laurelhurst in winter

Snow Day 2024, Part 1

Dear Liza,

It was 16 degrees F and overcast Sunday morning, but Auntie Bridgett and I decided we should go see what all that snow and cold had been up to while we were snuggled inside.

We bundled up in layers and layers, made sure our phones were charged, and headed out. There was plenty to see right around the neighborhood.

Roses were being brave,

trees were surrendering to gravity,

and adventurous families were off to the park!

Inside Laurelhurst Park, the Ravine became the best sled run ever, because you get sliding on the way out and on the way back!

The whole west end of the park was full of bundled-up kids and happy dogs, all being shepherded by chilly, patient grown ups. Happy squeals and panicked shouts were a fine sound track.

Once we got to the flatter part of the park, the shouts and squeals died away and the crackly stomps of winter could be heard. I’ll tell you about that tomorrow!

Love,

Grandma Judy

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

Signs of Spring

Dear Liza,

Yes, the snow is barely melted in the neighborhood, but the sun came out yesterday and showed us some signs of spring.

A mighty Laurelhurst tree, down in the storm

At Laurelhurst Park, the totally saturated ground and heavy ice from our last storm caused another great tree to fall. This is on the edge of what I call The Ravine, and has been in many of my photos of this part of the park. It was angular and leaning and beautiful.

It is sad to see such a fine specimen down. This cusp between winter and spring can be difficult to navigate safely.

But there are more gentle signs of spring. Tiny crocuses coming up beside napping angels.

Early blooming trees cheering us up and letting us know that winter doesn’t last forever.

The list of folks getting vaccinated grows every day, making us all safer. And when we get ours, life will get more mobile and more fun. Then I will get to come visit you. And that will be very sweet.

Love,

Grandma Judy

Chilly Laurelhurst

Dear Liza,

You knew I couldn’t stay inside forever, didn’t you?

Yesterday afternoon, after two days baking, writing, sewing and listening to music in the house, I went out for a walk. It wasn’t even four o’clock yet, but it was very much going-on-dark.

I carried the umbrella, because it was raining, but it mostly got in the way of me looking up at the trees. I folded it up.

The park wasn’t empty. There were couples and singles, out walking. Mostly without dogs, which is unusual, and no joggers at all. Maybe the ground was too slick for them.

I like walking by myself sometimes, because I can think my own thoughts and not worry about trying anyone’s patience as I take six pictures of the same tree. Dark, rainy afternoons are especially good for this.

On the way home I enjoyed watching the traffic signals reflecting on the wet road. What a pretty planet we live on!

Love,

Grandma Judy