Dinosaurs Burst Through the Smoke and Fire

 

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Has anyone else noticed some seasonal changes coming around already? As I drive through the three areas I deliver to, I see plenty of leaves turning color. While I think it's a glorious, colorful time of the year, doesn't it typically come at a later time? Late August, September? 

The photo above was taken at the Roseburg National Cemetery last year, so no, the changes are not that definite as of yet. But the idea of the leaves changing already, what does that mean for the future autumn season? Will it come early? Later? 

Smoke has been horrible for the past week so it is difficult to get good pictures of the trees, but the colors are changing. Not beautiful oranges and reds or yellow, but more of a brown. Are the trees just dying from the dryness? No rain does make Jack the elm a dull boy. 

This photo is meant to show some of the smoky skies that lie above some of the trees in the small town of Winston. Here you can see a bit of change in the greens of the leaves. One of them appeared to be an ornamental plum tree, but I checked again while there and it's not an ornamental plum. 

These trees are part of the landscape of Roseburg High School. The changing leaves are the focus here. I don't know why it feels so odd to me the leaves have begun their seasonal changes now. Maybe I'm thinking it is early for them to turn, but maybe it's the time they usually do and I just didn't pay attention. 

People have asked me what Roseburg is like. Well, here you go. Winston, Roseburg, Oakland, Sutherlin, and other small burgs in the area look about the same. All are a quaint mix of homes, both newer and older, as with any town or city in America generally. There is a mixture of farmland and rolling hills and residential areas, with businesses spattered here and there. Some days I find it all "cute" and other days I find it depressing, dry, and nasty. I guess it all depends on my mood. 

Smoky skies are hovering above the city. It makes me focus on what I'm breathing in. This photo was taken on my way back to Roseburg, from nearby Winston. 

I returned to Roseburg where the traffic roams and the smoke-filled skies rise above. A few of the hills further in the distance are barely visible right now. The smoke has taken over. 

Driving through another area outside of Roseburg, I found a peculiar metal sculpture on top of a roof. Very odd, not sure what it means or why, but different. Had to take a photo. 

This photo of a mother dinosaur was taken as I sat at a red light. It sits on top of a bar or market or something. I have no idea what the business was because this sculpture pulls in all of your attention. Maybe not such a great idea if you are trying to attract business? Just sayin'. Anyway, just my humble opinion. Very odd structure all the same. 

Here are some other photos I captured around Roseburg, Winston, and nearby areas today to give you an idea of what makes Roseburg Roseburg. 

Many angles of this hillside can be seen around Roseburg. From downtown to driving out of town, heading either south or north, this hill is in view. 

We can go from city to country styles within moments. 

I could not get away from that line hanging right in front of me. Moving around on the bridge, it was in the way no matter which way I looked. 

These photos were from a place in Roseburg, an area I guess, that's called Happy Valley. I made a run up there today and found such beauty in it all. 

Remember the hill I said you could see from just about every angle of town? Here it is again. Downtown. I guess it could be considered a landmark in case you think you could get lost in Roseburg. Ah, you may laugh at that thought, but I have been lost and needed the assistance of GPS to get me back into town. Roseburg is spread out. Once you get up into the hills that surround the city, you can easily get turned around. 

After a run to Myrtle Creek, I found this spot. Very dry, dead plants, but the beauty is within the South Umpqua running through some green patches. 

Roseburg reminds me of a city within a desert community, while still holding onto some green foliage and trees, such as the evergreen trees Oregon is fondly known for. Can it be depressing and beautiful at the same time? I would have to say, with all certainty, if one large match were to set off a fire in this place, we're all doomed. 

As I drove up the hill to my delivery address, I had cows walking in front of me. They were not real happy with me as I disturbed their solitude in the hot weather. The last one in this line actually kicked her heels up at another car pulling out of the driveway. They were hot, tired, and in no mood to deal with humans today. Can't say as I blame them either. 

Cows crowded the horse standing in their path. 

I found this all rather comical. Don't ask me why. It seemed hilarious to me that I'm delivering food to a place where cows and horses are walking in front of me. Like I said, don't ask me why, but the hilarity was there, at least for me. Could have been the long day, the heat, who knows? 

The drive around town and outlying areas was fun, but too hot for comfort. Even the air conditioner was complaining as it hit me with its best shot of cool air. It's quiet, yet has an air of pissiness. It's not happy to be working that hard today either. 

Actually, it just hit me as I'm writing. Neither am I. I join the air conditioner, the cows, and everything and everyone else. Today is just hot and none of us should be working in it. 

I believe I'll head home to get ready for tonight's concert in the park. Sutherlin Community Playground hosts concerts every Thursday night. We plan on heading there a little later to see an '80s show. Actually, the band, Rock Shop came from Washington to play for us tonight. They are having an '80s hair concert. We'll see how this goes. 

Until our next post, take care! Stay cool and thank you for being you.