After a month of settling in, finding a job and entertaining our first house guests, California seems like home again. Winter has been surprisingly dry, with only a day or two of rain each week: a topic which is discussed frequently by lamenting locals. When rain does grace us with its presence, I gear up in various water-repelling materials, grab my camera and prepare to get down and dirty as I scour the surrounding forest for creatures dwelling beneath rotting logs and detritus. I never gave much time to the salamanders and newts, but in searching the wet and dark places of Mendocino, I have found a new appreciation for these animals.

Opposite this dirt-smeared persona, I am also the neat and friendly hostess at the tasting room of Handley Cellars. Three days a week selling wine is plenty for me as the commute is long and gas-consuming. I learned last night that Taylor's boss for owl surveying has work for me to do at home, so extra money will be earned mapping out spotted owl territories and entering data Taylor collects in the field. Which is fine by me. The forest roads out here can be treacherous and for once in my life I'd rather not be out in the field, especially for night surveys.

Until money begins to be less of an issue, a trip back home will have to wait. The tourists have yet to arrive en masse, but when they do...they will buy, oh yes, they will buy. But I do hope to fly home possibly in late summer. Then again, there is always a spare bedroom here for anyone who wishes to use it!