Crocus kosanini

"Men do change, and change comes like a little wind that ruffles the curtains at dawn, and it comes like the stealthy perfume of wildflowers hidden in the grass." John Steinbeck

You can probably ask a dozen people what that means and get a dozen different answers. I like this quote a lot, for one it's a simple statement of the observation of seemingly mundane or insignificant things that some may not even notice, like curtains billowing or aromas on the wind. I appreciate those types of observations, I like Mark Twain a lot and he was said to be one of the keenest observers of almost anything. Steinbeck too obviously had a penchant for observation. I like it also because by either way of compulsion, necessity or contrived fortitude, change found it's way into my life. I think this quote says it rather simply that people change, and it's usually not a sudden and sweeping metamorphosis. Rather, it's the small and almost imperceptible accumulation of ideas or traits that come at us in life, that when in small doses are not effective at changing anything, but over time and with consistency the build up leads to modification of ideals, or constitutions and thus effects change.

Crocus kosanini

I've written about this one and it's preferred lowland, oak habitat and it's probable suitability to acclimatizing well in Western Oregon's lowland Garry Oak valleys. And by the way this one isn't fragrant that I have noticed.

Snow and the coldest temperatures of the year are coming. Low's into the low 20's late this weekend with a dusting of the white stuff down to the valley floor are in the forecast. This could be interesting because if you've followed the last few posts, I've waxed on about the exceedingly mild winter we have had. The buds on the apricots are swelling now and it will be interesting to see where this leaves us. I'll be putting the frost blankets out for sure.

cheers,
Mark