Where is the greenest/most beautiful area? (Seattle, Everett: house prices, school)

[christinekv]

Originally Posted by cinhawaii

Wow, thank you for the honesty!It sure looks pretty though. Thats what I love about this forum, it really helps to get an idea. Can you guys suggest any place on a body of water? I dont care if its a lake, ocean. I just really want a house on water. I know this mean $$$ so are there any places where its not as expensive?

Aloha Sistah CinHawaii!
Saw your inquiry and thought I'd take the time to respond since I'm a transplant here from the Big Island. Well, I actually lived in Monroe and in the late 70's til 1984 (boy has this place changed since my days as a keiki!) I left the mainland (Calif) in 89' and lived on the Big Island for over 14 years...came back to the Monroe area (actually live a little south in Duvall) in 2004...I always get asked about the big change I made yet the change isn't that drastic to most peoples surprise. Living in Kamuela on the Big Island where it rained 60+ inches a year and the temps in the winter got down to low 40's since we were at a 2000+ ft elevation (it does get a bit colder than that here). Most people are shocked to learn Hawaii gets snow in the winter! Mauna Kea was the backdrop setting behind our home!
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A hui hou.

[pjdxxxwa]

Originally Posted by Cozart#!

Yes I agree. Monroe is a nice place. But they lack the main shopping area such as Target, or something like that.

Have you ever been to Monroe? Fred Meyer store have everything Target offers (clothing, hardware, housewares, toys, sporting goods and so forth) as well as full service grocer. They have been here for over ten years if memory serves me correctly.

[pjdxxxwa]

Originally Posted by cinhawaii

I have recently learned heard that Forks is an "awful city" any thoughts? My friend want able to expand at the time it was said

What is said to be awful about forks? In what respect? Forks is close to the ocean where one can see tiny sand snakes scurry along the beach on sunny summer day. It is fairly close to the rain forrest. It is not as polluted as the large cities. Does not sound so bad to me.
But, seriously, I have visited once on a camping trip and enjoyed my time there twenty years ago. What was said? Was it location? Weather? or an incident that created this impression one the person who did not care for Forks? Often people self impose a situation. Often what one person finds displeasurable another does not. Without the details it is difficult for anyone to respond to the allegations, don't you think?

[pjdxxxwa]

Originally Posted by cinhawaii

Thanks for the advice. I didn't mean I NEED a Whole Foods, I just meant some place like that. Not even just for the organic options, but the vegetarian selection. I will definately check out Stevenson though

As an alternative to Whole Foods you might consider the Local Farmer's markets in the areas you look at. You can find organic food, as well as, hand crafted soaps and other items. Some made of 100% natural and others just claiming to be, but this is also true of Whole Foods and who they choose to stock in their stores.

[kerriiskk]

Hi my name is Kerri and I live in Forks and have lived in a few places on the Peninsula... as well as worked at a few of the prisons in the area and know people who have worked at most of the rest. So here's my 2 cents...

Originally Posted by mayfair

Monroe has a prison, is a small town with shopping, is green, rainy and on the way to the mountains for winter snow. It also snows there more often than down near the Sound. You might like it!

Monroe is great and if I were ever to move back near the Sound I'd go to Monroe. There are 4 prisons in the complex of all custody levels and they are always hiring because of the amount of staff needed to run all 4 of the prisons. There is a camp, a psychiactric treatment prison, a min/med custody that houses Washingtons Sex Offender Treatment Program as well as a Close custody unit at WSR.

Originally Posted by Xenobion

Apparently there is a prison in Forks.

But a better choice would be Clallum Bay for its prison and the fact its near Port Angeles and Port Townsend.

There is not a prison IN Forks... it's south of Forks... quite a way infact in the Hoh rainforest. Many people who work at BOTH prisons in the area (Clallam Bay and OCC) live in Forks, there is a transit system set up for them to commute to and from work. (VanPool) I have never worked at OCC but hear it's nice (it is a camp so more laid back) Clallam Bay isn't bad it's more of your typical prison environment.

Originally Posted by cinhawaii

I don't need tons of snow, just some. I am in HI now, and Los Angeles before that so I have never lived in snow, so any snow at all would be new for me. I just love the rain, the ocean, and beautiful green areas. I love it here in Hawaii, but I want a change. How are the public schools in these areas? DO people ever have a hard time with single moms?

