This year Amy and I decided to take a long weekend and fly out to Washington to see the cherry blossoms and visit my mom who lives in Virginia. The
annual Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in early April. Although the blossoms may last over a several week period their peak bloom lasts for 7 to 10
days. As you can see from the photos we managed to visit at the peak time.
The cherry trees originated in 1912 as gift of friendship to the United States from the people of Japan. In Japan the flowering cherry tree or "Sakura", as it is
called by the Japanese people, is one of the most exalted plants. First Lady Taft and the wife of the Japanese Ambassador planted the first two cherry trees
on the bank of the Tidal Basin, Washington's renowned Cherry Blossom Festival had its inception in this simple ceremony, witnessed by only a few people.
annual Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in early April. Although the blossoms may last over a several week period their peak bloom lasts for 7 to 10
days. As you can see from the photos we managed to visit at the peak time.
The cherry trees originated in 1912 as gift of friendship to the United States from the people of Japan. In Japan the flowering cherry tree or "Sakura", as it is
called by the Japanese people, is one of the most exalted plants. First Lady Taft and the wife of the Japanese Ambassador planted the first two cherry trees
on the bank of the Tidal Basin, Washington's renowned Cherry Blossom Festival had its inception in this simple ceremony, witnessed by only a few people.
My mom, Amy and I spent the day walking under the trees along the tidal basin. We also got some of the best views by taking one of the paddle boats
around the basin. The crowds were quite large but by chance we happened to run into councilman Bob Keller, Mike Murphy and Ken Striplin from the City of
Santa Clarita, CA who were in Washington lobby on behalf of the City.
around the basin. The crowds were quite large but by chance we happened to run into councilman Bob Keller, Mike Murphy and Ken Striplin from the City of
Santa Clarita, CA who were in Washington lobby on behalf of the City.
While visiting my mom we were able
to get together with my cousin Woody
who also lives in the western portion
of Virginia just a few miles away. We
have been friends since early
childhood when he would come stay
with us on the farm in PA. While
traveling on the racing circuit my
daughter Lynn would stay with Woody
and Suzanne. Her nickname for his
farm is "Woody's Ark."
to get together with my cousin Woody
who also lives in the western portion
of Virginia just a few miles away. We
have been friends since early
childhood when he would come stay
with us on the farm in PA. While
traveling on the racing circuit my
daughter Lynn would stay with Woody
and Suzanne. Her nickname for his
farm is "Woody's Ark."
Washington DC 2006
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