Story by Susan Lagsdin Photos by Mike Cassidy Tiny houses, like miniscule shops and pocket parks, little dogs and little children, are definitely cute. At their best, they are also energy-efficient, easily moveable, relatively spacious, durable, attractive and affordable. East … Continue reading
Story by Susan Lagsdin Photos by Donna Cassidy The occasion was not so much solemn as it was respectful. Mike and Donna Cassidy, owners of The Good Life, both with cameras in hand, took their first official walkabout in the … Continue reading
This stylish little house gives parents plenty of privacy with their big family vacationing close at hand Story by Susan Lagsdin Photos by Donna Cassidy For half a year a big family composed of two retired elders, their adult … Continue reading
Story by Susan Lagsdin Photos by Travis Knoop It was kind of a Dream Team from the very start. As successful collaborators, home design consultant Lauren Bennett and architect Dan Pence have created … Continue reading
Story by Susan Lagsdin Photos by Donna Cassidy You may well be a savvy traveler, but unless you’ve hunted for holiday-overflow rooms or were hoping for a nearby weekend away from kids, it’s possible you’ve never searched the internet, specifically … Continue reading
By Tim McCord Mid-March through April is one of the best times to hike around the Ancient Lakes area near Quincy. The lakes are full, the waterfalls are flowing, the buttercups are out, and you don’t need to worry too … Continue reading
By Jaana Hatton Once again I fell off the high horse of prejudice. I welcome such tumbles: they break the barriers of my preconceived ideas. This time my enlightenment came from two enthusiastic Jeep travelers. My notion of people with … Continue reading
By Guy Miner The WABDR, or Washington Backcountry Discovery Route, is a roughly 600-mile journey — mostly on remote, dirt roads — running from the Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia, to the Canadian border crossing at Nighthawk. These … Continue reading
By Susan Lagsdin She came from classically-trained musical parents who, from her first piano lesson at age five, craved the concert stage for her; to help out a combo that needed him, he spontaneously decided to buy a first string … Continue reading
By Susan Lagsdin Wizard, magician, trickster, prestidigitator, sorcerer, conjuror, illusionist… no matter what we call them, they captivate us. For fun or fortune they draw us in for the inevitable “gee whiz,” that tiny moment when the world tips a … Continue reading
By Susan Lagsdin “So, do you notice how people move — out on the street, all around you?” Dancer and dance instructor Andrea Locke fielded this question with a positive, “Oh yes!” Her special interest in kinesthetics, the science of … Continue reading
By Susan Lagsdin Last year — from Aug. 21 to Sept. 26 — Wenatchee friends Bonnie Fortner and Debbie Gurnard took a really long walk. Since 812 A.D., hardy Catholics on a pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint James in … Continue reading
By Sharon Podlich After 35 years of growing apples and raising a family in Orondo, Chuck and I retired last year and purchased Top Cider, a 44-foot Kelly Peterson sailboat. We spent several winter months sailing, exploring and living “on … Continue reading
By Marlene Farrell Just after Christmas Nick Runions kissed his family goodbye. He was embarking on a trip to climb Aconcagua, the highest peak in the … Continue reading
Malaga bee rancher Maria Langer inspects one of her hives.
Andrew Campbell, who lives in Plain with his wife Becky and three growing and grown sons, has been following the tiny house movement for years, and now he has time and tools to jump right into it by building authentic but … Continue reading
Back country adventures in a Jeep • Jeeping the WABDR • The joys of mountain biking • Walking the El Camino De Santiago • Fun places to go from Cary Ordway • Motorcycle accident changed her life — for the … Continue reading
Visiting the “Galapagos of the North” — a sailing adventure • On top of Mount Aconcagua • Teacher quit kids to teach dogs • Starting from scratch in a new country • Up from the ashes, a new house in … Continue reading
Beautiful photos from a color blind bird photographer • The beauty and beasts of Zambia • Up a jungle river • Sailing the coast to Mexico • Russian grown, American sewing • Big house / little house • Why have … Continue reading
“My Best Day in 2017’ stories • Editor’s picks best photos of 2017 • Moab in 3 days • A century of horsemanship • Home fit together like an art piece • Winter fun around NCW • How to make … Continue reading
A son’s suicide: A call for better prevention • Reflecting on a family’s move to Costa Rica • How one family became debt free • A runner’s Ultra revenge • A change of plans in Europe • One grandmother and … Continue reading
20 years a medical guinea pig • Office Moms and Dads help foster kids • Reframing more than retiring • Hail Valhalla, a quick Sunday hike • Amazing Greenland • Climbing the Space Needle • An overlooked piece of WWII … Continue reading
Crazy ‘mericans do the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island • Photographer now has a clear eye on nature • Ric’s tree house built from found objects • Voyageur canoes return to the Columbia • Walking through a fire landscape … Continue reading
