In our neck of the woods we could change the iconic saying inscribed on a New York Post Office that reads "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night…" to "neither drought nor freeze nor wind can stay the coming of spring."

A swarming full-court press vaulted the Scotts Valley girls basketball team to another lopsided win, this time a 91-40 thumping of visiting Santa Cruz High on Monday night.

Last year my hubby and I agreed to do away with gifts; gifts that were expected, gifts that television and newspapers tell us we should buy, even gifts for our animals. We are at that stage in life where fortunately we really need nothing. When I put this no gift idea to Hubby Norm instantly a wave of relief spread across his face.