The Voice of East Bay Living

The shortest day of the year  and longest night will occur  tomorrow,  December 21st  beginning  at 12:20 p.m.  The day after the winter solstice marks the beginning of longer days of light leading to the summer solstice  on June 21st.  In many cultures it not only represents darkness changing to light but reflects deeper meanings of healing and light for our deeper personalities. 

One of my favorite holiday traditions is making wreaths from grapevines which I personally cut on a private Sonoma vineyard. I braid grapevines and then decorate the wreaths. I enjoy giving these personalized decorations as gifts to my loved ones.  Wreaths have a long history dating back to 776 B.C. when laurel wreaths were used to crown victors in Olympic Games  and as head ornaments for royalty. In more recent times, wreaths became adornments for front doors and walls during the holiday season. 

Hopscotch Restaurant  is one of the latest and greatest, upscale diners in bustling Uptown Oakland. The staff is gracious and food is unpretentious. I give it a triple thumbs up!

This darling house closed in 7 days.