Be still, ease up on the “doing” • Moms hiking with their boys • Falconer in the foothills • The lavender man • Running through landscapes • Big amenities in a smaller home • BNCW’s home tour featured homes • … Continue reading
Bee rancher keeps the buzz alive • Cuba through the lens • Nurturing nature with an animal sanctuary • Business planner & biathlon coach • Sip and paint is more about painting and giggles • Helping kids identify what’s that … Continue reading
Return to Panama • Cary Ordway’s Central Washington Experience • Nose to nose with nature • The kindness of strangers along the PCT • Painting in the girl’s room • Adventure travel in Central America • Big house, big ideas … Continue reading
Fantasy artist Aimee Stewart finds real success • Lief gets a lift with an electric bike • Coming back to rock climbing • Family time in Peru • Hiking to The Wave • Tiny feet, healthy dream • Wenatchee Golf … Continue reading
Remembering favorite moments with Mom • Troubles lead to a sunny discovery in Mexico • Bikepacking with Andy Dappen • Flowers make a beautiful alley in Chelan • Honoring the past with armfuls of love on Memorial Day • Quilting … Continue reading
Working a summer in the oh-so-Grand Tetons • Developing an equine ranch where the payment ends • Earth Day in Chelan • A beer writer walks into a bar… • Finding peace in Plain retirement home • Strolling accordionist Frank … Continue reading
By Molly Steere I barrel down the trail, pedaling frantically between obstacles, holding my breath over drops, avoiding jagged rocks that look like teeth ready to tear up my legs, and desperately hoping I make the corner this time. I’m … Continue reading
Back country adventures in a Jeep • Jeeping the WABDR • The joys of mountain biking • Walking the El Camino De Santiago • Fun places to go from Cary Ordway • Motorcycle accident changed her life — for the … Continue reading
Editor’s note: This story was published in the March 2011 issue of The Good Life. It is being reposted as there is a new book out about the life of the incredible Mira Slovak. By Steve Wellman As a young … Continue reading
By Tim McCord Mid-March through April is one of the best times to hike around the Ancient Lakes area near Quincy. The lakes are full, the waterfalls are flowing, the buttercups are out, and you don’t need to worry too … Continue reading
By Jaana Hatton Once again I fell off the high horse of prejudice. I welcome such tumbles: they break the barriers of my preconceived ideas. This time my enlightenment came from two enthusiastic Jeep travelers. My notion of people with … Continue reading
By Guy Miner The WABDR, or Washington Backcountry Discovery Route, is a roughly 600-mile journey — mostly on remote, dirt roads — running from the Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia, to the Canadian border crossing at Nighthawk. These … Continue reading
By Molly Steere I barrel down the trail, pedaling frantically between obstacles, holding my breath over drops, avoiding jagged rocks that look like teeth ready to tear up my legs, and desperately hoping I make the corner this time. I’m … Continue reading
By Susan Lagsdin Last year — from Aug. 21 to Sept. 26 — Wenatchee friends Bonnie Fortner and Debbie Gurnard took a really long walk. Since 812 A.D., hardy Catholics on a pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint James in … Continue reading
By Jeanne McElvaney Crystal Dierick had no idea a motorcycle ride on a warm December afternoon would bring such change to her life. Riding home after her daughter’s high school play, she heard her husband yell: “Hang on tight!” A … Continue reading
Story by Susan Lagsdin Photos by Mike Cassidy Tiny houses, like miniscule shops and pocket parks, little dogs and little children, are definitely cute. At their best, they are also energy-efficient, easily moveable, relatively spacious, durable, attractive and affordable. East … Continue reading
By Susan Lagsdin She came from classically-trained musical parents who, from her first piano lesson at age five, craved the concert stage for her; to help out a combo that needed him, he spontaneously decided to buy a first string … Continue reading
Life is a Cycle, the group bike ride for beginner bike commuting, returns to Wenatchee for a second year on Saturday, April 28 at 3:30 p.m. Life is a Cycle gives beginners the chance to experience bike commuting in a … Continue reading
Eli Sykes was running in Riverfront Park with Pilot on a sunny late morning. Why Pilot for a name? “Because that was the name for the Brontë sisters’ dog,” said, Eli, of Wenatchee. (For those who have temporarily forgotten, Charlotte … Continue reading
NCW BLUES JAM, every second and fourth Monday. 7 – 10 p.m. Riverside Pub. Wenatchee Paddle Club, every Tuesday, 9 a.m. open paddle, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 a.m. masters crew rowing, Wednesdays, 6 p.m. novice kayak paddle group, Saturdays, 7 … Continue reading
By G. Wayne Hawks You used to hear that the early pioneers had to circle their wagons. Today, it seems, the Department of Transportation is circling the roads. I remember when I was a kid I rode a merry go-round … Continue reading
By Rod Molzahn On a dusty Wenatchee street, Mike Horan, rifle in hand, stood defiantly at the head of a vigilante group of Wenatchee men also armed with guns and clubs. In late 1892 the Great Northern Railroad reached Wenatchee. … Continue reading
