Wild Corvallis

One thing that I love about being back in Corvallis is how we exist fairly peacefully with nature here. Obviously we have the concrete and buildings which invade the wild, and I (as well as MANY other Corvallists) am bitter about Legend Homes building unnecessary McMansions (which, because of the low demand, they have only carved out the space and not built anything yet)over one of my favorite hiking paths. But for the most part, Corvallis is a very green town. On sunny days like we have had this week, everyone is out in their yard doing yardwork. None of this "hire a landscaper California-Style" for us! Instead, an amazing number of people have a wealth of knowledge about horticulture. Lucky for us, two of our neighbors are experts. We are constantly receiving gifts from various gardens, as well as being offered plants that our neighbors uproot. We try to return the favor, but as of yet, we lack the expertise!

I was reminded about Corvallis' wild side twice this week. On the happier note, as I was driving home this afternoon from Josh's work, traffic on a major street was stopped to let a small herd of deer cross--into our old apartment complex. This is by no means a rare occurance, and I always love taking Iris for walks out to that Northwest neighborhood and pointing out deer, rabbits, and other wildlife to her.

However, we did have a negative effect of the wild this week. Or, rather, a sad effect. We have a resident cougar in a neighborhood somewhat close to us. The neighborhood is across the highway from us, but it's not that unreasonable to keep a look out here, too. I'm used to cougar watches in the Northwest neighborhood, as it's so much closer to MacDonald Forest (OSU's research forest), but was surprised to hear that this cougar was within 300 yards of Wilson School, the elementary school closest to us. Now, I'm all for saving wildlife, and realize that it's our fault as a society that these wildcats are coming into town--we're invading their territory rather than them invading ours. However, I have found that I have developed something of a "mother bear" temperament, and now am against anything that might threaten my family. It's interesting, but it gives me a look at the way the pioneers must have seen nature--instead of same great pastoral view, they would have seen everything as a threat. It's amazing what kids will do to change your outlook!

But we're not changing any of our habits. Here in Oregon, cougars and other wildlife are a part of life--you simply take precautions. So we celebrated the short (but promising!) return of the sun by going to different parks. Iris has become quite a brave soul, and now goes down slides on her own.

I think she even shamed her friend Colin into going down on his own yesterday. He was pretty hesitant until she had slid down a few times. Linnea, on the other hand, seems to follow her mother's philosophy and just sit back and soak in the sun:

Too bad it's raining today. But the weathermen are optimistic, and so am I!