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Luxury Features at Near- Luxury Pricing!
We used to think that vehicles coming from certain countries had a higher value over vehicles coming from others. For example, when models from Korea first hit the shores of the U.S. they were essentially cheap and throw-away. Boy, have things changed! KIA has been wowing the world with beautiful and fun driving vehicles!
Not only are vehicles produced by Kia appearing at the top of consumer must-have-lists, they have also been growing in size and technology. The introduction of the all-new 2014 Cadenza is an example of their incredible progress.

A fully-loaded Cadenza stretches KIA into the over $40k mark and will test the brand’s boundaries into this price range. It will compete with big sedans in the ‘near luxury’ category.

The 2014 KIA Cadenza is a mature version of the Optima. It looks and feels like an elongated version of the Optima, and is packed with high-tech features including power closing side mirrors, heated front and rear seats, blind spot detection, push button start, front LED positioning lights, advanced smart cruise control, and rain sensing windshield wipers. All this with a 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty!

The 2014 Cadenza is available in two trim levels: Premium ($35,100) and Limited ($42,400). Both models are equipped with a 3.3 L V6, 293 hp and 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Sportmatic™. The performance is exhilarating as the accelerator effortlessly leaps on command.

The suspension delivers a responsive, confident ride. The front suspension specifications include: MacPherson Struts Gas Shock Absorbers, and a Stabilizer Bar. The rear comprises of Independent, Multi-link, a Stabilizer Bar, and Dual-Flow Damper Shock Absorbers. Together they command the road, whether on the open highway or a winding mountain road.

The styling is clean and as mentioned earlier, really does look full-grown and even more refined than its little brother, the KIA Optima. The Cadenza was designed under the vision of Peter Schreyer with hints of a European influence. The front is dressed with the family KIA grille and the Cadenza carries a taut, athletic look. It is simply a sharp-looking sedan.

The interior offers a very quiet ride with extremely light road noise and almost no wind noise. The interior fit-and-finish is pleasing with high quality materials used through-out. My test vehicle included the Nappa leather seats and interior trim, plus an Infinity surround sound audio system and a navigation system with an 8-inch display. The powered front seats were also ventilated, and to keep the sun from the necks of my rear passengers – there was a power rear window sunshade.

Cool Features:

• Rear heated seats
• Auto closing and opening power side mirrors
• Advanced smart cruise control system

The 2014 KIA Cadenza hits all the marks when it comes to safety. The Cadenza comes standard with 8 airbags, rear camera system and backup warning sensors, and an advanced smart cruise control system that will actually brake the car to stop for traffic. It also comes with a lane-departure warning system that chimes loudly if you attempt to change lanes without signaling. The blind spot detection system helps warn you of vehicles hiding in your blind spots.

In Summary – The 2014 KIA Cadenza owns features and styling to attract buyers away from more expensive nameplates. Priced nearly the same as a BWM 3-series or a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the KIA has way more interior and passenger space. The Cadenza is both a good value in the near-luxury or even luxury class, as well as a pleasant and fun surprise.

Specifications
2014 KIA Cadenza Limited 4-Dr Sedan

Base price: $42,400 as driven: $43,250 (including destination and optional features)
Engine: 3.3 L V6
Horsepower: 293@ 6,400 RPM
Torque: 255 @ 5,200 RPM
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with overdrive
Drive: Front-wheel Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 36.5 feet
Cargo space: 15.9 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3,792 pounds
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons
EPA mileage: City19/Hwy 28
Wheel Base: 112 inches
Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles powertrain limited

Also consider: BMW 3-Series, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, and Mercedes-
Benz C-Class

 

 

Each generation carries its own baggage for better or for worse. Each is affected by outside forces beyond his/her control. Global economics, wars, revolts, evolving technology – each one produces its own effects. Some grow up in rural areas while others have roots in urban life. All of these contribute to who we are and to who we become. These observations are valid regardless of where in the world we reside or call home.

Some years ago I was sitting on a bench in the Peasants’ Museum in Bucharest, Romania. This outdoor folk museum contained artifacts and displays of historical interest in a comfortable forest-like setting. It was almost a park, with walkways winding through the trees, and the displays consisted of farm equipment and ancient living quarters scattered among the groves of trees. It was a pleasant feeling, and the weather was ideal for mid-May.

