This weekend started Spring and the Cherry Blossom Festival here in D.C. However, the above picture is a tulip tree in the Capitol's front yard. The tulips bloom at the same time as the cherry blossoms and a larger and more colorful. Why don't they have a tulip fest? My friend Karl flew into town from Tampa Bay today to do some more training down at the Marine base in Quantico, Va. A group of us walked down to the National Mall from my friend's house on Capitol Hill. It was a fun walk because ... it just was. Good people create good times. They had the kite festival today down by the Smithsonian Castle. I had my wide-angle lens and no other equipment, less options and more finding good light. I felt like a jerk (more than usual) running around with my camera while my friends all waited for me to catch up.