The word "barbecue" calls to mind summertime gatherings, savory sauces, and usually pork. On Sunday, a local faith community gave a new flavor to the summer barbecue. As a form of outreach, Congregation Beth Sholom in Napa offered an open house along with a poolside sizzling grill -- but with turkey burgers, vegetable burgers, vegetables and turkey dogs.

Beth Pratt

Bill Kisliuk, managing editor

Each Tuesday The Register reviews an area restaurant, with an emphasis on establishments where a couple can dine for $30 or less. Reader suggestions are welcomed.

The first time I saw the condition of creeks running with more water during August, I thought a major sprinkling was taking place and the runoff was hitting the creek in front of my house. We did not have any rain, but the creek still contained more water. Actually, this phenomenon occurs in many of our local creeks at this time of year because creekside trees begin to need less water. As the dogwoods, oaks and other trees begin losing their leaves, they also stop soaking up water in mid-August in preparation for fall and winter.

With a lot going on this summer -- a wedding, a new grandson, my bone marrow transplant and busy kids' schedules -- we almost didn't get to go on our annual family camping trip. A few weeks ago my oldest son said, "Dad, we have to go on the camping trip, and we have come up with the weekend of Aug. 25 through Aug. 27. Can you and Andi make it?" I checked the calendar and discovered that we were available. I wasn't sure how I would do since my health limits me in my physical activity, but the date was set and we were off. Normally we go in early or mid-summer. This is the latest we have ever gone.

Sparkling wine night

Ever wonder about some of the descriptors used in wine critics' reviews?

Global warming

Looking for 600 bottles of Bordeaux?

You can't get

Countless ads on Yahoo offered to put me in touch with former high school chums, so I clicked. What fun it would be to relive old times at White Station High.

Summer is the ideal season for popping a cork on a cool bottle of ros.

The success of the California wine industry can be traced to "our unique and varied bouquet of cultures," maintains California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Wines that love

By L. PIERCE CARSON