California Gardening: California winter #2, 1 by SingingWolf

SingingWolf wrote:
JD, take your camera and get photos of the LA river. Did you know that they use to run steam boats up the LA river. I saw a picture some where and I just couldn't believe it myself, at the time.
WC, I am glad that you made it home safely, and I hope that all your trees were strong and are still standing, and you didn't loose any pots.
Linda, you have my deepest sympathy. I am sad to report I lost my buddy, Berthold the Chinese Goose. ES came in and told me that he had died of old age. Bless his heart. See photo.
I cried for a while 'cause Bertie was so gentle that he would eat right out of your hand and never nip a finger. He'd always Honk, hello when he saw us. He was brave too, and more than once alerted us to coyote attacks and once when the bobcat/cougar came by thinking he'd get a quick bite. His spirit and his Honk will be sorely missed. I feel really bad for his daughter, Pretty Gertie. She hasn't honked once since we buried him. She does have chickens and a peacock for company though.
My son took care of digging the grave under the walnut out back, we covered it with the dog house to keep our dogs from undoing his work. All of our small pets are buried there. Still very sad.
Linda, I am glad that your Olivia is suffering less pain, and she is still with you to comfort you.
Twincol, yes get rid of those old nests now. Great time, although I'd spray them if you suspect someone might be in there with that Raid spray that shoots out like 20 feet, first. Most of them are either dormant or hunkering down to keep warm if they are still alive. I've got that huge one on the underside of the eave of the cabin, that I want to get rid of, myself.
Meat wasps eat me, I don't think they touch ants, but could be wrong. I usually see them eating on carrion, and sometimes they bother the dogs. Usually right after I've fed them. I try to feed the dogs when the wasps aren't active. The only thing I've ever seen eat wasps was a peahen who loved to run around the Pumpkin Patch and catch them. Peep was a great pea hen.
My son is growing up and being more responsible. Then again too, he was trying to soften the blow, he knows I am attached to my pets, and get emotional when they die.
Before I know it, at this rate, I will wake up one morning and ES will be all grown up!
WIB,
SW