Cherry tree blossom festival - several

[S_Leeper]

There are several cherry tree blossom festivals. The most famous the Washington DC which is in full bloom, NOW!!!
http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/cherry-blossom-bloom.htm

Also, had a meeting in Newark, NJ today so beforehand I went to Branch Brook park, only a few trees in bloom now... expect that around mid-April it will be in full bloom... I will try to check around Easter...
http://branchbrookpark.org/index.htm

No links for the several other festivals...

The below are two pics of the blooms...

[Melody]

Oh I iike the second one! Makes me think there are so many blossoms they are just coming down like rain.

I bet it's just gorgeous in full bloom with so many trees, they always show it on the news here, I asked for images from you folks back there last year this year I want to see lots of them! :getdown:

Melody

[BARBARA LUKE]

Soooo beautiful......i must get myself out and get some spring shots as the weather is lovely here today..... Barbara

[S_Leeper]

Thanks...
For the last 10+ years I've tried to get to DC, but doing financial reporting April vacations were not an option...
Now I'm in a technical accounting group (don't fall asleep) & my schedule is now fairly random... i.e. off tomorrow & next Monday & Tuesday...

Of course now my beloved wife is coming up with a list of her errands that she insists will require me to stay at home ... :-(.

Ahhh the joys of being married 19 years... having gone way beyond selective listening the question is should I tell her my plans for Mon & Tue or just spring it on her Monday morning ... :woot:

[Melody]

Think like a woman and twist it!

Your making the schedule for Mon. Tues. no excuses, then tell her life is too short not to take the time to go see those blossoms...of course if your really good you'll take her with you so you can share it together.

Life really is too short not too, errands and boring stuff can be done later..Seize the day! Or you could always use guilt it works pretty well too :lol:


Melody

edit: here use this tell her...I've had a really bad day, and it would cheer me up to know pictures are coming... Gosh I've done that sort of work it will cheer you up too, see now, you, her, and me that's three of us and there are many more, the votes are counted your going! :lol:

[S_Leeper]

Well we did make it...

Melody,
I've been accused of thinking like a woman before, but we won't go in to that here :-)...

And you are so right that life is precious...

Below are a few pics... most of the cherry blooms were knocked off by rain/snow during the first week of April (Tue or Wed I think)... but still lots to see... took bus tour that allows you to get off & reboard a later bus... only made a few stops, with Arlington being one of them.

Also finally made it to The Wall...

[S_Leeper]

p.s. a few of the other shots.
http://leeper.smugmug.com/gallery/2701175#143094785

[Melody]

:clap: :clap: :clap: I'm so glad you went!!

Thank you for sharing the images I really enjoy seeing them :)

Great looking family!

You got some fabulous shots I love the composition on #10, #12 is striking...sheesh I can't pick favorite, very nice!

Melody

[jhawk1000]

Not to change the subject from cherry blossoms entirely, your photos bring back memories of Washington, DC where I spent some time courtesy of Uncle Sam during the 1960's. I have been back many times and since it was completed, my stop has always included a stop at the Vietnam Memorial. It is truly a monument that is so simple but brings forth such emotion. I recall the first time I went there and found some of my friend's names on the wall. I was going to be strong and not show emotion until some rag tag looking guy in an ill fitting uniform from his service years past stood near the top of the granite wall and played Taps. I could not conceal all the anger, all the tears, all the feelings that this period of history had imprinted on my soul. I have been back several more times and always feel that sense of loss and grief when I walk into the cut in the earth and see the letters, the beer cans, the pictures of the departed. I have made rubbings of the names of my lost comrades who died so very young without having the chances I received after my service. Thanks for bringing those memories, which never ever leave for good, with the picture of the wall with the reflection. Reminds me to get back to DC again and visit Arlington again also. While in the service, I lived near the cemetery for awhile before moving to Alexandria. I loved the peacefulness of Arlington and often attended funerals there in my duties. Never did I adapt to the sorrow of the survivors at the ceremonies.
Oh yes, to get back on topic--I recall the cherry blossoms as well as the near hurricane winds and rain during the summer.
Thanks again for re-igniting my past life!

Mel

[S_Leeper]

Melody,
Thanks for the compliments... #12 is one of my favorites also.

Mel,
re: taps
got rid of the long story...

short story... joined shortly after war's end... twice a week every other week was on honor guard detail (McChord AFB usually for funerals down at Willamette) where we heard the bugler's farewell cry...

[proberts]

short story... joined shortly after war's end... twice a week every other week was on honor guard detail (McChord AFB usually for funerals down at Willamette) where we heard the bugler's farewell cry...

We were at McChord in the early-mid '70's. Wish I'd have checked sooer, as I'd have met you down in DC for a shoot before shooting back up to PA.

Paul

[S_Leeper]

Meeting in DC wouldn't have worked, as the schedule is too fluid... but will try to give a head's up when going other east coast places.

p.s. I was a plumber in the Air Force, 62nd CES, 76-79