Jazz saxophonist Thom Chambers will headline the second Notes: An Evening of Musical Storytelling & Casual Conversation to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Beaufort County. The first Notes event in 2016 set a very high bar -€“ showcasing Frank Almond and his Lipinski Stradivarius -€“ and the organizers are delighted to follow that success with a musical guest of equal caliber who might just be Beaufort's best-kept secret.

Fall is well underway and winter approaches with ferocious speed -€“ if nothing else, this means that my gushing celebration of Camellia season is due. I have my little dalliances, my mad schoolboy crushes, even the occasional extended affair (I do still love you, Crinum and Hydrangea!) -€“ but nothing comes close to my everlasting devotion to this magnificent mainstay of the southern garden.

Winter Wonderland

Dear Aunt Bossy,

I know you have answered the main thrust of this question before, but I need more than suggestions and advice on how to take my mind off myself and find Holiday Joy by paying attention to other people. It is all I can do to drag myself out of the house, and when I see all the happy and joyous people and decorations for Christmas, I feel like such a waste, such a loser. What is the secret to being like those people who are so happy about the holidays?

Lone Larry

Throughout history, every society has celebrated the end of the harvest. Many have set aside a day of thanks. In 1941, Thanksgiving Day became a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. It'€™s the one day of the year that we Americans can consume an abundance of food without a second thought about calories! The recipes this week are all Thanksgiving side dishes.

Team a couple (or all) of them with a roasted turkey for a modern twist on a traditional Thanksgiving menu. All you'll need to add is a pumpkin pie topped with sweetened whipped cream for a grand finale. Happy Thanksgiving! (Photography by Susan DeLoach)