The price of gas is rising and there’s even talk of shortages. Suddenly, scooters make sense.

“Sailors and young ladies like them,” said “SMITTY” SMITH, owner of Whidbey Motos on Ault Field Road, right behind the Espresso Connection coffee stand. “What’s not to love when you get 100 miles per gallon?”

Smitty has the Schwinn franchise from Sedro-Woolley to Clinton, to Anacortes and La Conner. He doesn’t stand to make much money in his chosen retirement business, but it’s enough for him to break even and help people out. His store opens at 11 a.m., and closes at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The Schwinn Graduate model, a two-seater costing $2,301.81, weighs 230 pounds and comes in silver or sky blue. The Collegiate model, a single-seater costing $2,085.21, weighs 170 pounds and comes in red and yellow. These prices include taxes and licensing. They come with a one-year warranty on parts and labor. A compartment under the seat is just large enough to hold a half-helmet, which Smitty sells for $69.

“Besides their popularity for trips around town, people take scooters with them when they RV,” Smitty noted. “Top speed is 32 to 33 mph on the highway, so you must stay right, in the slower lane.”

Because they are under 50 CCs, you do not require a motorcycle endorsement. A Graduate 150 (does 55 mph and is expected to arrive in July) will cost $2,595. Bigger and heavier, it will get over 80 mpg.

No two-cycle scooters will be sold in 2008 because of pollution; 30 percent of their fuel is not burned. Smitty’s scooters are four-cycle.

I was able to balance easily on the Graduate and the controls were well within my reach. As I headed for the door I asked, “Can a girl get a test ride some weekend?”

“Sure enough,” said Smitty. It appears that older ladies like scooters too.

Give Smitty a call at (360) 675-0703.

Magic, mosaics, marriage …

NATHAN BELLAMY was coming home from a construction job when he first saw Causland Park in Anacortes. He was enthralled by its lovingly detailed use of decorative rock and black and white mosaic for structures and walls.

He immediately called the love of his life AUTUMN McGRUDER, an employee of ISLAND TRANSIT, and told her excitedly, “I’ve found the perfect place for our wedding.” Before darkness fell that evening, they drove to Anacortes and as they stood inside the gazebo, agreed this was a magical spot.

The park was built in the 1920s by Louis Lepage and even its low, serpentine walls are made of colored pebble and rock mosaic.

That was two years ago, and true to their promise, BISHOP CHARLES BOYLES wed the couple in Causland Park on May 20.

A postscript on their wedding invitations suggested “Bring a jacket and umbrella,” but the rain was held at bay. Enchanted, indeed.

Boohoo for Sue …

SUNBONNET SUE is a marked woman. Her days as an icon of homespun quilting projects are numbered. Those conspiring to do her in have been seen hanging out at the Quilters’ Workshop at 210 SE Pioneer Way.

“We are doing a murder at the Quilt Shop,” explained owner DEBRA STALEY. “All one needs to do is turn in a 12-inch quilt block which must depict Sunbonnet Sue being done away with. Gift certificates of $50, $25 and $10 will go to the top three quilt blocks. The worst gets a free quilt class.”

The project runs from June 21 to 26. Debra invites you to stop in and see samples of what quilters have done in the past.

The Quilters’ Workshop has been in business for three years. They give free quilt classes and helpful tips to walk-ins. Call (360) 675-7216 for more information.

Bailey kick-off set …

BARBARA BAILEY told a small group of friends and supporters in Oak Harbor last week there is still much to be accomplished in Olympia.

As Tenth District State Representative, she said she observed, “the largest spending increase in our state’s history, much of it reckless use of our tax dollars.”

Bailey has planned a campaign kick-off event on Wednesday, June 7, at the Elks Lodge, 155 NE Ernst, in Oak Harbor. Special guest, State Attorney General Rob McKenna, will speak at the breakfast, which starts at 7 a.m. There is no charge for those who would like to attend. For reservations, call Patty Carter at (360) 320-2590.

Hope to see you at the Knights of Columbus rummage sale and the Relay For Life this weekend. Call (360) 675-6611 or email lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com.