explosions in pink

While still cold and now rainy as wel here in DC. I did find a brief reprieve in the weather... or at least the impression of such in this picture. I was all bundled up while taking the shot, but looking at it now, it makes me feel spring-like...

46 F and raining today.....

pretty in pink

To give you a bit of contrast, and a glimpse of the reality of this years winter weather, I am posting a shot of some blossoms from the week before the snow. This picture was taken on a day in the upper seventies. Just down the street from this tree was a lemonade stand! Yesterday, it was 20 degrees. Today the high is supposed to be 54.

all gone!

I walked by the church today and discovered that this tree is now bare.

pagentry in pink

This tree stopped me in my tracks.

frozen blossoms NW DC 2.12.06

I enjoy watching the various stages of growth in all living things. I'm constantly pointing out buds, and new growth on trees... (possibly to the annoyance of those around me) This particular tree chose to blossom early. I spotted it the Tuesday prior to taking this picture. The kids and I walked by it on the way home from ballet class, or the park. It was unseasonably warm (although it seems unseasonable describes all of DC's weather, at least as long as we've lived here) . This blossom bloomed early, only to find itself stuck in a 'blizzard' the following weekend.

>>Now for a little history >> In 1912, Japan, as a gesture of friendship, gifted the district 3000 of these flowering trees. The city is blessed with an explosion of blossoms every April, hopefully to coincide with the National Cherry Blossom festival. The Japanese culture in the district has a chance to bloom then as well.