Armed Forces Day

   The festival filled morning started with a visit from Captain America, he toured the streets and visited with the kids, as he posed for pictures with the crowds that collected on the streets of Downtown Bremerton.
   The weather cooperated, nearly perfect for mid May, with partly cloudy skies, temperatures hanging in the upper 60's and a mild breeze rolling off of the Sinclair Inlet.

Soon after, the loud pop of a gun shot echoed through the buildings, signaling the beginning of the Armed Forces Day Parade. People laughed and cheered as the first of many participants rounded the corner at the top of the hill and steadily marched forward.

The people were amazing and the energy was extremely positive and inviting. To be around that and witness the influence of that warmth and compassion spread across the town was a humbling experience.  To be a part of it made it near impossible to wipe the smile off of my face, and the goose bumps off of my arms. For a brief moment in time all of the drama seemed to have melted away leaving only the good and kindness behind in it's wake.

Even the performers, those that had spent hours and days rehearsing for this very moment, smiled as they concentrated. Their efforts were rewarded with waves from the audience, claps from friends, family and strangers and cheers from everyone.

The rolling drum beats from various marching bands acted as the heart beat of the parade and each cymbal crash only excited the crowds more. Some of the kids begged their father's to let them sit on their shoulders, to get a better look, while others bypassed their parents altogether, running into the street, to watch with a sparkled smile as a fully dressed soldier greeted them with a sticker.

 

All eyes turned to the skies when a large plane flew over the route at a low altitude, it's four large engines growling as it passed by.

Clowning Around

 

The Shriners are always there to bring a smile to the masses and today was no exception, it struck our funny bone to see Billy Bob on his bike, texting on his phone, while cruising the parade route. He did manage to finally get the phone back into his pocket a few blocks later.

Celebrating the Men and Women Who Fight for Our Freedom

And the Diverse Cultures Who Live in Our Wonderful Country

Mother Nature's True Colors

Spring is in the air, here on the left coast of the United States, and that means the vibrant pops of color returns, slowly fading away the chilly memories of old man winter. We are adding photos to our wildflower collection in celebration of the event, be sure to visit our studio 106 page by clicking on the picture on the left.

Dare to Dream

A vigorous late winter storm pushes it's way through the Puget Sound creating a dream-like landscape. Bremerton,  March 2012. Photo by Michael Stitt.

They say that there is a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, in this case, the treasure waiting to be discovered is Port Orchard. The plan was to have a romantic get away with my better half, an escape from the chores of the house and to spend some quality time with my soulmate. Our journey planted us at a cozy table in Anthony's Restaurant. A late winter storm was rapidly developing off the north coast, creating spectacular cloud structures, as the sun slowly sank into the western horizon. While our drinks were being served the clouds parted, just enough, allowing the warming light of the sun to break through and reflect off of thousands of tiny drops of rain. The birth of a gorgeous rainbow and the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening, all seemingly planned for just my wife and I, as we dined. The stress of life melted away and smiles gradually found their way back to our faces as we both rediscovered each other and reinvigorated our loving bonds. To say that we had more than just a dinner that night would be an understatement, it was the best 2 hour vacation any living being could have asked for.

An elegant table setting at Anthony's Restaurant, Bremerton,  March 2012. Photo by Michael Stitt.

Kitsap County: Explore the Possibilities

Allow us to be among the first to welcome you to Kitsap County, Washington. Our plan is to show you the wide and varied opportunities that await your inner explorer. From shopping to hiking, and all points in between, Kitsap has what you are looking for, in abundance. So kick your shoes off, grab a cup of joe, and get ready to plan your next vacation or locate your dream home. Let our small-town-feel embrace your senses and allow your mind to dream. Welcome to Kitsap County, enjoy!

Sunrise over Bremerton, Washington,  March 2012. Photo by Michael Stitt.