By Annie Bowler March 3, 2026 Volume 32 John and I took a much-needed break recently and boy, did we have grand fun! We headed to the “Grass Valley Center for the Arts” to hear the “American Patchwork Quartet” a group that reinterprets traditional folk songs with a "masterful confluence of tradition and innovation;" they combine American folk with global influences, including West African rhythms and East Asian musical elements. We enjoyed delicious Italian at Cirino's at Main Street and...

Travels with Heart: by Annie Bowler, February 5, 2026 Vol. 31 All five of our children attended Del Oro High School, for many years, John taught art and was the Varsity Men’s Soccer coach at DO and I volunteered and attended a countless number of events. Del Oro has been an important part of our lives for the more than 35 years; it’s been our home. There’s a deep and justifiable sense of local pride for D.O. as the Loomis community has a good thing going in our hometown high school. All these...

By Annie Bowler, January 1, 2026 Volume 30 A road trip in early December across California reminded me of how lucky I am to call this diverse, gorgeous state my home. But all this beauty creates challenges: I’m often tempted to stop to take in the views and explore; just ask my travel partner, John.  My first such stop was at the stunning San Pablo Wildlife Refuge, home to birds, birds, and more birds. This refuge is an amazing example of how preserving wild lands near urban areas benefit us...