Don’t

turn left …

Keep going straight down Pioneer Way.

Our first stop is ACE HARDWARE, now open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Housewares and garden buyers, PAT CANNON and CHERYL WIELDRAAYER, are just back from the home décor show in Seattle. Take a bow, ladies, for offering the best selection of eclectic decorative and functional items this side of the mall.

At THE QUILTER’S WORKSHOP next door, you’ll find friends helping friends put the pieces together to create a family heirloom. And there’s always something new to see at the HABITAT FOR HUMANITY furniture store a few doors down.

Entering Old Town, check out EILEEN’S KITCHEN SHOPPE, the newest store on the block. Come in from the cold at CASUAL HOUSE or go to WHIDBEY WILD BIRD, where you can get free advice on the importance of winter feeding on Saturday, Feb. 26, starting at 11 a.m.

Families love PAINT YOUR ’ART OUT because there’s something going on each day of the week for kids and grown ups. Busy hands also love THE STAMPING PAD and SCRAPPIN’ FRIENDS.

If you’re hungry, pick from Chinese, Thai, Greek, Mexican and good old American fare.

Historic Old Town may be off the beaten path, but there’s more going on there than you think.

Dave does dinner …

If his seafood, steaks, pasta and salads are anything like his pancakes and eggs over easy, DAVE WILSON’s Pioneer Cafe at 800 SE Pioneer Way will do brisk business now that they are serving dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“We started out as a bakery,” Dave said, recalling their break into the business 15 years ago. “Customers wanted toast and breakfast, so we started doing that. We have our regulars and on the weekends, we’re really packed.”

The transition from bright breakfast café to dinner mode will be enhanced by the work of an artist who is embellishing the walls. Dinner patrons will be seated at tables with white table cloths and offered their choice of wine or beer as they wait.

Early birds may have their choice of tables, but if you want a sure thing, call 679-4860 for a reservation.

Dad would

be proud …

The cribbage king of Whidbey Island could well live in Oak Harbor.

BOB WARNOCK, former Clinton postmaster, and wife Noreen moved here to enjoy the downtown condo life with easy access to shopping and City Beach Park.

Bob entered the Washington State Cribbage Championships held in Centralia Jan. 7 and 8, where he finished second among some 200 contestants from throughout the region. Bob’s fancy pegging earned him $1,125 in cash and a deluxe cribbage board.

He learned the game from his dad in his hometown of Oroville, Wash. His dad worked at a power plant, and the two would while away the hours playing cribbage.

Noreen said she was happy to see the money Bob won, but she got a little worried when he was late returning to the motel. Turns out he had to stay late at the tournament for the championship match, which was won by a man from Oregon. Hardly seems fair for a Washington tournament.

Pick your planter …

Just don’t wait until they are all gone.

It’s time for the second annual “Visions of a More Beautiful Oak Harbor” city planter contest. Individuals, businesses or organizations can enter and adopt one or more city planters. Make it a masterpiece and maybe you’ll win something. Our city will be more beautiful for your effort.

Deadline is April 1, but I wouldn’t wait if I were you. Just call HELEN at 679-9139 or KARLA at 679-9478 to get started.

Seniors do

their part …

A fundraiser called “Seniors for Tsunami Relief” is planned for Saturday, March 5, from 8 a.m. to noon at the OAK HARBOR SENIOR CENTER. All money earned from items sold will be donated to the American Red Cross tsunami relief effort. Door prizes and refreshments will be available.

If you have new or slightly used good quality items, such as books, CDs, videos, gift items and white elephants to donate, please drop them off at the center, 51 SE Jerome St., March 4, between 1 and 5 p.m. Checks should be made out to the American Red Cross. If you would like to volunteer, call Helen or Ken at 675-4201 and leave a message.

Today we celebrate Chinese New Year 4703, the Year of the Yiyou, popularly known as the Year of the Rooster. “Happy Xin Nian” to all my readers! Send me your news at lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com or call 675-6611.