As I sat there I became aware of a wonderful drama being played out on a nearby bench. Three people were busy being themselves while still interacting with each other. They knew each other well – maybe on occasion too well – and they obviously shared a strong love bond.

The group was composed, I believe, of a grandmother, perhaps mid-seventies or so, her daughter brushing up against fifty, and the granddaughter maybe mid to late teens. All local I’m sure, on holiday, enjoying the place and each other – yet so very different.

The gray-haired oma had certainly been born prior to World War II, perhaps the wife of a Romanian army officer. She had grown up deprived of many material things. Caught in a war which ravished the nation. Perhaps cheered when her country was “freed” by Russian troops, only to find the liberators were more demanding than those they drove out. She had been taught neatness and self-restraint – both of which were reflected in her dress. Stout sensible brown walking shoes projected from her brown stocking-covered legs. A square-cut tweed skirt, topped by a fashionable camel blouse with a white bow at the neck. The slightly off-color blazer gave her warmth. A dark brown kerchief protected her from the wind, and a wooden cane helped her along the uneven paths.

The daughter was a great deal more fashionable. Black hair worn loose showed a touch of added reddish color. Black nylon slacks, well-fitting over a body beginning to bulge. Black shoes with high heels and toes that came to a point well beyond her own feet. A white blouse covered by a black leather jacket. She moved along the path with confidence.

The teen – another story. Bright red t-shirt and a skirt way too short worn over patterned tights. Hair several different colors. Obviously bored by the visit, with cell phone at the ready, a fair gap of skin showed between skirt and blouse. Never still for long.

Each was representing her generation. One a survivor of war – armies marching back and forth through her city. One born under strict communist control, educated in a socialistic environment. Perhaps a protester against Ceausescu and a voice in how it must change. The third conversant in a language unfamiliar to the others – the euro, Facebook, cellphone – a different world. Dress dictated by TV, comfortable with globalization.

Three distinct paths through life, yet bound together by family, by love, and by genes. Today they were leisurely enjoying the sunshine, the togetherness, and the love in this outdoor historical museum.

This tableau could have taken place in almost any of the one hundred and twenty seven countries I have visited. Even our own. Each generation reflecting the environment that they grew up in. It makes one realize that all have much in common, and perhaps in a way that helps us understand what is occurring throughout the world when we read our morning paper.

How funny life is.

First of all, an admission of my current un-ease: I am in downtown San Francisco killing time before I jump onstage at a dear friends’ Variety Hour at the Exit Theatre on Eddy. As proven by my recent wide eyed adventures in Los Angeles, I really do enjoy inner-weaving myself into the fabric of a culture. Today should not be an exception, but it is for some reason.

This city is (or at least was once) my city. I had a bar and grille in the financial district and have walked (stumbled) over every square inch here. In my quest to locate the theater hours before we start tonight I wandered, like I do, and located “The Exit,” one block… in the wrong direction. I turned the corner into urine and pot smoke—loud, scary people eyeing me suspiciously. I felt unsafe and appalled. Have I become that reliant upon my own vacuumed life that I can’t wander around a place I used to be a part of? I walked ten blocks in vain, trying to find my comfort, and finally found it at a diner in Union Square surrounded by tourists. Really sad.
Ok-enough. Let’s talk good food!

Mixed Grain in Walnut Creek gets it! A new Korean restaurant specializing in the healthy way to eat, isn’t that big of a stretch because Korean food is generally healthier. Their specialty is their purple rice. Their menu talks about it, their shirts yell about it and everybody eating it sells it with their smiles! It is a combination of white, sweet white, barley brown and sweet brown rice. You feel super eating it. No really, like you have powers all of a sudden.

I won’t dive too much further into the menu past their specialty entrees because if you haven’t been there, this is what you should get—The Works (Bibimbop). Twelve different veggies served over rice with your choice of protein (beef, chicken, pork, salmon, shrimp, tofu or mung bean pancake). Throw a sunny side up egg on top of it all and side that with Korean spicy chili paste and you are set for the night. Mind you that this meal comes with all of the accoutrements that come with traditional Korean eating.

I am not sure if we went there why all the staff still had that new restaurant haze, but the staff seemed to be hoarding Prozac. So happy and helpful. Not nearly the jaded individuals that I usually encounter with any establishment that has been open longer than a month. Food and beverage has a way of doing that to us over time. This staff acknowledged and played with my son before bringing him a tiny yogurt drink for finishing his meal and then spent time cooing my new daughter. Always smiling, always happy and securing that we will make this a regular stop.

