Springtime at the ranch (not quite)

The skies were blue today. The sun was shining and the wind blowing lightly. Our walnut trees just barely show signs of awakening. The orchard grass has begun to grow. Three deer stood, nibbling away, a mother and two youngsters. They didn't mind me watching for a long time, but bounded off into the scrub oak when I walked across the porch to get a better look. The daisy near the side door of the house looked very thirsty, the Grosso lavender didn't. I watered them all, just for insurance.

As the sun began setting, a cool mist enveloped me. I went inside, gathered my belongings and prepared to head back down to the Bay Area. I always hesitate as I drive away. This time, I slowed down, deciding to turn around and drive downhill to check on my home brew in the cold cupboards at the cabin. The road between the house and cabin has huge ruts, another thing to put on our to do list. A little daffodil under the cedar tree greeted me as I walked in the gate. The alyssum and viola are blooming in the wine barrel planter. Sage and Rosemary are in good shape, and as I pinch the leaves I am reminded of how fun it is to walk outside to gather herbs for dinner. Miner's Lettuce abounds. Inside, the cabin is as cold as a refrigerator. The Nocino and Vin de Noix are just fine. I haven't been down here since the big storm in December! But all is well.

Abi says it's supposed to snow at South Lake Tahoe tonight, but it's 67 degrees so she can't figure out how it's possible to get snow. Master Gardener training today was on vegetable growing in the foothills. They say no snow on the dogwoods yet, so it's too early to plant. I wonder how cold it will get at the ranch tonight?

Rain started falling hard by the time I reached the Sonoma County line.