Almond blossoms

Valley of Almonds

Another weekend has passed. It's been quite chilly despite no rain. Forecast is rain this week but we doubt it. Everyone is remarking we'll have a drought year this year. Nevertheless the almond trees are in bloom ... a sure sign that Spring will arrive soon. I made a quick visit yesterday to the Ein Kerem valley to see the wild almonds in bloom. Astounding sight. And the fragrance is more stupendous on a cold crispy winter morning. Even the oak trees are budding new leaves. Wild mustard have also flowered. On one hand it is beautiful to see all the Spring flowers coming up ... but the lack of rain is very worrying.

Still there's hope. We've had late snow in February before. This year might just be such an occasion. 

Almond blossoms

A drought would confound the financial problems faced by many families who lost their jobs. Food is very expensive although there is a slow turnaround last week. Tomatoes and some vegetables are cheaper as there is a big harvest from the farms. The problem is that it is not enough to reach the markets everywhere. 

Let's hope with a little more rain the summer and autumn harvest will be better. That will certainly lighten the financial burden of many families.