Late December and the area is looking like it should in a "normal" water year.  Rains should start in October in a normal year, but have failed to do so for most of the last ten years; however, this year has seen essentially normal rainfall in Oct, Nov, and Dec.  The only prolonged dry spell (late Nov through mid-Dec) was not exactly dry for California's Central Valley and lower foothills, as Tule (radiation) fog was present for 25 days during that period.  Following that, moderate to heavy rains occurred through late December.  Soils appear saturated, and hills are a deep green.  Minor flooding has occurred recently, with creeks full and "vernal" pools present in fields.  Waterfowl appear numerous in our area.