It’s hard to believe it’s already time to announce the Opera House’s fall season, but the good news here is a lively line-up in the “something for everyone” style we’re coming to associate with the Opera House.

Volakis Gallery in Yountville has been selected to exhibit artwork at the Bridge Art Fair in London, October 11-14.

“The Bourne Ultimatum”

If emergency situations send you into a panic, you'd benefit from befriending 13-year-old Napan Priscilla Schmitt.

Nothing quite sets the tone of a warm weather dinner party like an elegant summer soup.

Chef Ming Tsai was the man who came to dinner last week in St. Helena — that is, the man who came to dinner with his film crew, make-up artist, producer, director and cameras.

STRASBURG, Va. — Janet Heishman spends a great deal of time in a steamy kitchen in midsummer, processing the harvest from her garden. She does it for the economy, the unmatched flavors it provides, a sense of accomplishment and because she feels driven by history.

When it gets blazing hot outside, besides going for a swim or taking in a movie, there are only a few ways to stay cool.

I recently received a phone call from a Napa resident asking me, “What do I do with all my greetings cards I receive?”

For many vegetable growers, the real fun begins in midsummer as they shift their focus from the garden to the kitchen.

Highly hyped kitchen products often disappoint. That’s the message in Consumer Reports’ 2007 August issue, in its annual kitchen package. The magazine’s tests found shortcomings in many highly promoted, costly items. Often an old standard proved the better choice.

There is something I love about autumn, a season that is compelling, golden and such a respite from the harsh glare of summer.

Betty Axtell is a quilter. If you didn’t know it to start, you’d figure it out the minute you saw her sewing room. Bolts of colorful fabric line up in cases, piles of cut fabric wait in precise lines next to the sewing machine and a stack of clear plastic measuring templates is at the ready.

Pepper-Smith

Van Prooyen-Hackwell

Orr-Dussault

Pieper

Cramer

Waitschies-Wilcox

Fullner-Barker

Gibson

DUNTON -- Nancy vs. Gregory, July 23, 2007.

QUEEN OF THE VALLEY

Nickname: Coconut

Nickname: Miss Pie or Hellen (Keller) — at 17, she is almost deaf and blind.

Wine industry veterans Tony Cartlidge and John Hawkins plan to build a self-contained village of small wineries in American Canyon.

Napa Humane’s fourth “Cause for the Paws” benefit is 1-5 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Grove at Silverado Resort in Napa.

A new member has joined the team walking the vineyards and scrutinizing the progress of the young grapes.

Even though direct sales of wine are still a relatively small part of total wine sales, selling directly to consumers is the fastest-growing segment of the market.