Marlene, you will love gardening in the Bay Area. My only advice (as much has been proferred already) is to think "Mediterranean". California has the most extreme of the 5 Mediterreanean climates in the world, with the longest dry season, from April to November (though this year was very odd, with some rain into early June). What will prosper are the winter-growing plants, which excludes virtually everything you are used to in Michigan. Even some mediterraneans that grow back East, such as lavender or acanthus, become summer dormant and winter/spring active here in their native climate. Water is a big, big issue and it's only going to get bigger, so it's best to start from the beginning thinking "low or no water". The East Bay Municipal Utility District (which serves some of the areas you mention) has a great book you should buy: Plants and Landscapes for Summer-Dry Climates (http://www.ebmud.com/conserving_&_recycling/plant_book/default.htm) that can get you started on appropriate plants. And there's hundreds of native California plants that will allow you to use no summer water at all. Energy is a big issue here. California is 49% dependent on natural gas for electricity generation, and as you may have read, natural gas production in North America has peaked, so prices are going to keep going up. That means electricity and natural gas for heating are going to get much more expensive. The state, however, is proactive, and you can get rebates on many energy-efficient appliances and lighting products (the ones that are Energy Star rated). And of course, don't forget succulents. They are generally cute little houseplants back East but they are great outdoor garden plants here. And about as drought-tolerant as you will find. Happy moving! David

I'm here, a2g! TG, good news on the jaw thing. It sounds like your guy is taking a careful approach. Also love the doors! :) raee, sorry you went through the abscess experience, too. It seems it's not as uncommon as one would think! Great news on the leaves. I put out a call on Freecycle for people's bagged leaves. Specifically mentioned I wasn't volunteering to rake their yards, but could keep more out of the landfills if it were already bagged. I gotta pick that up, but at least my new garden bed will have a strong leaf layer! And sorry about the deer. They've done some damage here, but mostly kept away I think because of my dog. Now that she's gone...? (Shhhh! don't tell 'em) cal_quail, glad HD is stepping up, at least with the plumber thing. I wonder if they care about this stuff, or if they continue to recommend these (dumb) companies? I've been working hard on my newest garden bed. I'm going Hugelkulture and it's coming along nicely. One of my goals was not to buy anything for it. I didn't realize that was a goal until I started thinking about the lasagna layers. Anyway, I've got the wood from OCD reuse center purchases (and have enough for 2 more beds) and am starting to collect the timber (junk wood) to put in the bottom. I was seeing all kinds along the road, when my neighbor took me to two woodpiles he has, which for some reason he's not using. Aged wood won't pull the nitrogen out of the soil as energetically. Plus, I've been bringing home 5 gallon buckets of coffee and tea grounds to compensate for that. I have pictures, but am working off old phones. (No $$to take my old phone to the repair place, to consolidate probably lost info onto the old SIM card, to transfer it to the new phone I've had for 3 months now.) It is my hope to be able to go back and post some pics appropriately. BTW. Anyone remember the generic Blutooth pin for the Motorola Razr phones? They were extremely popular, so I'm hoping. :) I've tried the most common ones, but so far, no go. If I can figure that out, I can transfer a bunch of pics to my computer. These phones have lost the capability to email pics, and one just can't take 'em anymore. When do those abilities expire? Grrrr... In the meanwhile, here's a picture I'd sent to my sister of my latest adoption (last August), Buster. He's put on a few since meals are regular:

Ok, so what if it's 2:36 a.m. in Georgia -- it's only 11:36 p.m. here in California, so it's still your birthday! Happy Birthday, Liz!

I remember reading that...but it's still just as funny.... I am completely surprised that I didn't find a post from me on there...My DH has done a few things during our 42 years that I tell on him every now and then. patti