Ouch, July and August are harsh times to visit Phoenix and San Diego. Bet you were miserable. I dearly love both cities but after living in Oregon for so long I must visit in cooler months. If the fish is missing with no disturbance of plants and no scales or bones laying around it was likely a bird. Heron or kingfisher. Raccoons make a mess like a tornado and cats aren't very likely to actually catch a fish and if they do they often just play with it rather than eat it so you find evidence. Birds scoop them up and swallow them whole. Hope the Scarecrow does the trick for you. Easier to transplant tadpoles in spring than adult frogs to have them stick around anyway. Adults tend to leave.

Yeah, I'm still wondering about the avocados. I had trouble growing them in my back yard when I planted a tree in the ground because my soil does not drain properly, but there is an incredibly huge avocado tree just down the street from me. Anyway, I ended up planting one in a whiskey barrel planter so that I could control the drainage better, and it produces avocados. However, I noticed a few months ago that the soil level was lowered by about 6-8", and I thought the tree had used up all the soil. Last week we transplanted it to a new whiskey barrel planter, and what had happened was that the barrel had rotten at the bottom, and everything just sank down. The tree was not root-bound, but now it has a lot more new soil. Anyway, you can get avocados from trees in planters. Mine is a dwarf.

I sowed seeds from my own plants last June, just as they were ripe from the plant. Lots of patience needed though, they finally germinated in MArch, by which point the seed tray had lost it's label (DOH!) and it was only a couple of weeks ago when the first 'true' leaves came through that I realised what they were. They had virtually all germinated, so that was pleasing. I just read though that they take 3 to 4 years to flower! Well thats my story. Perhaps it is different in California! Happy gardening Bina

Okay, I'm back.... The advice about the jackets is spot on. It can easily be 20 degrees colder in SF than in Marin, just over the GG bridge, or the East Bay (just over the Bay Bridge). That said, there are amazing bargains at Fisherman's Wharf, with fleece jackets for less than $20. Here are a few specific recommendations: Take a bus tour of the city on one of your first days there. I know some people think they are hokey, but honestly, I think they are great. You see some things that you otherwise wouldn't have time for, and it also helps you know which things you definitely want to spend time at. There used to be a good one, in a double-decker,red, English-looking bus, maybe Grayline Tours or something. Check Tripadvisor. So.... in no particular order: Find a place to rent bikes in the Marina, or close by. Ride across the GG Bridge and then back (there is a great spot to stop and take photos). When you get back to the Marina, there are zillions of places to shop, go in and get some hot soup and a baguette, latte's, ice-cream, etc. The Marina Green and Crissy Field, and Palace of Fine Arts are outstanding for people watching. Let the kids get a frisbee and play there, etc. The Exploratorium is a great hands-on museam there. There are some fabulous hills, which could be amazing fun on a bike if your kids are a bit daring and in good shape. If you have the time and inclination, it is an easy bike ride to Fisherman's Wharf from there. Fisherman's Wharf: very touristy, but your kids will love it. Pier 39 is the area with lots of shops and restaurants, and is a bit more upscale than the rest of FW. For better prices on souvenirs, sweatshirts, food, etc. look at the shops along The Embarcadero (the road that runs along the water). There were hundreds of sea lions on the docks at FW, but I seem to remember that they all suddenly left.... Lots of street artists performing, etc. There is a wonderful Cost Plus World Imports store just a block in or so, that is fun to browse. From FW, you can take a cable car to chinatown. Chinatown is so much fun, just filled with shops of stuff you and the kids will love, noisy and crowded and very authentic. Great, great, great chinese food there (again check Tripadvisor for latest recommendations). The Ferry Bldg Marketplace.: Just down the street from Fisherman's Wharf. Similar to Fanueil Hall in Boston. Lots of gourmet food stalls, street art, etc. Lots of fun. You could easily ride your bikes from FW to the Ferry Bldg. Alcatraz: I'm putting this in here, just because a lot of people seem to like it. Honestly, it is about the last place I would bother with if I was in SF, but if you do want to go, you can get a ferry from Fisherman's Wharf. GG Park: Go on a Sunday if you can plan it that way. Rent bikes. It is a HUGE park. There are a couple of fabulous museams. You can rent row boats at the Stow Lake Boathouse (and get icecream etc. there too). There is a herd of buffalo, a Japanese Tea Garden, ...Bring a map of the park with you. Despite lots of signage, it is very easy to get lost (ask me how I know, LOL!). The kids will see all kinds of neat people there, street art, musicians, etc. North Beach: this is the Italian area of the City. Great family style italian restaurants. Be forewarned, there are also lots of burlesque show type things in this area, with barkers outside trying to lure you in. They are generally pretty respectful of families, but just a heads up. Tennessee Valley: This is north over the GG Bridge, and is part of the Golden Gate Recreation area. 101 North, take the Stinson Beach exit, and you'll see signs. Fabulous trails, and you can actually hike right down to the beach, which is pretty neat. Mt. Tamalpais (Mt. Tam) is another fabulous hike in this area). Muir Woods: this is the nearest redwood grove to SF. It's a wonderful spot, and an easy drive north over the GG bridge. Try to get here first thing in the day. The parking gets more and more difficult throughout the day. You should definitely plan to drive 101 North as far as you want to go, but at least for a few miles. Lots of hairpin turns, ocean waves crashing against steep cliffs, etc. If you think you want to venture outside the immediate area, consider Carmel, about 2 hours south of the City. It is a wonderful little spot. The Carmel/Monterrey area is home to the famous Pebble Beach golf course, the amazing 17-mile-drive scenic route, with lots of amazing homes on the coast, etc. Carmel itself is a charming village, and is where Clint Eastwood runs a restaurant (the Hog's Breath Inn), and was mayor for awhile. Home to some famous people, shopping, dining, sightseeing. There is a wonderful aquarium in Monterrey, which adjoins Carmel. You'll see darling sea otters in Monterrey Bay. Okay, that should get you started. Keep a city map with you all the time, so that you can take advantage of nearby things when you suddenly find yourselves with a free hour.... have a BALL!!!!