Happy New Year to all of you! Now that the seasonal rush is over it is time to return to our gardens.

I hope you all had as wonderful a Thanksgiving week as I did. On Monday, November 21, John Loomis and I were married! Thanksgiving itself was a delight: it is our favorite holiday because it is just about family being together and being grateful for one another.

The end of the year is approaching and with it Thanksgiving and all the winter holidays: Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. We are very fortunate to be able to live in Southern California and now is the time to think of those less fortunate.

It is hard to believe that we are already in October. I find that the older I get, the faster time seems to pass by. Be that as it may, we are approaching two things: Southern California planting season and the peak of fire year.

Welcome back to our 94th year of operation! After the privations of CoVid, we have come roaring back with our most successful Gate and Garden Tour ever. We have made donations to multiple organizations in town, some of which include the replanting and maintenance of The Presbyterian Church rose garden, a vegetable garden for the residents of Glenwood House, and a pollinator garden in Bluebird Canyon Park.

I have so much for which to be grateful. It has been an amazing and wonderful honor serving as your President. Thank you for your support, for the laughter and for your many contributions to our beautiful Laguna Beach Garden Club. It is a special club with the best, warmest and most friendly people.