I stopped resolutions and instead I set a few goals for the year. I have a few long term ones and some short ones. I want to work on the irrigation system after spring flush and a brick path after that. Last time I dug irrigation trenches, my sister said it looked like I hired a personal trainer. I've got digging to do this week and next moving some big roses. It will be the year of the shovel here. Also, I want to make a line of storage boxes along the shady wall with hinge tops from some free lumber I got and then they can act as a long bench. I need a place for all the pots and watering cans, etc. They live stacked up behind the shed now and leaves fall in and make a mess. I worry about raccoons breaking some of the more delicate pots. It would be nice if I had some gloves and tools and slip on garden shoes outside because I jump in and start before changing shoes or I go to clip a rose without gloves and if they were right there outside, I could just walk over and sit down on the bench and get some gloves without having to go in for the key to the outdoor shed. That spot under the eaves is nice and dry and shady. The first thing I did this year was to plant annuals along the sidewalk beds so people would have something colorful and nice to look at while I work on digging and pruning and mulching.

It actually ended up that southern California got most of the rain, which is very unusual. Here in Fullerton in North Orange County I measured 7.5 inches in my rain gauge so far in the five days it has been raining almost continuously, with still one more day of this predicted. Luckily it has been a warm gentle rain, so almost all of it soaked in and little runoff so far. Tomorrow possible thunderstorms are predicted so that can change. I was doing a little research and in 1862 it rained for 45 days straight, so much rain that the state went bankrupt. In recent years the only years comparable to this year were 1969 and 1986. With the soil now saturated, if we get some very strong winds we could see a lot of trees down. But anyway, I expect next year to be a banner year for my fruit trees and garden as this rain has hopefully leached the salt buildup out of my soil from watering it with salty Colorado River water from the hose and softened the clay to where the roots can grow in it.

Thanks for the link. The pictures are great and it looks like a great place to hike. beverly

My Abe has been a very good plant, but has declined some since this picture was taken. Mine is by the hot street and blooms usually don't fry but guess we don't get as hot as Las Vegas. I do spray but not so much after June. My Evelyn plant has never been vigorous. I have a friend with two good plants of Evelyn. I think I'll sp my Evelyn this year and try again in a different location. To me Abe is more beautiful and fragrant, and repeats well. Abe with Carefree Beauty to the right :