What I love and hate about the real estate business
As I sit here on the lanai, warm ocean breeze blowing in and palm trees swaying in the wind, I've just poured myself a glass of Merlot. My wife and I are celebrating our anniversary and I can't imagine a better place to be than the west side of Maui.
‘The hold-up’ can minimize opponents’ tricks
Let us explore the “the hold-up” play. Using this technique, you can effectively sever the communication link between your opponents and that minimizes the number of tricks they can take. And, if the opponents take fewer tricks, that means you take more tricks - clearly a good thing.
Seat near plane’s bathroom is cause for traveling woes
I am not a good traveler. I like to go places, of course, but I really hate getting on an airplane to get there.
Time for summer grillin’
Today marks the first official day of summer and grilling season is now in full swing. For the next few months, I will be going back to my “Mixed Grill” roots and featuring not only grilling recipes, but also outdoor friendly recipes too. My inspiration for this week's recipe also served as inspiration for a fellow columnist last month.
Lessons from Mom: Make lemonade out of lemons
I'm often-asked what inspired me to become a veterinarian. I chose this profession after hearing an enthusiastic vet talk about his typical day's work. It was exciting and anything but routine. But my love for animals and for helping people was first inspired by my parents, both very kind individuals. Dad was tough. He taught me important survival skills. And together, we developed a love for fixing things, including some old cars.
Sacred texts on display
In July 2000, I was visiting Dublin, Ireland, and went with a friend to the historic campus of Trinity College. There we waited in a queue at the Old Library and were ushered into a darkened room, in the middle of which were lighted display cases.
Your financial life: Getting started
A few months ago I wrote an article on preparing for a time of loss and the importance of having your affairs in order. Since then, in talking with readers and clients, many have expressed that they simply don't know how to get started and/or don't have a clear idea of what the end result should look like. Today I'd like to address these questions.
‘Wild With Happy’: Doing the right thing
Colman Domingo's Gil – his hero in “Wild with Happy” (a play he wrote and stars in) – wants to do the right thing. His dynamic mom dies and he has to tie up the loose ends on limited funds and a heavy, guilty heart.
100-year-old winery continues with 3rd owner
Morgan Hill Cellars is the oldest winery in our region and celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. The winery was founded in 1913 by an Italian immigrant named Camillo Colombano who planted Barbera root stock brought over from Italy. From 1945 to 2006, the Pedrizzetti family owned and operated the winery. Changing hands for the third time in 2006, it is now owned by Mike and Maryclaire Sampognaro.
Voila! – a wonderful new discovery – Martin Ranch
It is really exciting when you are introduced to a new adventure, particularly one that involves great new people. Well, that’s what happened to Lady M and me a couple of weekends ago. You see, at a recent Community Solutions event, we along with four other couples, bid on and won a luncheon at the Martin Ranch Winery in Gilroy. I knew in advance we would have a good time since we would be with terrific friends. But, I had no idea that it would be as totally enjoyable as it turned out.










