A Very Pink Day

The Cherry Blossoms were at full peak on Monday, and only
a few people were there. Take the day off. Whatever your ego is directing you
to do today, the earth will not stop spinning if you wait until tomorrow.

Seriously, what would happen if you put off everything and
fell in love again under a shower of Pink Cherry Petals? I may have spent my
life in athletics but I also had the common sense to specialize in romance.

For 21 years, Ruth Ann and I have maintained an annual stroll under the Cherry Trees at the Tidal Basin. We arise early and arrive at the Roosevelt Memorial at 7 a.m. to park along the river just as the sun rises over the Jefferson Memorial. This morning was just perfect - azure blue sky, no wind and the warmth of 65 degrees. Surprisingly there were few people walking the basin. Parking is very difficult mid-day and by arriving at sun up we avoid the focus on others and can direct our attention to the trees. Dodging the crowd and tactically maneuvering out of the camera shots of others while reckoning with the very present fear of the unexpected plunge into the water are all too distracting.

Each year we return home renewed and eagerly urge our friends and family to do the same. “Too busy, maybe next year,” is the usual reply. Every year I remember those folks who again defer experiencing the incredible burst of spring as we walk under of a pink tunnel of flowers at sunrise. They never go; it is always ‘next year’. Too bad. My powers of persuasion, my romantic coaching fail.

This year the blooms are early by weeks. The poor vacationers who planned their trip to see the Cherry Blossoms, whose average full bloom is April 4, will most likely be very disappointed. So don’t you delay.

In these two hours under the sun there is absolute peace in DC; no winners or losers, Republicans or Democrats, lefties or righties, progressives or conservatives, no victors or the vanquished. If you are honest with yourself, we’re all tree huggers, at least for the morning. No one is screaming we’re number one, or calling people names. Thank you John Lennon, we “Imagine.”

Except for the obvious presence of the Japanese culture, nationality is left to the attempt to discover the language someone is speaking as you overhear a passerby’s conversation. About-to-be weds are busy with their “save the date” photography as they tearfully note those who are celebrating a lifetime together. We the people are in awe of nature in a city so wonderfully tended with care by our government.

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