Spring

There is a definite feeling of spring in the air. Walking back from town today Finlay declared "it's snowing" as white blossoms fell on us.



The apricot tree that we planted outside the front door is blooming:

Our neighbour's mimosa is in its annual yellow glory:

and all around the neighbourhood the trees are flowering.

The Santa Clara Valley used to be known as "The Valley of Heart's Delight" apparently because of its extensive orchards. It was a center for fruit, particularly prune, production. The next town to us celebrates this with an annual Prune Festival - although there are sadly not too many prunes around these days.

In the 11 years since I have moved to the area, I notice that there are fewer orchards, these being replaced by housing estates. At one time Blossom Hill Road, used to be orchards along it's entire length from LG to San Jose, but I don't think there is a single working orchard any more. I guess this is the price of progress, but I will be very sad when the very few remaining orchards around here go.