WHY – A POEM

Sometimes I just sit and wonder why.
All the living things on earth must die.
Why do some animals travel in large packs?
Why do some stores refuse to give cash back?
Why do some people use slang instead of words?
Why people wear sagging pants and look absurd?
Why manufacturers create vehicles with no dip sticks?
Why do women allow men to refer to them as their chick?
Why do the younger generation think they have it figured out?
Why do the defective metabolism of uric acid cause painful gout?
Why do some people use their outside voices when talking and shout?
Why do some fools listen to schemes of others and obey their commands?
Why do people go to beaches and bury their bodies in the scorching hot sand?
Why do people watch horror movies and lie awake in fear throughout the night?
Why do you not see many children out in the wind running flying awesome kites?

JASMINE D. PARKER ©

CHERRY BLOSSOMS

A grove of blossoming flowers is beautiful as far as the eye can see, one of the most

mysteriously alluring places one could ever hope to be. The American Cherry

Blossoms are lovelier than one would imagine, filling the air with the faint and

sheer lilac and rose qualities, accented with creamy vanilla and soft, almond-like

aroma from their pale pink flowers.

Walking through the grove is a complete dream with bees buzzing, butterflies

fluttering, in one of the earth’s most majestic natural wonders. While strolling

beneath those ephemeral petals and marveling at how amazing mother nature

could create such an intense scene for all to behold. Taking it all in, held bondage

by its beauty, you must continue to be enthralled by this captivating oasis of

flowers.

The Japanese Sakura (or Cherry Blossoms) – 

Credit:www.insidejapantours.com

Spring in Japan can only mean one thing: cherry blossom. Sandwiched between the

long, bitter winter months and the sweltering humidity of summer, spring is by far

the most popular time for tourism in Japan – both domestic and international. The

atmosphere at this time of year is infectious, with parks packed with revelers and

supermarket shelves stacked with the latest blossom-flavored snacks and drinks.

The cherry blossom (or sakura) “front” sweeps along the length of the country each

year, beginning with Okinawa in the far south in February and working its way

along Japan to northern Hokkaido in May. A variety of factors can affect when the

cherry blossom comes into bloom: a particularly cold winter can mean that the

flowers come out late, unseasonably mild weather can usher them out sooner, and

heavy rain can mean that the trees drop their petals much quicker than otherwise.

For this reason, the forecast is followed avidly throughout the sakura season!

Dates – 

The cherry blossom usually begins to bloom in Okinawa in around

January/February, passes through the middle of Japan in March and April, and

finishes with a late bloom in northern Hokkaido in May. In areas of high altitude,

the blossom also arrives rather later than in low-altitude regions.

Tokyo usually sees its first blossoms in the dying days of March, with full bloom

falling around April 5. Kyoto follows a day or two later, while the mountainous

areas around Takayama and Matsumoto bloom about two weeks later – beginning

in mid-April. For a more accurate idea of where and when the cherry blossom will

be blooming this year, take a look at our wonderful new sakura infographic! Slide

the slider and you’ll see the cherry blossom front as it moves from south to north.

 

As you make it to the end and take in a deep breath, you began to wonder if you’re

ready for the whole adventure to come to an end? The sweet Cherry Blossoms of

the US and the “Sakura,” Cherry Blossoms of Japan are a fascinating site to see.

One great experience for the whole family, but the peak blossoms only last a week

or two.