Today we leave on another adventure, which includes two river cruises and a train journey from Toronto to Vancouver.  During the Spring we usually find ourselves somewhere in Japan for the sakura blossoming.  The peak this year will be from the end of March to early April.  This time, we will see cherry blossoms virtually all across the USA and Canada, and, surprisingly enough, our timing is good. I spent three years working for the U.S. Senate in DC, and had memorable Sakura viewings.  Cherry blossoms are now blooming there, with a peak expected to be from the end of this month to early April.  The top three sites in the USA, according to Google AI, are the Tidal Basin in DC, Macon-Georgia and the University of Washington Quad in Seattle. First stop, Las Vegas.  And amazingly enough, Google AI mentions three locations. Gardens Park   (Summerlin):   Located at 10401 Garden Park Dr, this park features real cherry trees that bloom, offering a peacef...

Before my hurricane comparison, a few international developments.  I begin with President Donald Trump, here with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.  From  Time : Like other political and business leaders around the world,   South Korean President Lee Jae-myung   looked to lavish the U.S. President with a gift, a thinly veiled attempt to get to his heart. While some, like   Japan’s Prime Minister who met Trump on Tuesday , have lavished him with   golf clubs , and others have flattered him with honorary   medals and trophies , Lee presented the man who earlier this year   proclaimed himself “king” on a fake TIME magazine cover   with a gold crown . That photo above is gift of gold crown to Trump to commemorate a golden age of the Korea-U.S. alliance.  Note Lee's special gold tie.  A replica of a 1000-year old Korean kingdom crown.  Symbolizes the divine connection between authority of the heavens and sovereignty on eart...

  But first, a few Trumpy matters: The  tariff wars  against Canada, Mexico and China have begun. The result was a  stock market fall .  Not crash yet, but is that coming? President Trump will address a joint session of Congress tonight.   Should be entertaining, with surprises and made-for-TV moments.  Many Democrats will boycott, and those females who show up will  wear pink and white .  Six years ago they wore white. Trump paused military aide to Ukraine after that Oval Office skirmish.  Would have been warranted if THIS happened. Now, on to the topic of the day.  I once lived in Louisiana.  Mardi Gras was the big event for the state.  Shrove Tuesday is the last day before Ash Wednesday beginning Lent, ( the Christian fasting season when certain foods are avoided ) and is the final day to feast on rich foods like red meat.  Thus, this is also called Fat Tuesday, the culmination of Mardi Gras.  I report on this...