Buon Natale to all!

E Felice Anno Nuovo!

Thanks to my cousin Tom Macaluso I watched a short TED talk this morning that reviewed the results of a 70 year and ongoing study of what makes people happy? The overwhelming conclusion is strong relationships family and social!

I am very thankful for my Family - extended and large and diverse it is! We have so many great friends as well! Thru my work and career at OCT we have developed a large number of good friends!

Now thru Macala Orchards that is happening again. Thanks to all of my family and friends who have helped us and supported us at Macala Orchards!

We are looking forward to 2016 at Macala. This time of year we are doing the work that prepares our trees and land for the annual growing season that will come soon enough.

Pruning is happening. Pomegranate trees and grape vines and guava trees are being worked on to provide for tree health and quality fruit production in the coming year. Olive tree pruning will start soon too. We only prune the trees that need it and not every year. Opening up most trees in the middle and keeping them 6 ft tall or less to allow for hand harvesting without ladders are some important goals.

We are also working on terracing and steps as some of our orchards are on slopes and hillsides.

Cultivation of soil and composting and removal of suckers is happening as well.

Grapes and figs and guavas are covered to protect against frost damage.

We have orchard Markets scheduled for January 16 and in February and March as well. Details at www.macalacompanies.com.

Interested in working with us on a harvest next fall? Let us know to get added to our harvest or list!

As we are giving thanks for the good things in 2015 and planning and preparing for 2016 ... We are ever mindful of the PEOPLE in our lives who make it good and happy!