Opinion

When my husband and I met and married some 27 years ago, we brought our young daughters from previous marriages - his one, Sarah, and my two, Tara and Lindsey - and became a blended family. Mark and Sarah’s personalities are robust and structured while my girls and I are a little more fruity and complex. (Note: Mark especially agrees with the fruity description.) Our differences cause the usual squabbles but in the end, we are a great balance for each other. Our girls are all grown up now and it’s such fun when we all get together. Like a fine wine, our blended family has aged well.

As a native New Yorker, I still marvel at our region’s ideal weather even though I’ve lived here for 29 years. This year, as always, I look forward to the crisp air of autumn. Although not as dramatic as autumn in New York, I find the changing colors of leaves and the crunch underfoot as they cover sidewalks and yards invigorating. If you happen to see an adult woman skipping along the sidewalks while collecting leaves, it’s probably me.

We are now in plain view of the “fiscal cliff.” After the election, Congress may or may not end up keeping income and estate tax rates at their recent levels. Next year may bring some notable financial developments, and it isn't too soon for households to think about them.

Support advanced health services in Santa Clara County – Yes on Measure A

Most people become Roman Catholic during their infancy. Parents and godparents participate in the sacrament of baptism during a Mass celebrated at their local parish church, and years later they remember this important entrance into their Christian faith only through photos taken at the time.

The ninth annual Poppy Jasper International Short Film Festival, which runs Oct. 10 to 14, will be full of fun times for film fans and filmmakers. MHAT-19 is a sponsor of the event, and many of our public access TV station’s volunteers are giving their time and talent to make this year’s Poppy Jasper the biggest and best film festival for the South Valley so far.

Every year, it’s the last, but certainly not the least. We’re talking county fair time once again. And this final one is the San Benito County Fair at the Bolado Park Fairgrounds, just south of Hollister.