Columns

Opening the door of my refrigerator to pull out ingredients for a new recipe I am trying or walking the path in my garden checking the progress of a newly planted flower gives me great joy. A new leaf or flower bud makes me...

I was standing in the back of the Senior Center of Scotts Valley building, amongst the Oak trees, in the grass where 25 people had gathered, spaced out, already moving their bodies slowly, in a rhythmic manner, guided by Denise Allen. I had arrived late,...

“Gold is the money of kings, silver is the money of gentlemen, barter is the money of peasants—but debt is the money of slaves.” —Ron Paul Speculation or Responsible Investing? Responsible investors don’t buy commodities for short-term gains or gamble against professionals on squiggles of price...

Outside my front door are several Overdam Feather Reed Grasses that are spectacular when backlit by late afternoon sun. What’s not to love about a stunning variegated grass with white and green stripes? During the summer, pink flower plumes sway above the foliage. Now...

Every drop of rain that hits bare soil is destructive. Over 3,000 years ago the Chinese protected their soil from erosion and increased fertility by planting cover crops. Early Nile Valley inhabitants also practiced this method of agriculture as did first century Romans. Lupines...

How many of us have the mindset of keeping our fitness routine while traveling? We pack our fitness clothes with every intention of starting each morning with a run or a bodyweight session, but that doesn’t always pan out in that exact direction. Instead, we...

In the movie Independence Day, we heard “….We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on! We're going to survive! So today, we celebrate our Independence Day!”  We did fight, we did struggle, and we...

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...

Democrats carry the House and Senate! Socialists gain credibility. Trump faces regular investigations—maybe impeachment—and hostile legislation. He may veto Democratic legislation regularly and the Supreme Court may declare it unconstitutional. Mr. Gridlock will likely be the biggest winner and he will block economic legislation...

Alaska, where the Crows created the world And the Ravens brought the sunlight - Native quote I have been in Alaska and my hometown of Aberdeen, Washington for the past two weeks and my traveling shoes are beginning to show serious wear, not to mention wear on...