remembering Grandpa O

 

Earlier this month we lost Jack’s maternal grandpa, Kirk.  He was famously even-tempered, extremely handy and devoted to his family and community.  We will miss him.

 

styrax japonicus

For the past four springs, I have admired this lovely tree on the lawn of the Rainier Club, on fourth avenue.  It's an attractive and dainty tree, but more importantly, it is one of the best things I have ever smelled.  A few weeks ago, when the tree was in full bloom, I was loitering around huffing the heavenly smell, as one does.  A woman walked by and, feeling the need to explain myself, I mentioned the scent and asked if she happened to know what type of tree it was.  And she did!

Allow me to present the Japanese snowbell (Syrax japonicus):

height: 8 -12 ft
foliage: dark green
light: part sun to full sun

Our small lot will be fully occupied by our house, but we do have to plant a street tree.  Happily, the Japanese snowbell *is* on the [list] of approved street trees and I plan to petition to change whatever vanilla tree we currently have specified in the building permit to this stunner!

babies in backpacks

 I get such a kick out of picture sets.  And yes, I know that two out of three of these have already been shared in this post.  D is currently 26 pounds so we’re fortunate he has such a fit father to carry him around!