The sweet spot

 

What a difference in the few weeks since we were here last, when the raging river edged right up to the front yard. Floods, wildfires, smoke, blizzards, temperature extremes common stuff here in the Valley, making this week of perfect weather all the sweeter. 

Cool nights and warm, sunny days. It was already getting light at 4:30 when I woke up listening to the river and birds through the open window. So peaceful. No sound of sirens or speeding cars.

The rude cottonwood stumps left by the beavers are already sprouting out in a pretty way. Nature renews itself quickly here. The flood brought a fresh load of sand to our waterfront and trail, now dry where the tributary gushed through.

It was a pleasant drive over yesterday. Few truckers venture out on Memorial Day, and I had the east-bound highways mostly to myself. 

Thousands were headed in the other direction toward the coast, clumped up in tight herds of several hundred tail-gating vehicles. Followed by a gap of empty highway, followed by the next frantic herd. Maybe there's a law of physics to describe that driving behavior-- it was something to see, almost like a nature show on PBS. 

Note to Self: Never drive west on Memorial Day. 

Maya has a fancy new bike and we took a ride around town yesterday. Or I should say, I followed her around town. "Do you want to race, Nana?" (No) 

And this local beauty. How the time flies.