Dear Liza,
Since it is winter, Portland weather can be depended on to be cold and wet. But I have seen folks and plants lately that seem to be braving the elements.
The first folks were these roofers working on a lovely steep-roofed house on Stark Street. They have stripped off the old shingles, leaving only a bare framework of slats. Knowing they need to get the plywood, tar paper and shingles up before the weather changes must be a strong motivating factor.
Then there are plants which seem to be preparing for their best even while the radar is predicting the worst. The Daphne bush in out patio is getting ready to bloom.
In another yard in the neighborhood, this very low to the ground plant with big leaves is also defying the winter cold.
Love,
Grandma Judy
Dear Liza 