Signs of Life

We went on our customary Christmas walk this morning - again to the Hoyt Arboretum, but this time we walked up the hill into the Arboretum instead of starting on top. (I know, change is good!) I was delighted to find this Witch Hazel in full bloom (Hamamelis mollis) along with our native Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) - the extra. 

We all spend so much energy gearing up for the holidays that we don't often take the time to be in nature. Fortunately our family has pared down the festivities and the endless gifts so that much of what remains is the joy of family, especially the wee ones.


It's a quiet day for us - the celebration will be tomorrow when I take the grandchildren over to see my elderly parents. I made a lovely frittata for brunch this morning and tonight we'll have a simple steak grilled outside and some lovely brown potatoes and asparagus....oh, and a nice bottle of wine :-)

Happy Christmas...and...the days are growing longer already!