Spring in Bend
Spring is not our strongest season in Bend, OR. You don’t see a lot of baby sheep and blooming rhododendrons and flowering trees… yes, we have a few of those, but it still can get too darn cold. This year was a perfect example. No snow, nice weather and just like a big joke, on April 1, we got snow in town and on the mountain. It was 28 degrees in the morning, and sweater weather and 50 in the afternoon. However, this variability allows Bendites to play uniquely hard as well. Ski in the morning, a bike ride after lunch, and maybe a bit of golf or cast a line in the river in the afternoon.
This spring, I have been spending the nice days in my yard, preping for my long awaited Greenhouse. Because of our unpredictable cold nights, a greenhouse is very handy for flower and vegetable starts. I’m still not quite sure what I’m growing in mine, but the foundation is poured and while I wait for my glass jewel box to be delivered, I have starts near a window, on a heated mat, with a grow light. Some fennel and dill and chives. A few trays of cosmos and borage and lovage. And some dara…
I’m new and experimenting. Spring is a time for that right? Trying something new. Fresh starts. Hope. In addition to my gardening , I also added a new toy to my skiing bag of tricks. I bought a telemark set-up.
I’m hoping this old school free heel form of skiing, will engage my brain, keep me strong, and keep Mt. Bachelor interesting for me. Day one was today. I liked it. A few hours and a few pointers from Cowgirl Properties agent, Kris Blea, and I moved from Little Pine to Sunrise in no time. During my first run, Marsh took a video. Let’s say I have a long way to go. But I also like to think that this Cowgirl in heart and mind is up for new challenges and new tricks.
A final note:
The Spring of 2026 also brought the passing of my friend David Marchi on March 30. David came to the door of Cowgirl Cash 12+ years ago to tell me he had just leased the Historic Rademacher house in the Brooks St Plaza and that he planned to open a coffee and beer business that sold bikes and back country ski gear.
Hmmm ok. That sounds cool. I watched as this dynamic man built a business that made downtown better, safer, and more inclusive. He brought music, laughter, good taste and the love of your hard earned Crows Feet to not only middle aged women like me, but to an entire community. I will miss my creative, can do friend everyday.
