How about a trip to a garden?
Here are some shots from the Portland Japanese Garden (ポートランド日本庭園), taken on a visit there with a few friends in December. If you live in the area and haven't been there--or even if you have--make sure to get there. (And don't forget your camera!)
Having lived in Japan, it's also remarkable to see a true Japanese garden with all those Oregon firs in the background...
Construction taking place outside the garden entrance will be completed in the spring of this year, but the garden itself is open. Come see it in winter, and then head back in the spring...and summer, and autumn. :)
