Blossoming

Well, the 3,750 cherry blossom trees that line the Tidal Basin and surrounding national parks in Washington, D.C., survived winter blizzards and will again bloom during end of March/first of April!

I'm really happy for this because I've been looking forward to it since I moved.

The first trees were a gift to the city in 1912 from Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki.

More than a million people each year attend the festival, which includes a parade, a fundraising gala, exhibits across the city on Japanese ceramics and garments and paddle boat rides around the Tidal Basin.

What I'm struggling with is missing the Cherry Blossom Parade on April 10th. :-( That's TARTAN DAY!! I'm meeting Mary in NYC and going to Stout as I have every year since moving to the east coast. (No comment on J&J!).

Oh well, I'm definitely planning on visiting a few 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival® Cherry Picks Restaurants, where different restaurants offer "cherry-inspired recipes throughout the signature springtime event. During the two-week festival, diners can enjoy a variety of alluring entrées, decadent desserts and delectable cocktails with a special cherry touch at participating restaurants."

Delish!!

Update to Andreen: It's a work in progress, right? (Happiness, I mean). Always, in a moment, easily stolen away. I'm consciously trying to be more fluid and trying not to take for granted what I have, even though it's not, at this very moment, what I originally dreamed of. There could be monumental positive occasions and opportunities just around the corner.

For now I'm thankful, SO thankful, for the job, apartment, and friends who are really here for me, even at a distance.

Besos.