Crab boilers are at full steam with a robust season that started Nov. 5. The season is expected to be a good one, and Monterey Bay crabbers are already loading the decks with tasty crustaceans.

The persimmon tree caught my eye as I turned onto Highway 9 near my Ben Lomond home. Only moments earlier, I had been pondering on what dessert I should prepare for our gourmet club's monthly dinner.

Master gardeners rock.

Linda Lovelace, operations director for Valley Churches United Missions, learned all about giving at an early age. Her parents had a big influence on her, especially her dad. Helping others was their way of life, whether it was taking home someone who needed a place to stay or giving them a Christmas tree and food for the holidays.

The end of daylight saving time signals to me that autumn is really here in our mild California surroundings. We might not have as many fall-color foliage trees and shrubs as other states, but we love ours just as much. Besides, we don't get snow before Halloween! Can you imagine? Enjoy these crisp mornings and warm days, and to make your garden more compelling, try mixing in trees and shrubs with bold leaves and a wide range of autumn color.