Those lazy, crazy, foggy days of summer are behind us now. What a strange summer it was.

When I was working as a grocery clerk in my late teens, I saved up $1,000 and opened an account with my father’s stockbroker in Los Gatos. When he asked about my goals, I said, "Just find me something that will go up."

Twin girls Taylor Lynn and Mallory Rose Friedrich-Anderson were born at 11:35 and 11:36 a.m. Aug. 17, 2010, to Nicole Ann Anderson and Greg Friedrich of Brookdale. Taylor weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces and Mallory weighed 6 pounds at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center in Santa Cruz.

Harvest is fast approaching, and it is certainly the most exciting time of year in the world of the vintner.

Scotts Valley Host Lions

Candice Rina Becking and Brandon Lee Marquis of Scotts Valley were married Aug. 8, 2010, at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz. A reception at the Harbor Café followed the ceremony.

Fishing in Monterey Bay has been consistent, and the weather has been calm on the ocean. Rock cod are still the hot pick, but salmon and halibut are also coming in. From the outer bay waters, albacore have been difficult to catch, but along the shore, striped bass continue to bite for surfcasters.

• Colton Michael Jones was born at 12:35 a.m. Aug. 4, 2010, to Amber Rose Gardner and Timothy Michael Jones of Boulder Creek. He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces, at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center in Santa Cruz.

Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates recently obtained a pledge from 40 of America’s wealthiest individuals and families. This Giving Pledge, as it is called, commits those individuals to giving away at least half their wealth during their lifetimes or after their death.