Callfornia Tomatoes

California oranges--we all heard about those--yummy citrus fruits that look wonderful while stll on the trees dotting the green leaves and brown branches with their color. And those fabulous artichokes! Nothing like them. But what about tomatoes. No one boasts about California tomatoes. I don't know why. Californians don't know anything about the sweet tart taste of a juicy New Jersey tomato. Why can't we grow them here? I haven't found the secret. Still I soldier on with various tomato plants, manures, fertilizers, composts and all the rest. Still have to find a really good local tomato.

Clouds, More Clouds and Still a Drought

Does anyone understand the strange weather we have here in Southern California? It's been 5 years since we had a good rainfall and now we are sadly on the brink of running out of water. Our reserves are way down and beginning to enter the red danger zone. Overhead the sky is heavy with fluffy white clouds and black storm clouds. Sometimes at night there is a tiny sprinkle but any H2O evaporates as soon at it hits the ground. TV weathermen "warn" us about the impending thunder storm but have yet to see a true example. I would delight in a summer thunder storm like the ones we have back on the East Coast. You know --the ones that leave that wonderful clean smell in the air when it is all over.
My garden and my thirsty plants would appreciate it as well.