IN THE PINK

I had local errands to do, and since we were having a psuedo-sunny day, I added a few minutes and stalked North Bend.

I can't bring myself to call a beautiful blossom a "sucker", so I will name it an Upstart Bud.  It is growing from old lichen on a trunk.  I didn't have my macro lens with me, but the bud was so bravely pink and sturdy:

I have to chuckle at what my friend P calls the Snoqualmie caboose: "Pepto Bismal Pink".

We both groan at how ugly it is and that it should be red. and that we need to take Pepto Bismal when

we look at it.

However, this morning it was worthy of a closer look because of the pink blossoms that matched and softened the effect:

 This horrid pink is not enhanced; that is, unfortunately, the painted color of the caboose.

Perhaps it is blushing with embarrassment:

 This was a "turn around and go back!" statement, outloud to myself.

Not pink for my theme here, but these old painted stairs are charming and add a touch of whimsy

to my blog for the day:

BREATHING LESSONS

This is a slightly-out-of character blog for me. 

This time it is less about photos and more about memories.

Our youngest grandson (12 years old) was here with us part of this past week, which was his spring break.

Unfortunately, it rained in a full-blast stormy way the entire time.

But, we surely did benefit from his visit!

He loves to cook, and so he prepared individual omelettes for us every morning.  Everything

smelled and tasted so good!

 Poor guy was stuck with doing a school project instead of

hiking, and flying the sophisticated kite he brought.

But he and I  had fun with his assignment. The project was supposed to show 101 ways to better health

in several categories, using a "theme" that showed his character and interests.

 Plus, we got to hear him practice.  Now, that made my heart smile!

 One day of spring sun came after he left. This was a breath of fresh air for sure,

but so was G while he was in our home.

SOGGY BUDS

If I can't beat 'em, I will join 'em!

Still raining; new buds still drenched.

I got wet while trying to see what I could see in our cherry tree budlettes, but if I waited...

This one looks like some sort of embryo, the way the rain drop encases it.  No refraction, but the bud casing is enclosed.  These buds are no larger than the head of a map pin:

Since the droplette is so small, it is hard to see that the refraction is actually of Mt. Si:

 Bell clapper  "under glass":

GRASPING AT STRAWS

March came in, not just like a lion, but a lion, a badger, and a crocodile! 

It went out like a whole pride of lions, a colony of badgers and a bask of crocs - all fighting!

Desperate to find a blooming thing amidst the soggy surroundings, I drove out and about, close to home.

No green buds, even next to a barn, which is where they usually first evidence themselves.

The river caught my attention with this pure aqua color.  It must have been something in the atmosphere because it was raining, and so dull everywhere else.  This color is unusual here; we have seen it only in the Canadian Rockies:

Daffodils are up!  No, wait. They are down...weighted by rain, their heads are all drooping:

To find color, I resorted to going inside!