We just got through the rainiest wet season on record here. According to The Mercury News: "Between October 2016 and February 2017, California averaged 27.81 inches of precipitation, the highest average since such records began being kept in 1895, according to data released ....by...the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration."
Of course, there were the usual gorgeous sunsets, rainbows, and cloud formations. We even had some "snow". Most of the plants around the house and on our decks and balconies fared well. And, as the rains tapered off, we added some new ones.
Among what's growing here, we can include our 3 month old grandson, Stanton. What a difference a couple of weeks can make at this age!
Weather
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The rains took care of our drought, but left some messes behind,
such as these landslides on the Montclair RR Trail |
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| Rocks and trees make this part of the paved trail impassable |
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| Snow - granular and short-lived, but still snow |
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| Mt Diablo with a dusting of snow on top |
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We spotted a wisp of smoke across the canyon.
Fortunately, we found out it was from a controlled burn by the
East Bay Regional Parks staff. It was finally wet enough to risk one. |
Flora
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We discovered that when we changed to drought resistant plants in our front yard
a few classic spring bulbs were left behind and the rains brought them out |
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| One lonely daffodil |
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A very healthy, many-stemmed lupine that has the fragrance of grapes
Grown from seed every year |
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| These yellow flowers spring up like dandelions in grassy areas |
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| The carnation and geraniums seemed to like the cooler, wetter weather |
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| Double blossom primroses potted and ready for a home on the deck |
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A short walk from our house is a home with a wonderful
stand of magnolias. They're just starting to drop their blossoms. |
Fauna
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| California Scrub Jay at the peanut dish |
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Finally, some decent photos of one of the Steller's Jays |
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About to take off and hide its peanut
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Stanton
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| Loves to be propped up to see the world like big people |
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| He's found his fists |
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| Off comes the sticker |
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A new exercise and entertainment center
for a new phase of growth - the Jumperoo |
The Rest of Us
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| Erika's paczki for Fat Tuesday |
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At the International Women's Day rally in Oakland, CA |
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| Jigsaw puzzle #6 finished |
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Erick made a planter for morning glories.
They should be sprouting soon. |
And to wrap up:
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| Sunset on the evening of the full moon |
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| March full moon |
