THE DUST WILL WAIT

Spring in the valley teased its way well into June.  Even July has not breathed its summer dragon in the foothills of the mountains.  (I have a narrow comfort zone so I say restrain the beast as long as possible.) And,  as the unseasonably cool breezes prompted me to wear a sweatshirt over my worn garden togs,  my eyes were drawn to something strange growing in the Physostegia Virginoiana,  aka Obedient Plant.  I studied the leaves carefully as I touched them with garden gloves.  (Why do I wear them?  I still get dirt beneath my finger nails!)   There was something very familiar about the narrow leaf and the stem that was stretching with impatience to reach the mid morning sun.  (The morning shade is a result of the neighbors ancient towering silver maples. They are a love hate relationship.) With recognition, a childhood emotion swept over me.  Memories of racing through meadows surrounded by towering firs and cedars....

 Watching the weather channel makes me feel very guilty. In some states, friends have endured weather colder than Antarctica.  But, in our little corner of the world it's been a fairly easy going winter.  The local snow pack is currently 93%, so at least the mountains around us are getting some normal winter moisture. From our back yard we can see the Blue Mountains over the neighbor's fence.  And, they're on my mind. I'm hoping that winter snow pack is protecting the beauty that bursts forth in May.  Here are some samples to distract from that polar vortex . . . . . . Lady Slippers / Orchid Family                                                           Striped Coralroot / Orchid Family Field of Balsomroot / Sunflower family Small False Solomon Seal / Lily Family ...

In early January, Elizabeth Joy brought some spring pleasure into our dreary winter days by creating a Wildflowers In Winter fun meme. I wasn't able to participate in every week's theme, but reveled in the ones I joined. Last week was a contest for kids art. I missed the deadline - but I want to share my grand kids talents, nonetheless. The first flower drawing was created by my sweet little Buttercup (4 1/2). Jammin' (almost 7) presented me with the second one. This must be vinca. I'm sure this is quince...and tulips. This week's theme is THE FIRST FLOWER OF SPRING. Last Sunday I walked up the creek and found this Oregon Grape ready to burst into yellow blossoms. I can't wait to go walking this weekend. Thank you, Elizabeth Joy , for including all of us in your prescription to cure the winter blahs.

This is the third week of Wildflowers in Winter, a wonderful weekly blogging theme presented by Elizabeth Joy . The subject for January 30 through February 5 is: Stories, quotations or poetry about wildflowers written by you or someone else. Or write a book review about a book that features wildflowers, such a guide book, picture book, travel guide or something about wildflower gardening, etc. Or Write about some special places/trails/areas to go searching for wildflowers that you are familiar with. Tell about the best time of year to go there, and what you might see. Share photographs if you have them . Take a deep breath, because this is a rabbit trail away from the rules. Last spring we attended one of Jammin's T-Ball games in Western Oregon. There were little spring blossoms everywhere in the natural park surrounding the playing field. During a lull in the action, I entertained the troops with my impression of a paper daisy vase. Hey! My granddaughters loved it. If you are...

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!

My friend Elizabeth Joy at Wildflower Morning , is inviting bloggers to join with her in an event that is sure to cheer up anyone with the winter blues. She says: Every winter I find myself longing for spring . I ju st love the warming rays of sun and the wildflowers that start to open. It is my favorite time of year. Wildflowers bring me so much joy. So, I propose some wildflower fun this winter to take us into the first days of spring. I will have a different theme each week through the m iddle of March. Join right in by making a post on your blog fitting the theme. This week, January 16-22, we will post our favorite wild flower picture from springs past. I began using a camera in June of 2006 - the same time I started blogging. Prior to that the hubby was our camera man. We had a small digital camera that was easy to use and carry. One day I dropped it on the concrete. Had I known how much I would enjoy the new camera, I would have dropped the old one much sooner. When I r...