Warmer and Rainy

It was much warmer today than it's been for a while - 50F/10C this afternoon. It felt positively tropical :-) There was a nice break in the rain midday, and I managed to get out for a good walk in the neighborhood. I saw this variegated Pieris japonica in full bloom! Some call this "Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub" and you can probably see why.

My son and the grands came over for lunch, which they typically do most weekends. Always a joy to see them.

Tomorrow my friend Eli and her 15 month old daughter are coming to visit for a couple of days. They're taking the train from south of Seattle...first train ride for Orion! I think that Eli is awfully brave, and I'm really looking forward to seeing them both. Eli was my work study student eons ago when I worked at a small art school here in Portland. Later she became my part-time assistant, and eventually rented a room from me for a year or so. We became fast friends - she's really more like a daughter to me. They'll stay at an Airbnb around the corner from me, but we'll spend the days together.