“The First Blooms of Spring Always Makes my Heart Sing” S. Brown

That is a fitting sentiment for our thoughts of spring. We enjoy the sun creeping up on the horizon ever so slightly and then lingering just a bit before it sets. Seeing the buds form on the trees and plants and warming temperatures just brings a smile to our faces. We both enjoy spending time in our gardens as we commune with nature there and spring brings the promise of the summer to our days. We like to commune with nature with more than just ourselves, having a few friends over is better but going to an outdoor event for music, food, friends and adult libations is even better. The fact that we can enjoy outdoor events here in much of the Bay Area from February until at least November is what really makes this part of the country so special. Many times we can revel in “outdoor” events earlier but February is generally a safe starting point to start thinking about the great outdoors. Hiking, running, drinking wine, outdoor cooking, a walk on the beach, or just taking a stroll in downtown – now is the time to get going…before the crowds pick up.

February and March are also great Home Improvement months, so take stock and make your list and then be sure to head to the Total Home & Garden Show in Vacaville in April so you can get the best deals on all of your projects this summer! You can be ready for your first BBQ of the season before Memorial Day which sneaks up on us every year.

In addition to the increasingly longer days, we’re even more excited since now is the time we unveil our 9th annual Local’ Choice Award winners. Did your favorite win? Were there some surprises? Whatever the results, they come from you, our readers. If you are not seeing your favorites there is always next year (actually our voting and nominations open in September) so you can plan ahead to campaign for your special choices. Until then, take a look at this year’s winners and stop by and learn why our readers chose them as the Local’s Choice!

We would like to send out a few birthday wishes for the coming months. Our oldest brother Larry is always high on our list, so we will start there, then on to Stephen, Megan, Jo-Ann, Mars, Marco, Tracey, Johnny, Myrna, Judy, James, Askari, John, Gary, Marc, Socorro, John Troupe, Louise, Betsey, Tim, Erin, Shane, Jenny, Kathleen, Rafaela, Christina, Patti, Chris, Dennis, Bill, Elizabeth, Judi, Dalia, Uncle Gabe, Frank, Francis, Raymond, Dennis, Hima, Louise, Reyna, Judy, Liz, Manuel,  Eric, Daisy, and Juanita.

We hope all of you enjoy our upcoming spring season to the fullest. Cheers!

Robert Briseño & Deanna Troupe