Community

In my most recent column, I discussed how rewarding it can be to make your own wine. Then I realized it might be a good idea to do a follow-up explaining in general terms some of what’s involved.

Editor’s note: This is Part 2 of a two-part series on historical gardening.

The sun does not rise as high over my redwoods. Deciduous trees — the cottonwoods, the sycamores — are changing into their fall wardrobe of gold and glitter along the San Lorenzo River. The big-leaf maple is dressing for its show-stopping finale. Even the demonic poison oak is turning crimson.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The subject of ovarian cancer was brought home to me this year when my 37-year-old niece was diagnosed with it.

Lily Joy Kitch was born at 3:48 p.m. Aug. 27, 2009, to Maureen May and Jeffery Kitch of Scotts Valley. She weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces at Santa Cruz Dominican Hospital.

You may have noticed the new data recently released from the National Center for Health Statistics that shows U.S. life expectancy is at an all-time high — nearly 78 years.

After two months living in a cabin above Scotts Valley, I’ve met dozens of friendly locals, including deer, rabbits, hawks, raccoons and, just the other day, a bobcat that raced down the driveway in front of my car.