I love my new car, but should I start to take it for granted, I just remember what life was like a year ago today. It was a day that reminded me that stumbling through life for the mirth of others must be my raison d’etre.

Wow.

San Marcos’ natural beauty is one of its trademarks, say City Council members, and they will continue to protect its hills from being marred by development.

Say what you will. A woman can get excited about buying tools, too.

He has eight Emmys, is gearing up for a second appearance on the “Today” show and recently spent six hours autographing copies of “Just a Bunch of Recipes,” his inaugural cookbook in its second printing only a month after its release.

According to the recent master plan announcement, the 340-acre fairgrounds is due for a complete makeover in the next decade and a half.

“The 101 Artists’ Colony seeks to foster an awareness of all forms of art and encourage the interaction between the artist and the community at large.” So reads the home page of the colony’s Web site. It further tells us that this is done by showcasing art in all forms — music, dance and theater.

After being urged to “seize the opportunity” and “be visionary,” City Council voted 4-0, with Mayor Dave Druker recused, to move forward and close escrow by May 15 on a 5.3-acre site owned by Del Mar Union School District.

When we got word of the nine-day trip to China for $1,500 offered through the Temecula Chamber of Commerce, we couldn’t pass it up. The trip offered tours in four cities, all meals and transportation (including to and from LAX and two in-country flights), and lodging in four- and five-star hotels that did live up to their ratings.

Recent yarn about dumps in Del Mar and Solana Beach brought back some colorful memories for Mary Obloy Forte, whose family were longtime residents of Solbeach.