53.1 F
Scotts Valley
January 29, 2025

Plain Talk About Food | Small Mercies

“I am thankful for small mercies. Some people expect only the best. I found that I begin at the other extreme…expecting nothing and am always full of thanks for unexpected blessings.” —Tim Man Lee, Wildlife Photographer Since moving to my small “slice of Heaven” here...

TherapyWorks | The Power of Forgiveness and Its Impact on Mental Health

Practicing forgiveness can have powerful health benefits. Forgiveness is associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety, higher self-esteem, and greater life satisfaction. Understanding the power of forgiveness and its impact on mental well-being can help inspire you to forgive people in your life...

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

Garden
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

Finance
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

Deer
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

Business
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

Food
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

Gardening
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...

SOCIAL MEDIA

2,479FansLike
6FollowersFollow
762FollowersFollow
Roadwork

Vegetation control work on Highway 9 to begin Monday with daytime...

Caltrans will begin vegetation control work on the entire length of Highway 9 in Santa Cruz County in support of California’s Wildfire and Forest...