City Daily Photo Theme Day -- "Yellow"

Homemade scarecrow spotted in a newly sprouted field.

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Squares and Rectangles

Late night at the post office.

Some Christmas cheer

McDVDs

These are showing up at local McDonald's restaurants and quite often have a line/queue. We rarely rent movies, so maybe they've been around for awhile and I just didn't notice. Is this a U.S. thing?

Urban Wetland

East of Lancaster Drive between Shopko/Winco on the west and Houck Middle School on the east, this wetland was created to 'mitigate' the wetlands filled when the school was built. It is entirely fenced off to protect it from human impact. Oregon currently has an aggressive wetland protection program. Why are they important? To name a few reasons, wetlands trap and remove excess nutrients such as fertilizers, chemicals and other pollutants, and suspended sediments from rivers, streams and runoff that feed them. Wetlands help protect against flooding by absorbing water (like a sponge) and releasing it during a dry season. Wetlands do not always appear to be 'wet' as this one. But what a lovely neighbor it makes for the small housing development surrounding it.

Sculpture

This is one of an interesting pair of sculptures outside the Dept. of Forestry Administration building on east State St. The plaque was gone (metal thieves no doubt), but I was able to find that the creator was Anne Storrs, that it is made of cast concrete and called 'Cone'. When I inquired at the building next door, a gentlemen told me it represented the cone of a Douglas Fir tree, though it is upside down. (??) Below is a photographic representation of said cone.

Scenes of Salem

Another mural, this one showing scenes of Salem and surrounding areas. Clockwise from upper left - the State Capitol and Charles Sprague Fountain; rolling countryside and Christmas tree farm; South Falls at Silvercreek State Park; Riverside Park; and in the center, official state symbols-the Western Meadowlark and the Oregon Grape.

This mural is just inside the Lancaster Drive entrance to Lancaster Mall.

Falling Water

This beautiful water feature is in front of a commercial complex on Hawthorne north of Costco.

Mill Creek Station

This cafe always has these gorgeous hanging baskets of petunias. On Hawthorne just south of State St.

Memorial to the CCC Workers

When the 32nd U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt took office in 1933, he was faced with the challenge to immediately begin a revitalization of the nation's economy after the "great depression". His plan was not to dole out aid, but to create jobs to give back to American workers their pride in their ability to earn a living. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was part of President Roosevelt's "New Deal." Roosevelt proposed to recruit thousands of unemployed young men to battle the erosion and destruction of the nation's natural resources. More than any other "New Deal" agency, the CCC is considered to be an extension of Roosevelt's personal philosophy. My own father as a teenager, worked for a time with the CCC in my home state of Ohio.

You can read more <here>.

Located on the State Department of Forestry campus, E. State Street.

No Eiffel

This utilitarian-design fire tower stands in a parking lot on the state grounds at State St. and Airport Rd. of the Dept. of Forestry buildings. I was not able to find anyone that knew why it is here. One person suggested it was moved here from it's original location when replaced or no longer needed; another that it had been used as a fire lookout when this area was on the outskirts of town. It is being used as a communications tower, holding several satellite dishes and radio antennae. Anyone know?

Leaning Tree

This huge oak tree is on the grounds of the Mission Mill Museum.

Field of Camas

Camas grows wild around the Pacific NW and blooms in early spring. Finding a field in full bloom is a delightful sight. It's edible bulbs were a source of food for local Native Americans and are purported to have contributed to the survival of members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 1800's.

These were found behind the Dept. of Forestry building on State St.

Berry Bloom

I found these Salmonberries growing along Mill Creek. Native to the west coast of North America, they can be found along streambanks and in moist forests. Related to the raspberry (and very tasty), they can range in color from yellow to red.

Any day spent fishing is a good day

A nice way to fish. Wirth Lake at Gateway Park @ I-5 and Mission.

Gentlemen

With berets and goatees. Found by Carl Jr's. on Lancaster Drive SE.

Sunset

Amtrak Rail

Salem's only passenger railroad runs along 12th street.

Star Trees

Five giant Sequoias were planted in 1942 to honor Willamette University's 100th anniversary. They are referred to as the “Star Trees", as they were planted symmetrically, so that their tops form a five-point star framing the sky. They are reported to be the tallest trees on any U.S. university campus. The Star Trees are located north of Willamette University's Waller Hall along State Street (across from the Capitol).

April in Salem

Willamette University campus.

Flipping Houses?

Not sure if this house is being converting to a 2-story, or just getting a new foundation. I love how the front porch is still attached! Found this in an older neighborhood along Ferry Street near 20th I think. Homes in this neighborhood were built in the early 1900's. It is good to see them restored.