daffodils – Dear Liza

Rainy Walk

Dear Liza,

Now that I am feeling strong again, and Grandpa Nelson is well enough that I feel comfortable leaving him for a while, I took a walk out to see what last night’s storm had been up to.

The bioswales in the neighborhood are doing their job, collecting rain water as it washes down the street and holding onto it. This allows it to filter slowly into the water table instead of washing tons of street trash and pollutants into the river, making for a cleaner Willamette as well as these lovely little water-gardens.

In Laurelhurst Park, the wind blew down a lot of small branches, as well as turning the Ravine into a mud puddle as big as your house. No dogs were out running around today!

The ducks on Firwood Lake were enjoying all the rain, splashing and having very meaningful conversations. A drake and a hen even swam off together, bobbing their heads and making plans for a more permanent relationship.

And of course, the local daffodils are always impatient for spring! These are up and already have yellow buds, for goodness sake. They are hearty, these daffodils.

I’m glad I got out to see the rain, but very grateful for a warm fire and dry socks once I got in.

And this was what my hat looked like when I got back!

Love,

Grandma Judy

Spring… At Last?

Dear Liza,

This winter has felt extra cold and wet. We have, in fact, had four inches more rain than last year, and a few more nights that went below freezing. But spring can’t wait forever!

We are seeing tiny signs of it everyday. Snowdrops have sprouted in yards in our Sunnyside neighborhood, cheering up some very muddy gardens.

This amazingly tall azalea bush in Laurelhurst Park bloomed last week in a burst of energy. This week, leaves too tiny to photograph are showing up.

The local daffodils are thinking about blooming, but aren’t sure. With the cold and snow we’ve had lately, I don’t blame them for being a bit reluctant.

But on our walk yesterday evening, we had a clear sunset, and today we have sun! It is predicted to get above 50F, which means I can spray the protective coating on your book cover and wrap it up for delivery.

See you soon!

Love,

Grandma Judy

Everything’s Waking Up!

Dear Liza,

I don’t have anything planted in my garden yet, but a whole lot of plants are awake and blooming in the neighborhood.

Jonquils, sometimes called daffodils, are very showy.

There are tall ones over a foot high, who sort of look down on the other plants, and tiny little ones that bloom on stalks about three inches long.

And the deep purple of the crocuses is a nice contrast to the bright velvet green of the moss.

A few streets away, I found quince trees blooming in incredible combinations of colors. One of the ladies said I could come back in the fall and help her pick them. I’ve never made quince jam, but I’m willing to learn.

Happy Spring!

Love,

Grandma Judy