We lived all over, except San Berdoo. Mojave was one place though. You're right, total varied year to year. Your rainless year was very recent, I see. Texas should be MUCH more rain-friendly for you, the farther east and south you go. Unless the climate's changing as we speak, and Texas is drying out all over...that worries me. What I remember for keeping cool out Mojave way, before every house had air conditioning, were the swamp coolers. I've heard that all the encroaching civilization has actually affected local climate. I've heard the typical humidity has risen to where the coolers don't work so well in that part of the country anymore. But I don't know for sure. In early 2001, I was out in the Lancaster area again for a brief visit. It felt as dry as ever. But that of course was the cool season. I guess I lived in the desert long enough to be the way I am, like I said. You'll NEVER hear me complain about too much rain, and I hardly ever complain about heat. I just can't stand a TOTAL lack of water. And it took a mild heat stroke, after moving back down Texas way, to learn to be more careful about heat+humidity!

I agree. Add fresh tomato to msmarion's burger and I'll have one, too! I just read a Cooks Illustrated article about juicy burgers. They grind beef (flank and short ribs I think) in a food processor and never pick it up. Just lightly push into patty form on wax paper. Sounded so delicious that I'm tempted to give it a try. DH would certainly get a chuckle out of me using the food processor as a meat grinder. I would go REALLY ballistic if I went to all that trouble and some 'helpful' guest decided to start whacking them with a spatula!

We got another 4 inches (as measured on my patio) from Sunday night to this morning -- and a tornado this morning to top it all off -- just an F1 that hit a small area on the east side of the city, so limited (but more than minor!) damage thank heavens. Twice this summer downpours were so heavy (4-5 inches in a hour or so) that the storm sewers were overwhelmed and folks were kayaking in the streets. This is unusual; although late winter and early spring will be quite wet, by July things are usually good, sometimes too dry. The city is planning a 3rd fogging for mosquitoes this week -- usually happens only once in a summer (not that I notice the fogging is particularly effective) -- because they are seeing a lot of West Nile virus in the mosquitoes they've trapped.

Yes, I think we could throw a protective cover over a bush or two or five if need be. I went ahead and planted my potted Anna Jung, Acadia Louisiana Tea, Souvenir de Pierre Notting, and Tamalpais Homestead Tea from Rosepetals (August 2018) and Spanish Beauty (Madame Gregoire Staechelin) from Greenmantle (March/2018). I am hoping for the best. Like you say, Ingrid, getting them in before the heat seems wise. This doesn't look like a sunburning week either. Yes, KS, it is a trick picking the best time. I bet your GH will do great! My baby one has made it through winter fine and really looks ready to shoot up. The rose leaf buds are all starting here. The potted roses are all going in when the ones in the ground already are starting to grow. I hope they know what they are doing.