Sakura Washington DC

I have lived within a pleasant drive of Washington DC for 40+ years now.  I’ve watched the Mall 4th of July Fireworks any number of times but I’d never gone to see the Japanese Sakura in bloom before.  Da Urchin suggested we go this year and boy oh boy did she know how to pick a date.

Sakura Beside the Tidal Basin

The day was pleasantly warm, there was a modest breeze, and we hit the peak blossom day.  We took the Metro to the Mall, walked to the Washington Monument, and then strolled all the way around the Tidal Basin enjoying Japan’s wonderful gift to us.

White Sakura

There are many many varieties of sakura in Japan and not all of them would thrive in DC’s climate.  Most of the trees here are large and bear white blossoms.

Pink Sakura

There are also small groups of  large trees with pink blossoms scattered among the white blossomed trees. 

Weeping Sakura

There are maybe half a dozen Weeping Sakura on the far side of the Tidal Basin near the bridge.  This is the largest of the Weeping Sakura.  Most are in the 12-14 foot category.

Another Weeping Sakura

Da Urchin wanted some photos of the water through the branches.

 

We weren’t the only ones enjoying the beautiful day.

It was warm enough to go paddle boating.

Tree near the Washington Monument.

Of course we were hardly the only ones enjoying these beautiful trees and the marvelous weather.  There were a great many picnics going on under the trees.  There was also a vendor & festival area but we skipped it.  It was very very crowded.

Da Urchin

I’m not sure I’d want to try & do this annually, but its well worth keeping on the calendar as something to do when the planets are in alignment.   Although a stroll all the way around the Tidal Basin plus a walk to & from the Metro was a serious amount of exercise.  Very pleasant but still serious exercise.  Or maybe I just need to engage in more serious exercise!

OVPR Spring Rendezvous Photo Essay

 Spring Flowers Mean It’s Rendezvous Time

BalladSinginSue’s Camp (aka me) 

Flick & Friends

‘Vous is Family Time

 Registration

The Blacksmith

A Mountain Man

Mary & Hootie Owl

 Joe & His Wife’s Camp

2 Fine Musicians Just Relaxing

 Mitch Behind Her Awesome Cooking Setup

Chantal & Various Kids

 Scented Soap & Candle Lady

A Colonial Couple

 A Few Friends Kicking Back

 At Rita’s Dinning Camp

 Hostess with the Most-est  (Tea that is)

Formal Tea is Served

 Ladies Formal Tea

Tavern Supplies

Tavern Keeper

 Tavern Keeper’s Boss, er Wife

Tavern Entertainment

  Ladies’ Social at the Tavern

More Ladies Socializing

 The Hard Working Chicken Cooking Crew

Many many thanks to the hard working men and women of the Old Virginia Primitive Riflemen, the muzzle loading club that makes this rendezvous  happen. 

Oh Look Its Snowing What a Surprise

Flashback to 2009-2010 and Snow-Ma-Geddon.  Remember?  Three major storms that winter with 26 to 31 inches of snow per storm.  Just putting things in perspective here.

Snow-Ma-Geddon Storm Two

Well the Winter of 2013- 2014 hasn’t gotten 2 foot snow storms it certainly has gotten storm after storm after storm.

Late Afternoon Just After Christmas

By late December there was 5 to 8 inches of snow on the ground more or less.  Some would melt.  More would fall.  At least there wasn’t much wind.

Mid January

January was on again and then on again some more.  Up to a foot accumulation here at my house. 

Early February

Early in February I was snowed in for 2 days.  I’ve lived here for 22 years and this is only the 5th time I’ve been snowed in.  (Snow-Ma-Geddon nailed me for 3 of those 5 times.)

February 13 & 14

No four wheel tracks, no cross country ski tracks, just some cat paw prints and deer tracks.

February 13th Early Afternoon

I’m still in Virginia, right?  I haven’t been transported back to Michigan, right?

February 24th

Not even deer tracks here.  Pure white untracked snow.  I am very tired of snow.  I’ve lost count of exactly how many days have brought me fresh snow. 

Morning Dusting February 26th

The snow melted, the snow returned.  Bletch.  I am filling the bird feeders regularly.  The snow is generally too deep to scratch through.

Noon February 28th

This storm dusted me with 4 inches of nice fresh snow.  I am not amused.

Mid-Morning March 3rd

Oh look, its more snow.  More cold, wet & heavy snow.

Crocus March 9th

The crocus think it is spring but then crocus are very hardy little things.

Crocus March 12th

WooHoo!  The 1st crocus bloom of the year!

Early Morning March 18th

I came home from Jamestown”s Military Through the Ages to guess what – SNOW.  What a surprise.  Not.

Titmouse & Chickadee March 18th

The bird feeders are quite popular.  I’ve been putting out a corn & sunflower mix for the squirrels.  The birds have been chasing the squirrels off until they have eaten most of the sunflower seeds.  Then they let the squirrels come & eat the corn.

Wild Crocus March 22nd

Ta Da!  The crocus are blooming big time!

Da Urchin’s Daffodils March 22nd

Da Urchin’s daffys are blooming too.  She did plant a very early variety so they are usually the first to bloom anywhere in the neighborhood.

Crocus Under the Birdfeeder March 23rd

I have peepers singing in the late afternoon and early evening too.   Iz doing a Little Happy Dance.

Early Morning Snow March 25th

AARRRGGGGHHHHH!  NO NO NO!

Birds Outside the Kitchen Door March 25th

The Bird Bistro is quite popular this morning.  There are about 3 dozen birds out there as I write this.

Not a Good Camping Day March 25th

Jane, don’t come north yet.  Its not really spring yet.  I was tired of snow by the end of December.  I am really really tired of it now.  The wonder is gone.  The sparkle in our relationship has died.  Snow, you have worn out your welcome.  Please leave.  Now.

 

Today at 4PM

UPDATE: Its 4:23pm.  The weather forecast said “No measurable accumulation”.  Well there’s 5 inches of “no measurable accumulation” in the yard already and its still snowing quite steadily.  Harumpth.