vaults around town. The art here is from the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe, more than likely Dale Faulstich, graphic artist and carver of totem poles. (I can’t find the article I clipped about this. How this could happen on my desk?)
As I aimed at the vault my husband pointed out the vintage “Henry J” driving past. Not familiar with this old timer? Click here for more details.
This spot is in the heart of downtown. The Sequim Open Air Market is held here on Saturdays. In the distance is Pan d’Amore, our go-to for artisan breads, and to the right is Over the Fence, a source for home and garden decor.