I’ve been reading recently that the world has experienced the warmest winter since record keeping began 125 years ago. Currently we are in the midst of an early heat-wave here with daytime temperatures reaching as high as 38C (101F). Today was one of those days and many desert dwellers are concerned that this is indicative of what they could face this summer. Fortunately, the temperatures are supposed to start dropping to a more seasonal level over the next week, still hot but in the high 20’s instead of the high 30’s.

At the end of October Rick planted two little citrus trees behind our rig, our gift to the park and something we hope to enjoy over the next few years when we return. There were several times over the past few months that I was seriously concerned that they might not make it past this season, especially when we had the cold spell a couple of months back. Several days ago, Rick came in excited about the buds popping out on the trees and today they are in full bloom. There is plenty of new growth and fragrant blossoms are covering both little trees already attracting honeybees.

They do have drip tubes surrounding them and will get water all summer long. Gladys, the resident gardener, has promised to look after them and make sure they aren’t damaged by critters so I guess they’ll be alright after all. Happy St. Patrick’s Day folks!