By Jim Brown, M.D. In recent months the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released new guidelines on hypertension (high blood pressure). These new guidelines are the product of three years of thorough review by a panel … Continue reading
By June Darling A fool sees not the same tree that a wise man sees. — William Blake One way of thinking about life is that we all are carrying a load in a metaphorical sense. We have problems, projects, … Continue reading
By Bonnie Orr In NCW, Artichokes are grown in containers, mostly for their foliage and, with luck, perhaps a few purple flowers. This plant thrives in cooler summers. Maximum temperatures for happy artichokes are in the 80s with much higher … Continue reading
By Bruce McCammon Spring brings increased numbers of Western Meadowlarks to our sage-steppe foothills and plateaus. These birds are about the size of a robin and have a bright yellow breast with a black V neck line. Their sides are … Continue reading
By Mike Cassidy People are always up to something. That’s our unofficial motto here at The Good Life, and we’re glad they are because their happenings creates stories for us. However, not all “somethings” make stories. For example, when Jaana … Continue reading
Visiting the “Galapagos of the North” — a sailing adventure • On top of Mount Aconcagua • Teacher quit kids to teach dogs • Starting from scratch in a new country • Up from the ashes, a new house in … Continue reading
CONTEST • CONTEST • CONTEST Write us a brief story — 200 to 500 words or so — telling us of a favorite moment with your Dad. Send along a digital photo, too. We’ll choose one of the writers for … Continue reading
By Heidi Swoboda One of the benefits of living in Leavenworth is that we often come face to face with the local wildlife. While my garden doesn’t appreciate their visits, our family has enjoyed catching glimpses of the playful fawns … Continue reading
By Sharon Podlich After 35 years of growing apples and raising a family in Orondo, Chuck and I retired last year and purchased Top Cider, a 44-foot Kelly Peterson sailboat. We spent several winter months sailing, exploring and living “on … Continue reading
By Kathy (González) Hirschel Living in a country far from my home land (Peru) has not been easy. Despite having lived almost 10 years in the state of Washington I still miss my country, it seems to call me to … Continue reading
By Marlene Farrell Just after Christmas Nick Runions kissed his family goodbye. He was embarking on a trip to climb Aconcagua, the highest peak in the … Continue reading
By Susan Lagsdin Jennifer Frese is excited about the near future, when she’ll have a chance to indulge her love of dogs in her own newly-constructed training facility, right next to her home. Ever since she quit her elementary school … Continue reading
Marsha Anderson of Wenatchee was out with her dog, Sandy. Sandy is a pure Golden Retiever that Marsha got from a breeder in Moses Lake. “Sandy has a very sweet disposition and she is very friendly. She loves coming to … Continue reading
Story by Susan Lagsdin Photos by Donna Cassidy The occasion was not so much solemn as it was respectful. Mike and Donna Cassidy, owners of The Good Life, both with cameras in hand, took their first official walkabout in the … Continue reading
The good and bad of moving family to Costa Rica
By Geoff Barry
The Barry family relocated to Nos...
Jeep Adventurers: Oh, the places they can go
By Jaana Hatton
Once again I fell off the high horse...
Home made from shipping containers
Story by Susan Lagsdin
Photos by Donna Cassidy
It s...
Motorcycle accident leads to a purpose-driven life
By Jeanne McElvaney
Crystal Dierick had no idea a mo...
Two guys with a tiny (house) dream
Story by Susan Lagsdin
Photos by Mike Cassidy
Tiny...
By G. Wayne Hawks You used to hear that the early pioneers had to circle their wagons. Today, it seems, the Department of Transportation is circling the roads. I remember when I was a kid I rode a merry go-round … Continue reading
By Rod Molzahn On a dusty Wenatchee street, Mike Horan, rifle in hand, stood defiantly at the head of a vigilante group of Wenatchee men also armed with guns and clubs. In late 1892 the Great Northern Railroad reached Wenatchee. … Continue reading
By Jim Brown, M.D. In recent months the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released new guidelines on hypertension (high blood pressure). These new guidelines are the product of three years of thorough review by a panel … Continue reading
By June Darling A fool sees not the same tree that a wise man sees. — William Blake One way of thinking about life is that we all are carrying a load in a metaphorical sense. We have problems, projects, … Continue reading
By Bonnie Orr In NCW, Artichokes are grown in containers, mostly for their foliage and, with luck, perhaps a few purple flowers. This plant thrives in cooler summers. Maximum temperatures for happy artichokes are in the 80s with much higher … Continue reading
By Bruce McCammon Spring brings increased numbers of Western Meadowlarks to our sage-steppe foothills and plateaus. These birds are about the size of a robin and have a bright yellow breast with a black V neck line. Their sides are … Continue reading
By Mike Cassidy People are always up to something. That’s our unofficial motto here at The Good Life, and we’re glad they are because their happenings creates stories for us. However, not all “somethings” make stories. For example, when Jaana … Continue reading
