Persimmons: Beauty runs in the family

Her name was Lula. She was wearing blue hospital scrubs when my father and I walked into the examination room.

On Christmas day just two weeks ago, a story ran in this column in which Napans and old friends so far away recalled memories of their Christmases past.

You’re looking at a retail shelf filled with wine, and you ask yourself: How do wineries arrive at the price they charge? Is there a system, a formula that leads to the price of a bottle of wine?

After the holidays, your garden is dormant and damp, with lots of dead leaves, mushy perennials and dead annuals. It's not a very enticing environment for gardeners, but your roses are calling. They are ready for pruning.

The two of the biggest Bay Area shows of the International Sportsmen’s Exposition are Jan. 11-14 at the San Mateo Event Center and Jan. 18-21 in Sacramento at Cal Expo. New at the shows this year will be more electronics and shows on how to use Global Positioning Systems. Also, there will be more fishing shows and game cooking seminars. Plan to spend a day; there is much to see and do.

A collection of every vintage of famed Chateau d’Yquem since 1860 has been sold for more than $1.5 million to a European buyer, decanter.com reports.

Why don’t buses have seat belts?

When an alien bug has a death grip on your digestive system, it's only natural to look for a scapegoat. Cheryl blamed a tainted pizza for her misery.

Dear Len & Rosie,

The Winetasting Network, a division of 1-800-Flowers is hosting a series of seminars focused on the topics “World Class Customer Service” and “21st Century Leadership Excellence,” Jan. 23-25.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — It’s a good thing Ohio State coach Jim Tressel showed up for the national BCS title game wearing his red sweater vest. Otherwise, as badly as Tressel got fleeced, somebody would have accused Florida coach Urban Meyer of stealing his sleeves, too.

The long awaited news is out. Tiger and Elin Woods are expecting their first child. This is big news for the golfing world. Life will change for this family like it did for you and me. The anticipation of your first child is exhilarating. The arrival is unforgettable. The reality is that life will never be the same for them.