It’s Wednesday morning as I write, and it’s my middle daughter’s birthday. Her nickname is perfect for the day. Cayla Marie’s “other” name is “Cakes.” I’m really not sure how all that worked out – my oldest, Shannon, is “Pie” and Mariah, the youngest, is “Root Beer.” Nobody else uses those nicknames, it’s a Dad’s special, and the why and how – who knows? So, Happy Birthday across the miles Cakes Marie, your proud Father loves you and wishes every happiness today and always.
When I scooted out the front door this morning it really felt like spring. A light rain had fallen and the morning clouds were parting as I loaded up the hounds for the daily walk-and-fetch routine. Freshly washed air greeted us and the slight chill promised warm days ahead. Gods be good and send us spring rains to fill the parched reservoirs and moisten the soil for thirsty trees. We shall see, but an early spring seems soon upon us.
Soon upon us will be Passport Weekend where you can make a day of visiting our wonderful local wineries on Saturday and Sunday, March 29 and 30. So many local residents have never visited an area winery. That’s a shame, it’s an up-and-coming region with friendly folks. Many locations are interesting, beautiful and have colorful histories – as well as award winning wines. Passport Weekend is great because the wineries all have special happenings going on like music and food. So, head to Mann Cellars or Creekview or Lightheart Cellars or Fortino Winery or Guglielmo or Martin Ranch. You can plan out your day in advance. My advice is to pick three or four and relax. Passport Weekend is definitely about the journey, not the destination. Tickets at the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce or the Gilroy Welcome Center.
Welcome is how Miss Jenny and I feel when we attend the annual St. Patrick’s Dinner at St. Joseph’s Family Center. It’s always a busy time since it’s Miss Jenny’s birthday weekend, but when we’re in town, it’s a hoot and it benefits the food assistance programs at St. Joseph’s, the Lord’s Table and the grocery supplement program. It’s on Saturday, March 15 in the St. Mary’s Auditorium, 11 First St., Gilroy at 6 p.m. Good food, good bar and more than a few laughs. Tickets, at $30 a pop, can be purchased online at www.stjosephsgilroy.org/events.
Details are what people need to be on the lookout for. Telephone scams are getting more and more sophisticated. The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office just advised us that a fictional “Lieutenant Gore” impersonated an officer and made calls telling people they had an outstanding warrant for their arrest for missing jury duty, but that he could take care of it if a payment was made over the phone. In another instance, an owner of a local diner handed over almost $1,000 when a person impersonating a PG&E bill collector told her they were going to shut off power to her restaurant unless she paid up that day. If you get a call like that, get a return phone number right away. Most times that will be the end of it – the caller will skedaddle. In any case, check with the agency being impersonated first. As the Desiderata says, “Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.”
Hope Elissa Gentemann was careful of all those tricks on Let’s Make a Deal. The episode she’s on will air on CBS on Wednesday, Feb. 26 we’re told. I watched that show when I was a kid, and can’t believe it’s still on, but choosing between the box on the table, what’s behind the curtain or sticking with what you’ve already won made the show interesting. Hey Elissa, hope you made the best deal possible and didn’t get stuck with a box of sour mushrooms.
A child getting stuck with some college scholarship cash is a wonderful thing. Trust me, I know. So parents keep your eyes open, make sure your student is bugging the high school counselors. Here’s one possibility to jumpstart the process. Thanks to Cindy Miller of Coldwell Banker, who’s the Scholarship Chair for the South County Realtors Alliance for sending it in. “The South County Realtors Alliance is offering several 2014 scholarships to graduating high school seniors living in South County. Applications may be obtained from www.scra1.com or at the counseling offices of local high schools. Questions?
ci**********@cb******.com
. Deadline is 4/7/2014.” The time is now to get the application together – and remember, the first one is the hardest.
Not sure which trek is the hardest, but coming up are a number of opportunites to explore the beauty of the remote east side of Henry W. Coe State Park. A Day in the Wilderness a on March 1: Meet at Bell’s Station at 9 a.m. and drive to the edge of the Orestimba Wilderness, then hike a 5-8 mile loop over rolling terrain. Return by 4 p.m. Cost is $75 and $12 material fee. Details and to register call (408) 852-2801, or go to www.GavilanCE.com and navigate to courses. Two weekend overnight guided backpack trips offered through the Pine Ridge Association, Coe Parks cooperating association on March 22-23 and April 4-5. Proceeds go to the PRA . The trip is for experienced backpackers with their own equipment, but it will not be extremely rigorous. Cost is $45 for PRA members and $55 for non-members. Details at www.Coepark.Net. Even if none of those are in the cards, look around and take a hike. Even with the lack of rain, the countryside is filled with beauty and marvelous vistas. Get out, it’s good for your soul.
Reach Editor Mark Derry at
ed****@mo*************.com
