Across the East coast, the arrival of the cherry blossoms harbor the beginning of something special - spring, with its festivals, outdoor eating, picnicking and more is here in earnest. 

Well, that's the idea anyway. When the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens opened their doors to members last week for a special 'pre-viewing' of the cherry blossoms, they looked almost comically out of place. As though, like a bear popping up too early from its hibernation, they shriveled up and cuddled close to stay warm.

This weekend - when the BBG hosts its annual Sakura Matsuri festival - the weather should be great and I have little doubt that the cherries will find a way to rise. But I couldn't help but feel as we walked around the garden last week that they wanted a little more time to sleep, a little more time to dream of better times.