Mixed Grain is located across the street from the Walnut Creek Yacht Club, where I used to call home as a manager once upon a lifetime ago, and is actually housed in the structure of an older Korean restaurant of yester-year. I actually didn’t want to go to Mixed Grain because I had an affinity for the old place. Their menu saw me through a bout of salmonella poisoning and if nothing else I am a loyal patron, but my wife had seen a write up on the place and in her infinite quest to improve our health (I love her for that) we packed up the brood and went. Boy am I glad I did.
Since that first time we have ordered food for pick-up, not expecting much, and once again got floored with service. “Water while you wait sir?”

Bottom line is if you like feeling good after a meal, then Mixed Grain is your place physically and emotionally. Have I steered you wrong before? Don’t answer that.

1546 Bonanza St. Walnut Creek ,925-938-5959

 

This month we celebrate the birth of our great nation. The Declaration of Independence was signed 238 years ago, July 4, 1776. What better way to celebrate than to sing and play our cherished and endeared national patriotic songs? These songs tell the story of our republic from an historical, cultural, traditional, and sometimes religious, background.

The songs all have a strong vigorous, patriotic content. Some of the lyrics come from poems and some from prose but all espouse heartfelt feelings about our country and what it stands for. There are many different songs in the patriotic repertoire but this writing will be limited to four pieces of historical significance.

The Star-Spangled Banner, our National Anthem, is without a doubt, the most sung and played patriotic piece in America. This song is played and sung at so many occasions, including athletic events, meetings, concerts, graduations, Olympic games and other events too numerous to mention. Every elementary school child usually knows the words to the anthem. It is not however, the easiest song to sing as it has a range of one and a half octaves.
Most people think that Francis Scott Key, (1780-1843) a lawyer and amateur poet, was the composer of the anthem; on the contrary he was the author of the words and not the music. The words came from a poem entitled, Defense of Fort McHenry. The poem was inspired by the War of 1812. Key witnessed the bombardment of the fort by British ships in Chesapeake Bay.

The music was written by British composer John Stafford Smith (1750-1835), some years before, for a men’s social club. Some musicologists say it was from an old English drinking song. The Star-Spangled Banner was not officially adopted as the national anthem until 1931 by a congressional resolution and signed by President Herbert Hoover. The tune was used for years before it officially became our national anthem.

America the Beautiful, one America’s most popular and beloved patriotic songs was composed by Samuel A. Ward (1847-1903), a church organist and choirmaster. The words were by Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929), an English professor at Wellesley College. The text was inspired by her trip to Colorado and the sights along the way. The original title of the poem was Pike’s Peak. In 1895 it was published under the title, America.

Written In 1882, the music was originally titled, Materna for the hymn, O Mother Dear, Jerusalem. Ward died before the music was combined with Bates poem in 1904. Bates, however, lived to see the popularity of the song as she died in 1929. Some wanted it to be the national anthem as it was easier to sing.

God Bless America, to many people, surely is America’s second national anthem. Irving Berlin (1888-1989) wrote the first rendition while he was in the United States Army in 1918. His intention was to inspire his fellow man to live in peace and tranquility with one another. Kate Smith (1909 – 1986), a vaudeville singer and known as “The First Lady of Radio,” was largely responsible in making the song an immense national sensation. She sang God Bless America on November 11, 1938, the 20th anniversary of the end of World War I, on an Armistice Day radio broadcast.
Everyone was singing and playing it. Sheet music flew off the shelves. It is sung at major league ballgames in the seventh inning stretch and has been for many years. Berlin established a trust that gave proceeds from the song to the Boy and Girl Scouts. Woody Guthrie did not like it and wrote, This Land is Your Land, in protest. After 9-11 God Bless America took on a new popularity instilling pride and patriotism in the country.

The Stars and Stripes Forever, our national march, is said to be John Philip Sousa’s most well-known work. The Stars and Stripes Forever, is by far the most popular march ever written, and it’s popularity is by no means limited to the United States,” stated Paul Bierley in The Works of John Philip Sousa.

Sousa wrote the details of its creation in his autobiography, Marching Along. “Aboard the steamship, Teutonic, as it steamed out of the harbor on my return from Europe in 1896, came one of the most vivid incidents of my career… suddenly I began to sense the rhythmic beat of a band playing within my brain…,” he wrote. “That imaginary band continued to unfold the same themes, echoing the most distinct melody. When we reached the shore, I set down the measures that my brain-band had been playing for me, and not a note of it has ever changed.” This was the brainchild that produced the most famous march ever written.

