Saturday Morning in Portland

There was a fog over the city this morning, so we went out to take some photos, stopping of course to get a coffee and a pastry at Caffe Umbria.

I look at this every time we walk past and always think the tiny dog head is so funny.

Shane with his almond croissant.

They're very flaky.

They're not Miss Lily's almond croissants, but they're pretty close!

Sam with her Almond Croissant.

Old Plymouth wagon.

I liked the matching reds in this shot, Shane was taking a photo of a cool old car across the street while I was taking this one.

Street in the Pearl District, with the Armoury in the background right.

I love the faded old painted signs on the buildings.

Sam on Park Ave. in the Pearl District.

This was on the sidewalk, not sure why though, it's not the street name...?

Gateway in Downtown Portland

 

Sleepy Friday Afternoon

After our morning walk to 23rd Avenue, and a visit to the Hip Hound where we purchased treats and some new poop bags, Emmy is ready for a nap.

Oak's Bottom Wildlife Reserve

Since it was such a beautiful day today (+16 and sunny!) we decided to take a walk through Oak's Bottom Wildlife Reserve.

Emmy and Shane at the outset.

Surveying the wetlands.

Dried blackberries leftover from the summer.

Boggy field.

Ducks on the pond.

Samantha and Emmy, patiently waiting.

Flowering Trees in January

It's strange to see trees flowering in January, especially the ones that look like fruit tree blossoms.  I wonder who is around to pollinate them?  I haven't seen any bees, maybe the odd bumbling fly and a few gnats, but that's about it for flying insects.  I have seen quite a few hummingbirds however; I seem to see them when I am out walking in the early part of the day.

These trees have been blooming all winter.  They may be Hawthorn trees, but we're not quite sure.  The trees are really gnarly and have moss growing all over the bark.

No idea what this one is.  It just started blooming in the past couple of weeks, and has a really strong, pleasant fragrance.

This, and the following red flowering shrub, are both Camellias.  They seem to bloom all winter as well.  Some of these shrubs are as big as large apple trees.