“I’ve lived all my life in Ware Neck and I wouldn’t want to live any other place,” explained Karen Soles as she recalled her happy years as a child. “Being near and on the water, having the pleasure of a sand beach, out in a boat or soft crabbing, is something I’ve always enjoyed. Love to fish but don’t eat fish.” Now that their children are grown, Karen and her husband Blair have relocated themselves to a family cottage on Ware River. A few steps down the hill, Karen is enjoying what she likes best—the salt water and all that it offers.

Although she and Blair like to eat out often, Karen hasn’t forgotten how much she loves to cook. She may not do it as often or as much as she once did when their two daughters were at home, but when she does get in the kitchen, everyone wants a taste.

“My learning to cook began at an early age. When my mother, Jean Smith, who owned, operated and started Smith’s Florist 54...