LATE JANUARY

To coin the phrase used with March, January came in like a lion and went out like a lamb. The weather was so glorious mid-January, I had to go for a walk on the beach. The slough at the end of the beach is a great place for seabirds. My friend and I were walking and once we got close, the birds took to flight.

Such a beautiful sight. We walked along the beach in the cool water of January – only 60F.

The drenching rains of the first few days of January gave way to the mild to very warm, dry weather and the Santa Ana winds. This Friday is primed to break temperature records with forecasts of high 80’s. It is not unusual for us to get warm weather in winter. Sometimes it is warmer in fall and winter than summer if there is fog.

We have had bud break on the grapevines, figs and loquats. This doesn’t bode well if we have a cold, wet February. But right now, no rain in sight. Even our roses are in full bloom during the month you are suppose to cut them back.

i am missing the rain. Oh, I love warm, dry weather, but we still need more rain. The strong drying Santa Ana winds have dried the earth out again. Even though we reached our annual rainfall, banking more rain and snow in the mountains in February and March help us get through the summer months.

Meanwhile, I continue to see more butterflies than last year. We do have a lot of flowers that are blooming early, as is my milkweed. This has to help the butterflies and bees during these winter months.

I started writing this early this morning and was called away for another walk with a friend. This time we went to the Oxnard Harbor and Hollywood Beach. The seals were out sunbathing in the warmth of the sun and the low tides

The peacefulness of the beach really lifts spirits overwhelmed by horrible news stories. On a day like this you can easily forget what is happening elsewhere. Nature, whether beach, mountains, desert or forest, is healing. Yes it can be devastating too but even at its worst, it is awe inspiring.