Just on time for Spring………..if of course we ever get one this year in Portland. This picture overlooks the prior 3 posts on the Still Pond in the Forest theme and is noteworthy for not a whole lot, really, save for the nice cherry blooms from this “Shirotae”. Rhododendrons, azaleas, cheery blossoms, Spring perennials have historically all meant the most riveting Springtimes for me, in the past. I remember discovering Rhododendrons while mowing grass in Vancouver, B.C. and attending school there. It was my first true brush with what became a passion and a career later and was the most noteworthy moment, quiet as it was, of almost any living there.

I was struck by their huge blooms, just mesmerized that day. I can remember everything about that small epiphany, gazing at the intricate beauty of a Rhodie bloom and amazed at its sheer size. That moment propelled this beer-drinking baseball-playing young waif into a most satisfying and rewarding career and pastime.

Anyway, I love Spring. I just wish I had more of it, dangit.