Could it be a crape myrtle? Although I am not familiar with that tree they are quite lovely.

Looks familiar, but can't name it.

Doesn't look like a crape myrtle, they aren't blooming yet either.

is it a Chitalpa?

Not a crepe myrtle. Could be a chitalpa. Can you post a photo of the tree along with the flowers?

Definitely not a X Chitalpa either, that resembles a small-leaved Catalpa.

just a pic I found, in case

Here is a link that might be useful: chitalpa.

Yes, actually you are probably right - so much for "definitely". I didn't recognize the flowers because we were shown the bottoms of them, thought other details were different.

Here is a link that might be useful: Google Pics

Just found out it's not a chitalpa, though looks likes one. It's an Australian Shrub called a Victoria Christmas Bush or Prostanthera lasianthos.

Mystery solved -- thanks everyone

Here is a link that might be useful: Victoria Christmas Bush or Prostanthera lasianthos

Now we're back the the kind of flower shape I thought I was seeing in the first place.

And did.

Must have been half asleep when I decided later it was a X Chitalpa afterall.

On Vashon? Would be interesting to know it had reached flowering size there.