• Weatherization Demos• Rebate Information• Lightbulb Exchange• Solar Home Tours• Efficiency and Conservation

Workshops• Electric Vehicle Demos• Kid Activities

San Juan Island Saturday, May 30 10am to 3pm Mullis Community Center

Orcas Island Saturday, June 6 10am to 3pm Eastsound Village Green

Lopez Island Saturday, June 2710am to 3pm Lopez Center for Community and the Arts

• Weatherization DemosWeatherization DemosW• Rebate InformationRebate InformationRebate Inf• Lightbulb Exchange• Solar Home Tours• Efficiency and Conser

Workshops• Electric Vehicle DemosElectric Vehicle DemosElectric V• Kid Activities

Grow Your Energy Efficiency . . .

Come to the Energy Fairs!

Co-sponsored by:

Mullis Community Center

Eastsound Village Green

Lopez Center for Community and the Arts LAND SURVEYING• Planning a garden?• Wondering where your property line actually is?• Thinking of building a fence or a garage?• (360) 378-2300• sanjuansurveying.com• info@sanjuansurveying.com

Robert Wilson, PLS Andy Holman, PLSPatrick Kirby, PLS

Merle’sMasonry, Chimney Care & Stoves

New Location! 635 Spring St, Friday Harbor360-378-5357 • merlesmasonry.com

Need a New Gas or Wood Stove?When did you last clean your chimney?

“the Chimney Doctor”

360.378.2012 • 1.800.562.3245

FRIDAY HARBORFREIGHT

DIRECT SERVICE TO: MT. VERNON, BELLINGHAM,SEATTLE & TACOMA AREAS Monday thru Friday

NEXT DAY DELIVERY NOW OFFERED ON PARCEL EXPRESS ITEMSCOMPETITIVE RATES ON ANY SHIPMENT INCLUDING SPECIAL HANDLING OVERSIZE OR HAZARDOUS ITEMS

PO Box 728 • Friday Harbor, WA 98250

NEXT DAY DELIVERY OFFERED ON PARCEL EXPRESS ITEMS COMPETITIVE RATES ON ANY SHIPMENT INCLUDING SPECIAL HANDLING OVERSIZE OR HAZARDOUS ITEMS

Residential and Commercial ArchitectureP.O. Box 995, Eastsound, WA 360.376.2930 www.S-29.com

New Construction, Additions, RemodelsDesign and Permit Services360-468-2830 | SWALLCL95108

Richard Lawson ConstructionLocally owned & operated Since 1971

INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIALGravel, Shale, Ponds, Dams, Rock Bulkheads, Land Clearing, Road Building, Site Prep,

Local Materials, Concrete, Pump truck available, Licensed, Bonded Insured FREE ESTIMATES CONTRACTOR LICENSE #RI-CH-AL-C998P6

RichardLawsonConstruction.com • 360-378-4313 • 1165 West Valley Road, Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor 225 Blair Ave.

378-2265

Lopez Island 45 Weeks Rd.

468-2295

Orcas Island 475 Fern St.

376-2265

Home Equity Loans

No job is too small! Stop by and talk with a lending

specialist today.

www.IslandersBank.com

® Islanders Bank

Group Publisher: Colleen Smith ArmstrongEditor: Cali BagbyContributing Writers: Colleen Smith Armstrong, Cali Bagby, Emily Greenburg, Scott Rasmussen Advertising Sales: Colleen Smith Armstrong, Cali Bagby, Cherie Sarrett, Howard SchonbergerCreative Artists: Scott Herning, Kathryn Sherman

The Journal of the San Juans: 640 Mullis St., Friday Harbor, WA 98250P: 360-378-5696, F: 888-562-8818 - www.sanjuanjournal.com

The Islands’ Sounder: 217 Main Street, Eastsound, WA 98245P: 360-376-4500, F: 888-562-8818 - www.islandssounder.com

The Islands’ Weekly: 217 Main Street, Eastsound, WA 98245P: 360-376-4500, F: 888-562-8818 - www.islandsweekly.com

Planting flowers is as simple as digging a hole, positioning the plant and filling the hole with soil, right? Unfortunately

it’s not that simple, at least not if you want your flowers to thrive. Here are a few tips for successful planting.

The right time to plant depends on the type of flowers chosen. Spring-flowering perenni-als (perennials are plants which live several years and flower on a regular basis) should be planted at the end of the summer. Summer-flowering plants should be planted in the spring. Annuals, which are flowers that only live for one summer, should be planted as soon as all risk of frost is over.

It is preferable to plant at the end of the after-

noon or on a cloudy day so that your plants are exposed to as little heat as possible. If you can-not put them in the ground on the same day as you purchase them, they should be stored in a shady area, sheltered from the wind.

