Enjoying the cherry blossoms (and magnolias in bloom) in Kenwood, Bethesda, MD.

The neighborhood has about 1200 cherry trees and, while full of people, is much less crowded than the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.

This brilliant flower erupts every May from a scraggly vine that grows, unbidden, over my woodpile. Each may I try to capture how remarkable it looks to me against its setting, but I never quite manage it.

I know it's a real bank, but it's still funny to me.

The Netherland-America Foundation holds its' gala awards dinner celebrating Dutch - American heritage at the Washington Golf and Country Club in Arlington, VA on Friday, may 11, 2012 (James R. Brantley)

A water main break under Friendship Blvd in Friendship Heights caused a partial collapse of the street. A car parked there ended up being swallowed up in the sinkhole. (Photo submitted by David Snyder)

The Netherland-America Foundation holds its' gala awards dinner celebrating Dutch - American heritage at the Washington Golf and Country Club in Arlington, VA on Friday, may 11, 2012 (James R. Brantley)

The Netherland-America Foundation holds its' gala awards dinner celebrating Dutch - American heritage at the Washington Golf and Country Club in Arlington, VA on Friday, may 11, 2012 (James R. Brantley)

LOCATION: CHEVY CHASE, MD DATE: October, 01, 2011 SUBJECT: Wedding of Rebecca Blatt and Brett Hovell at Woodend Sanctuary. PICTURED: CREDIT: Jay Premack Photography

This might have pleased Jan Van Eyck.

The Netherland-America Foundation holds its' gala awards dinner celebrating Dutch - American heritage at the Washington Golf and Country Club in Arlington, VA on Friday, may 11, 2012 (James R. Brantley)

Showcase of fall looks and accessories at the Chevy Chase Anthropoligie store Fall Fashion Show. A photographer's paradise!

The Netherland-America Foundation holds its' gala awards dinner celebrating Dutch - American heritage at the Washington Golf and Country Club in Arlington, VA on Friday, may 11, 2012 (James R. Brantley)

Chevy Chase, DC

The Netherland-America Foundation holds its' gala awards dinner celebrating Dutch - American heritage at the Washington Golf and Country Club in Arlington, VA on Friday, may 11, 2012 (James R. Brantley)

The Netherland-America Foundation holds its' gala awards dinner celebrating Dutch - American heritage at the Washington Golf and Country Club in Arlington, VA on Friday, may 11, 2012 (James R. Brantley)

a glimpse inside the kitchen / lia's restaurant