Improve the Way You Move
I had wondered why stretching my left arm above my head hurt so much. After several sleepless nights and experiencing high pain levels, I called my doctor. Her assessment alarmed me, but I insisted on X-rays. I am officially a senior citizen; I can...
The Mountain Gardener | Magenta: Pantone Color of the Year for 2023
We are all drawn to different colors in a garden. Some of us like soft, pastel shades while others like strong, jewel tones. They are all great in my book. This year Pantone has chosen Magenta as the 2023 Color of the Year and...
Strictly Business | Opposite of East
I am perpetually on the lookout for fresh insights and novel viewpoints for local businesses whose products and services command our attention and investment.
I listen for businesses that triumph over trials and offer ways to further brand and develop my business and yours. The...
The Mountain Gardener | Controlling Erosion the Right Way
Not long ago I got a call from a homeowner with a very bare, very steep slope behind his house that was in dire need of some kind of erosion control and he needed it pronto. In the rebuild process after the fire, the...
Plain Talk About Food | It’s ‘Tom and Jerry’ Weather
I was in the kitchen adding eggs to the batter in my Mixmaster when the lights began to blink, that tell-tale sign that our lights were about to go off here in Ben Lomond. I turned up the mixer’s speed, trying to outrun PG&E,...
Guest Column | From the Heart of a Volunteer
I began writing my food column for the Press Banner newspaper 13 years ago under the watchful eye of editor, Peter Burke. At that time, Peter’s grandmother was 90-plus years and still delivering Meals on Wheels for the seniors living in our beautiful valley....
What’s In Store For 2022?
Every year, we tend to reflect on how the year went at the end of the year. We look forward with great hope to the New Year. In business, reflection is a must. Each month, I write about one local business in our Valley...
Creating Habits That Shape a Happy and Healthy Life
Think about this—your life today is essentially the sum of the habits you have created over the years. How in shape or out of shape are you? A result of your habits. How happy or unhappy are you? A result of your habits. How...
The Mystery Behind Panko
While waiting at a stoplight on Glen Arbor Road in Ben Lomond I glanced over at the long row of lovely golden yellow daffodils gracing the side of the road.
Those daffodils have appeared each of the 18 years I have lived here announcing that...
Wildfire between Felton and Scotts Valley quelled
A wildfire that broke out between Felton and Scotts Valley midday Friday was quickly contained at 2.3 acres, as firefighters sought to quell flames...