weatherpruf

Yes, which makes dismal wet winters seem longer, if followed by dismal wet springs, hence people complaining. It has been tough for gardeners and farmers this year, and part of the rivers used to transport grain are too high and barges can't get through, leaving crops to rot. Among other problems. And the mosquitos, my God, they are vicious this year. That's one species that climate change could make even worse.

We never got the big storms here, and for two days I skipped fishing trips waiting for the bad weather, which never came. Unfortunately we have an easterly flow now, not good for boating and fishing, at least in the ocean. Meh, fishing has sucked anyway, but we were hoping for some porgies to show up. They haven't. Can feel the humidity starting to build up again.

Not looking forward to that, but I will be in Va beach ( family likes the place; not me ) where I'm sure it will be hotter.

Worrisome news but not at all surprising. Why the unusually cool wet springs though? My garden took a beating in the spring; I lost a lot of crops and had to replant, often using plastic raised beds and pots, which hold heat better but dry out too fast. Now I have produce coming out of my ears; once it got hot they took off. Interestingly, tomatoes don't set fruit over around 85 degrees; you need a cooler period before that. Once fall comes they will start setting again, but the results are never the same.

I have been there on Memorial Day and been able to swim in a lake ( albeit a bit cold ) and I have been there when it was downright frigid.....2012 or 13 was like that, and in snowed in upstate NYC IIRC, or somewhere up there...

It is impervious to Roundup, which I wouldn't use anyway until they sort out the cancer stuff.

The stems can be used like rhubarb.

Don't ever change, Unc!

I think I remember one in 1982....I still had hair and was wearing a Members Only jacket....

One other fun fact, it's actually edible and not bad from what I have read.

It talks back, tells you it hates you, you're a loser, and then asks for a 20$?

It's attraction to bees is actually cited as a good thing. It was so thick along the Bronx River that homeless camps were able to exist in them unseen from the outside. They are considering bringing in a natural predator from Japan, but the concern is that it might also attack other plants.

If you get a backhoe and remove down to about 10 feet you might be ok.....

Worst summer ever. But it came after a blockbuster winter at least, one of the greats. But summer? Couldn't even go for a swim, water was too cold.

Speaking of weeds, the cold hasn't bothered the knotweed, the invasive plant from Japan, which makes kudzu look quaint.....it nearly took over the Bronx River area. In the UK they won't even issue you a mortgage if the stuff is found in your yard. Have you seen it? You bet. Go down to any local stream, you'll see the banks covered with it. The roots can be the extent of a football field; they can grow up through foundations. Like something outta Dr. Who....