Spring twilight at the Tidal BasinSpring twilight at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, during the cherry blossom bloom. Featuring the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Spring dawn at the Tidal BasinSpring dawn at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, during the cherry blossom bloom. Featuring the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Spring sunrise at the Tidal BasinSpring sunrise at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, during the cherry blossom bloom. Featuring the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

This year, winter in Washington was long and dreary. We had lots of that hybrid rain and snow that we call “wintry mix.” It seemed like it would never end, but now it has. I cannot imagine a more dramatic end to such a winter than the arrival of cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. It’s a truly magnificent sight. I feel so blessed to live here in Washington and to be able to experience the arrival of spring with the cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossoms at first lightCherry blossoms lit with the early morning sun. New growthA new twig with blossoms grows forth from a cherry tree.