Mulch, Flower Beds, Crowds, and Signs of Spring

Finally a Monday without snow and ice and frigid temperatures. We could finally resume our morning walk on the Mall with either breakfast or lunch to follow at our favorite spot on Capitol Hill - Pete's Diner. You know the season is finally changing because allergies are back and buds are sprouting up all around. Mulch "fragrance" is also in the air as flower beds are prepped at all the Smithsonian sites. A huge truck that looks like a gasoline carrying vehicle complete with attached hose is spreading yards of mulch by the duck pond at the American Indian Museum. There's an empty nest by the botanical garden; and a robin is checking out a house by the art museum. The seagulls are sitting on the grass in front of the reflecting pond - one thinks he's a duck by the Grant statue. And of course the hoards of visitors are descending upon us in anticipation of cherry blossom time. Huge groups of teenagers wearing the same color shirt abound. It's spring time in DC, even though snow is expected on Friday. At least it's in the air and the best is yet to come.