Yes, this picture was really taken from my deck!
Update I am wow'ed by all the comments and especially for being selected for the diary rescue - one of my favorite diaries. A special thank you to those who have shared their memories of the Gorge and of Corbett. It really is a special place and not a day goes by that I don't give thanks for the gift of being able to live here.
Today was another beautiful day in the Gorge. The treat for the day - the swallows have returned home. I have hosted a family for several years, and have been blessed to be present twice for first flight.
I send all of you sweet dreams from the Gorge and hope you all have your own special spring memories to give you peaceful slumber.
Good night
Update Thank you to all who have commented. Someone suggested that I tip those who responded. Since I don't know exactly how to do this, I would like to send all of you a personal note of thanks for your support.?
First, I must advise you that this is my very first diary ever, anywhere, so tips suggestions are greatly appreciated. If someone would advise how I can add a couple pictures, I can share my view with you.
I live in the Corbett, Oregon, on the side of a hill overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. The place where I live came to me by way of a special blessing. I am not sure entirely why I deserve this beautiful place, but I give daily thanks to the Powers that Be for it.
Spring has been slow to come this year, with much rain and what seemed to be endless days of gloom. We in the great Northwest are certainly used to this, but for some reason, this year many that I know have had a particularly difficult time with it. For myself, I'm sure much of it has to do with the passing of my mother last December and the approaching decision I must make for my dear companion for the past thirteen years, my dog Tucson. But the sun has broken through the clouds and the hope that comes with spring. Our annual ritual of cleaning away the debris of winter is well underway and as we do so, it is impossible to ignore the new life that is now being celebrated all around us.
Taking a break, I sit on my deck overlooking the beautiful Columbia River, the romantic voice of Andre Bocelli in the background, glass of wine in hand, and osprey add their voice as they soar, spiral and dive in their dance of life. They pass off the stage for a moment to be replaced by soaring hawks. All around, the world is turning green. Trees are budding out, the cherry tree just off my deck is beginning to bloom. Bees and other insects are beginning their busy spring chores. The humming birds look through the windows demanding their share, so, feeling guilty for making them wait, out goes the feeder. I have not yet seen the swallows, so wait anxiously to know whether they will choose my deck again as their home; I have been so fortunate to witness the first flight of their young for two seasons.
Much of what is written on this blog deals with the dreadful state of our world. It is odd, but right now on this beautiful day, I think of spring as I read the diaries. Spring is the instinct to bring forth new life, it signifies a trust in tomorrow. The osprey driven by this need, looks to the work of the day, they take each step in turn, from the mating dance, to the building of the nest, all the way through till they see their young take their first flight. There is no guarantee of success they simply do that which needs to be done, they trust in tomorrow. If tomorrow fails them, if some terrible circumstance turns fate against them, they still had today, and those who survive will begin again.
The research, study, writing, campaigning, reporting, lobbying, are our work, our hope in tomorrow. As I read through the diaries and other news sources, the offences revealed by this administration seem endless, their ability to spin and twist the truth unbeatable. But today, with spring's message of life all about me, knowing that there is a community out there doing the work to bring us a better way, I feel springs message of hope and trust in our tomorrow.
Now, back to work!