Decemeber 22, 2008, Portland, OR: Down in the lower area of the Woodstock neighborhood people are protected by the hill and rarely experience the weather that most of Portland residence do. Last years snow was just a brief dusting and mostly rain or sleet.
This year, residence are out and about enjoying the remarkable weather. Living on a hill has it's own challenges, like Trimet buses that get stuck. But many residents have made the best of this situation.
Jack and Dudley are resident pets who have rarely seen such a sight. Jack, being just 7 months old, acts like a pro, dodging and biting at the fluffy white stuff. Even the icy creek was a wonder when he fell in with the ducks.
Dudley, on the other hand, an English Mastiff of some 160lbs or so, didn't have quite as much fun. He sauntered about and enjoyed some snow, but was glad to get back to his warm home and thaw out. He is quietly napping now, while Jack is busy looking for other entertainment.
Despite the weather, or rather because of it, pedestrians have been out enjoying the wonderful scenery along the hill and our lovely area with protected lands for watershed restoration of Errol Creek. Residents report the increase in foot traffic has magnified by 150%!
Perhaps the snowy weather is a cause of woes for many, but let us enjoy this brief respite from rain and grey. The light and bright landscape is a rarity that even the birds seem to be embracing with joy! If you can, get out and see this one and only beauty that Mother Nature has bestowed upon us - quick, while it is still here!
