Really...

...the blossoms on this tree are that pink! Just this week as this tree was exploding with color I, of course, immediately spotted him. Who wouldn't?! I'd say he's a tad flamboyant, a show-off, for sure. Everyone sees him as we all pick up our kids from school since he is rooted right on the other side of the fence that runs along the school property. (Hence the reason I didn't take a full body shot--too much chain-linked fence and cars in the way.)

As it has rained all week I didn't have the chance to get out and take a picture. But today the clouds parted just for awhile so I arrived early to school and spent some time doing so. I have to tell you though, it was difficult! My camera had a hard time capturing his true colors. (I think it was just as shocked as I was.) I had to play around with the settings and still I don't think I did him justice. And the wind was blowing too, so getting a sharp picture was frustrating. When I uploaded them to my computer I actually had to tone him down a bit. Just a bit.  Didn't want to take away from him too much. :)

Anyway, I've never seen spring blossoms this saturated with color. Perhaps my mom will know what kind of tree he is. A plum? Cherry? A hybrid, man-made concoction created just to capture my attention and make me smile?