Residents at the Masonic Retirement Center of Washington in Des Moines read in the well-appointed living room of the history building. They are Charlie McGarrigle, 91; Mildred Osborn, 93; Ruth Good, 91; and Alta Criswell, 95. The building, built in 1925, houses 160 residents.

Late-afternoon sunlight shines on the water at Des Moines pier, and people take advantage of the weather for fishing and boating.

Air traffic headed toward Sea-Tac Airport flies low past a totem pole at Highline Community College. The proposed addition of a third runway stirs headed debate in Des Moines.

Sonya Walimaki and friend Russell Moye stroll the pier at Des Moines on a warm day. Asked what prompted a visit to this spot, Walimaki gestured toward the view of the water and said simply, "This."