Should freshly planted flowers be watered with a fertilizer so they will grow more quick-ly? Definitely not. New plants must be allowed to start a root system before they are fertilized. They have to be able to find their first nutri-tional elements in the soil in order to develop properly. Once that has happened, apply a liquid fertilizer, such as 15-30-15, once every 15 days. Never apply fertilizer to dry soil. Take the time to water it beforehand so that the fertilizer doesn’t burn your plants.

Spring is here… stop in to see what’s fresh at

• Floral Arrangements• Tropical Plants• Unique Jewelry• Candles

(360) 376-458018 Haven Road

Eastsound (Orcas Island) Washington 98245 10 am to 5:30 pm Dailywww.nest�owers.com

• Northwest Artists• Glassware• Gift Baskets• Home Decor

Stop in and see our extensive inventory ofToro push mowers and Zero turn riders

360-378-2220harborrentalandsaw.com

890 Guard St., Friday Harbor, WA

Staff photo / Emily GreenbergPeggy Mauro and her dog Roo love their tiny home on San Juan Island.

See JOURNEY, Page 8

w w w . b r o w n e s h o m e c e n t e r . c o m860 Mullis Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250 | Open Weekdays 7am - 6pm, Weekends 8am - 5pm

Shop Online

Ship to our Store!

Huge Inventory

FREE SHIPPINGNew Gardner & Bloome! Raised bed potting soil. This is great for your raised beds with � owers or

vegis. Worm Glo: Works wonders for improving your garden soil.

Featuring...

| Open Weekdays 7am - 6pm, Weekends 8am - 5pm

Just in! 2015 Outdoor Living CatalogOutdoor & Patio

furniture has arrived!

Neww iinn oouur HHoomme CCenntteerr!Neww iinn ouurr GGaarrddeenn CCenntteer! !

A colorful selection of pottery and garden art!

Just in this Spring! Beautiful Benches, Bird Baths, Water Fountains and Statuary!

Garden supplies: Seed-ing soil, peat pots and seeds and seed trays. Organic seeds from Territorial, Botanical In-terests & Burpee. Check out the raised garden bed brackets. We have a wide selection of Bird Seed and Suet, as well as Feeders and Houses for our feathered friends! Our mowers styles and wheelbarrows are out!

Bare root trees & shrubs, A wide variety of roses and ground covers, Veggie starts and � owers…

Healthy home interior products for a more sustainable planet.

• Flooring• Fabrics• Countertops• Window Coverings• Finishes

Linda Di Bona360-468-2830 or

360-982-7429

Market AlternativesFor prospective homebuyers of

modest means, options exist outside the conventional market.

Lopez, Orcas and San Juan islands each are home to a community land trust, all three of which provide perma-nently affordable homes to qualified buyers.

In addition, Home for Islanders, a federally funded "sweat equity" home-ownership program, is based in Friday Harbor. Visit the website of these organizations more information on programs, income qualifications and opportunities offered by each.

■ Lopez Community Land Trust: www.lopezclt.org■ Of People & Land (OPAL): www.opalclt.org■ San Juan Community Home Trust: www.hometrust.org■ Home for Islanders: www.homes-forislanders.org

378-6550 • www.islandstudios.com • 270 Spring St, Friday Harbor

Inside ~ Come see our display of over 200 island artists!Outside ~ Koi pond with 40 Koi fish some nearly 30 years of age!

The oldest on record died at the age of 225!

Brilliant & Unique Gifts for Inside & OutBrilliant & Unique Gifts for Inside & Out

Thank you, Orcas Islandfor your continued support!

I bow my head with gratitude…

~ Next to Island Market ~376-6801

LIC #602470148

Fine pruning | View enhancementTechnical removals | Stump grinding | Chipping

Austen AterCerti� ed Arborist

Licensed, Bonded, Insured | LIC # EVENTAC888B5

376.3214 EventideArborCare.com

EventideTree Care, Inc.

CROW VALLEY POTTERY & GALLERYAn Orcas Island Landmark Since 1959!

NATURAL STONE TILE CARPET SOLID SURFACE COUNTER TOPS HARD WOOD

WINDOW SHADES LAMINATE FLOORS

360-378-6071 • 22 Web Street • Friday HarborWe service ALL ISLANDS • Like us on

Serving the San Juan Islands for over 15 years We’re here from start to � nish. Free design & estimate consultation

Custom Cushions Made Easy

Do you have a window seat that needs new cushions?I have a passion for design and getting it right.

I love creating a product that my client will enjoy for years to come. Let me help you with your next project.

• Draperies and Hardware• Roman Shades• Bedding Ensembles

• Pillows and Cushions• Insolroll Solar Shades• Hunter Douglas

In home design consults for:

Call 360-929-0903 or visit www.classyshades.com

to schedule your in home design consult today.Katherine Cade CWTC | Lopez Island

"Business Built by Referrals, Ask Someone About Us."

The Shaner X team offers a combination of excavation and tree services, meaning that the trees and the land

are well taken care of at our clients projects.

