Introducing Caden (2), the tiniest hobbit to ever wander through Nordland. He’s brave, bold, and curious, definitely a hobbit hero in training, minus the “quiet and shy” part.

Thanks to all who joined our Halloween pumpkin weight-and-waist guessing fun. Hats off to Cameron for coming closest to the weight of 170 lbs, 6 oz, and to Mendi and Willis for guessing the 96-inch waist spot-on. Your gift cards are waiting!

As a community store, we’re in a special position to support anyone who is feeling food insecurity. With a strong and generous member base that is collectively dedicated to supporting both the store and the broader Marrowstone Island community, we believe we can step up our support.

Cousins Adele, Mia, Everett, and Titus paused just long enough on our front porch for this great photo.

Mia and Everett were visiting from Colorado over their fall break, and the cousins made the most of their time together playing pickleball, card games, and, of course, visiting our store.

These clever teens quickly discovered our ice cream, organic produce and snack treats. We’ll see if their smarts extend to the pumpkin weight and waist guessing contest. Good luck, team!

By Jean Sherrard

Special to The Seattle Times

JUST EAST OF Port Townsend, Marrowstone Island — so dubbed by Capt. George Vancouver on May 8, 1792, the same day he affixed the name “Mount Rainier” to a conical volcano to the southeast — is a bucolic sanctuary.

With a population of just less than 1,000 that swells with vacationers each summer, the island’s unincorporated town of Nordland was founded by Norwegian immigrant Peter Nordby, who bought and platted its 187 acres in 1892.

Lily (3), Case (11) and Campbell (8) came all the way from Tennessee to visit their grandparents on Marrowstone. For Halloween, Lily’s dressing up as a princess dinosaur, Case as a cyberpunk, and Campbell has graduated from princess to scary clown. This sweet trio made daily stops for candy and cinnamon rolls and gave us a 5++ star review! Our “real nice shop” earned five stars for cute stuffed animals, a + for hot chocolate, and another + for ice cream. We’ll take it!

Wendy, Paul, Willa (5), and Joon the mini doodle stopped by while camping at Fort Flagler. Willa and her grandparents raved about our fruit, coffee, toys, and local gifts. In true island spirit, Willa scavenged the beach for perfect rocks, painted them, and tucked them back for lucky beachcombers to discover. Look for one special rock featuring Wendy and Willa!

Harper (5) and Palmer (3) popped in for treats, including Cearra’s cinnamon rolls, before heading to East Beach and Fort Flagler. These Hadlock sweeties (and their parents) promised they’ll be back soon for more “yum-yums” and all-day coffee drinks.

Meet Heather and Hallen (1). Heather is a self-taught baker who tweaks family recipes to create scrumptious treats like our Moon’s Cafe Island Time carrot cake. Next up is her chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting and chocolate raspberry ganache. We’ve sampled both, and just like Hallen, we are wholehearted fans!

Richard polished off his “strawbabies” while proudly explaining how he broke his wrist on the monkey bars. Nine more days until the cast comes off! He hasn’t let it slow him down — he’s still painting, drawing, and strolling the beach. His mom says the store is a bright spot in their week and loves visiting from Port Ludlow for drinks, produce and treats.

Sisters Oaklynn (6) and Finnley (3) light up our aisles every time they visit. The girls love to spend time with Grandma Gigi watching My Little Pony, picking berries and shopping at our store. Oaklynn’s favorite thing about Finnley is her “crazy” and Finnley’s favorite thing about Oaklynn is pulling her hair. Sounds about right!

We strongly support pajamas all day long. These lucky siblings: Solomon (6), Rebekah (3), Naomi (4) and Jeremih (7) visit Marrowstone every summer. Store favorites include animal stuffies, ice cream + sprinkles and visiting Nana (Sarah!) while she works at the store. This is the first summer Jeremih was allowed to kayak to the store!

This is a love letter to Quince. Our store shines brighter whenever you pop in. Whether you are bringing flowers for our customers or grabbing snacks for biking with dad, your energy propels us all. Yes, we admire your entreprenial spirit and appreciate your flowers on our counter. But most of all we adore the person you are becoming.

Remember Conner from last summer? He’s now 9 and remains our favorite corn model (he devoured this cob raw). He’s excited to go salmon and lingcod fishing with dad and grandpa this summer. Next summer Conner will be allowed to kayak or canoe across Mystery Bay to the store for ice cream and corn. He’s growing up so fast!

Kai, Rob, Etolin (10) and Kingston (8) loaded up their summer toys and headed to Mystery Bay. But first they stopped at the Nordland General Store for a box of lunch treats and drinks! This family loves the community vibe of our store. We hope you were able to sail El Toro and enjoy a beautiful day on the water!

We have lots of options to show dad extra love this weekend! You know dad is always right. And we’re mostly right about what makes dad happy. Besides you, that is.

Over 170 friends, family members and neighbors gathered to celebrate our One Year Anniversary operating as a community co-op. From 102 years old to 4 weeks old, people connected on a bluebird Saturday to recognize what can be achieved when a community comes together for the common good.

Kara, Nat (4) and Marian (1) visited us while staying at Fort Flagler. The kids happily explored our toy selection while mom and dad shopped. Everyone left with something new to try including Propolis farmhouse ales and Cearra’s cookies. Dad said our candy jars remind him of his childhood general store in Stanley, Idaho. Awww…

Ryan, Willa and Josie (6 months) visited us from Oregon. Ryan and Willa honeymooned on Marrowstone in 2022. They were delighted to see our store reopened this week. Willa bought a few bottles of our Marrowstone Vineyard wine because she said drinking the earthy wine at home reminds her of our little island!

Meet Isla (4), Mallory, Josh and Henry (2) from Sequim. This sweet family came for the day to visit Fort Flagler and family on Marrowstone. The kids were super excited about our toy submarines, pullback cars, chocolate milk & stickers. We think this family wins “best boots” this weekend!