It’s Cherry Blossom time in Washington, DC and guess who’s here to enjoy those beautiful pink bouquets of “simply loveliness”? (I sort of gave it away when I said “here” – didn’t I?)
I flew out yesterday to celebrate this beautiful springtime event in DC and to spend Easter with my daughter. This is her first year to be living here – so I wanted to make this a mom/daughter event. (Yes, to my friends and family, as you know, I hate flying >>> so you know how determined I was to get out here!)
We’re going down to see the blossoms this morning, and again during the beginning of the week. My daughter doesn’t remember seeing the blossoms when she was itty-bitty, so it will be fun for me to see the blossoms with her “for the first time”.
I didn’t get much actual reading done on the flight yesterday; however, I was able to listen to about half of the latest Alexander McCall Smith No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency novel. I’ve started a new-to-me Cozy Mystery author on my Kindle, so it’s still too early to tell if I’m going to stay with it.
Well, we’re off to see the blossoms…
Kitty D says
What a perfect way to spend Easter! Those trees alone would be worth the trip.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kitty, you’re not joking! Easter, Cherry Blossoms, and my daughter! (I felt a little bad about leaving my husband back home, and tried to talk him into going to an Easter brunch with our son. But I somehow doubt that’s going to happen without me there to micromanage, which I have a tendency of doing…)
Rob says
Danna: I was out there with my family before I graduated from high school and got to see the Washington Monument and for me, the Lincoln Memorial (I’ve been a rabid Lincoln biog reader since I was 15) and the FBI. Since I am a mystery and crime nut, from a very early age (I wanted to be a cop since I was 6) that stop was a must see but Dad was the only one that went with me. I loved the cherry blossoms and the sight of the petals sprinkled on the lawns was really pretty. My grandma made that trip with us and she couldn’t ooh and ahh enough! I’m glad you got to go. The guys will probably watch games and eat pizza.
I love your blog site Danna. Keep it coming. Thanks for all your work. I just finished Laura Bradford’s Amish mystery A Churn for the Worse and it was vintage Bradford. Excellent.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rob, we walked by the old FBI building, which apparently has been crumbling away. They have had to put a net tarp of sorts over the top floor. What a shame…
Joyce says
Guys often need a social events manager. I’d like to be with my daughter and her family for Easter, too, but it’s not happening this year. I’m glad for you. I just listened to an Alexander McCall Smith audiobook for the first time. I loved the narration!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Joyce, I’m guessing the Alexander McCall Smith audiobook was a No. 1 Ladies’ Detective book with Lisett Lecat narrating. She’s absolutely wonderful! Or maybe the Bertie books? I love those on audio also. They are two of the best narrations I can think of right now (sitting at my laptop). I’m sorry you weren’t able to join your daughter and her family this year, and hope that next year you will…
Linda MH says
Happy Easter, Danna! I’d love to see those blossoms. Have a wonderful time with your daughter.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda MH, we saw “110 in the Shade” at the Ford Theater this afternoon. It was terrific! I hope you have a terrific Easter as well!
Sandra says
I think you’re going to like Alexander McCall Smith’s series. Precious Ramotswe is a wonderful character! Hope you have fun in our nation’s capitol.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sandra, this series is one of my favorites. I listen to the books, which are narrated by Lisette Lecat, and they are absolutely terrific.
Sharon says
The cozy mysteries are the best. Have not read one that I do not like.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sharon, I enjoy a lot of different Cozy Mystery series, too. Unfortunately, there are a few that I have on my “*****YUCK” list…
Melissa says
Have a wonderful time!
The Cherry Blossoms sound lovely!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Melissa, there are a few Cherry Blossoms over by where my daughter lives which are beautiful to see as you walk to and from the metro. Even though they are located with all of the trees that people go to see, these are beautiful. When the wind blows the gently fall down to the ground. They’re lovely…
Ann says
Making lovely memories. I missed the blossoms when I was there but I’ve seen beautiful pictures.
Ann
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ann, you’re so right about the memories. It has been terrific!
Kathleen says
Cherry Blossom Season is always wonderful in DC.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kathleen, we tried to go see the blossoms this afternoon after we saw a play at the Ford Theatre, but it was too crowded. However, right as we (finally!) got close enough to the Tidal Basin, their perfume wafted through the air. It was pretty exciting. (And a whole lot more crowded than when my husband and I took our son and daughter to see them when they were little tykes.
Patti says
Enjoy your beautiful and blessed cherry-blossom-filled Easter with your daughter!
Hugs,
Patti
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patti, thank you! I hope you have a beautiful Easter too.
Fran says
I was in DC earlier this week for business, but made time to visit the beautiful flowers. If you’ve never been it’s eally worth it
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Fran, it’s been years since I saw them, and I will say this, it was not as crowded then as it is now. I think trying to see them on a Saturday was a mistake for us, so we’re looking forward to going back this week. It was a great idea for you to make time to see those beautiful Cherry Blossoms!
Marja says
Enjoy, Danna. I hope the weather is lovely.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marja, thank you. So far the weather looks like it will be great.
Kay C says
I’ve read quite a few of that series and, while they’re quite a different style of writing for me, I really enjoy reading about a totally different part of the world and viewpoint. I’ve also read a couple of his other books in his series that take place in Scotland. Have a wonderful Easter and enjoy the time w/your DD!
Bev S says
Danna…
Enjoy the week as the blossoms won’t be around for long, but they are beautiful…I was lucky enough to work in Washington for many years so got to see them every day on my way back and forth to work all over the city not just at the Tidal Basin.
And still live just about twenty minutes from downtown Washington.
Always interesting when I start a new to me author…never sure if it will be a keeper, but most have been, so hopefully your new author will be a keeper.
Happy Easter to you and your family.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev, I think this new author is going to be a keeper. I’m pretty excited about finding a new author to add to my favorites list! (I still have to finish the book, though, so I may be speaking too soon.)
Andi says
Have a great time for all of us! I’ve always wanted to be in DC at that time of year. To make this relevant, I know I’ve read some cozies set in DC at that time of year, but it’s been awhile so I don’t remember what they are–sorry! I’m going to watch some mysteries online, but maybe later look for those, maybe even on your site!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Andi, I just checked my Washington, DC list >>> to remind myself of the series I read that are set in this beautiful city…
denise says
Hi Danna, or anyone reading here,
Can anyone tell me how to find books that have very, good narration? I like to occasionally “listen” to an audio book, but I don’t know how to find highly, rated narrators.
Anyone have some ideas for me?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Denise, here are some entries I wrote about narrators who I think are really good. I hope you can find a few books you want to listen to, with some of them as the narrators.
Listening to Mystery Books on Tape… Pt. 1
Great Narrators of Mystery Books on Tape… Pt. 2
Some More of My Favorite Narrators of Books on Tape… Pt. 3
Mystery Books on Audio