Pensieri di un lunatico minore

A spring outing at the National Arboretum

Those who know me well know that I spend a lot of time at the National Arboretum in NE DC. To me, it is a sactuary in a city of noise and attitude. That it abuts to the ever-busy New York Avenue makes it more of a miracle than many can imagine.

Every spring, I spent a lot of time at the Aboretum watching as various plants come into their own. Saturday, I spent it with Hal, wandering around the holly and magnolia collection, which was just showing signs of breaking open. The transition, on a warm late-winter day, was amazing to watch, and more, the plethora of people out walking, biking and simply reclining in the sun to enjoy what was perhaps one of the most perfect days of the year.

After a few hours at the Arboretum, I came home, grabbed an art book, and walked down the street to a small park/playground down the street. With my iPod on, and Tish Hinojosa singing from her album Dreaming From the Labyrinth (in both English and Spanish) in my ears, I walked down the street, and plopped myself on one of the empty picnic tables to partake of the beautiful weather, the sight of children on the first real day of “play” in a new year, and parents relaxing in the sunlight.

A good day.

Photos, as always, are up on Flickr.