Hanging of the lights

It is a beautiful clear day today. Still a bit chilly, but clear skys and buds and green shoots peeking out of the plant life. The plum trees are blooming and I was actually able to open my windows and let the air come into the house without freezing yesterday, so, the season is definitely changing. I am packing up my snow board gear and am thinking about spring sports. But, the thing that really put it in my head that winter is fading, was on my walk to work this morning.

There is a small park, about a city block in size, that I pass everyday. It is mostly open space with swings and a sandbox. It is a popular place for the high school kids to gather after school as there is a large bike yard beside it. But, the most notable feature is the trees. There are huge cherry trees that fill the whole park. In just a few weeks, they will flood the air and ground alike with light pink petals that fall like light snow. There is not a moment of this that should be missed, So, to watch that beauty, we even go at night and sit under the trees to eat, drink, and just watch. To aid in that, today, long strings of lantern lights have been hung between the trees. Every year, they hang the lights and people come at all times of day, because the round paper lamps stay on until the trees have shed their new-born pink and started their adolescent green.

I am looking forward to spring.