THE DUST WILL WAIT

There are many things I thought about sharing that could tell you so much about my little corner of the world. When I first moved here 38 years ago, the local growers of Italian descent were famous for their sweet onions. They still grow them, but the wineries are now the tourist draw. Perhaps people grab a bag of onions when they are in season to compliment their wine purchases. That thought makes me giggle. The rolling wheat fields are picturesque and for many years the backbone of our agricultural economy. There's the state penitentiary on the hill that houses many guests who would prefer to be somewhere far away. One university and two colleges keep the town filled with energy in learning, music, and art. One can't walk down the street without being influenced by the culture of youth. But, the one thing that stands tall above them all are the beautiful Blue Mountains. They are the arms of the seasons that wrap us in their ever changing embrace. They are the giver of streams...

This is week two in Elizabeth Joy's plan to rise above the winter blues and to plant the blogosphere with wild flowers. I'm just getting my post in under the wire. Whew. Today, during my lunch break, I took these pictures of Teasel. They grow along the edge of the creek that comes out of the mountains and cuts through the middle of town. Many of you crafty people will recognize it as a popular addition to winter centerpieces and decor. I prefer to see teasel decorating the snowy walk, and providing a place for small birds to perch or hide. The snow was melting today. Yesterday it provided fluffy white caps and coats on the frozen plants around the region. I love teasel in any season. To join in the fun, make tracks over to the Wildflowers in Winter wonderland. Enjoy!

Friday, a furious wind rushed in over the Blues. The dust that it carried made driving precarious. When it settled there was no electricity and no trail home through the debris. Many of you know how much I loved those trees..... Our electricity returned after almost 12 hours. There are still many neighbors without. I am so thankful for our dedicated power and phone service people. God Bless Them! What a way to begin a new year.

In 2006, we were approached by the Hospice Board of Directors with the request that we consider being a host for the next year's fund raiser. The date was already set: September 8, 2007. There were so many things that kept us busy this summer; I was positive that our yard wouldn't be ready for the event. However, last week we battened down the hatches and spent every day after work cleaning, weeding, pruning, and generally getting dirty. The hubby's sister joined in the chore. Then Amanda drove from Portland on Thursday. She worked her fingers to the bone on Friday helping her dad shovel fresh bark on the flower beds. Saturday morning our yard was ready!! Eight other families joined us in opening their homes for this years Pond & Garden Tour fund raiser. It was a great success. The hubby counted over 400 people visiting our house. It was much more fun than I anticipated. Total exhaustion at the end of the day was something else that we were not expecting. Sunday...

We took the long way home today. This picture emphazises why we call it living in the valley. We are caught in a painters pallette between winter and spring. Dropping over the last hill, we found ourselves in the direct path of Willie and Waylan, two Percherons, that were being lead from the north pasture to the stable for a good scrubbing. Look at those huge feet. The owner said, " Sure you can take a picture. People are always asking if they can take pictures. But, you have to promise me that you'll check out our web site and let your readers know that these big boys are mighty purty when they are clean and dressed up. " Willie was very friendly and enjoyed the attention. He weighs in at 2000 pounds. I think that is why we hit it off so quickly. His buddy Waylan, is about 200 pounds trimmer. As promised, I linked to their home page plus grabbed their getting hitched photo. Well, hitched to a Carriage and taking part in someone's wedding ceremony. Imagine ri...

Our town fathers were visionary. They planted trees and designed streets to showcase original architecture. Current civic leaders are committed to revitalizing the old and carrying on the tradition of creating beauty and substance. (click on the photo for a better view) There are 18 public parks (and facilities). That is a lot for a town of under 35,000 people. This year all of our snow fell in Colorado or New York. The trees are naked, but not ashamed. There were trees on every corner. Wind, age, and disease take their toll. Most property owners replace those lost. More. On a rainy day I see their reflection. They have spread their branches over many changing seasons. An old evergreen provides color in stark contrast to the gnarled ancient deciduous. But, their glory will come with summer. Pretend that is a moat around a castle. It rained much last night. A house and tree from my non existent passenger's view. One of the six elementary schools. The structure on the far ri...