Earplugs Anyone?

Crocus

Is it just me, or have you also noticed how just about every store you go to now has some kind of music playing - and usually the kind you don't much care for? We stopped in for lunch at Subway the other day and had to endure a loud pop music onslaught before getting our subs. Later at the Fred Meyer grocery store, it was country music, as if we had been magically transformed to the Pendleton Roundup. I stopped by Safeway to pick up some grits and the vocals once again interrupted my thoughts. I could go on listing others, but the question begs, "Why Music?" 

Daphne

My theory is that some expensive marketing study (no doubt sponsored by music supplier companies) has revealed that shoppers, especially younger ones, spend an extra minute or two in a store with music vs. no music. A short Internet search indeed reveals many articles that support my hunch. But most of them indicate that it's tricky - mainly because if your shoppers can't stand the particular type of music, it has a negative effect. Ah, the joys of capitalism. Don't get me wrong, I am fond of many types of music and do listen most days to something - I just don't like it to intrude into every aspect of my life, such as when I'm deciding what kind of cat litter to buy.

I complained to Kroger in an email and they replied with a carefully worded "sorry, but we won't budge on this one" message. After all, shouldn't shopping be as meaningful as your other important life events?! Well for me, this unending, audio overdose has the effect of making me want to get in and get out, as quickly as possible; or totally avoid going to a business. But I digress...

Primrose

Here in western Oregon we don't get snow and ice every winter; and I am truly thankful for that. This winter was different. We had multiple snow/ice events and now in late winter/early spring, the rains are setting records. On a positive note, it appears our frozen precipitation events are over. It will be interesting to see how this wettest-ever February and March affect the wildflowers and bloom calendar. 

And, of course, in our neck of the woods, the end of winter is noted by the arrival of Pacific Tree frogs, singing at night; and the silent but prolific Boxelder Bugs (Boisea trivittata) crawling out of their nooks around the outside of our house.

Camellia japonica

The crocus, daffodils, and the other non-native plants you see in the post are blooming so we'll be getting ready for our first wildflower trip soon. That will no doubt include mud boots, the weather-proof cameras, and plenty of hot coffee.

Boxelder bugs