Still unseasonably warm, and very, very dry. Never thought I would be irrigating and watering in February but this extended warmth is causing lots of plants to sprout, and the soil is dry down to 6 or 8 inches.

Yesterday I sowed snow peas, lettuces, spinach, kale and onions. Had to really hunt for the Red Russian kale, which is my favorite. Also am trying another variety of Red Russian called Red Winter which is supposed to be sweet even without frost, which should make it a good spring sowed variety. Leaves are supposed to be even more tender than the standard Red Russian.

Laid out new irrigation hose in a few of the beds today, divided a stone crop that was here when I moved in and looked pitiful last summer with the crown dying out, and dug and moved ginger lilies and irises. Wrong time of year to move the irises, but I had stuck them in the ground willynilly 2 years ago - literally grabbed a shovel, dug a hole in the turf, tossed in some compost and then the irises. It kept them alive but just barely, and the grass had all come back.   When we made our pilgrimage to Eastern Kentucy 2 years ago to visit old family graveyards, my 84 year old cousin encouraged Dad and I to dig some of the irises growing on the grave of my great-great grandmother. My cousin's mother had planted them originally. I had planted my Dad's properly and they bloomed last year. They are a very old-fashioned looking iris, two-toned, and have the somewhat smaller flowers typical of many heirloom bearded iris.

Theoretically, I have now come inside to clean house, do laundry, pay bills and make a grocery list. Can't quite make the mental transition yet. Think I'll go fill the bird feeders.