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I had a really nice entry almost ready when my computer locked up. So let's try this again.
I went to the Japanese Gardens after work. Took off and headed for the hills. Okay. Silliness aside, the drive was interesting. Not too long (45 minutes, from near 217/I-5, in rush hour). But interesting. Folks. This is Oregon. The vast majority of those of you who were driving surely live here, and probably have for over a year.
A small truth: it rains in Oregon. And EVERYONE FORGETS HOW TO DRIVE IN IT if it stops for two weeks. Argh. Hee. On the other hand, I never felt like anyone was seriously trying to get me killed or anything; just watched a series of minor stupidities, so that's okay.
The gardens were...just glorious. I walked up, so I was proud of myself for exercising (actually that shuttle bus unnerves me enough when it's not wet out!). But it was....
I saw seven people there: the shuttle-bus driver, the girl at the gate, two people closing the gift shop as I arrived, and three visitors.
It was wonderful, it was deserted, it was peaceful, it was mine for that time.... Damp, shiny gravel, leaves touched with uncountable shades of vivid green and water's shimmer.... The rain had let up a little by then but was still strong, just not punishing, and the surface of the pond was a ripple of raindrop-strikes, rippling and spattering....
The air smelled so clean and clear, of rain and growing things and earth. It was just...just, wonderful.
I stayed for half an hour, and then I came home, and got myself some food. I'd meant to eat there - there's a little food stand down by the rose gardens, sort of down the block. However, the food stand was unstaffed. I suspect I could've fished someone out of the adjacent gift shop, but I wasn't that hungry when I got there, and when I left, I just wanted to get home.
This was so relaxing, and so good.
I went to the Japanese Gardens after work. Took off and headed for the hills. Okay. Silliness aside, the drive was interesting. Not too long (45 minutes, from near 217/I-5, in rush hour). But interesting. Folks. This is Oregon. The vast majority of those of you who were driving surely live here, and probably have for over a year.
A small truth: it rains in Oregon. And EVERYONE FORGETS HOW TO DRIVE IN IT if it stops for two weeks. Argh. Hee. On the other hand, I never felt like anyone was seriously trying to get me killed or anything; just watched a series of minor stupidities, so that's okay.
The gardens were...just glorious. I walked up, so I was proud of myself for exercising (actually that shuttle bus unnerves me enough when it's not wet out!). But it was....
I saw seven people there: the shuttle-bus driver, the girl at the gate, two people closing the gift shop as I arrived, and three visitors.
It was wonderful, it was deserted, it was peaceful, it was mine for that time.... Damp, shiny gravel, leaves touched with uncountable shades of vivid green and water's shimmer.... The rain had let up a little by then but was still strong, just not punishing, and the surface of the pond was a ripple of raindrop-strikes, rippling and spattering....
The air smelled so clean and clear, of rain and growing things and earth. It was just...just, wonderful.
I stayed for half an hour, and then I came home, and got myself some food. I'd meant to eat there - there's a little food stand down by the rose gardens, sort of down the block. However, the food stand was unstaffed. I suspect I could've fished someone out of the adjacent gift shop, but I wasn't that hungry when I got there, and when I left, I just wanted to get home.
This was so relaxing, and so good.
