Recently, I spent the day at the de Young Museum, enjoying the Renaissance paintings on loan from Venice, Italy. Also, I got over to the Palace of Fine Arts for the exhibit of the Impressionist painter Pissarro. The paintings are powerful and inspiring. I was especially drawn to the landscapes. Looking at the pomegranate, olive and apple trees gave me some ideas for holiday presents.

Monterey Bay Salmon Trout Project hosted its annual fin-clip event early this month, and all the volunteers had a great time. In the meantime, as anglers wait for rains to bring steelhead, local fishing is centered on rockfish and crab.

Dave Burns of Mount Hermon is a pop vocalist who has an incredible ability to reach out and transform others with his music. He has been captivating audiences for almost 40 years.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose. The garden's been put to rest for the winter, now covered with a nice blanket of compost.