The Holiday Tree, A Bunny & a Nest

Yesterday was one of those runs which offered much to take joy

Bunny Foo Foo along the trail this morning.

in.  I'm not referring to a personal record; today was not my best running day--it felt like hell for most of the grueling 6.5 miles.  I'm referring to something much more special.  Yesterday I not only spotted a furry Bunny Foo Foo, but also spied an Osprey Nest, and my beloved Holiday Tree was all decorated for Memorial Day/4th of July.  

Osprey nest with Mom perched atop

What I love most about running is that you just never know who or what will cross your path, and you theirs.  Yesterday was one of those runs where every few miles I got to experience a moment of joy and awareness about the natural area in which I was running (and of course take a break from running to snap a pic).  Running is how I meet the world around me. 

Holiday Tree all ready for the Day of Red White & Blue

The Holiday Tree - An Update

A while back I wrote about what I've named Canby's Holiday Tree(http://amandapdxrunforcongo.blogspot.com/2014/03/hidden-treasures.html), and I'm tickled that the local paper ran a story on this treasure of a tree, because it's nice to see it get some attention!

Canby Herald, April 9, 2014 (page 15)

Even better, I received an email from someone who knows who's responsible for the decorations! They wish to keep the magical mystery but here is a snippet of what they sent me:

 "...I saw your article about the little tree. Thanks for noticing! I don't decorate it but I know who does... It's more than one person... A cute story really  ...I'm so happy the little tree got some attention..."

So, if you have an opportunity, please do take a stroll, bike it, or go for a run & see this wonderful little tree!
   

Hidden Treasures

Most everyone who knows me, knows that I am a running nerd.  

Holiday Tree along the weekend path I run

One of the aspects of running I love the most is that you just never know what hidden treasures you'll discover when out on a run. 

Every weekend I like to get in one long run, and my long run typically takes me to a pedestrian path which infuses my run with nature: trees, flowers, critters, and the holiday tree.

I first noticed the Holiday Tree at Christmastime one cold and foggy morning, and of course took a photo.  

Holiday Tree at Christmastime

Christmas came and went, and I was excited to see the tree all decked out for Valentine's Day! I snapped another picture, and began to notice a pattern with this wonderful tree off to the side of the pedestrian path. 

Holiday Tree ready for Valentine's Day

Expectations for St. Patrick's Day were high, it did not disappoint for come March the tree was in top top shape for the day of pinch-me-if-I-don't-wear-green! 

There will be no pinching This Holiday Tree!

I have no idea who decorates this tree, but as you can see from the first photo above, the Holiday Tree is ready for Easter, and in fact as I approached it on my run this weekend, I actually exclaimed out loud, "Yes!" as I realized my favorite little tree was sporting Easter decor.

Here's to hoping come 4th Of July this humble Holiday Tree is trimmed in red-white-and-blue.