This spring has been a little chilly for us in New Jersey so our famed cherry blossoms still haven’t reached their peak bloom. But I visited Branch Brook Park in Newark anyway this morning after helping my mother run some errands. Branch Brook has the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the U. S. but today in some spots, the display was a bit anemic …
Some trees, though not in full bloom, were lovely nonetheless …
Yep, that’s my mom. She’s 87, which gives me a little hope for longevity.
Of course I had to throw in some random selfies …
My mom learned the word “selfie” while watching the recent Academy Awards, so she was happy to take some with me …
By the way, I just love the type of people who kindly offer to take pictures of you with your own camera. (Why do they do that, I can never be so bothered. Shame on me.)
Some out-of-townies asked us directions to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which was further than walking distance from where we were in the huge park at the time. I had to pass it on the way to driving my mom home, though, so I stopped to get a few shots for this post. It’s the fifth largest cathedral in the U.S.
All photos by A. D. Joyce.
©A. D. Joyce, 2014
A. D. Joyce 
What beautiful photos! Nice to see your mom!
LikeLike
Thanks, Deb! I was so happy when she said she didn’t mind me sharing her pics!
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing such lovely spring shots – and especially those with your mother! You’ve given me good reason to smile.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Diane!
LikeLike
Lovely ladies!
LikeLike
Thank you, Tamara!
LikeLike
Well, you certainly have good genes. Your mom looks much younger than her age. Just saying!
LikeLike
Yes, indeed, Muriel! My mom is a marvel. 🙂
LikeLike
You, your mom & and the blossoms are all truly beautiful!
LikeLike
That’s so sweet. Thank you, Marie!
LikeLike
Lovely photos! I’m so jealous you have all those beautiful cherry blossoms by you. Simply beautiful!
LikeLike
Thanks, Joy! They are stunning. There are cherry blossom trees all over the place in NJ and I bet many of us probably take them for granted.
LikeLike
Your Mum looks damn good for 87! I love the Cherry blossoms – they always look stunning in photos. Thanks for sharing, as we don’t get many in these parts!
LikeLike
My pleasure, Janine. My mom and I made our way around slowly, but it was a fun time.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Ms. Joyce Tarot and commented:
My mom passed away on August 21, 2019. My sister and I were honored to be at her bedside as she made her transition. It was a beautiful moment that I will never forget. I wrote this blog post in 2014 on my poetry site. I cherish this and all my memories of my mom.
LikeLike