I know it’s a mild winter so far, but an email about the cherry blossom festival made me daydream over Washington overflowing with tourists hoping to see pink and white blossoms around the Tidal Basin.

Actually, now’s the time to prepare. Singer tryouts for the festival are Jan. 27. Uh, I won’t be one of them, but check out National Cherry Blossom Festival.org for events starting March 20.