They are long gone now, but worth remembering.
At the waterfront in Portland is a section filled with cherry trees. I have posted about them before. Wikipedia says that “The area has 100 ‘Akebono’ variety trees donated by Japanese businessmen in 1990 who were members of the Japanese Grain Traders Import Association and worked in local offices.” I am dubious that there are 100 trees, but that does not take away from their spectacular beauty.
The Japanese American Historical Plaza contains not only trees, but also dedications to the memory of the sad US history of Japanese internments, which I talked about in more detail in a previous post from 2023. There is a brick-paved section and multiple monuments from different artists.
On this visit, I joined the ranks of people with fancy cameras and magnificent lenses, who climbed the stairs of Steel Bridge, and flanked the pedestrian walk. This is a good place to see what’s really happening at the waterfront.
From the bridge, the views were excellent.
I enjoyed seeing so many people out. Many of them dress in pink, or in clothes with flowers on them. Many are there to take special photos. There were women and girls in fancy gowns, children in their best clothes, families, grandparents, graduates, couples, and so many PETS having their portraits done under the pink blossoms.
More than the photos, I love the picnics. Despite the chilly weather and grey skies, there were many groups there just to have a picnic. Obviously there were families making a low-cost fun day of it. But even more were the friends, co-workers possibly, book clubs or art co-ops maybe, ha ha! Blankets spread out, fabulous pink and flower clothes and scarves and umbrellas, with salads and roast chicken passed around on decorative paper plates, and wine in plastic cups . People all laughing and relaxed and talking with great animation (probably to keep their blood flowing and warm them up).
I didn’t get any good photos of the picnics or the pets, but trust me they were heart-warming.
Conscious Engagement 
Wow! What a lovely display! Our cherry trees have yet to pop, but soon!
We hit the eighties today, which is very unusual for this time of year. This time of year in New England, it’s time for the littler “ephemeral” flowers like Trout Lily and bloodroot. The flashier stuff comes later.