Sunday Drive

The folds of land around me that roll down from the nearby mountain range are once again lush with the green of winter wheat grown thick and rich from recent rains. As my car crests yet another rise, I am treated to the 360 degree expanse of more velvet hilltops that eventually spill into a blue valley with the faint glint of a spring rain-swollen river cutting its length. In this part of the state, where cities are few and towns are far apart, travelers are reminded of the hugeness of the earth and the grandness of nature that is often taken for granted.

I must say, Oregon does have it all, from sand dunes and ocean waves to high deserts, lush valleys, forests, and snow-capped mountains. Here’s to taking time to appreciate what we have and what we are part of and taking the personal as well as political steps necessary to protect and maintain it.

Spring Has Sprung

Or so the calendar says. Since today is supposed to be the first day of spring, I walked around to gather evidence. Sure enough, the signs are definitely here.

Grapefruit are now gracing my breakfast menu.

The eternal shadow of overcast skies have given way to the bright contrasts of the sun’s rays.

Temperatures are soaring between frosty nights and light jacket days.

Ankles can now be lost in the unshorn grass that is flushed green from rain.

Branches trimmed by hard winter winds are stacked and ready for mulching.

Our slumbering neighbors are alert and coming over to visit again and…

…friends who winter in the warmer South are back and singing in the trees.

The pond is bubbling freely and the goldfish are no longer sluggish.

Trees are budding…

…bulbs are blooming

…and the Oregon Grape bushes are awakening.

The world seems new again as we shake off the cold and grim winter greys and don spring shades of green. As surely as the Earth follows its track around the sun, life in eastern Oregon orbits the seasons. Students are reveling in Spring Break, farmers are preparing for spring tilling and planting, homeowners are reconditioning their lawnmowers. It is predictable and comforting; assuring us that the pain and loneliness of even the most brutal winter will not last forever. Life does renew itself and hearts do lighten. What seemed impossible in the dismal light of our season of waiting will reveal new avenues of hope in the dawn of spring. Be happy, be hopeful, and find joy. Spring has indeed sprung.

Hitting the Highway

Monday I made a not-so-quick one day trip to the city to pick up some adventurous New York travelers bound for EO. I worried that, in the throes of our decidedly cold weather, with some rain and wind on the side, our beloved territory would not present itself well. Deciduous trees were turning yellow, but autumn’s paintbrush was still unfinished. The overcast sky presented indigo-laden views that were beautiful to a lover’s tolerant eye, but, admittedly, more rugged and moody than usual. On the way down I stopped to take some pictures and coming home, we pulled into Multnomah Falls to show off what we usually take for granted. I am beginning to make more time for doing this, for stopping to smell the roses, per se, and it is well worth the effort. I am also learning to take my camera with me even on seemingly inconsequential runs to the store. Although I hate having one more thing to carry, and grumble at the idea of slowing my progress to pull off the road or walk around the block to get a picture, the rewards are great. Besides taking a few moments for myself amidst a busy day, I am also accumulating a visual feast of reflections of the blessings in my life. It lessens my taking things for granted, softens my American “time-is-money” attitude, sensitizes me to the beauty of even the mundane, gives me a mental break, and makes me more thankful in spirit; even on a rainy, blustery October day.

Besides all that...one of my kids is home!

Spring Rain

Today was a lazy day. I think the steady rain had something to do with it. Good for the crops, hard on my attitude. I shouldn't complain because Eastern Oregon rain is relatively short-lived and very necessary to get us through the rest of the seasons. Our side of the state has four definite and very beautiful seasons, unlike the coast and the Portland area that seem to sport a constant, dismal drizzle year-round. Here, as soon as the rain is done, I can count on the clouds blowing away and the blue sky reigning supreme once again. So, enough of my complaining. Come on life-giving spring rain: clear the cobwebs, freshen our air, nourish our crops and gardens, green up our rolling hills...remind me why I love Eastern Oregon.