I know this past winter was nothing to complain about… Even the parentals back home in the ‘burgh were enjoying 60 degree days. But it is official, as of yesterday, Spring has sprung. Last week was full of highs in the 80s, it’s lighter outside longer, and the flowers are blooming. Kirios and I decided to celebrate in style. I abandoned my colored tights, and donned a bright green dress to work yesterday. When I was done for the day, I walked through the garden at the Smithsonian castle, and then took out my Kindle to read on a bench at the National Mall. Kirios met me there as fast as the metro could carry him, and we picnicked on the mall. I packed a steak salad with veggies and leftover ribeye from our dinner on Saturday night, and he brought a diet cherry coke for us to share 🙂

After eating, we wondered down to the Tidal Basin for the obligatory Cherry Blossom photo shoot. Yes, the famous blossoms are in full bloom, and talked about in the tabloids more than Lindsay Lohan these days. It’s just that time of the year in DC. Kirios was a bit disappointed that the majority of the blossoms were white instead of pink, but they were nonetheless beautiful, encircling the water. We walked around and plopped down Kirios’ trusty tripod every few feet, posing for silly, serious, and romantic photos together.

After an hour of photo-taking, when my cheeks were starting to get tired, we mosy-ed our way back to the metro and travelled to Chinatown for another favorite spring tradition of mine – free Rita’s day! I must admit, the weather was a tad cold to truly appreciate my favorite ices, but such is life. The line by Rita’s reminded me of warm Saturday nights in Squirrel Hill. (It just doesn’t attract the same crowd in this neck of the woods, usually… too much competition, I suppose.) Kirios and I were disappointed to find there were only two flavors left, cherry and cotton candy. Of course, that was a no-brainer, we both got cherry. So the overall Rita’s experience was a tad of a let down, but combined with the cherry blossoms, it made for a lovely evening. Next time they better have mango!!!

Finally, a side note that must be said: Hines Ward is one talented athlete and a class act. There are many who could take a lesson from him, *coughLebroncough,* and this Pittsburgh gal is proud to have his name on my Jersey.