Snapshot

The game of pocket billiards started in France. Louis XI had the first table built in 1496. It was an indoor version of croquet, also a French game. Dubbed the “Sport of Kings” when embraced by French aristocrats in the 1600s, its popularity spread as billiard tables became standard fixtures in French cafés in the 1800s.

Sonoma County has one of three steam-powered sawmills in California that still work. About 60 volunteers meet each month to ensure it remains operational, fixing this or that, greasing gears and tightening belts so that when it fires up a few weekends a year it runs like it did in the old days. 

Warmth and water are most always welcome in California. These happy spring flowers, coppery mesemb, Malephora crocea, cheer up spring gardens with wild pops of color, like so many little suns. They are succulents in the ice plant family. Native to Africa, this plant is considered a noxious weed in some areas and a perfect garden addition in others.

We share a meal selected from a cookbook chosen by the host. The host selects the book, cooks the main course, parceling out assignments for appetizer, two sides, and dessert. It all works out.

New England has deciduous woods. Colorado has quaking aspens. And Sonoma County has its straw hills and live oaks framing red, yellow and green vineyards. Mixed together, it's home.

Shakespeare got it right, says Pierre Ratte. From her balcony, young Juliet laments her sweetheart’s name is Montague, an enemy. And yet at a tender age, she recognizes, “’Tis but thy name that is my enemy … What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Wouldst Juliet’s wisdom leap into our dangerous political rhetoric.

Happy birthday, America. 250 years old on July 4, 2026. There are many commemorations associated with America’s founding and important dates leading to our Declaration of Independence, including:...

Prunes are generally an unsung fruit, but Healdsburg is singing the praises of its Prune Packers’ tie-breaking series game over the Humboldt Crabs Friday night to win the Pacific Empire League. It marks the fifth consecutive championship for the Packers in a collegiate wooden bat summer league.

Havana nights, yes! But Cuban cigars are illegal in the US. Have been since 1962. For a while, 2016-2020, there was an exemption for personal use, but that was revoked. With Cuban cigars outlawed, the next best thing is Antonio Cortada hand-rolling your cigar.

During 2020 and the pandemic, cocktail books flew off the shelves. Books like Death & Co. Modern Classic Cocktails; The PDT Cocktail Book: The Complete Bartenders Guide; Spirits and Cocktails from Around the World; and Artisanal Cocktails - Seasonal Drinks Inspired by the Bar at Cyrus by Healdsburg’s own famous cocktail baller, Scott Beattie, experienced a significant uptick in sales.