Keillor was introducing a Celtic music group, The Boys of the Lough, who will be performing at Montalvo on Dec. 19. The humorist launched into eloquent praise of Montalvo, making it sound like a virtual Eden, using such words as luscious to describe house and grounds.

So enraptured was his testimonial that it would have made Sen. James Phelan proud, say listeners.

As for the Boys of the Lough--well, they are certainly no longer boys, having been together (at least some of the five) for the past 30 years. The group has toured the U.S. more than 50 times and their concerts are described as sparkling and full of joie de vivre. They play Scottish, Irish and Shetland instruments in their lilting folk song performances.

The Boys manage to pull "something utterly magical out of the bag" when in concert says more than one reviewer. Singer Cathal McConnell, one of the oldest continuing members, is especially lauded. Though the group is filled with humor, lough is not a misprint of laugh, as I at first thought.

It's Celtic for lake, sea inlet or bay. The Boys' logo is five men in a boat in silhouette.

RIBBONS FOR DALLAS, FLASHY: Two quarter-horses owned by Rodney and Beth Dabagian of Saratoga won ribbons at the recent American Quarter Horses World Championship competition in Oklahoma City, the most prestigious of the year's shows.

GQ Mister, called Dallas, earned a fourth place and Flashy Zippers Best earned fifth place in the Senior Western Pleasure division. Dallas was exhibited by Steve Ferguson of Tyler, Texas in halter and yearling mares.

Now she's home and will be shown during the 2005 season by Greg Whalen of Clements in the open 2-year-old mares category, and by fifth-grader Hannah Dabagian in youth mares, 2 and under. Flashy, exhibited by Tina Kaven of Texas, will remain in Texas.

He will be shown during the 2005 season by Hannah in youth western pleasure and Kaven in senior western pleasure.

TO MUKO & BACK: During the Sister City trip to Japan to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the bonding between Muko and Saratoga, one Muko resident showed Louise Webb a card that her daughter, Patty Webb Rupprecht, had written 20 years ago.

Rupprecht had accompanied her mother on that first Sister City trip, and she had contributed her greetings in Japanese. She was able to present it in the host country's language because she had studied Japanese at a language school in Vermont. Louise was extremely touched that the resident not only remembered her, but also had treasured the card.

During the anniversary celebrations at Muko, Don Morgan, current Sister City president, acknowledged all past presidents for their dedication. Those cited were Marion Card, Marilyn White, Don Miller, Ed Gomersall, John Tauchi, Art Okuno, Marty Clevenger, Frank Riddle, Ed Porter, Joan Gomersall and Peter Marra. Marion Card and Ed Gomersall are deceased.

Another day on that most recent trip to Muko a trio of Saratogans spotted famed TV/theater/movie star Kazuo Funaki. The keen-eyed threesome were Reiko Iwanga, Denise Renola and the aforementioned Webb. They joined the mob waiting for Funaki to come out of the theater and managed to get good photos.

CATHEDRAL CELEBRATION: Mary Ellen Comport of Saratoga, Mary Aumack, Karrie Grasser and Andrea Thomas of Los Gatos and Michele Martin, owner of Out of the Envelope in Los Gatos, were all committee members of the concert in St. Joseph Cathedral that raised money for the Catholic Foundation.

HOLIDAY FOOD BASKETS: The Saratoga Foothill Club will distribute Holiday Food Baskets again this year, as they have for the past 52 years. The baskets are distributed to those needy or living alone, mostly seniors. Unfortunately, the list of recipients increases each year, the club reports.

Local merchants are generous with contributions to the baskets. Others who may want to contribute, either money or non-perishable food, can call Virginia King or Ellen Prandi, co-chairwomen, at 408.867.5008.

WARM HANDS: Assistance League holds its holiday luncheon today and will collect presents to be distributed to the group's Warm Hands-Giving Hearts projects. These are bags full of gifts for disadvantaged children. Clothing is also included in the gift bags.

JEWELRY SALE: A jewelry sale will be held at Evergreen College library Dec. 8, 10 a.m.­7 p.m., and Dec. 9, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The sale is by students of Walter Soellner, owner of Precious Objects Gallery in Los Gatos, who teaches at the college.

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