I know that life isn't fair but still...NO FAIR! Woke up at 5 am to the radio announcing that it was 80 degrees outside with a projected high of 101 today. Then he kindly reminded everyone to drink plenty of water and not forget that we've had 24 heat related deaths in the county so far this month...make sure you check on the elderly and those without AC! Well, I spent 8 hours as one of those without AC, and I get to do it tomorrow when it's just as hot. There are 2 things I hate about the south...July and August! One of the guys I worked with today came from PA and he couldn't wait to tell me it was 65 when his wife woke up this morning. NO FAIR! NO FAIR! NO FAIR! We had a very brief thunderstorm tonight, dropped at least 10 raindrops which did nothing but add to the humidity. They were the first raindrops I've seen in weeks and I ran outside to stand in them. After a few minutes, I ran back inside so I could breath. It felt like a warm, wet wool blanket was being wrapped around my head. UGH. The gardens look worse than they ever have. Even the psycho plant (as Suzanne calls it) is starting to die. The "survival of the fittest" no longer applies. Nothing is immune to heat and drought. Nothing except ants. And cockroaches. And they seem to find the tiniest crack to gain entrance to the house. The cats do not like the ants but are quite enthralled with the roaches and I know exactly what they're doing when I hear the pitter patter of their tiny feet half the night...cockroach soccer! On the bright side, I haven't had to mow grass in weeks. Last time I remember the summer being this hot, it was followed the a winter of record snowfall. Can't help but wonder what this winter will hold in store. And on an even brighter note, I've been called for a job interview! It's a staff job with the Special Forces in an office where I turned down a job twice before. But this one is as the Chief of that office, something I've wished for for a long time. I'm surprised I was called since they usually promote from within, but it seems my reputation preceeds me. And I have many friends who are happy to spread word of my reputation around. So, I at least have a shot, and for that I'm thankful. Now, if I could have a little luck and land it, I'd be walking on cloud nine! Of course, I'd definitely wear spike heels and pierce that cloud and make it rain! Keep your fingers crossed for me! I've had enough of this fox hole, it's time for me to move on to another one.

I live near Portland and am not a native Oregonian--been here since 2001. I have found Oregonians to be friendly and polite. The Columbia River Gorge is a must see and there's plenty of hiking. Some of the waterfalls can be seen without a hike. Latourell Falls is one of my favorites. They'll be smaller that time of year because there's probably not going to be much snow melt from Mt. Hood. You could drive from Portland to Bend and spend a few nights there. Bend had been overrun with Californians, so there's good food and lodging there. There's some interesting volcanic landscaping in central Oregon, which I think you'd enjoy being from the east coast, where everything is eroded, geologically speaking. Smith Rock and the Painted Hills are pretty cool. Also Paulina Peak, which is a mountain of obsidian and like being on the moon, and Newberry Crater. I got this from their website: The crater boasts one of the most amazing collections of geological wonders found anywhere in the Pacific Northwest: cinder cones, lava flows, waterfalls, crater lakes, several gigantic obsidian flows, jagged cliffs, and steep yet forested crater walls. All of this can be seen from or encountered on the climb to the summit of Paulina Peak. (It's a short, easy climb.) I've never been to Crater Lake--just never seemed worth the drive. But from the lake you could then drive back up 5 to 42 out to the coast at Bandon. That's a pretty area and a good place to start the drive north up the coast. I haven't driven 42 but I imagine it's a long slow drive, but any drive out to the coast is. I would see the coast between Bandon and Newport because of the tide pools and wilder aspects of the coast line. At Lincoln City you could head inland to McMinnville, which is kind of a foodie place. Then go to a few wineries in the Dundee area, where you're an hour from Portland. While Cannon Beach is a nice beach town (day trip for Portlanders), there's not much between Cannon Beach and Lincoln City. It's inland and there's only the Tillamook Cheese Factory (whoop-de-do), and that adds 1 1/2 -2 hours to your drive. If you do go to Cannon Beach, go to Ecola State Park and take the drive through the forest to Indian Beach. Order their travel guides--they're excellent for having in the car with you so you know what to see. Oregon Travel Guides

I do something similar here. I germinate several hot peppers in September and then bring them inside when the temp requires. They continue to grow a decent amount, but then when the spring comes and it is time to plant, I have a good size one ready to go from the get go. I am doing it with a scorpion, ghost, hab, and golden cayennes this year.

Ironically the best early is also one of the overall best - Edward which can bear as early as March and often in May. Angie comes early, but probably not early enough. Next to Edward, Rosigold is the best early option. Choc Anon will sometimes fruit in the winter, but the flavor is only so-so despite what the people who sell it say apparently. Get an Edward - if that's not consistently early enough look at the Rosigold. My Mango Collection Is Edward - Very Early to Early (varies) Carrie - Mid Valencia Pride - Mid Late (Kent can also be used) Lemon Zest - Mid Late? Keitt - Very Late IMHO these 5 should form the basis for any mango collection where kick ass flavor & reliable extended harvest is the goal.