Nearing peak blossom

Every day brings it on, but the next three days are forecast to be cloudier; blossom needs a pure blue sky against which to look its finest. This is the time to catch the orchards as the blossom transitions from pink buds to white petals tinged with pink.

Below: one of my apple trees. A beautiful sight in the early-morning sun.

Pink bud is turning into full bloom. After a few days, the petals begin to fall. Each orchard goes through this at a slightly different time; many trees are not yet in full bloom, but are more colourful as a result.

Despite the long weeks of snow cover, the optimal form of irrigation, it has been a dry spring so far, and the strong northerly winds have accelerated evaporation of moisture from the topsoil.

Below: on the edge of the forest between Jakubowizna and Machcin II.

And on a day of such natural beauty, time to celebrate the feline beauty of Céleste. This morning she accompanied me on my early walk, a short stroll around the forest next door.

Out in the open, at the end of the drive, Céleste is looking east into the sun. Her pupils have narrowed to vertical slits.

 At this time of year, my walks are filled with wonder and joy, especially in the sun.

This time two years ago:
Visiting my maternal grandmother's grave in Bystrzyca Kłodzka

This time four years ago:
Got a bit of a cold (Pt 1)

This time five years ago:
Moon and bloom

This time seven years ago:

The working week in town, in pics

This time ten years ago:
Brexit: head vs heart, migration vs economy

This time 11 years ago:
Golf course update

This time 14 years ago:
The Shard changes London's skyline

This time 15 years ago:
In praise of Warsaw's trams

This time 16 years ago:
Plans for the railway line to Radom