Work and other activities have kept us extraordinarily busy lately, but one of my greatest pleasures is a daily walk through the garden at about 4:30 pm. It's still warm and sunny, and I can see everything that has changed during the day. And every day, there is something new to look at.

We're still hoping for a very rainy March (a miracle, in other words) as El Nino definitely hasn't impacted us the way we were hoping.

As I've said before, I've had to work at adjusting my attitude where the lack of rain is concerned. I'm just trying to enjoy this warm, sunny Spring, without thinking about the hot Summer that will soon arrive. Green hills and abundant growth are a fleeting thing here in dry California, so it makes sense to just soak it in while it lasts.

It's hard not to be delighted by all the changes I see in the garden each day. Yesterday, I surprised a lizard, sunning itself on the unused plant marker bricks I have laid by the train shed. I spied a cedar waxwing just next door, eating privet berries.

The first true leaves of a cherry tomato

On my walks, which have been unfortunately quite brief, it's fun to see the wildflowers blooming; mustard, poppies, buttercups, hairy vetch.

We're enjoying eating fresh greens every day, either in morning scrambles or as a side for dinner. Salad turnips have been abundant, and we eat them sliced and raw like radish. The chickens get daily greens that are already going to seed and sending up bright yellow flowers.

Soon we'll be eating peas and carrots and broccoli.

Every night, we leave a window or two open to let in fresh air. It's been in the high 40's every evening and the low 70's every day. As soon as nighttime temps reach about 55 degrees consistently, it'll be time to think about planting summer crops.