Columns

The calendar says summer starts next Wednesday, June 21, at 7:57am. To say it’s been a strange year weather-wise would be an understatement. I, for one, put away the flannel sheets and sweaters a little too soon.  But one of these days or weeks our...

My house in Bonny Doon burned down on Aug. 19, 2020. I know this because my neighbor sent me a photo the next day after the fire had moved on down the slope. The next spring quite a few of my plants were making...

“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone's life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.” —Roy T. Bennett, author I’ve begun preparing ingredients for a “thank you” dinner for our Volunteer Handymen, who...

“The spoil is made of butterfly wings, dinosaur teeth, pumpkin sees, lizard skins and fallen leaves. Put your hands in the soil and touch yesterday and all that will be left of tomorrow shall return so that new life can celebrate this day.” —Betty...

We all know clean eating habits and regular training will keep you healthy. But did you also know healthy eating a weekly fitness routine will also keep your bones healthy and strong in your older years? Strong bones could lead to a better quality...

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...

Well, it’s come to this—my 900th column. Starting way back in October of 2005, my first column appeared in the newly combined San Lorenzo Valley Press and the Scotts Valley Banner, which was re-named the Press Banner. This is how it all got started. My...

Gardening trends come and go. Who doesn’t love to read garden magazines with all those beautiful photographs during the winter and dream about your garden’s potential. Ditto for all the gardening blogs on the internet that are written by some very talented people who...

My 4-year-old neighbor, Grace, helps me in my garden. She tells me her favorite activity is transplanting. A pro now at loosening roots, she adds just the right amount of soil and waters the new plant in to settle the soil. Watering from the...

Mulch is not a very exciting subject, but it sure is important to the health and productivity of your garden. It’s great that everyone has accepted the value of covering the soil with organic mulch. Organic mulches- such as bark chips, treated sawdust, straw or...