Under the Solano Sun

A while ago, my Dad's circumstances required him to change his living situation and location. So, my Dad, my siblings and I got together to decide what would be best for him. We all decided on Eugene, OR so he could be close to one of my sisters.

According to AARP, an hour of gardening can reduce stress, boost bone density, and burn up to 300 calories, but if not done right, all of the bending, squatting, raking and lifting can compromise muscles and joints. AARP The Magazine, July/August 2010: Linda Melone.

Technology has become a part of our everyday lives. There are some fun and helpful tools available that can help with finding a plant ID. They include several Plant ID apps for your smartphone or smart device.

I have been doing my own gardening. I am, however, getting to the age when I can imagine not wanting to do it or actually not feeling/being able to do it. Pruning 75 roses, fertilizing, checking irrigation regularly, taking out the old and putting in the new.

One of the cheeriest parts of spring, in my opinion, is the Johnny-Jump-Up. No, not the Irish drinking song, but the flower, known officially known as Viola tricolor or Viola cornuta. The white, yellow and purple pansy-like flower is an ancestor of the modern pansy.