HOPE

 

 Still in that holding pattern here and this may remain true for the foreseeable future.  But there is always hope.  

 

River Walk, January 2021

At the very least there is certainly hope that Spring is somewhere on the horizon.   (And I know we are fortunate to have this kind of weather this time of year.)

This is the first time in years  we've spent a Winter season here in Oregon so we may have forgotten -- but it seems like the second week in January is kind of early for this flowering tree to be blossoming.   I hope there isn't a February surprise to freeze its little buds.   

 

This pair of crows  was having a noisy argument.   They ended up ignoring each other, but still occupying the same branch.  Too much togetherness lately?

We are doing OK with our togetherness (so far) but do have hope that the Covid 19 vaccine will be available within the next month or two.  Oregon seems to be lagging behind in receiving the allotment from the Federal Government, but perhaps that will improve soon.  Right now our tier (old folks) is not slated  to receive  the first dose until  February.  

 

 

 Skies are changeable here this time of year.   We  remember  that from all those years we lived in Oregon (in our former life, pre-retirement).   The above pictures are all from last week.  If you don't like the weather, just hope for change and wait a little while -- it will happen soon.   

 

 

We also remember that camellias were very early bloomers.   (I would have thought early February, but here they are at their prettiest  last week.)   One reason why we remember  them  is that the second winter year we lived in Oregon (in 1972 I think) we lost two  beautiful bushes to a February freeze.    Let us hope that this one does not meet that fate.   At least it isn't our responsibility this time  though -- this is another beautiful flower I "stole" from the neighborhood.  (via photography only of course .)

 

A walk to the river, January 12. 2021

 It felt like Spring, it looked like Autumn, but it was a Winter Day.   Since we're home a lot more with very few appointments on the calendar, it's hard sometimes  to remember what day it is.  And with weather like this, I'm not even sure about the season.  But  it's OK to be confused because I'm so grateful   for every winter day that isn't freezing cold.  

 

Peace Rose (from June 2o20, Owen Rose Garden)

 

We continue to hope for peace and calm for our country.  

 

Linking this week to the following:  Thank you to all of the hosts.

MOSAIC MONDAY;  NATURE NOTES;  THROUGH MY LENS;   OUR WORLD ON TUESDAY; MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; THANKFUL THURSDAY;  SKYWATCH FRIDAY;  FRIDAY  BLISS; and  SATURDAY CRITTERS; 

Comments

[Margy]

We have hope to get our vaccine here in Bellingham this March. If there isn't time to get both doses here we can get the follow-up shot in Tucson. They are allowing Snowbirds to get the vaccine as long as you meet the age requirement. Washington only allows residents, which we can prove with our condo in Bellingham. Hope you can get your shots soon. - Margy

[Arun Goyal]

Stunning camellia blooms ! It would be my pleasure if you join my link up party related to Gardening here at http://jaipurgardening.blogspot.com/2021/01/garden-affair-gazania-beauty.html

[EileeninMD]

Hello, Sallie
Beautiful blooms and photos. I always enjoy seeing the birds, the crows, ducks and geese are all wonderful sights. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy new week!

[Diane]

It does seem early for spring blooms. The flowers are so pretty. WE don't have the vaccine in our country yet. Luckily we don't have any cases in the community but they are coming in by the plane load as Aussies are returning home. They have to go into hotel quarantine for 14 days and we have to hope the virus doesn't escape with staff. It has happened three times now.we should have the vaccine next month hopefully.

[Peter B.]

Beautiful photos that do confer hope. Have a nice weekend!

[Gaelyn]

January does seem too early for buds but maybe it's spring come early and the Ravens are courting.

[Cathy Keller]

Beautifully tender post! Thank you and have wonderful weekend!

[Iris Flavia]

"a noisy argument" :-) Very cute! You have me laughing here, thank you.
Hubby is working, only reason I know which day it is, I´m with you, it´s crazy. At leat your "orange" is gone....

[Michelle Keltner]

I like seeing your flowers. I am looking forward to spring and planting flowers and some vegetables. We are getting a few vaccines in my area, but only a few. Not nearly enough for any specific group. Thanks for linking up and stay well.

[beatrice]

Glad that the weather is cooperating by producing some lovely blooms because they certainly looked cheerful. When we lived on the VA eastern shore, we had a camellia tree close to the side of our front porch. The blooms were a beautiful dark pink. The birds also enjoyed nesting in the tree branches. Thanks Sallie for reminding me.

[riitta k]

Beautiful nature views. We Finns live in a deep winter and deep snow, too :) No blossoms neither buds outside. But for a change a real snowy winter is very nice. Warm greetings, riitta

[tomthebackroadstraveller]

...nice glimpses of spring.

[My Corner of the World]

Your photos are so bright and cheery! I love the wonderfully blue skies, especially with the trees in the foreground! You are a fantastic photographer, Sallie!

Thank you for linking up at 'My Corner of the World' this week!

[Ellen B]

Beautiful photos of blooms in your corner. We had winter camellias on our property in Western Washington. So pretty to see blooms in the Winter. You are adjusting well for being harbored in Oregon instead of Florida this year. Hope all goes well for your vaccinations...

[Linda P]

That peace rose is beautiful and is a good reminder of the peace we need in our hearts. The early blossoms must be a wonderful sight. I've seen blossom in sheltered places on trees in the park whilst out for a walk. Your river walks are interesting as you observe the ducks and geese swimming by.

[Veronica Lee]

I hope and pray that the vaccinations are the light at the end of the tunnel.

