This work, apparently by a creative welder, sits in a little flower bed near the corner of New Hampshire and S streets NW in D.C., and even the daffodils must bow to its simple force.

All over town it seems the trees and flowers are just exploding with color. Perhaps it's just because the winter has seemed so long and grey, or perhaps spring really is a little more colorful in D.C. because of the variety of trees here, but for whatever reason, the colors seem vivid and abundant. These photos don't really capture it, but many times in the past week I've glanced up at a tree exploding in bloom against the backdrop of the blue sky and it has reminded me of nothing so much as the fiery burst of a firecracker high in the sky.

Pictures may be worth a thousand words, but it will take a photographer better than me to show you what I'm talking about. Bottom line: Spring in D.C. is a wonderful thing. If you ever consider visiting the city, this time of year would be a good time. Partly because of that, the National Cherry Blossom Festival has begun. If I make it down to the National Mall soon, I'll try to get a good shot or two.