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It’s that time of year when the sun is shining and downtowns are filled with fresh produce, colorful flowers and locally made merchandise. Area farmers markets are up and running, ready to provide communities with an abundance of goodness.

For nearly an entire year, I’ve worn a simple blue bracelet on my scarred left wrist. It’s never been removed, though It has been touched and twirled; the writing on it has been read and pondered by strangers who have asked about its significance.

As if downtown Morgan Hill’s Annual Wine Stroll wasn’t enough fun on its own, the great thinkers of the city came up with Wine Week—a celebratory week leading up to the Wine Stroll. John McKay, board member of the Morgan Hill Downtown Association and lead planner of the event, said the week was comprised of wine education, winemaker dinners and free corkage for local bottles of wine. The events provide an intimate experience with local winemakers, pairing them with local restaurants to showcase wines while the restaurants show off culinary skills.

Have you heard the one about the fox that shot a hunter in Belarus? According to a story published by Reuters, an “unnamed hunter” wounded a fox, then a scuffle occurred when he tried to finish off the animal with his rifle butt. The fox resisted and pulled the trigger, shooting the man in the leg. Red flag: The fox escaped, and there were no witnesses.

While many South Valley residents were hunting for decorated eggs or enjoying elaborate family meals on Easter, 23 members of Gilroy’s The Foothills Church set off on a long journey: the church’s ninth annual missions trip to Mexicali, Mexico.

Don't get scammed seniors! According to the National Council on Aging, financial scams targeting Seniors have become so prevalent that they're considered “the crime of the 21st century.” In honor of declaring May as “Older Americans Month” in Santa Clara County, on Friday, May 23 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. the Office of District Attorney Jeffrey F. Rosen and I will be co-hosting a free “Scam Prevention for Seniors” event for South County seniors at the Gilroy Senior Center, 7371 Hanna St. Gilroy. Seniors, their families, and caregivers are invited to come learn about the most recent scams happening in our area and how to protect themselves. The Director of Mediation Services, Consumer Protection Unit of the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office will discuss some of the ways that criminals will try to fool you and take your money or your identity.

World wine consumption dropped slightly in 2013 to 238.7 mhlThe United States became the biggest internal market in the world in terms of volumeEarly estimates of the 2014 harvest: low wine production in the southern hemisphere

From time to time, I do stupid things. Oh, they don’t sound stupid before I do them—but they end up stupid. Take the last month or so, for example. We decided to paint the outside of our house, which would be awesome, except we have No-no Lulu, the dog from hell. Basically, if you don’t live with her, she will bark at you. And bark at you. And bark at you. Until you are deaf or until you leave, whichever comes first.

I always mention how fortunate we are to live in the South Valley because of our overwhelming abundance. I am excited because it is that time of year! In the next few weeks, a variety of fresh and naturally ripened fruits will begin showing up at our local farm stands and farmers markets. Typically, I share how to make a pie, cake or unique salad from these wonderful seasonal items. This time around, I hope to inspire making something very unique where time and patience is a necessary and an essential part of the recipe.

St. Mary School’s fifth annual Walk-a-Thon, held April 4, raised about $45,000.