Columns

With so many people replacing their thirsty lawns with low water-use plants, I’m getting lots of requests for ideas about what to do with all that empty space. The sky’s the limit when you have a blank slate. Let me get you started. If your...

The official beginning of summer welcomes warmer weather, longer days and many opportunities to be active. Being outdoors makes us feel good and, as we have learned during these past few Covid-filled years, it benefits both our mental and physical health. For years, I have...

Summer is here. The kids might be looking forward to lazy days, sleeping in and not having to worry about homework, projects or tests, but that’s not always the best strategy for a successful summer. It is known that all kids do better with a...

Vines are beautiful to look at when in bloom or fall color. Fragrant vines can scent the air when you’re sitting outside on the patio. Vines can make a quick screen from the next-door neighbor. They can help create distinct garden rooms. And best...

As a small child and living with my elderly uncle and aunt, I gave little thought to my absent father until it was time to celebrate Father’s Day at our small school in Aberdeen, Wash. Crayons of various colors were given out and most of...

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...

How often are you getting in cardio and core training? Let’s start off talking about cardio. When we think of cardio, what comes to mind? Running, walking and swimming are generally the most common thought of, but there are so many more options when...

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...

One intersection with traffic lights. No high school. No movie theater. No transit center. One big shopping center. That was Scotts Valley when I arrived as a reporter for what is now the Press Banner 50 years ago. But Scotts Valley was not a one-horse...

Vacations are meant to be filled with adventure, curiosity and pure enjoyment. We all have ideas of how to spend our holiday time, but there’s something special about strolling along the main streets of downtown areas anywhere in the world. It’s a chance to...