Columns

This year of 2020 that is now coming to an end started when three people in Wuhan, China were found to have contracted a “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus” which became known as COVID-19 and has now infected 73 million people worldwide and has killed 300,000 U.S. citizens and 1.62 million global inhabitants with the threat of killing millions more into the new year. The rapid spread of the virus closed whole countries, stopped international air traffic, halted global commerce and changed our domestic political debate.

Looking for a lost pet or a new four-legged friend? See the list of incoming strays and the slideshow of cats and dogs available for adoption from the Sonoma Humane Society, Healdsburg Center.

Here's what's happening at the senior center this week: 

Have you ever been with your teenager and experienced a Jekyll and Hyde moment? When everything seems fine but within seconds their mood dramatically changes and you are left puzzling over what just happened? There are times as a parent of two teenagers that I have to stop and make sure that I am not in the Matrix. The teenage “being” is a very complex, extremely hormonal and difficult thing to understand. It often leaves us parents feeling overwhelmed and bewildered. Sometimes it’s easy to handle their behavior with humor, and other times it’s emotionally draining. Right now, my tank is pretty empty.

A day in the life of raising two teenagers is always interesting. You never know what kind of mood they will be in, or if they are going to be a functioning human being that day or not. It’s kind of like testing the waters each morning.

Panettone is another one of Italy’s culinary gifts to the world. It’s a brioche-like cake filled with raisins and candied fruits, traditionally enjoyed over the Christmas holiday.  Italy reportedly produces 117 million panettone each year, about 10% for export. Italian production since 2005 is regulated...

Is there a more beautiful time of year here than autumn? Colors are turning, leaves falling, air crisp, sky blue and fall fruits and vegetables abound. It is harvest time, so stunning.

Some of my best conversations with my kids happen in the car. It seems the forced family commute provides free thought and most times, silly topics. The latest came from my 11 year old. She said, “Mom, I wish I could trade places with you, just like in the Freaky Friday movie.” And I said, “That would be awesome! In fact, I would love to trade places with all of you for a day.”

A pastor’s role is to shepherd his or her flock, but who shepherds the shepherds?

One of the many cool benefits of living with teenagers is the opportunity to self reflect as a person. Meaning, when one of my teens is going through a bump I tend to try to put myself back in their shoes as my rebellious, crazy 16-year-old self. I figure if I can offer up advice that might seem relevant, I will try my hardest. If I can relate, I can lessen their pain and sadness. Always a Mama Bear’s job, I suppose, to bring in light when there is darkness.