Raving Amicks

Neal Creek is almost frozen over and Hood River is like 99% frozen over. My grapefruit trees are in the garage loving the space heater. When it’s the coldest, it’s probably like 35 degrees aroud the trees.

Was at the Hood River Saturday market awhile ago and a lady was selling (among other things) some gigantic pine cones.   Turns out they are from a Coulter pine (native to a few small areas in So. California).   Her grandfather or great-grandfather brought some seeds back from  a trip and planted some in Hood River.   One of the trees survived to maturity.   Anyway, I bought one of the pine cones for $1   (great centerpiece) and found a few remaining seeds in the pine cone.   You guessed it – I planted some and one has come up.  Here’s a picture of the pine cone and the sprout.   The cone is 8″ long, but they get bigger.    Loggers called them widowmakers ’cause if one fell from a tree and hit you on the head – you’re a goner!