Why I love it here. Even in the middle of winter.

     Over the past couple of months, many people have asked me how I like Portland. Most recently, my first response usually has something to do with disliking the climate. However, that is misleading. For awhile now, I've had a sneaking suspicion that it isn't the climate as a whole I dislike (as in the seasons, temperature, humidity level, etc); it is only the limited amount of sunshine. In fact, I actually enjoy the cold. I like winter. I was pleasantly surprised to revel in this today. 
    When I try to touch on the highlights, I rarely can put into words how magical my neighborhood feels. Today I tried my best to capture it. It is currently 34 degrees and sunny, and I chose to bundle up, put the sweater on the dog, and go for an hour long walk. The winter sunshine casts such a beautiful light on everything - it practically made my favorite parts of my neighborhood seem magical and new all over again. So I took pictures.
     Now, I have no photography training, nor do I have a fancy camera. My tool of choice was my iPhone. Four, not five. That may limit the magic exuded from these photos, but it certainly didn't make our walk any less magical.

South east Portland is a spectacular place, and the Ladd's Edition neighborhood feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Hopefully you'll catch a few glimpses of that in these photos:

Wool fair-isle tights and a gray and red sweater. 

Twinsies green and red.

Fairy tale cottage.

Trees for days and a curious find.

Whimsical peaks.

Perfect gate.                                             All tucked away.                                   

Two Chimneys for you, and a bench made for two.

Doll house, gum drop and rest for the weary.

Door and a porch. 

Yard with a house.

And this one's my home.