From the Editor

JOIN US! If you love South Sound magazine as much as we do, please consider applying to join our volunteer reader advisory board. We want a few opinionated people to help us make South Sound magazine even better. Go to southsoundmag.com to learn more. SHOW IT OFF! Have you completed a stellar remodel, landscaped your yard, created a fabulous backyard oasis, or designed the perfect craft or yoga room? E-mail us a photo and brief explanation and we may feature your project in an upcoming issue!

I didn’t have the sniffles, but I put the box of tissues on my desk (that I previously lifted from office manager Elisabeth Bowerman’s desk) to good use while editing this magazine. You might want to grab a box yourself before diving in. It could be labeled the “tear-jerker” issue — in a good way.

It started with the article about Chase Garden in Orting by editorial intern Kayla Schroader. When we sent her on this assignment, we thought we were sending her to write about another great garden. What she found was much more — a blooming love story that spans decades — and acres. Read about it on page 43.

Then there’s the story about Second Chance Ranch in Elma by Gail Greenwood Ayres. When race horses stop winning, or are injured or homeless, slaughter houses are no longer the first or only resort thanks to Katie Merwick — a caring woman who gives them a place to live. Learn more about this nonprofit on page 50.

No doubt there are a lot of good things happening throughout the South Sound region. You’ll find a whole lot more in this issue, too, from our annual Doctors Making a Difference feature (thanks for all of your nominations!) to local wine bars, how to make a holiday centerpiece from items in your own backyard and more.

It all adds up to another great issue we are proud of. We’re already working on more great stories for 2010. Thanks for reading. We appreciate you.

Lisa Patterson,
Editor in Chief

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For the full story pick up the latest copy of South Sound magazine. Subscriptions are available by phone at 253.588.5340 or you may order your subscription online.