The rains started February 15th and rained through the 19th. We recorded another 3.25 inches of rain, bringing our rain year total to around 19 inches so far. The weather went from 80 degrees to low 50’s during the day and low 40’s at night. By late Thursday, the storm had moved east but weContinue reading “AND JUST LIKE THAT, FEBRUARY ENDS”
Tag Archives: gardening
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE
We are now in mid-February and finally got some rain on Monday. After three weeks of warm 70’s -80’s, it was a nice break in the pattern. Driving along the freeway, the hills have come to life with yellow mustard and Bush sunflower or encilia californica. I took this picture of the encilia growing inContinue reading “THE HILLS ARE ALIVE”
WELCOME TO 2026
New Year’s Eve started rainy and continued on New Year’s day. We spent the evening cozy at home with a fire and seafood tower. By now, we have received 300% of normal for rain during our rainy season from October to September, which is still only 15 inches. In between storms, I run out andContinue reading “WELCOME TO 2026”
NOVEMBER TRANSITIONS
November switched quickly to darkness in the afternoon. Sure we have more light in the morning for awhile. Some people may prefer the coziness of staying home but I do not. I like spending hours out in my garden after work. This time of year, I am prepping the garden for spring, and planting aContinue reading “NOVEMBER TRANSITIONS”
OCTOBER’S SONG
In October I feel the need to rush, get up early, but not too early because its dark now. I rush to get things done in the garden; look it is 6 pm and you can see it’s getting dark. I feel the push to be home. In summer, even when it is dark, itsContinue reading “OCTOBER’S SONG”
WELCOME LAMMAS
Goodbye July, hello August. Hard to believe how quickly summer is leaving. Today we celebrate first harvest known as Lammas, and the quickening of the days getting shorter. I try to hold on to everyone of these longer days, refusing to come in until the sun starts its decline. This summer has been cooler andContinue reading “WELCOME LAMMAS”
ITS JULY – TIME FOR PIE
July is bursting at the seams right now with fruit. I’ve been busy picking apricots, blueberries and black raspberries for pies and jams. I also picked up some California cherries for jam making. I am trying something new this year as well. I kept all the cherry pits and I am making a cherry liquor.Continue reading “ITS JULY – TIME FOR PIE”
SOUNDS OF SUMMER
Last weekend I was sitting outside after the sun went down and I heard, for the first time at this house, crickets. The sound of crickets at night is purely the sound of summer to me. I am not sure why we have crickets in the neighborhood now, but I am happy to hear theirContinue reading “SOUNDS OF SUMMER”
IT’S MAY, IT’S MAY, THE LOVELY MONTH OF MAY
May is the most excellent month. We start May 1st with flowers as the blooms arrive. May grey started off the month. So cold and damp was it that we needed a fire two nights in a row to keep warm. We often light a fire outside for May Day but this year it wasContinue reading “IT’S MAY, IT’S MAY, THE LOVELY MONTH OF MAY”
SPRING FLOWERS
I noticed a hummingbird looking for a place to nest. She was checking out the trees in my front yard which looks especially appealing right now. The Clivias are blooming and one is a slightly lighter orange than I have ever seen. You can see the two shades below. They are putting on such aContinue reading “SPRING FLOWERS”
Reflections Outside My Window 