Some things in the garden need to be planned out in advance while others happen by chance. For instance, this year when our spring rain stopped dead in its tracks, I gave up adding any more acidifier to my hydrangeas. You need to change the pH of the soil around hydrangeas well before they set buds. I like Mother Nature to water for me early in the season and she didn't cooperate. As luck would have it, the flowers this year are majestic purple, mauve and magenta where before they were sky blue. Frankly, I'm thrilled with this years color palette. Hooray for serendipity.

It seems as though summer has finally kicked in with last weeks unseasonable showers behind us. Summer brings long days and many opportunities to go fishing and enjoy the outdoors. The ocean hosts chances at many types of fish and techniques this time of year. Due to low rainfall many rivers and lakes in the Sierras are also good for fishing right now because they are usually too high with snow melt this time of year.

Summer heat inspires cravings for foods that are cool and refreshing, which too often means sugary popsicles, ice cream, and oversized smoothies. This summer, cool down and stay healthy with homemade, portion-perfect popsicles. Both kids and adults will love these!

It was in the 1980’s when I discovered a famous Seattle coffee shop’s giant “banana nut muffins.”  Instantly, I became addicted.