One of the best parts of this whole adventure is getting to know the people who are finding their way to Sunnyside. Norm recently sat down with our members Linda Ann and Mike — and somewhere between talking about forest bathing, kayaking, and “puttering,” it became pretty clear…they’re going to fit right in.

What we especially loved is how they describe the kind of life they’re drawn to—being outside, doing simple things, and having people nearby to share it with. (Which, not surprisingly, sounds a lot like Sunnyside.)

We think you’ll enjoy getting to know them as much as we did.

-Norm & Jennie

A Life Outdoors, Together

Linda Ann and Mike met the old-fashioned way—at a singles gourmet dinner club, before online dating was even a thing. “That was 25 or 30 years ago, we’re not exactly sure” they both admit, smiling at each other.

Mike grew up in Seattle. Linda Ann was born in Chicago and raised in the suburbs of Chicago and Detroit before making her way to the Pacific Northwest with her young daughter.

What they share—then and now—is a love of being outside, along with a real appreciation for time spent with others.

For Linda Ann, it’s pretty simple. She just likes being outdoors.

“People call it forest bathing,” she says. “Being immersed in nature soothes my soul.” Even better if it’s with people she loves. “If I can combine those two things, that’s the best of all worlds.” A walk in the woods with Mike or another friend - that’s her sweet spot.

Mike comes at it from a slightly different angle. He likes exploring.

There are trails not far from their home—places to bike, hike, wander, even do a little mushrooming. “There’s just a lot out there,” he says. He also enjoys what he calls “puttering”—working in the yard or spending time in the shop.

And then there’s kayaking. It’s something he hasn’t done as much lately, now that Linda is less able, but he’s looking forward to picking it back up once they move to Sunnyside—perhaps in the Snohomish River estuary near the village. “It’s pretty easy going, and there’s all kinds of wildlife down there—beavers, birds… I’ve been wanting to get out there.”

Why Sunnyside?

At some point, their conversation turns to something simple but true—you only really get to know a place by living there. “You develop local knowledge by exploring around you,” they said. And it’s even better when you’re doing it with other people.

For Linda Ann, the draw to Sunnyside goes back a long way.
“I’ve always been interested in cohousing,” she says. “Close community connections have been an imperative at various stages of my life, especially as a young single parent.”

Now, that desire has come into play once again. Where they live now can feel a bit isolating. Sunnyside feels different. “There are things I enjoy—walking, drawing, watercolor, singing—but I don’t tend to do them on my own,” Linda Ann says. “I’m looking forward to having neighbors to do those things with.”

Mike had a slightly different realization.

“One of the reasons I haven’t retired yet is I wasn’t sure how I’d fill my days,” he says. “But I can see it at Sunnyside.”

What a Day Might Look Like

*Linda is looking forward to sharing a time for art*

Mike imagines starting the day with coffee at the common house. Just sitting, talking, seeing who’s around. From there, maybe a project. Maybe a bike ride. Maybe kayaking later in the day. “Evenings are a really nice time to be out on the water,” he says.

Linda Ann is drawn to something quieter. “Just stepping out in your yard, making eye contact with someone and waving… I love that,” she says. “It centers you. Just knowing people are there.”

Doing Life Together

*Mike & Linda Ann's RV, ready for adventure!*

A lot of what they’re looking forward to isn’t big—it’s the everyday moments, lived alongside others.

They talk about walking trails together, trying new things, maybe heading out on day trips or going to a play.

Mike likes the idea of people passing along what they know to others—identifying native plants and marine life, woodworking, kayaking. “We have community members with wide-ranging skills and knowledge who will enjoy sharing them with others,” he says.

And then there’s the practical side.

“If your neighbor is away on a trip, maybe you co-parent their dog in their absence, or they feed your cat,” Linda Ann says. “You can just take care of each other in those ways.”

Their favorite RV adventure destinations are in the Pacific Northwest, especially Vancouver Island, BC. It will be reassuring to know that neighbors are keeping an eye on their cottage at home, and fun to share their adventures with their neighbors when they return.

They also especially enjoy e-biking the Rails-to-Trails routes in the region—especially the Whitehorse Trail—and see Sunnyside as a place where sharing those outdoor pleasures with others just happens naturally.

Looking Ahead

What matters most to Linda Ann is something a little harder to describe, but easy to feel.

“You don’t have to go far to find connection—you know it’s already there,” she says.

She talks about the mix of ages at Sunnyside—people working, people raising kids, people moving into retirement—and how that just makes life feel fuller.

“It feels like a village,” she says. “Like an extended family.” Mike adds, “Everybody’s kind of an aunt or an uncle.”

Linda pauses for a moment, then concludes: “We often hear that phrase about raising kids—it takes a village. And it’s true. But it’s not just about kids. We need that kind of connection at every stage of life.”

Welcoming New Members — Pat & Skip

We’re always glad to welcome new members—and this month, we’re happy to introduce Pat and Skip.

For the past 25 years, they’ve been living on five wooded acres on Whidbey Island, surrounded by nature and a close circle of friends. As they look ahead, they’ve been drawn to something a little different—having neighbors closer by, and being part of a community where connection is part of everyday life.

What stood out to them about Sunnyside is the shared foundation of values—respect, kindness, and mutual support—and the idea that people are choosing to be here intentionally, with a desire to be good neighbors.

Both Pat and Skip bring a strong history of working with others and building community. From Pat’s years as a school librarian and community volunteer, to Skip’s leadership roles in education, health organizations, and the arts, they’ve each spent much of their lives helping bring people together.

Like many of us, they’re also navigating the transition that comes with a move like this—downsizing, letting go of a longtime home, and finding the right balance between connection and personal space.

As they shared, “We see cohousing as an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, support one another, and be part of a community where people truly know and care about their neighbors.”

Pat and Skip—we’re glad you’re here.

Closing Thoughts

Every person who finds their way to Sunnyside brings something unique to this community, and getting to share these stories with you is one of the things we enjoy most. Whether it's Linda Ann and Mike dreaming about morning coffee at the common house and evening kayaks on the estuary, or Pat and Skip bringing a lifetime of community building to their next chapter, these are the people who are making Sunnyside Village real. We're grateful for each of them, and for all of you following along on this journey.

Warmly,
Norm and Jennie and all of us at Sunnyside Village Cohousing

Come as a guest, leave as a neighbor
Register for our Thursday Zoom session
and see if Sunnyside feels like home.

A Life Outdoors, Together — Sunnyside Members Linda Ann & Mike’s Story — Newsletter, April 30 2026