Columns

Why would Freddy, a Brazilian tortoise, be indebted to a 3D printer?

What’s in a word or a phrase? Sometimes words reflect huge worlds. The annual northern California “Wine and Weed Symposium” isn’t scheduled until Aug. 8, 2019, but George Christie, the producer of the event, is already publicizing it. This year it will take place, as usual, at the Hyatt Regency in Santa Rosa, with panels, speakers, food, information and networking galore.

The holiday season surrounding Christmas is full of our most enduring traditions. We confirm our beliefs and values with traditions like community tree lighting ceremonies and Santa Claus parades. We pass on customs from generation to generation such as holiday cookie recipes, outdoor house decorations and ugly sweaters. Christmas holiday traditions bring us comfort and sureness in a world that often offers the opposite..

The following snippets of history are drawn from the pages of the Healdsburg Tribune, the Healdsburg Enterprise and the Sotoyome Scimitar, and are prepared by the volunteers at the Healdsburg Museum & Historical Society. Admission is always free at the museum, open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

State says our outlook is rosy

There is something very satisfactory in knowing that you have completed a task well. Self pride and worth, that feeling of accomplishment is a natural mood booster. This last week, my two teens and I went hand in hand. We all “nailed something” as the old saying goes. And, it all happened right before our much needed and deserved Thanksgiving break.

It’s autumn and time to prepare for the rainy season and winter. This time of year is when we are thinking about raking up leaves, cleaning out rain-gutters and undertaking some car maintenance, like replacing wiper blades and changing the anti-freeze. But did you know you can also help protect our local creeks, communities and environment?

This is not a woe is me article. It’s proof that with belief, a willingness to fail, and some encouraging words from friends and family members, anything is possible. Quick background—by now regular readers will likely know I lost my leg above the knee two years ago due to a bad infection. Back in November 2016 I woke up from my surgery in the Kaiser Santa Rosa I.C.U to the television declaring Donald Trump the new president of the United States. Let’s just say it wasn’t the best day of my life.

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

Thanksgiving presents itself in a simple gathering of food and family. It requires no tree in the living room, no retrieval of dusty ornament boxes, no cards, no gifts that usually miss their mark. It is all good eating and camaraderie.