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Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back.  'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini
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City of ice and snow

Our temporary home (in Portland)

After the deluge of rain that hit Portland in December, there was a period of sunny days and brisk, frigid winds. The clouds returned Saturday night and we awakened to a beautiful blanket of snow on Sunday morning.  The Portland and Vancouver area sits in the Willamette Valley, which is a bit insulated from the rougher weather that surrounds us. Snow events are infrequent (the last significant one was almost 2 years ago) and it pretty much the same scenario as happens in Alabama - schools close, grocery isles are invaded and cars spin and slide. 

 Last night, freezing rain replaced the snow. This morning there has been little traffic on our street, so far no garbage and recycle pick-up, but the sun is peaking out from behind the clouds and the ice is melting. Michael banished me from the house while he mopped and vacuumed. I grabbed my camera and took a walk around the neighborhood.

Everything - plants, sidewalks and streets - is encased in snow and thin sheets of ice. I did not find it treacherous for walking. I enjoyed the loud crunch under my feet. An occasional crash from falling ice from the power lines and trees was probably the most hazardous aspect of the journey.

 In other news, the appraisal on the house has been completed and it is possible that our closing date could happen in about 2 weeks. That is if the underwriters (a word I am beginning to despise) do not come up with any more requests. It should happen around the time that I will be returning to Alabama to wrap up everything there. We just hope that we can get in the house and have electricity and all that good stuff turned on. I shudder to think about Michael stuck in a house with no electricity...




























Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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