COVER STORY WRITTEN BY WILLIAM DIETRICH PHOTOGRAPHED BY HARLEY SOLTES
ON THE COVER: Parasailer Jim Wagner soars over the Skagit Valley looking south from a launching site at Blanchard Hill. Open spaces are necessary to hang gliders, and they have permission from the state to take off in the hills and from farmers to land on sites along the valley floor.

PLANT LIFE Avoiding Flower Flop When making bouquets, following a few simple rules will keep away the droop. When making bouquets, ON FITNESS Take It Easy Weekend warriors hear this: Stretch, keep cool and avoid irrational exuberance. NOW & THEN With Open Arms LETTERS Letters to the editor

TASTE Bring On The Bacon! The guilty pleasure of bacon is easier to bear in these days of better pig-raising practices. NORTHWEST LIVING The Elements Of Home In the "Patterns of Home" we find comfort, companionship and even safety. SUNDAY PUNCH Don't Show, Don't Tell