Welcome Home!

I’m lucky. One of the bonuses of my job is that I get to see so many beautiful houses. Some are grand and elegant. Others are quaint and a little quirky. But, as a rule, I’ve discovered the common element is pride. Most of us, no matter what demographic we fall into, are proud of the places we call home.

I love to walk through a front door and immediately get a sense of what’s important to the homeowner. After all, good taste and deep pockets make for a picture-perfect room, but what makes any dwelling unique are the passions and interests of its occupants. Fly fishing rods hanging on the wall, a hand-stitched quilt draped over a stairway or pieces of pottery that were lovingly created show the true personalities of the people who live there.

My own house, a study in my children’s activities, two old dogs and too many lazy cats, is a perfect portrait of what matters to me. Favorite books, favorite antiques and collectibles and framed photos tell you what you need to know about the way my family lives. Agates, gathered on the Pacific coast and collected in an old wood dough bowl, Native American baskets that were collected by my grandparents, and furniture that has been with me for as long as my children can remember dress the spaces. Nothing fancy, nothing stiff or too formal. Just rooms filled with love. And pride.

This week in Home

Joe Dill is one of those people who is really into a hobby. His passion for model airplanes has defined the way he lives in his Spokane area home. Dill’s story is this week’s cover feature. A slideshow is also available at www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/video.

A garden of memories

Gardens grow for all reasons. Some are planted for show, others to celebrate a love of the outdoors. Viktoria Bruens’ garden grew out of her homesickness for her native Germany. She even coaxed a pair of special trees to bloom when everyone said they wouldn’t survive. Her story is on page 14.

Welcome to Spokane

The glorious old Fox Theater is getting a total makeover. The new general manager, Patricia Irons, is a newcomer to the city. She shares the reasons she chose Spokane in this week’s Newcomers feature.

Every week we furnish each issue of Home with stories and photographs that show what matters the most to our readers. Every page is a salute to homes and hobbies.

Come on in. We’re pretty proud of the place.