Day Eighty-Two: Hanami

On a spring day in Kansas windy enough to make the wickedest of witches hold on to her hat and watch above for flying farm houses, a few spring buds were out in full bloom and grasping to their branches as they were tossed about in some wicked Kansas winds.

People walking down Mass St. today were holding on tightly to their shopping bags, loose clothing, and small children for fear that any or all of these items might be blown away in the gusts of wind that topped over 50 mph.

The flag that sits high atop the historic Eldridge Hotel in downtown Lawrence was busy all day - continuous winds kept Old Glory at constant attention.

And in the forefront of today's picture are the cherry blossoms - or sakura, by its (native) Japanese name - a common sight this time of year in downtown Lawrence.

By viewing today's blog entry you are taking part in hanami, which the KU Center for East Asian Studies describes as "the custom of cherry-blossom viewing...accompanied by food, drink, singing, and general merriment."

Here I've provided the cherry blossoms - hopefully you are finding the general merriment in your own lives.

And if you happen to be raising a glass of sake at the moment, then happy hanamizake to you!