It's the end of February in Santa Rosa and from a distance the almond trees look like they are laden with snow. The leaves are long gone revealing limbs adorned only with the lacy whiteness of this early spring spectacle. Snow flake like petals drift and swirl on a gentle breeze. Are any two exactly alike? The orchard is a 70° blizzard of sweet promise.

Call them "am' uns" "all' muns" "al' muns" or "aw' muns" they all evolve from this exotic flower flourish. Leave it to nature to provide such pleasure just for me.

from Carole Ray

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