Each time I hear Craig Morrow ringing his Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell in front of the Safeway market in Felton, I am reminded that Christmastime has arrived.

Early on one of those freezing mornings I came across a large stand of California native toyon shrubs, every branch covered with juicy red berries. Dozens of songbirds were enjoying the feast, loading up and bracing for another cold night. You couldn't ask for a more Christmas-ey plant. Bright red and green — the Christmas colors. I made a note to put toyon on my list for gift ideas. What would be better than to give my loved ones something that feeds the birds and the spirit?

The days are short and cold and steelhead season is starting! I love fishing and one of my favorite types of fishing is for steelhead. There are many varieties of fishing and steelhead fishing is one that you either love or dislike, because it is during the cold wet winter months where we live.

My hubby Norm returned home from a business trip on a December’s evening a few years ago, to a house filled with cookies.  I had spread the cookies out to cool on every flat surface available; bathrooms included.

Some of us live on sandstone; some of us live on granite; and some of us live on marble and that makes a difference, according to geologist Jeff Nolan. He and other natural science experts spoke recently at a public planning meeting for the San Lorenzo Valley Water District’s Felton watershed property.