America is richly blessed with many wonderful patriotic songs but these are at the top of the lists in filling our hearts and minds with love and devotion to our great nation.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.

 

I have been watching the path of this movie for almost a year. I put it on my “watch for” list and never really gave up on it. I am glad to say it is now out on DVD and not just on Netflix, but in Redbox as well.

Still Mine is an amazing Canadian film. It originally came out with a very limited distribution in July 2013 but left the theaters very quickly. Now, sometimes we are tempted to say that when that happens the movie probably wasn’t that good or it would have had a blockbuster reception. I would be the first to admit that I don’t know a lot about the mystical ins and outs of film distribution, but I do know that some of the best movies I’ve ever seen never had an ad on TV.

Our stars both had their first lead roles in Still Mine. After decades of playing supporting characters the pair get to star in this exquisitely crafted and deeply affecting love story about a couple in their twilight years. Based on true events and laced with humor, Still Mine tells the heartfelt tale of Craig Morrison (Academy Award nominee, James Cromwell) who comes up against the system when he sets out to build a more suitable house for his ailing wife, Irene (also an Academy Award nominee Genevieve Bujold).

Somewhat “land poor,” Craig and Irene have raised their seven children in the same house on the same land. The house is literally falling down around them; it is old and hard to heat. Craig fells his own trees and cuts his own lumber and although Morrison uses the same methods his father, an accomplished shipbuilder, taught him, times have changed. He quickly gets blindsided by local building codes and bureaucratic officials. He tries to comply but it seems that he is always behind the curve in process.

As Irene becomes increasingly ill—and amidst a series of stop work orders—Craig races to finish the house. Hauled into court and facing jail, Craig takes a final stand against all odds in a truly inspirational story.

Still Mine isn’t really about the battle against the government it’s about the grace and dignity of aging. Craig and Irene have been married for six decades and it’s about their desperate desire to lead the rest of their years in the privacy of their own home. Written and directed by Michael McGowan, he has been able to deliver a film with an uncommon straightforwardness. Still Mine is understated yet truthful.

Filmed in rural, St. Martins, New Brunswick, the scenery is breathtaking. The cast is phenomenal. When the film was over, I felt like I had spent the time sitting across the handmade kitchen table from Craig and Irene, not watching them on a screen.

I love this movie. If you are young and think you may not relate, get over it! Still Mine is beautifully written, exceptionally acted and truly about the best in all of us. In a time when couples give up on their marriages when things get a little tough, this couple has stayed true to their family and to each other year after year. I challenge you to rent it and see how life can be lived. As always, I welcome your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com

If you notice a white-haired woman sniffing all the produce at the farmers’ market on Saturday, it’s probably me. I simply can’t help myself. Tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic, bell peppers, peaches, nectarines, berries, and melons—each with its own distinctive fragrance when picked at the peak of perfection—rival any perfume you’ll find at the mall. You’ll rarely encounter any of these aromas under the fluorescent lights of a supermarket, either.

Along with truckloads of perfectly ripe berries and stone-fruits at the farmers’ market, this month we are further indulged with an abundance of just-picked corn and melons. I’m usually content to prepare these two things as simply as possible, so their true flavors shine through. Grill me an ear of corn or give me an ice-cold wedge of watermelon, and I’m one happy gal.

But just the other day I was transfixed by a photo on Pinterest. A close-up shot of glistening pale green honeydew melon chunks paired with fat little blackberries made for some first-class food porn. The addition of tiny arugula leaves and a few scattered bits of soft white cheese added a savory note. I was besotted.

I immediately clicked on the recipe link, only to find it was written in a foreign language that neither my computer nor I could decipher. But that gorgeous photo remained an inspiration, so I set off to the kitchen to create my own version.

Let’s just say I personally ate the whole thing within an eight-hour period. And I plan to make it again real soon, while locally-grown honeydew melon and blackberries are still sweet and juicy.

Here is my recipe. In English.