There is rain here but nothing too horrid. We do get snow... not a huge amount each year but enough. It's amazingly green and has little flooding even with all the rain (it's like living on a thirsty sponge) The schools in Forks aren't the greatest but they are comperable to most with some exceptions... they have great access to programs through the local college and the electronics and computer classes offered are as good as you'll get anywhere. There are plenty of single parents in the area and I don't think you'll have an issue with that. It's also has a diverse population to an extent... we have many asians in the area, lots of latinos, and 3 different native tribes within a very short distance. I also know a few families from Hawaii who have moved up here some who were natives down there and some who weren't.

Originally Posted by cinhawaii

Also, is all of WA as socially progressive as Seattle? Would a vegetarian be able to eat in these cities you have been suggesting? What are the people like?

I don't think you'd have anymore of an issue getting a good vegan meal here than any other... there are alot of meat eaters but generally speaking most ppl in Forks don't care what you eat and the farmers market here is great and we have a small fruit/veggie/local produce store in town.

Originally Posted by cinhawaii

I have more to add. Can someone please tell me a bit about living in Forks? Does it snow/get super cold? I seems beautiful. Also do are people ahrd on transplants from Cali? I live in HI now, and being a haole here makes it difficult. I know Im from Los Angeles, but I left because I dont like it. That said, I dont want to be where Im not wanted. I know this is going to sound dumb, but Im in love with the city in "Men in Trees"! I know its actually filmed in Canada, but I was wondering if any of the places in northern WA are comperable. I want a place that rains alot, but also snows. I am prefer a small town feel, with a liberal mindset (I like Seattle's progressive thinking) and with at least some of the options of a bigger city (ok mainly I need a target (or something close to it) near by decent shopping and restaraunts) I am working on my masters now, but when I finish I will eventaully working in corrections, so it needs to be somehwere near a prison. Any suggestions? Also, how do vegetarians fare?

Forks is a small town and as such you do get some small town drama, but it's not about where you moved here from or anything else it's just the typical who's having kids, who bought a new car and it's generally well meaning. It's not really super cold here on a regular basis (I moved her from northern Idaho) like I said it does snow but not a lot though you can always go for a drive up into the hills and find all the snow you want. I wouldn't say that the town is the most liberal out there but most people feel that unless it directly affects them then they don't care what you do. (I know someone who lives here who had a sex change and no one has really cared except for a few of the more religious people.) On the down side if you want to go to any big stores the closest you'll find is Port Angeles.

[quote=pauhawaii;2055615]I read your thread....I grew up in Grays Harbor, Wa State....just down from the Forks....there is a new prison outside of Aberdeen, WA....& the climate is almost exactly the same as the Forks....prices are good there....living is good there....from Aberdeen....you can go approx 20miles to deep sea fishing at the quaint little town of Westport WA.....or go the opposite direction to go to Ocean Shores....where there is a Casino...restaurants galore...it is a summer resort area....but also....can dig clams on the beach should you choose....!!! But the closeness of the prison would allow you employment that would not be far from where you live....!!!quote]

Personally, I hate Aberdeen, it is a dark feeling town and I always feel dirty when I am there. My ex-husband works at the prison there and can't wait to transfer to another location.

Originally Posted by cinhawaii

I have recently learned heard that Forks is an "awful city" any thoughts? My friend want able to expand at the time it was said

It's not awful... that's why they couldn't expand. It's not like it's the most amazing town, it's a typical small town in many ways and rains alot which some people hate.

Originally Posted by pjdxxxwa

What is said to be awful about forks? In what respect? Forks is close to the ocean where one can see tiny sand snakes scurry along the beach on sunny summer day. It is fairly close to the rain forrest. It is not as polluted as the large cities. Does not sound so bad to me.
But, seriously, I have visited once on a camping trip and enjoyed my time there twenty years ago. What was said? Was it location? Weather? or an incident that created this impression one the person who did not care for Forks? Often people self impose a situation. Often what one person finds displeasurable another does not. Without the details it is difficult for anyone to respond to the allegations, don't you think?

I agree with you on this, Forks seems to be a place people love, hate, love to hate and hate to love. It all depends on the person. Outdoorsy people LOVE it here because of the hiking, the natural beauty etc. Artsy people love the views the creativity and the peace. City loving nightlife people... hate it. It all depends on what you like and are looking for. If you have more questions don't hesitate to contact me.

Kerri

[fairy-tale]

Head straight to Monroe honey. Huge prison there. Congrats on finishing up your masters!
Also check out Carnation & Mill Creek. Monroe & Carnation may be a bit too country for you. Your interests sound like Mill Creek would be a fit. Good luck!

[haggardhouseelf]

Originally Posted by pjdxxxwa

... Some made of 100% natural and others just claiming to be, but this is also true of Whole Foods and who they choose to stock in their stores.

