This time of year is one of the worst for my allergies. It is the time when the air is filled with allergens from the many blossoms that are appearing on the treas.

It is a miserable time for allergies, but also a beautiful time of year in the Central Valley.

As you look out over the orchards from I-5 it almost looks like it has snowed on the valley floor.

The almond trees are the first to bloom and there are many almond orchards around.

The cherry trees are also starting to blossom.

Bees are out in force pollinating the blossoms.

As you pass by the almond orchards you see stacks of hives at the end of the rows of trees.

It is also when I think about the cherry blossoms in Japan. I have been to Tokyo and other areas of Japan during cherry blossom season a few times over the years.

It is a beautiful time of year, but I will be happy when it is over and my allergies calm down a bit. For now, I just keep taking my allergy medicine.

Steven