Farm-Fresh Honeydew-Blackberry Salad

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
3/4 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 tablespoon California olive oil
1 small (2 1/2 to 3 pounds) green honeydew melon, peeled, seeded, and cut into
1-inch chunks (about 4 cups total)
1 1/4 cups (6 ounces) fresh blackberries
4 cups (loosely packed) baby arugula leaves
1/3 cup crumbled soft goat cheese

1. To make the salad dressing: In a large bowl, stir together the lime juice, honey, ginger, and salt. Mix in the olive oil.

2. Add the melon and blackberries. Toss gently to coat.

3. Spread an even layer of arugula in a large shallow bowl or platter. Pour the fruit mixture over the top, and sprinkle with cheese. Serves 4 to 6.

Cook’s Tip: For variation, omit the arugula and add 2 tablespoons of thinly sliced fresh mint leaves to the salad. Or spice things up with a finely chopped jalapeño chile pepper. When you cook with the best seasonal ingredients, it’s all good.

_____________________________________________________________

Melon Primer

–To meet consumer demands, melons like cantaloupe and honeydew are sold in supermarkets throughout the year. Buying one often seems like a good idea—until you cut into it. Let’s just say these tasteless orbs are best left to the hemisphere in which they originated.

–Melons ripen only on the vine. Once picked, they will never get any riper or sweeter. In fact, their last few days on the vine are critical, as that is when most of the sugars develop, they become aromatic, and the blossom-end begins to soften.

–Melons destined for a grocery store are generally picked before fully ripe, so they will be firm enough to withstand shipping. They may soften during their journey, but they will never become fully ripe.

–Most supermarkets sell only the usual assortment of common melons. If you want to try something different, like the outrageously delish Sharlyn, you usually have to go to a roadside stand or the farmers’ market.

–Here are a few tips for choosing a ripe melon:
For so-called “netted” melons, like cantaloupe (that have skin with a net-like pattern), the background beneath the netting should be tan or gold, with no sign of green. They are fragrant; and the blossom end should give slightly to gentle pressure.

For smooth-skinned melons, like honeydew, look for a cream-colored exterior, rather than green. The skin should be velvety-smooth; and it’s okay if it feels slightly sticky. They are fragrant; and the blossom end should give slightly to gentle pressure.

Watermelon is a little trickier. A ripe one has hard, dull (rather than shiny) skin, and often develops a creamy yellow spot on the underside, where it rested on the ground. I’m always amused by people in the supermarket feverishly thumping and tapping melons to determine their ripeness. It’s so much easier at the farmers’ market, where you can just ask the grower directly.

–Whole melons can be kept for up to 1 week at room temperature, or 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Once the melon is cut, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate.

–Melons should be thoroughly rinsed with cold water before slicing.

–Melons are easily cut with a serrated bread knife, using a sawing motion. Both netted and smooth-skinned melons should be cut in half through the “equator”; then scoop out the seeds and strings with a spoon.

The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market, located at Railroad and Prospect, is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. For specific crop information call the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association at 1-800-949-FARM, or visit their web site at www.pcfma.com. This market is made possible through the generous support of the Town of Danville. Please show your appreciation by patronizing the many fine shops and restaurants located in downtown Danville. Buy fresh. Buy local. Live well.

If you’d like to expand your entertaining repertoire—and have a lot of fun in the process—check out Peggy Fallon’s upcoming class at Draeger’s Cooking School at Blackhawk on Thursday, August 7, at 6:30 p.m. For more information go to www.draegerscookingschool.com, or call 1-800-642-9463 ext. 261.

 

 

We are facing the potential of more and more measles, mumps and rubella outbreaks in the U.S. Measles was labeled eradicated in 2000, now cases are growing again. In California, cases are coming back at a clip of about 10 times from year to year. How does society make sense of that?

As summer rolls through, there are a number of smart, well intentioned parents still debating whether or not to have their kids given MMR shots. For some it is very tough, and understandably so, to know what is best. They have been scared to death by some TV talk show hosts. But they need to try and look at science.

Does it make sense this outdated urban myth stuff is crazy? The research on which it is based is admittedly faulty. Several of those hosts still tout the fact they won’t have their babies stuck with a needle and still spout the talk of autism and other side effects. The Centers for Disease Control still strongly recommend, even demand, the MMR vaccines, but more and more parents are refusing on religious, philosophical or personal beliefs.

Those beliefs, by the way, have led to a resurgence of the diseases in Europe. Great Britain is in the middle of another endemic. And doctors say the effects of the diseases can be much, much more than just a skin rash. They can lead to pneumonia and very severe illness, not to mention the skin pocking that follows some kids for the rest of their lives. Little pock marks on their adult faces. Not to mention the danger for pregnant women who contract rubella. Not to mention the fact that those who are not inoculated can act like typhoid Marys and spread the disease.

