Now you know what I live in. LOL :-) I wouldn't change it for the world, except for Hawaii. Once a few years ago, I wanted to move to Florida so I could grow all the pretty stuff. I love those Florida yards where it looks like a palm palace, the ones with all the beautiful palms trimmed to perfection. Well that summer/fall we had the worst hurricanes in the gulf ever, and when those things came through Alabama, I decided right then, I would never be in Florida. There is no way I would want to rebuild my house over and over again. I wish there was a neutral spot, no storms and perfect weather.

In terms of the black pots, I notice that if I touch them the upper band (with drier soil) is warm, but somewhere lower it transitions to cooler (where more evaporation is happening). (I think the brick patio cools the same way.) I think I'm staying good now, when I can keep an eye on them and keep watering up. If I had to leave for the weekend and when Santa Anas were expected I'd probably have to crank up the timer ... to uncertain results. Cool tomorrow though, and I should be able to transplant my habenero. Small garden: 3 tomatoes, 2 eggplant, 2 peppers. If I do a crossbar trellis 8 feet long I might do more smaller pots beneath it next year, like 8 five gallon buckets in a row along the back. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Frost last weekend ...in the mid 90's for the last four days here and I HATE it. Can't walk the dogs, can't do anything and are in a drought while the rest of the country has floods. Have a bedroom unit in, but we are converting to gas furnace and central AC this week so sweating now. Bring on fall.

It's 3:36 pm and 47 degrees. A little warmer than yesterday. Was outside watching softball games all day Friday. Went and bought all our team players hand warmers. They were more than happy to have those! The wind felt soooo cold! The girls won their tournament despite the chill. It's time for inside sports..