Fabulous captures as always, Sallie!

[William Kendall]

When I'm not working, it can be hard to remember what day it is.

[Laurie]

Wow! You are getting blossoms already? Lucky you! We are tentatively scheduling a visit to Oregon in late June. I hope it really happens.

[Michelle Banks]

Yes there is hope and I think things will get better after this Wednesday....stay well...Michelle

[Penelope Notes]

I, too, hope for no February surprises, although we often do have them in our neck-of-the-woods. I also look forward to tomorrow. The mall at the Capitol looks beautiful with the sea of flags and streams of light. It feels like wisdom is coming to ease these troubled times and a big chunk of the world is glad.

[Hazel]

Lovely to see the signs of Spring. Hopefully, the world will turn the right way up again soon! Here, in England, a Lockdown will continue at least until March. Over 80’s are receiving vaccines locally, then the over 70’s. Today we have flood/ severe rain warnings as a huge storm approaches😊

[Lady Fi]

Lovely to see the pink blossoms!

[Photo Cache]

High hopes for 2021. Stay safe always.

[Sharon]

I always enjoy your pictures and thoughts but the one this week was just what was ordered! Thanks. Lovely flowers always lift ones spirit. Hope they know it is January. Maybe I'll see you in February at the vaccination site!

[Su-sieee! Mac]

Hi, Sallie. I think that nearly every year about things blooming earlier than they ought. The photo of the blossoming fruit tree has me thinking I need to stop procrastinating and prune our fruit trees before another year goes by with overgrown branches. I do like climbing ladders, which the Husband doesn't. Yay for me. Two more days to go!

[Amy Franks]

Are you staying in Oregon because you aren't allowed to travel or just trying to stay safe? Still lots to see where you live though

[craftygreenpoet]

The camellia is very beautiful! Hope you get your vaccinations soon. My dad has had both his injections already.

[Taken For Granted]

It has been a mild January so far, but I am still looking forward to spring and warm sunshine.

[Lisa]

Beautiful images! I like the blossom. Our almond trees start to blossom at this time of the year too. They are the first trees to wake from their winter 'sleep' and are just gorgeous. Unfortunately we are back in lockdown again so I can't go out to see them :(

[Pat]

Sallie, what a surprise to see beautiful flowers and tree buds there! Your climate must be much warmer than Colorado's front range.

My husband received the first dose of the Moderna vaccine! In Colorado it is being given to those 70 and over. I could not get it as I am not 70 as yet, and I probably won't get it until early spring. All my 65 plus friends in NY and NJ were also able to get it all ready. Hopefully, we will have more success with vaccine distribution with the new administration coming in.

[Rain Frances]

Hi Sallie :) What beautiful flowers! I do love that tree mosaic you did, I'm a big tree hugger! :) Praying for peace in your country, this week seems hopeful!

[Alan Bates]

Nothing seems right any longer to me. I had to give up my vaccination slot last week so I am looking for another time slot.

[Lavender Dreams]

The Camellias are blooming here right now and they are beautiful. We've had so many frosty nights this winter that it's quite brown this year. Enjoy your week my friend!

[EileeninMD]

Hello, Sallie
It is amazing to see the spring blooms in January. Pretty shot of the blooms. I hope there they are safe from a freeze. Nice sightings of the ducks and geese. I hope they speed up the doses of vaccine, it is slow here too. Take care, wishing you a happy day and a great new week!

[Heidrun]

Springtime? You are in a good position to have early blooms of spring, Sallie. Love your philosophical thoughts.

Here it's cold with 20 centimeter snow... and it's gray. Okay, we have January and there are usually those weather. Hope is a good idea.

Happy MosaicMonday... habe a good week.

[Gillena Cox]

Happy Monday. Lovely mosaics. The peace rose is gorgeous

Much💖love

[Gaelyn]

Even though it's barely winter on the calendar, earth doesn't care. I hope those bloomers make it. During my non-working winter season I rarely know what day of the week it is. Doesn't really matter most of the time.

[Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade]

Hope is something we can always cling to just like faith.
Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade

[Angie]

Sallie - I checked the dates on your photos several times, having a hard time accepting that flowers could be blooming so early in your neck of the woods. Blooms are such a sign of hope, and that something is WORKING in this crazy world we live in. We had about three inches of snow overnight, and I don't mind it at all - I went for a walk and it is so pretty - any and all "ugliness" covered by a mantle of white! Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday, and keep hoping!

[lowcarbdiabeticJan]

Lovely photographs.

All the best Jan

[Florence]

It seems that January has been a period of marking time, just waiting — for the inauguration, for vaccinations, for spring. Patience has never been a characteristic attributed to me but I do have hope that Trump will leave, that we will all be vaccinated, and spring will come with its beautiful blossoms and birds.l I hope you stay warm and wel.

[Sondra]

The Camelia is in bloom here too...this is the time of year for it here, but the cherry or plum on top not sure of that ours are not open yet. Here they are taking appointments for the vaccine, already appointments exceed the doses available...so..
Hope you enjoy your spring in Oregon.

[Martha]

It does seem really early to see blossoms, sure hope it's a sign that the weather will start warming up for you soon. We've has a strangely chilly winter in Florida this year. As you know we usually get a little cold snap here and there with warm weather in between, but it's been consistently colder this year. I wish hope for peace and calm in our country too. I'm very nervous about the upcoming week. Beautiful collection of photos Sallie. Thanks for sharing them with us. :)

[Carol]

I'm amazed the tree is blossoming in January - absolutely beautiful!