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The unusually warm January weather has made the early flowering trees and shrubs bloom even earlier this year. Actually it's not so unusual for us to have a warm streak around here in January. What is unusual is the prolonged dry and stable conditions we have encountered. The high pressure system that blocks our usual winter rains does not usually last more than 2 to 3 weeks even in the heart of the rainy season. The persistent ridge has not behaved in a typical manner. We can only hope the ridge breaks down in the next few months and brings us more than a smattering of rain here and there. What should a gardener be doing in February?

Last year my hubby and I agreed to do away with gifts; gifts that were expected, gifts that television and newspapers tell us we should buy, even gifts for our animals. We are at that stage in life where fortunately we really need nothing. When I put this no gift idea to Hubby Norm instantly a wave of relief spread across his face.

As the high tide started to recede, the deeper holes of the San Lorenzo River lagoon filled with coho salmon and steelhead as they wait for rain.

Last fall I wrote about the predictions for winter rains in our area. The “Farmer's Almanac” predicted our "winter will be much rainier and cooler than normal." Weather bloggers online posted an impressive number of charts and figures predicting “a general dry trend.” The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said we had an equal chance of precipitation totals going either way.