I worked at Whole Foods for many many years. They take their standards very seriously. If you ever see a product for sale in any of their stores which you believe might not meet their high standards - tell a team member. They will alert the buyer of that product, whose job is to research it. If it is indeed found to be something or have in it an ingredient or product that goes against Whole Foods Quality Standards, they will remove it from the shelf.

Back on-topic, though, in the Puget Sound area PCC Market is an awesome natural foods place to shop! They support local farms and businesses and offer really high quality products. Check the website to find locations that might be close to you... [Mod cut

[pjdxxxwa]

[quote=haggardhouseelf;2575187]I worked at Whole Foods for many many years. They take their standards very seriously. If you ever see a product for sale in any of their stores which you believe might not meet their high standards - tell a team member. They will alert the buyer of that product, whose job is to research it. If it is indeed found to be something or have in it an ingredient or product that goes against Whole Foods Quality Standards, they will remove it from the shelf.


I did not have food products in mind. What I had in mind was the soaps that they stock as natural and some for creams/lotions and cosmetics. Some are quite good, others are far from natural although someone who is not a
soap maker would never know it.

Anyone interesting in what the FDA and CPSC say is real soap verses what is passes of in most stores these days can ask for the FDA.gov link and I will put it up. Basically REAL (true) soap is oils or fat plus water plus lye used to create the reaction. It is not in the soap when it is saponified. It turns the oils and water into sodium salts (soap) and glycerin. THAT is soap. Then we generally add a pinch of an approved safe color and a hint of fragrance. I buy only from manufacturers so I know EXACTLY what I am getting.

Sorry, I generalized way too much. So much to do, so little time and when it gets late.....yawn...:

[haggardhouseelf]

Here's a link (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/wholebody/qualitystandards.html - broken link)to their body care standards... Whole Foods has never been an extremist sort of store. They cater to a more wide, general population, but they do have a strict set of standards they follow. Whole Foods has never said they will only sell "real soap". And lots of things can be called "natural" that really aren't.

Dr. Bronner's is a good soap, and when I worked there that's what we used to clean just about everything in the store. They do carry some really good "real soap"... but then they also sell some other kinds of soap that customers request as long as they don't have any ingredients in them that Whole Foods refuses to sell. They also have their private label soap which is meant to be a healthy soap for your body (according to their quality standards) sold at a very good value. Whole Foods is so popular because so many different kind of people can find what makes them happy there. They have a broad appeal. Personally, I wish they would quit offering bags to their customers (paper or plastic) so that American's would finally start using and reusing their own bags in order to reduce waste and pollution and all the negatives involved with the making and distributing of grocery store bags. I also wish they would do away with all the conventional foods and stick with selling only organic, fair trade, and other ethically produced goods... I feel that would make a huge statement. But of course if they did that, they would risk suffering huge losses in sales. It all boils down to money in the end. Sad, really.

[pjdxxxwa]

[quote=haggardhouseelf;2596253]Here's a link (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/wholebody/qualitystandards.html - broken link)to their body care standards... Whole Foods has never been an extremist sort of store.

Going to play devil's advocate here to demonstrate that a statement means nothing most of the time.
The only problem with the quality standards for personal care products is that they do not really tell you much; for example:

* "We carefully evaluate each and every product we sell."

What process do they use to evaluated the products they purchase?

* "We are committed to high-quality body care products that have a
proven track record."

How do they determine the "proven track record" ?

* "We provide personal care products that support health and well-
being."

How do they measure if a product is indeed supporting a person's health and well-being?

They mentioned essential oils in their statements also, but many of the soaps in their stores are made with fragrance oils. Not that fragrance oils are bad (if the soap maker buys from a professional manufacturer and buys the RIGHT oil for the purpose they are using it for. Too many vendors buy low, grade FO's or worse yet the wrong (potpourri, etc) FO's and sell it as soap grade. A professional soap maker works with and buys from the manufacturer of the fragrance oil AND makes sure they know the purpose for the oil's use.

Anyone that is really serious with getting the soap for their money should join the soap making community and learn as much about real soap making as possible. That way they can ensure they buy soap that is indeed best for their skin type, age and location.








Mod note:

Hmmm, Okay, In my opinion, this discussion has drifted a bit off-topic now as this post has to do with "soap" which I see no inquiry by the OP pertaining to this subject. I also see that the OP has not posted on this thread for over two months now.

pjdxxxwa and haggardhouseelf, we can move the soap discussion over to possibly the "Fashion and Beauty" or "Health and Wellness" forum??? Or either of you can feel free to start a thread in the forum you feel appropriate. Let me know if you need assistance. But let's not sidetrack this thread too much. Thanks.