Portland in winter – Dear Liza

Storm Damage

Dear Liza,

We went for a walk between the last storm and the next one, and saw what all that wind, ice and rain had wrought on some of our wonderful trees.

Sunnyside neighborhood was built around 1895, and I can believe that some of these trees have been here that long. The enormous trees are what gives this part of town its charm. But huge trees planted in skinny parkways aren’t always a good idea. There just isn’t enough root ball to support the tree, and disaster can result.

This tree apparently gave a great lean, but stopped before hitting anything. The urban arborists were called, and a quick chain saw saved several houses and power lines.

This wonderful giant fell all at once, probably when it was coated with ice and blustered by winds. It fell across the street, taking down part of a roof and power lines and ripping up a chunk of sidewalk.

I imagine amidst all the crashing and blowing, the lights went out, as well. A terrifying night.

And finally, this power pole came down across from the bank.

Our next rainstorm has just started, and it is really coming down.
Stay strong, trees! We love you!

Love,

Grandma Judy

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

Some Serious Rain

Dear Liza,

In Portland, winter is wet and grey. That’s part of what I love about living here. But usually, the rain is slow and gentle… a few days of rain can total an inch or so.

But this past weekend, we had a STORM. The rain came thick and fast, blowing against the north, then the south, sides of the house, waking us all up. There were almost three inches of rain in just a few hours!

Luckily, Portland is designed for rain. The streets are properly built to make the water flow into the bioswales, which collect water and let it soak gently into the ground instead if carrying trash and pollutants to the river.

With a well designed city and a nice warm house, I can sit by the window and smile with the rain.

Love,

Grandma Judy

And then, Snow!

Dear Liza,

Saturday morning, we woke up to snow. It was just a dusting, and we went back to sleep. A few hours later, it was STILL snowing, and Grandpa Nelson decided it was time for a proper snow adventure, so we bundled up and headed off.

First, we saw our walkway, decorated with snow. The gnomes were wondering who put out the lights, apparently.

Then we noticed some tulips that had not seen the snow coming. I hope they can spring back!

Laurelhurst Park itself is lovely in any weather, but is a Narnia sort of beautiful in the snow. The Ravine always looks like Mr. Tumnis is going to show up any moment.

As we walked around, we saw dozens of families enjoying the snow. There were snowmen, snowball fights, dogs dashing around. It was a winter wonderland… in March. I will show you the snowmen tomorrow.

The lake was very pretty through the trees, as the snow came down and sat on the surface for just a minute before melting.

After our walk, we came in and hung our wet clothes up in front of the fire, and spent the rest of the day alternately watching TV and snow!

Love,

Grandma Judy

Hoyt Arboretum, Part 2

Dear Liza,

The Hoyt Arboretum kept showing us things we didn’t expect.

Coming out of the forest, we saw a grove full of lacy bamboo with something…odd…hanging in it. We headed down stone steps and past a Japanese style gate to where we found this sculpture, called Basket of Air, by Ivan McClean. The sphere is about 6 feet in diameter, and it is suspended over a creek by cables attached to three bamboo poles. The “basket” is made of steel but looks as light as a soap bubble. It was so surprising, I laughed out loud! I want to visit it at other seasons, to see how it looks different.

**Basket of Air by Ivan McClean Photo Credit Bridgett Spicer**

We headed off to The Holly Loop, where all sorts of holly bushes are growing. From the top of the loop we could see Mt. St. Helens, a volcano only sixty four miles away from Portland. Maybe we will go visit it sometime.

When we had seen all the forest we wanted, we started back down.

But wait! There’s the Veteran’s Memorial! Grandpa Nelson and I hadn’t seen it, but Auntie Bridgett had. She sat down to draw while We walked around.

The memorial is in a large ‘bowl’ in the shape of a spiral, and near the top are plaques remembering the Oregonians who died in the Viet Nam War. The war went from the 1950s to 1973, when Grandpa Nelson and I were growing up. My brother Tim was in the war, and Grandpa Nelson would have been if his draft number had come up. This war always feels more personal than others.

The cold started to creep through our coats and gloves, and the sun on the moss was chillier. We picked up a very shivery Auntie Bridgett and headed home, for sure this time. Tea and hot cocoa, a rest, and then dinner, put us right.

Photo Credit Bridgett Spicer

Love,

Grandma Judy