Behind the scenes -- backyard view!

We love living in Oregon. My back yard is so peaceful and beautiful, even though I live in the middle of a suburb. Somehow, Oregon manages to make that suburb feeling go away -- each of us having our own bit of sanctuary. Even though it is green year around, summer green is intoxicating. 

Each house in the neighborhood is nestled by green!

 

 

 This view is over our back fence.

Out my studio window!

Okay, lousy picture! I took it out my upstairs studio window -- through the glass. I want you to know I work very hard -- but washing windows is not one of my frequent labors!! But look how lush it is! The fall colors are coming on and yum!

Surviving winter in my VH studio!

So last week, we had a large snow storm. The Portland area was shut down -- I didn't leave the house for four days. But I did have this amaryllis plant given to me by a friend for Christmas that has made winter a little more palatable. Check out the progress of the bloom over the last few weeks.

First, here's our snow storm -- eight inches!

First the bulb -- a second one coming later!

Starting to open!

About five blossoms came out from the one  bud -- at least until Lowell knock the plant across the room and then there were four!

Not too bad of shape - considering its accident. Beautiful blooms that brought great cheer! And I still have another bud to bloom later! Great Winter Flower for the studio!