It's springing in Bend

Out for a little paddling around on the Deschutes

It's great to see the annual green-up play out in Bend.

Aspens are budding. Willows, poplars, cottonwoods and birch are leafing. Lawns are coming back to life from their dormancy.

Cherry, plum and apple blossoms color the landscape in white. and purple. Of course, it's hard to actually grow those fruits in Bend.

The goslings are hatching in spite of efforts by the park district to reduce their numbers.

There's plenty of snow on the Cascades from Mt. Bachelor to Mt. Hood, which are striking to see atop Pilot Butte. The road to the top of the butte opened to vehicles last week.

Weather is warmer, but still not too hot to cause my allergies to flare up, yet.

Bend is a beautiful place even though our springs aren't as breathtaking as the west side of the Cascades.

But, they have more rain and more sources for allergies.

Speaking of allergies, The Onion has a story titled: "Report: 14% of Americans Now Intolerant To Word 'Gluten'."

As one who has a gluten intolerance of some sort, I can relate.

That wasn't the only chuckle in this time of rejuvenation.

The Onion also reports that a "New App Matches You With Others in Vicinity Who Wasted $2.99 On Same App."

The app is aptly called "Squandr."

April may be the "cruelest" month, but it's good to laugh through the allergies.