This “in-between-trips” respite has been peaceful and quiet :o) – great for recalibrating and contemplation. Can’t imagine a better place to “chill“.
Oregon Spring
Winter was wet and cold, but another intoxicating Oregon spring has begun, bringing warmer temperatures and dazzling splashes of color on blooming plants and trees. My landscaping is natural, with towering trees that block the sun and limit most flowering plants from flourishing.
I planted hearty lavender bushes around the landscape where they can grab a bit of sun, and the fragrant purple buds will open soon! Ferns, juniper, cotoneaster ground cover, and wax myrtle all do well in the woods, but no luck with more colorful flowering bushes, except for a few rhododendrons. I dream of bright, blooming azaleas, but no luck…
I’m looking forward to spring and summer hikes on nearby local trails. Hopefully, mundane spring maintenance tasks will be completed soon – beginning with overflowing gutters brimming with debris accumulated during winter storms.
Deer
There’s a small tight-knit group of deer – mostly does and teenagers – who enjoy lounging around the landscaping. They’re accustomed to seeing me futzing with plants and some come within a few feet, undaunted and clearly not afraid of my presence. They often stay for 6+ hours chewing their cud and grooming themselves and each other.
Black Bears, Squirrels, Raccoons, Turkeys, Porcupines
Neighbors have reported nighttime black bear sitings. I’ve never seen bears around my landscaping, but it does lead into the woods. During spring, anything can happen – squirrels and wild turkeys seem especially goofy, and I saw a fat, frenzied raccoon hurriedly marking off its territory.
Paintings
During the worst of winter, I spent time painting small still-life watercolor pieces. They’re simple, basic creations, but painting them was wonderfully relaxing. I haven’t shared many, but am attaching several.
Still pondering the next trip!
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