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.

As much as I wish creating rain is under my control, I have to remind myself it is out of my hands. The wonderful weather comes with pleasure until my mind switches from the beach to the river, then I begin to realize a slow underlining feeling of worry and fear. I think this concern is carried by many of us who have concerns that are greater than ourselves and the daily pleasure of nice weather. So many factors relay on regular rain and snow fall totals. It is hard to not wish for rain.

Growing fruit in your garden or home orchard may be even more important in the future than ever before. The lack of rainfall last year and this winter will probably raise the price of fruit at the market. If the water farmers rely on is rationed during this years growing season, fruit production will also suffer. You can start growing your own fruit by planting a bare root tree now. This is how to do it.

It's bare root season again. There's something magical about a small leafless tree with bare roots that will produce mouth-watering fruit when it grows up. Even ornamental shade trees, flowering shrubs like lilacs, and vines like wisteria, start out looking like twigs.

With the winter’s sun dropping below the mountains, the temperature has been dropping into the twenties most nights. Chili weather calls for eating a bowlful of chili con carne, cornbread and a glass of Heineken beer by the fireplace at day’s end.

Last fall my sister lost her favorite tree in a windstorm. She lives on Fox Island in the southern part of Puget Sound. I remember hearing about the extraordinary Pacific storm on the national news shattering records in the Northwest. Gusts up to 76 miles per hour closed bridges while falling trees hurt two people and thousands lost power. Her Silk Tree didn't stand a chance.