This “no shot” philosophy has even spread to polio vaccines. On that one, I stand screaming, and 100% hope that people get those inoculations. I can understand young parents not thinking it is a threat, but it is. It is out there and it could come back. And those parents don’t want it? My mom had polio when I was about five. I remember the darkness of those days. Doctors told my dad she wasn’t going to live. When she beat that, they told her that she would be in an Iron Lung and then paralyzed for the rest of her life. Fortunately none of that happened. She still suffers the side effects decades later and always will. Large numbers of people who shared those isolation wards never made it out. Nobody in our society should ever have to deal with polio. Nobody.

None of us is in love with some of the things our government does. We have every right to be suspicious of every government agency. They screw up, and in some cases are bought by money, but I can’t believe the CDC is giving these recommendations just to sell more doses of a serum.

Now I’m not a doctor and people like me have to make their own decisions. But I can read and research. Our kids should get the shots. Mine all did.

The most precious treasure we have as human beings is our children. When it comes down to something as important as their health, to whom are we going to listen, Jenny McCarthy (omg) or the Centers for Disease Control? Which makes sense?

 

Dear SSHS,
My son is turning sixteen and wants to get a motorcycle that he can afford to buy with his own money. His argument is that it will be cheaper on gas and easier to park, but I’m concerned this is a bad decision. Any idea how to change his mind? Carey N., Danville

She Said: You can change his mind by not allowing him to make such a reckless decision on his own. You’re still the parent, paying all the bills, including his health insurance, so as I see it, you’re the one calling the shots. While under my roof, I would not allow either of my children to have a motorcycle, regardless of who’s buying it. That falls under the category of, “Don’t ask me to be a bad mother.” You didn’t ask about motor scooters, and I’m not sure what I think about those, although a close family friend, a college student, just got hit while driving one. It wasn’t her fault, but her broken arm doesn’t know the difference.

He Said: Your son is absolutely right that a motorcycle is cheaper than a car in many ways, but it’s absolutely wrong to think he can make this decision on his own at sixteen years old. Tell him he needs to wait until he’s eighteen; that should buy you at least two years, and hopefully, by then, he’ll have lost his motorcycle fever. But if he still insists on owning a motorcycle, make sure he passes a certified motorcycle riders course and that he wears all the proper safety gear. It’s worth noting the old saying about there being two types of motorcycle riders: those who’ve already had a serious accident and those who will.

Dear HSSS,
My husband recently re-connected with an old college classmate and told me she invited him to lunch. He claims it’s completely innocent, and he’d like to go if I give my consent. I have to admit, I’m a little uncomfortable with the idea, but I don’t want to be unreasonable. What do you think?
Samantha, Walnut Creek

He Said: I don’t think it’s at all unreasonable for you to be uncomfortable with this. The first question you should ask him is, “Why is she looking you up and reaching out to you?” Followed by, “Just how close of classmates were you in college?” If the answers rub you the wrong way, then your answer should be “Absolutely not!” If your husband insists everything is innocent and he still wants to go to lunch, then insist that he take you with him to meet this old college classmate. Remember, a married man’s focus should not be connecting with old female friends but maintaining and growing his relationships at home with his wife and family.

She Said: The fact that your husband confided in you is a very good sign. He has nothing to hide. I like to joke around calling lunch “the gateway date,” but that’s because people who “reconnect” on Facebook, usually have their first “reunion/rendevouz” over lunch, the innocent meal. But this sounds different to me. It’s just lunch. The minute you make more of it than that, you risk putting ideas in his head. Relax, but ask him all about it when he comes home. And one lunch is all it should take to catch up, if you ask me, which you did. Let us know if they set up another one…which could mean Shawn’s right, and the topic definitely worth revisiting.

Robin Fahr and Shawn Shizzo host Conversations and He Said/She Said seen daily on Tri-Valley TV, Channel 30. Send your questions to AskHeSaidSheSaid.com.

