It's cherry blossom time in DC!
I have witnessed 22 cherry blossom seasons as a local resident and have found this time of year quaint: from the weeks leading up to it, the time itself while nature awakens the trees, and even the ending phase leading to the final loss of the blossoms.
This time of year presents a rare opportunity to bring locals together with predictable, simple conversations and usually all are smiling.
"When do you think the cherry blossoms will be at peak?"
"Where do you go to see the cherry blossoms?" (This usually implies not the Tidal Basin since it will be jammed with tourists.)
"Will you get a chance to see them this year or will you be out of town?"
And despite having seen the cherry blossoms for decades now, I easily fall into the excitement that only this time of year can bring. It's just too sweet, too nice, too special to pass up. So every year, out I go, to walk around smiling for a few hours while inspecting the blossoms and taking a few pictures.
This year I went to the National Arboretum with a friend, not one of my typical haunts for this cherry blossom appreciation. It was sunny, windy and just stunning to walk around that park. Hardly anyone else was there which was a bonus for us to peacefully contemplate nature.
So I fulfilled my annual ritual and I feel satisfied. I am certain that sometime early next year as winter abates a bit, the local conversation will turn to discussing when peak bloom is expected and where the best place is to see the cherry blossoms. There is a kind of comfort in knowing that.