Snow, wow! We had a couple of days of rain but now its back to sunshine and temps in the mid-teens (celsius). I have some leggy seedlings I want to move outdoors and I have to keep remininding myself it‘s only February and we could still get frosts.

Waterwise, I cant remember last February and I associate heavy rain more with spring (maybe because thats when I’m keenest to be outside and feel most annoyed by the weeks of interminable downpours we get). Last summer was worryingly dry, and early autumn too, around 70% less precipitation than average here I think.

Bart, me, too! I think your precipitation pattern has been similar to ours this winter: a dry early fall, a period of rainfall in late fall, then dry once more in the new year until recently. I get a regular view of the local reservoir on my weekly visits to see a friend, and it has never been close to brimming this winter.

Yesterday the view around the house had a uniquely Mediterranean character. Blue sky, mild air, drifts of snow on the ground; wet, green grass, sarcococca, pittosporum, palms, Salvia guaranitica, bay, phlomis; the Tea and China roses vigorously leafing out and starting to flower, and the snow-covered 'Sanguinea' in abundant bloom. Amazing. The little front garden is quite a jungle.

Climate change is upon us. When we first moved here, and for many years afterwards, February was deep winter, with the first signs of spring only creeping in toward the end of the month; and the earliest roses appeared in late April. Very different from now. I can only hope our planting for shade and coolness manages to stay ahead of the longer and longer summers....a hopelessly optimistic thought.

Hoo hoo! Snow! Our mountains just got a little and I want to go and take a look tomorrow.

We didn't get snow but we got cold wind and a little rain to wash the trees off. Yesterday the pine trees looked green and glossy with a blue sky and pretty white clouds. It was sunny and cool.

I don't think we will get much rain this year.

I saw a show about wanting to build a desalination operation up the coast from us. If it gets built we would be required to buy some of the water but it would be twice the price. Our water district is doing a good job of recycling and conservation for us and doesn't need any water right now. Lots of arguing going on.

Desalination plants may become a feature in many places. We got a brief surprise snowy shower last night, but otherwise, since the snow, nothing; and very little in the two week forecast. Living without water, hurray!