Bathan ShanerISA Certi� ed Arborist PN-7212A • ISA Certi� ed

Tree Risk Assessor • Certi� ed Erosion Consultant

Certi� ed Septic Installer

Please visit our new website! www.SHANERX.com376.6008 or 317.6220 • BATHANSHANER@gmail.com

LIC# SHANEET895L4

Contributed by Gary FranklinBroker/Manager, Windermere Real Estate/San Juan

1: Making an offer on a home without first getting pre-qualified – Take the time to talk with a lender and ask ques-tions about income and expenses. This is the best way to determine the price range you can afford, and it will make your life easier.

2: Limiting your search to open houses, ads or the Internet – Many homes listed on Zillow.com and other web-site aggregators may have already been sold. These sites get their information from the local and regional MLS, which is developed by local realtors. The best source of up-to-date information that is unavailable to the general public is a local

realtor. They are invaluable in finding the home you want.3: Thinking there is only one perfect house out there –

Buying real estate today is more a process of elimination than one of selection. Be open to all properties coming on the market that might meet your parameters. Ask your realtor for a comparable market analysis, which compares similar properties that have sold recently.

4: Not having a home inspection – Trying to save the $500-$700 home inspection fee today may end up costing far more tomorrow. A licensed inspector can uncover issues that many buyers overlook.

5: Not considering long-term needs – Think ahead a few years. Will the property serve your family’s needs in the future?

6: Not knowing all of the costs – Ask your realtor or lender early on to give you the estimated closing costs. Title company, homeowner association and insurance fees should all be considered. Will you be required to pre-pay anything? Be sure to examine your settlement statement prior to closing.

7: Not following through on due diligence – Recent court rulings have highlighted the old phrase: “Buyer Beware.” Buyers should make a list of any concern they have relating to issues such as: water supply, septic systems, road ease-ments, neighborhood rules, etc. Ask the important ques-tions BEFORE you make an offer. Be diligent so you can have confidence in your purchase.

SAVE THE DATEJUNE 13 ✹ 10-4

Organized by:

San Juan Islands Garden Consortium

SJI GARDEN TOUR

& much, much, much more for your ornamental & � ower garden!

Caterpillars, Other Insects, Disease Treatment, Lawn Care, Weed Control, Fertilization, and Driveway Weed Elimination

We service all sizes & types of trees & ornamental shrubs

40+ years experienceLocally Owned & Operated by Steven J. Billmyer M.S. Entomologist

PO Box 44 Friday Harbor WA 98250 • 360-378-8489 • control@sanjuanpest.com

San Juan Pest Control Services

Eastsound, Orcas Island • 376-5522

Mention this ad and get

25% OFFALL GARDEN ART

at JILLERYthrough Memorial Day!

by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG

The joys of owning a furry loved one far surpass the downsides.

Yet anyone who has spent hours vacuuming a car or shaking out couch blankets knows there are days of great frustration. Why must there be so much fur attached to EVERYTHING?

In owning three dogs, I've come up with a

list of must-haves for pet owners.1. Wood floors. This can be a costly

endeavor to do all at once, but try replacing your carpets with hardwood where you can. Start with one room and change it out as your budget allows. There are few vacuum cleaners that can actually remove all of the fur, debris, dander and germs that reside in carpet fibers. Once you switch to hardwood floors, you'll cringe at how much hair was living in your carpets.

2. A light, easy to move vacuum clean-er. I love the sucking power of my giant Dyson, but everything changed when I pur-chased a Shark cordless vacuum. It weighs 10 pounds, runs for 30-plus minutes on a charge and is bag-less. It has two speeds (carpet and hardwood), but I run the carpet setting over my wood floors to make sure everything is picked up. You do have to empty the canister about once a week and wash the filter periodically.

3. A good brush. I've always used a FURminator de-shedding tool, but after losing it, I switched to a less expensive variety. Sadly, it's just not the same. The FURminator seems to really get the under-coat. If your dog or cat doesn't have par-ticularly thick fur, it may be okay to use a different kind of tool, but I find it is worth

it to pay a little more for one that gets the undercoat.

4. Towels. Lots and lots of towels. I have a stack of towels in my truck at all times. They can be used for mopping up muddy feet, cleaning up vomit if paper towels are not available or breaking up a dog fight (trainers say throwing a towel over a fight will stop it quickly).

5. Leather couches. Yes, your animals might scratch it, but it is a lot better than having fur embedded in your upholstery.

6. Wash your dogs frequently. Giving your pet a bath on a regular basis helps get rid of excess hair and makes the coat easier to brush.

She has also gone from always having some-thing cooking to eating mostly steamed or raw foods.

At 50-something, Mauro was looking for a more sustainable and closer to nature existence, and wanted to show other women her age that they could do it, too. But her ultimate drive to purchase and live in a tiny home was for her kids. With no retirement fund, she wanted to simplify her life as much as possible so that if she needed their help of care in the future, she wouldn't be a burden.

"I can just park my house anywhere," she said. "And they can bring me coffee."

Journey:Continued from page 4