The weather can get a little wacky in the spring here on the high desert of central Oregon. Caught this with my point and shoot yesterday while returning to the office from a meeting. Madras, Oregon; March, 2010.

A big storm moves in over Desolation Sound. (Click the thumbnail to better see that little, bitty person and those humungous mountains) Taken from Cortes Island, BC, Canada; April, 2009.

Water plants. Big ones. Conservatory of Flowers. (click on the thumbnail for more detail) San Francisco, California; January, 2008.

If you click on the thumbnail to see regular size photo, one can almost imagine being back in the Middle Ages on this street with the Cathedrale Saint-Etienne d'Auxerre in the background. In the third century, this became the seat of a bishop and a provincial capital of the Roman Empire. The cathedrale was built between 1211 and 1233. Hey look! Did I just see Sir Ulrich von Liechtenstien of Gelderland go into one those houses???? This ends our week's look in this picturesque town. Auxerre, France; September, 2009.

Ancient windows, fresh flowers. Wow! With the web site's background coloring, this almost looks like a window into my computer, eh? (Click on the thumbnail to see more detail). Auxerre, France; September, 2009.

A citadel surrounds parts of the church grounds at the top of the hill. Auxerre, France; September, 2009.

On one of the ancient, narrow streets headed uphill, a teen moves to sit on the stoop across the way, while a dainty lace curtain with cats is displayed along the Rue de la Marine. (Click on the thumbnail for more detail) Auxerre, France; September, 2009.

This week, Grinders, we're taking you to the ancient city of Auxerre, France, a place that has existed since before the Middle Ages. The core of the city is quaint, old, and welcoming, while things along the bank of the Yonne River here are also quite nice. (Click on the thumbnail to see our rented boat--the little white one that's three back with the bike on the deck). Auxerre, France; September, 2009.

I felt so much safer on the ramparts knowing I was protected by this guard as I entered the Salt Tower. (click on the thumbnail to see which year the Salt Tower was built) Tower of London, London, UK; September, 2009,

A lone table patiently awaits a picnic as leaves turn color and fall. Ashland, Oregon; October, 2006.

I was at the local health science university yesterday getting some tests done. It's high on a hill and as I came out to leave it was starting to sprinkle on me. But Mt. Hood stood off in the distance with this cool cloud cap on top of it. So I pulled out my long lens and snagged this one. Portland, Oregon; March, 2010.

Yesterday's post was of Furthur the bus. Today's is Furthur, the band, featuring Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh, left, and Bob Weir, center. I can tell you from personal experience, this makes a great desktop wallpaper. Portland, Oregon; March, 2010.

The circus was in town last week (and I'm not talking lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Although there was a certain Oz flavor). As a devoted Deadhead, I couldn't miss it. This bus is a replica of Ken Kesey's original Further, owned and operated by the Kesey family, and usually driven by Zack Kesey. (Click on the thumbnail to find the jester, the beads, the blue fish, the dove, and the AAA decal.) Portland, Oregon; March, 2010.

Ending this week among the cherry blossoms with a bud yet to blossom. (Click thumbnail for more detail) Portland, Oregon; March, 2010

Street lights, almost completely hidden from below, pop out of the cherry blossoms to be seen from above. Portland, Oregon; March, 2010.

Cherry blossoms, up close and personal. Portland, Oregon; March, 2010.

Your average, everyday typical Portland residents under the cherry blossoms. Portland, Oregon; March, 2010.

I'm spending a few days on the Western side of the state and things are surely busting out all over as Spring weather appears to have arrived. So this week, we'll be posting much among the cherry blossoms. In this one, cherry blossoms recede into the far background from a small plaza along the Willamette River. (Click the thumbnail to see how far into the distance they go) Portland, Oregon; March, 2010.

I can't explain it, but for whatever reason, I really like this photo with the newer lines of the Eye's pods, old-style lamp post, and clouds. (Click on the thumbnail and see what you think) London, UK; September, 2009.

A rainstorm descends over a snow-capped Black Butte at sunset. Terrebonne, Oregon; March, 2010.

A colorful young stranger checks her tiara at the Oregon Country Fair. (click on the thumbnail to find a portion of me) Veneta, Oregon; July, 2009.

Water spews forcefully down one of the scores of falls at a park deep in the Pocono Mountains. Bushkill Falls State Park, Pennsylvania; August 2007.

It's starting to feel like Spring in certain places here in the northwest part of the US. Word is blossoms like these are sprouting up all over the western side of the state. Can't wait for warmer temps to arrive here where I live. Clackamas, Oregon; March, 2009.