After living FOUR years in Northern Virginia – just a 45 minute drive as the crow flies, if we could fly and not drive – I FINALLY make it to the D.C. tidal basin to see the cherry blossom trees do their thing!  Only for a few minutes did the sun come out and the sky clear on the day that my friend Len and I made it down to the tidal basin for a picnic.  But, it was worth the trip anyway!

There are different types of Cherry Trees - some look white, others pink.

  It’s hard to believe that its already been 100 years since the Mayor of Tokyo, Japan made the official gift of 3,000 of these beautiful trees to the city of Washington, D.C.     

   The first two trees from Japan were planted in a simple ceremony on March 27, 1912, by First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador.  They were planted on the north bank of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park. 

The original gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between Japan and the United States. 

Its such a sight that the U.S. National Park Service has a “bloom cam” and goes to great effort to forecast the time the trees will be at their peak – when 70% of the blooms are open.

The celebration in D.C. is multi-faceted and stretches for days; occasionally, like this year, the celebration outlasts the bloom period.  Indeed, this year, the Parade was held long after the trees had peaked.  Oh well, having the parade synchronized with the blooming time isn’t that important.  What’s important is that Spring has Sprung and its a beautiful and romantic time to be in D.C.

If you missed it this year, make plans for next year.  Don’t be like me and let work and daily chores get in the way of witnessing one of nature’s most lovely displays!  It’s a shame it took me four years to get into the city to see it …!

 For more information about the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, visit the official site.

Cherry Blossoms in bloom in Washington, D.C. all photos copyright 2012 Deborah A.Deal

BY ROBERT FROST

Whose woods these are I think I know.   

Snow takes an otherwise boring, dark day in Winter and makes it special. I love the quiet stillness a new frosting brings. Here - an estate in Middleburg, Virginia. Where are the horses? Snug in their stalls ...

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   

To stop without a farmhouse near   

Between the woods and frozen lake   

The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   

To ask if there is some mistake.   

The only other sound’s the sweep   

Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

And miles to go before I sleep ... miles to go ...

Middleburg, Virginia Christmas Parade 2011

Middleburg, Virginia Christmas Parade 2011

Talk about Romantic! 

Horses, dogs, a parade in a cute little historic town – add this to your book of romantic places and events to see and do!

Today’s Parade of Roses – it’s Monday, Jan 2, 2012 – made me remember to post the photos from the Annual Middleburg Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 3, 2011.

The first event of the festive day in downtown Middleburg was "The Hunt" parade at 11:00 a.m.on Saturday, December 3. What a sight in this attractive historic town!

Hounds and horses - but where's the fox?

 The parade is actually TWO parades …  

These are the photos from the horses and hounds brigade – I guess they call it The Hunt, which took place at 11:00 a.m.

Middleburg dogs have their people bring them to see the fox-hunter hounds at the annual Christmas parade.

Middleburg, Virginia is famous for its horse farms, fox hunting and celebrities. I would also add that it should be famous for the number of dogs who live there too!  I’ve included photos of some of the pets who showed up to see the fox hounds in the parade!

A pug, captivated by the number of fox-hunting hounds ...

Middleburg was established in 1787 by Revolutionary War Lieutenant Colonel and Virginia statesman, Levin Powell. He purchased the land for Middleburg at $2.50 an acre from Joseph Chinn, first cousin to George Washington.

Lots of pups dressed up for the parade!

Middleburg – population about 600 –  makes a great day trip or vacation.  There are plenty of charming shops and restaurants, along with several nearby vineyards and estates that offer tours and even horseback riding.  

Some watchers didn't bother to dress up, but enjoyed the show all the same!

Don’t miss the historic Red Fox Inn and Tavern. It is reported to be the “oldest operating original inn in America.”

The historic Red Fox Inn (and restaurant) all dressed up for the holidays ...

The Red Fox Tavern was a hang out spot for Confederate Colonel John Mosby and his Rangers. A century later, President Kennedy’s press secretary, Pierre Salinger, held press conferences at the Red in the Jeb Stuart Room. Some of my personal favorite shops include The Fun Shop, Lou Lou, and Creme de la  Creme. (See my other post on Middleburg shopping.)

Middleburg, Virginia Christmas Parade 2011

Middleburg, Virginia Christmas Parade 2011