That was a phrase on Michigan TV that referenced sudden changes in winter weather and road conditions. In a broader context, condition changes have been on my mind quite a bit lately, along with responding when conditions change. I still have a logic model example for air quality to complete; it didn't make last weekend's ‘Done' list though it was prominently on the ‘To-do' list. I redirected some effort to address some changes in conditions and there seem to be a number of those going on right now.

Teams from UC ANR have been assembled to develop short-term and long-term responses to upcoming vacancies in the leadership team. We will short term plan with the REC directors tomorrow and the County Directors next week. In that same window of time, or shortly thereafter, we will share a proposal for a longer-term solution with these same groups and a group of academics, seeking alternate and better ideas or support for what is proposed. It's an interesting exercise in that looking back really provides an opportunity to better see forward. And I think it isn't often that there is an opportunity to throw a number of positions/responsibilities into a hat and see what comes of it. The interim plan will rely on a number of people adding some things to their plates and perhaps doing something other than their favorite tasks but it also provides an opportunity to walk in other's shoes, if only for a few steps. Success depends on what I call the Southwest Attitude – being willing to do what needs to get done for the sake of the organization and the people that are the foundation.

I was on a Southwest flight yesterday and it really had me wondering why it is that the flight attendants are so much funnier on that airline. I wonder what the interviews are like. And is the humor just inherent in the employees or is there something about the company itself that is reflected in employee behavior? The attitude seems to pass on to the passengers perhaps making tolerable the fact that, clearly, I will clearly always be in boarding group C.

The flight landed in Long Beach. This is my first trip to Long Beach and my first time attending a UC Master Gardener conference. I've seen some familiar faces from my trips around the state (Ventura, Inyo, Lake Counties) and am meeting many more of our dedicated volunteers. There are a number of exhibits and a marketplace where one could buy succulents or even a book on how to grow them. Obviously buying more plants is not a wise investment for me. And not being much on reading instructions, I decided the marketplace, as a whole, wasn't for me. Congratulations to LA County Master Gardeners for taking first place in the Search for Excellence competition. The group developed the Grow LA Victory Garden Project! I particularly like the first place photo in the ‘Critters in the Garden' competition, by Tom Furnanz of Calveras County. To see all of the winning entries for the various competitions, take a look at Laura Snowden's recent UC ANR blog post.

The status of our house sale in Michigan has suddenly changed. So that's both exciting and a bit hectic all at the same time given the timeline. But it will be a welcomed change in conditions. And the timing is actually quite good because it syncs with other changes such that everything in Michigan is wrapping up in an almost coordinated manner. Good to know that not all condition changes are from rain to sleet to snow.

I had better get on that logic model before my thoughts are redirected.