Glorious winter days. At least for now.

This is going to be a good period in Santa Cruz.  Day time highs reaching into the mid 60s and abundant sunshine makes for some wonderful days to close out the work week and continue through the weekend.  In fact, it looks like we have at least another week of this great weather on tap.  I mentioned a slight chance for showers later this week, due to the local high pressure bubble shifting north and slightly west, allowing for the storm door to creak open.  It still looks like that will happen, but that door is going to shut almost as soon as it opens.  It really does not look like anything will make its way to Monterey Bay, but there is still a slight chance for showers north of San Francisco and some light snow in Tahoe.  Hey, we will take that inch and be happy about it.

Blue winter sky.  And naked tree branches.

So, what could you do with this fine weather.  Of course, there are the usual outdoor activities like surfing (some moderate swell this week), hiking and biking.  But with this recent rain, moist soil and warming days, this is an excellent time to sow some seeds, or plant some seedlings.  What I am thinking about is mostly lettuces, spinach and other leafy plants.  You generally want to start these guys up in the pleasant periods between the cold and rain during the winter.  Just after the rain is perfect, as they will need the soil to remain moist until established.  In fact, it is even a good idea to keep the soil moist once established to give them a chance against the cold.  Get some lettuce started now, and you will be eating house salad in a few months.

Looking at the long term, there is a bunch of dynamics going on out there.  While it may seem we are right back in the pattern we were in during December, that is not quite the case.  As early as late next week, we could see some blocking setting up, and a wet pattern returning.  This is all still a ways out, but  all I am saying is do not put down your guard.  It will be a glorious week ahead, and that may continue, or it may not.  More on all that later.  For now, plan for a great weekend.