Don't get Jim Leyva wrong. He's a happily married man, has been for 57 years.

Recently, a baseball story I'd written on the greatest players I'd ever seen elicited a raft of e-mails and phone calls from strangers, most of whom became instant friends.

Last week, quite naturally my thoughts returned to Sept. 11, 2001, and the heroism displayed by both the FDNY and my NYPD in our darkest hours. But in my 33 years as a New York cop, every once in a while there was a lighter moment and this story is about one of those times.

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.

Many wineries offer guests the opportunity to help make wine the old way — by stomping grapes. For most it’s a specific day or time set aside and usually as part of another event.

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

Global warming

Looking for 600 bottles of Bordeaux?

You can't get

We have had a death in the family and don't know how to dispose of all the "leftover" medications. I know it's considered toxic and should not place it in the garbage or sewer.

The pinnacle of my laundry career was when I was in the Army. Although not a particularly great soldier, I had the laundry skills of a professional.

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

Copia is continues its celebration of Italy this weekend with the Italian Garden Saturday and an Italian street festival Sunday.