 

Q. Where do tomato worms come from? I check my plants daily but so far I haven’t seen any.

A. The Tomato Hornworm is the larvae stage of the Hawk, Moth. It’s also known as the Sphinx or Hummingbird Moth. It over-winters in the soil as dark-brown pupae that emerge as an adult moth in the late spring. The female moth lays smooth, single, green egg(s) on the underside of the tomato leaf and her life span is about a week. Tomato Hornworms are voracious eaters, munching entire leaves, small stems, and even parts of immature fruits. They do get quite large and the horn-like structure on their posterior is where the name ‘Hornworm’ originates. After three to four weeks of feeding, they will drop to the ground and enter the soil where they change into a two-inch long pupa. Depending on the weather, there may be from one to four generations per year. While they’re most commonly associated with tomatoes, hornworms are also common pests of eggplants, peppers, and potatoes. Most likely, you’ll notice the damage before you notice the hornworms, because their color helps them blend in so well with the plant foliage. You can also look for their black droppings on the foliage and around the base of the plant. Since you haven’t seen any as yet, suggests that they may not be a problem this year. The Hornworm season runs through September and checking the plants weekly is sufficient

Q. I have several roses that are not looking their best. I was told that I could revive them by putting new topsoil down. I’d like add new soil but, do I have to remove the old soil completely first?

A. I wouldn’t recommend significantly raising the soil level to revive them as roses are very resilient plants. Instead, they should bounce back with the addition of nutrients and water. It would be okay to cover up some exposed roots but you don’t want to bury the bud union. The bud union is the location where a desired variety is budded on to a rootstock. This is a large knot near the soil line. Modern garden roses such as Hybrid Teas, Grandifloras, and Floribundas are not growing on their own roots; hence, its important not to raise the soil level significantly. The additional soil should be cultivated around the plants. The soil microbes will then break down the organic matter and supply additional nutrients to the plant(s). Also, don’t be concerned with the surface roots, as you’ll find plenty. Roses are heavy feeders along with needing lots of moisture. Dr. Earth Rose Food is suggested as it contains the basic nutrients plus additional microbes. Monthly applications are recommended and always water your plants the day before or at least four hour before feeding and immediately afterwards. Roses are watered at least three times a week during the summer and more often when the temperatures are over ninety degrees. You should see a marked difference in your roses within six weeks.

Buzz Bertolero is Executive Vice President of Navlet’s Garden Centers and a California Certified Nursery Professional. His web address is www.dirtgardener.com and you can send questions by email at dirtgarden@aol.com or to 360 Civic Drive Ste. ‘D’, Pleasant Hill, Calif. 94523 and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Buzz.Bertolero

As the weather changes, so does our skin care routine.

With the temperamental weather patterns of the Bay Area, it’s important to maintain various skin care routines with the changing seasons. Although many people use the same type of regime throughout the entire year for their skin, making even the slightest of changes can make a visible difference in the way your skin looks and feels.

With all weather types we recommend wearing an SPF sunscreen or lotion to protect your face (and the rest of your body) against harsh UV rays and to help prevent sunburn. Many companies make specially formulated sunscreen and lotions for the face with a higher SPF and lighter feel. Starting your skin care routine with sunscreen is always a safe bet, even if the sun isn’t out.

With dryer weather, regardless of whether or not it’s hot, windy or cold, making sure that your skin is properly moisturized is key to maintaining a healthy glow and feel. It’s best to consult your esthetician as to what type of moisturizer works best as the type of cleanser you use in dry weather can affect your appearance and overall health. When it’s dry out, you don’t want to wash with something that is going to dry your skin out more, so typically a lighter cleanser, such as one infused with vitamin C, can help maintain a good level of moisture without overdoing it. For dry skin in dry weather, we recommend using a medium or heavier moisturizer, depending upon your age and skin type.

In humid weather we want to make sure the skin doesn’t get over moisturized or too dried out. Facial skin can be quite fickle, so it’s important to discuss your skin type with your esthetician to ensure the right balance for every type of weather. When it is humid, we recommend cleansing using a salicylic cleanser for more problematic skin, while for oily skin we recommend a bioglycolic cleansing gel that we use here in the spa, specifically for clients with oily skin. A face bar, which we also use in the spa, is also recommended for any type of skin. The face bar will exfoliate and cleanse the skin without leaving it dry.

Regardless of your skin type, maintaining a high level of water intake will also benefit your skin. Making sure you’re hydrated is important, not only to your internal health by keeping your organs nice and hydrated, but your skin as well. Upping your water intake also stimulates weight loss!

Again, with any skin type we recommend consulting your esthetician for the best methods in maintaining clear, healthy skin.