Community

Local ocean fishing has been big news and mostly consisting of negative press. The combination of crab closures due to domoic acid counts and the Santa CruzHarbor shoaled up has created great hardship for local fishermen.

There seems to be some confusion when it comes to understanding the difference between palliative care and hospice. They are both distinctive medical disciplines and often work together.

 A Facebook friend recently posted a picture of gummosis on her dwarf nectarine. While pruning her fruit trees she found the sticky stuff and shared her plight. While some folks post pictures of babies and political opinions on their Facebook page, my friends post pictures of plants and their fruit trees. Yes, if you haven’t already done so, this is the time to winter prune fruit trees and apply dormant spray to fend off diseases and insect pests. With rainfall expected throughout the spring, this is not the year to omit this important task.

Generally, my hubby stays clear of the kitchen near dinner time not wanting to slow the progress from ‘stove to plate’ so to speak, but last night was different. The meat marinating in the Ziploc bag had caught his eye and I saw him glancing at the clock as if to question how long it would be until the contents of the bag would be on his plate.

I have an Autumnalis flowering cherry tree that blooms year round. The last blooming cycle started in late November and it’s still blooming now despite heavy rains. This tree came into my life 20 years ago as a bare root tree. Now, we’re old friends.

Winter storms and large swells have shifted sand and brought barred surf perch. There is something about walking the beach between winter storms as the ocean rages and clouds form a backdrop while fishing for winter perch. The energy from the ocean as you comb the beach in search of treasures and fish is exciting. Walking the beach for perch is also a great way to burn a few holiday calories.

 In between storms, I’m itching to get outside and do something in the garden. It’s too early to cut back the perennials as some frosty nights are sure to come our way between now and mid-March. But it’s just the right time to start pruning the roses. It’s best to prune your roses before they start leafing out or some of their energy will be wasted.

Some of my houseplants look a little sad. They were forced to give up their regular place for the Christmas tree and table top decorations and the leaves are droopy. They need to be returned to normal where they can feed on toxins. Houseplants absorb toxins from the air in your house. We spend more time indoors in the winter and create more toxins. The plant’s natural anti-toxin job is an important function so let your houseplants work for you to keep clean air in your house.

Congressman Sam Farr invites all Central Coast Korean War Veterans to a attend an appreciation ceremony that will take place on Friday, January 22, 2016 at the Laguna Grande Hall in the Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave., Seaside, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Korean Consul General Han Dong-man will be there as a special guest.