Suzanne Thorniley tells us how disappointment in election results first resulted in a lot of grumbling among friends but ultimately led to fulfilling and effective local action that lifted everyone's spirits and improved lives and opportunities. Everyone wants to live in a vibrant community. Joining and working together on non-partisan projects benefits both contributors and beneficiaries.

The leaves are changing colors and falling from vines, from trees, on hedges and in the hills. The air is crisp and clear and morning mist rises to meet the sunrise. Enjoy the Napa Valley as she shifts from the green leaves and deep blue grapes of harvest to the golds, reds and browns of autumn.

Napa Valley's fame was crafted by the forward-thinking vintners and farmers of the 1960s who dedicated themselves to greatness by helping each newcomer and each other rise to individual and collective excellence. This is a powerful lesson we can all emulate no matter what our area of focus.

Come along and join the excitement of our Bonny's Vineyard 2022 Cabernet Harvest! See the behind-the-scene preparations and systems that make it all possible then feel the energy as the grape picking crew moves quickly through the vineyard harvesting each and every cluster at its peak of perfection.

Join me as I take in the sights and sounds of the unique southwestern city of Santa Fe. I visit three centuries-old churches and the wonderful Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Just walking the streets and peering into the many shops is like being in an art museum. Invoke the smell of roasting chiles as you enjoy these images and you will experience the full flavor of Santa Fe.

Accepting an invitation to The Cotati Accordion Festival introduced me to an international cornucopia of music. The tunes ranged from Classical to Texas Country tunes, Polka, Zydeco, French country, Mariachi classics, Tango and more. The festival was way more fun and the music way more diverse than I had imagined. I am definitely returning next year!

My grandson Justin and I head off to Monterey for his scuba diver training and certification. There were moments of struggle but he and his dive partner prevailed in the end. A day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium was a great way to end our ocean adventure. 

My sister Terri and I continue to explore the Empire mine, the machine shop, and the forge. We then move on to walk the community demonstration garden and cruise the twin cities of Grass Valley and Nevada City. All in all, it was a delightful introduction to this area where gold turned from dust and pine forest into quaint Sierra Foothill towns.