Yesterday I dug out a 4 by 10 foot garden bed. There are a number of these on the ranch — nicely built, with wooden sides and wire underneath to keep the gophers out. They’re completely overgrown, though, and it took me a good 45 minutes to dig this one out. In fact, it’s just one of four contiguous beds. The other three are also in the photo, but they’re unrecognizable. This should be a great bed for melon or squash.

While I was digging I uncovered a western skink with a bright blue tail (http://www.californiaherps.com/lizards/pages/p.s.skiltonianus.html). I’m glad to say I didn’t hurt it, but I got a good look before it zipped away into the grass.