.: evil jungle prince :.

Before I made my way to San Francisco last week, I stopped over in Sacramento to visit my mother and help spiffy up her garden. Now that she's getting older, taking the proverbial machete to the vines which quickly dominate the other garden plants has become more and more of a challenge. Not too many years ago, I used to dread such chores. Fortunately, however, at this stage in my life I love gardening. How things change.

As I worked my way through the garden this time, I began noticing my mother's penchant for the color purple. From purple passion flowers to purple tulips, her garden is ruled by this majestic hue. Armed with my new camera, I began snapping photos.

Mom's blood orange tree produced only one orange this year due to the excessive rains in Northern California this past month. I find these fruits so beguiling because they are full of surprises. On the outside is a normal orange. But cutting into the flesh, the orange immediately bleeds a purple-red juice. So unexpected. We purchased this tree about two years ago and I plan on adopting it once mom retires, unless of course she pulls rank and takes it for herself.

I'm always amazed by how green Northern California is when I fly up there. Looking around, it's the first thing that hits me. So unlike the desert, the plants thrive everywhere whether cultivated or otherwise. It even smells green. These flowers are no exception; despite being totally waterlogged by a month of rain, they still managed to eek out an existence.

Well I am back in the desert now. To my amazement, all of my garden plans look about twice the size they were when I left -- pictures soon!