Spring, trees, etc.

Gosh, I'm full of it. I shouldn't try to write much. Let's look at pictures, shall we?

We're having a very early spring in Portland this year, and it feels like the scenery is changing dramatically every day.

The hills across the river went from dark green and gray, to dark green and brown, to dark green and light green - which is now covering up a lot of the dark green.

Here's a sketch in the "perfect sketchbook". 5 1/4 inches by 3 1/2 inches.

Spring hills

Bob and I went for a walk today.  He pointed out this evergreen tree which we had also seen at the dog park.  I thought it had to be some kind of bay.  Yes, it is a California Bay Laurel, also known as an Oregon Myrtle.  Sheesh. I'm so dumb.  The southern Oregon coast smells wonderful because of these. I've often wished I could spend more time in Gold Beach and Port Orford due to these trees - even though I couldn't recognize one if I walked right into it. However, they aren't native to this area of the state.  It's growing next to a Madrona tree in the park.

 

Umbellularia californica

 

 

These are the flowers of a maple tree. I've never noticed them before. I wonder if that's because it's usually raining when they are in bloom? Or just that I'm in a new neighborhood this year?

 

Maple flowers - leaves unfurling also

 

Finally, a beautiful pear tree in bloom with lots of cheery dandelions to add to the picture.