The Mountain Gardener | The Gardens of Poland
I’m vacationing this week in Oregon, visiting my webmaster Evan in Eugene and also my friend Janie who lives in the historic mining town of Jacksonville near Ashland. We have taken several trips together, including the Mayan ruins in Mexico and birding in Southeast...
Finance | Diversify Stock Rabbits with Bond Turtles
If stocks perform like hopping rabbits, who needs sluggish bonds in the Santa Cruz Mountains? The answer lies not in market timing but numerous CFP queries, which confirm clients are not always comfortable with an all-stock portfolio that could lose 30% of its value...
The Mountain Gardener | Oh Deer! Part II: Techniques to Deter Them
A Facebook friend posts photos taken of her yard with lots of turkeys and deer families. How can you not love a picture of those cute fawns covered with spots? There's something about babies. You know that feeling when you see a new infant...
Finance | The Rule of 72
72/Rate of Return ≈ Years to Double Value
Old as the Renaissance, this simplified rule should be shouted from rooftops, emblazoned on blimps and taught in every schoolroom. The consequences are profound: Save now for babes in arms. Indifferent to your future, let salespeople whimper....
The Mountain Gardener | Oh, Deer! Part I
I thought my plants were safe from deer. Because most of my sunny spots are in front, I planted lots of colorful annuals and perennials out there. Then a couple months ago, all my snapdragon flower spikes were eaten overnight. I was stymied. I...
Strictly Business | The Ultimate Trio: Fashion, Fun & Feel-Good Finds
Nestled in the heart of downtown Felton, SCM Clothing Glass & A$$ is redefining the shopping experience. It is located conveniently across from RiteAid on Highway 9. This unique store combines an extraordinary mix of themed T-shirts, custom hats, adult pleasure toys and premium...
Plain Talk About Food | Then and Now
Living just off Highway 9 in Ben Lomond, I am often caught up in lines of traffic going “nowhere” for minutes at a time. So much so, that I keep a notepad and pen in the console next to my seat, jotting down random...
The Mountain Gardener | Solutions for Gardening in the Shade
If you see a recurring theme in my columns about growing successfully in a shady garden, it’s because my last three houses have all had a lot of shade. You’d think I’d have so much experience by now that all my plants would bloom...
Finance | For the Love of Stocks
“In a recent nationwide survey of working age Americans, 79% agree that the nation faces a retirement savings crisis…more than half of Americans (55%) are concerned that they cannot achieve financial security in retirement.” —Dan Doonan, Forbes
Do not buy stocks because market timing feels...
TherapyWorks | The Importance of Mental Health for Men: Breaking the Silence
Mental health is an integral aspect of overall well-being, yet it often remains overshadowed by physical health. This disparity is particularly pronounced among men, who face unique societal pressures and stigmas that can hinder their ability to seek help.
The Silent Struggle
Traditionally, men have been...
News Briefs | Published July 4, 2025
Tree removal leads to temporary closure on Big Basin Highway
Caltrans will temporarily close a section of southbound Highway 236 (Big Basin Highway) left on...