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Autumn light slashes through a dazzling collection of pumpkins. Once upon a time, it seemed all pumpkins were orange. Now, they come in a plethora of colors ranging from orange to red, yellow, green, white and striped combinations. Pumpkin is a vernacular term for winter...

Of all years, this would be a good one for us to find, resurrect and share as many Christmas and holiday season miracles as we can. Together, we have the power to make true miracles happen. We need both faith and determination but we can brighten this holiday season with practical acts of giving, sharing, being joyful and guarding our health.

Local girl makes good and keeps getting better. In 1969, when Natalee was a toddler, her family moved to Healdsburg from Ukiah because her dad had bought an old building at 212 Healdsburg Avenue for his glass business. In no time at all, both Harry and Karen Tappin were firmly entrenched in the Healdsburg community, consistently involved in numerous school and youth sports activities, while their three girls — Lauree, Natalee and Cheree — were attending school. Whatever their parents were doing, whether it be girls kickball, softball, basketball or CYO sports, Natalee and her sisters joined in too.