Susan, wild artichokes are not native to Southern California. But the are so prolific and such a problem that there are programs to eradicate them in our wildlife areas. They tend to choke out native plant species. They are beautiful though. I had considered joining on the eradication days to help do my part since I enjoy the local trails and wanted to give back something ... until I read the details which said, "you will be furnished lunch, tools and rattlesnake chaps. You just bring water and sunscreen." Rattlesnake chaps!?! No thank you. LOL Jodi-

mare_wbpa.....My DH is a certified welder. That means I have a garage FULL(3 of them) of welders to play with. The swing is done as of yesterday, I'm starting on the cushions, Sunbrella fabric was ordered & has arrived. I'll post tomorrow....

Thanks goldblush! Ava, I use the pizza dough recipe that came with my Cuisinart countertop oven. Even better than the pizza, is the fact that my 10" cast iron fits in the oven! Here's the dough recipe. I made it the day before and kept it in the frig to save time. Pizza Dough 2 1/4 tsp yeast (or 1 packet) 1 1/2 tsp sugar 1 cup warm water 3 cups flour 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1 tbsp olive oil In a liquid measuring cup dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until foamy, 5 minutes. (I make the dough by hand, but the instructions are for a food processor). Insert the dough or metal chopping blade into the bowl of a food processor. Add the flour, salt and olive oil. Pulse a few times to combine. With the motor running, pour the liquid mixture through the feed tube as fast as the flour absorbs it. Process until the dough cleans the sides of the work bowl and forms a ball. Continue to process for 30 seconds to knead the dough. Dough may be slightly sticky. Lightly coat a bowl with olive oil, add the dough, turn to coat and cover with plastic wrap. let rise for about 1 hour, the dough should double. Place on a lightly floured surface and gently fold over to punch down. Form into 2 crusts.

It's snowing again here on the outer Cape and temps are going down into the teens tonight. So here is another winter photo from our time in the Netherlands - a walk in our neighborhood during the unusual snow. seagrass