On my way home from work yesterday, the sky was beginning to clear after a rally rainy, gloomy week. As the clouds broke up, the sun shown down on the road home from the university and nearly took my breath away. When the redbuds are almost ready to bloom, they turn this misty, feathery shade of maroon. In the sun, it looked like a Monet or Renoir painting. By Monday, they will be in full bloom. The pollen makes me sneeze, but I adore this time of year!