[budding trees in Central Park]

[subtly sweet blueberry champagne at brunch]

[fresh tomato basil bruschetta]

[well-manicured planters on the Upper East Side]

[the year's first summery sky]

The addage "April showers bring May flowers" may not apply this year–even though it's the middle of the pivotal month it's hardly rained a drop in New York. Except for a scorcher a few days ago and some randomly overcast days, the weather's instead been wonderfully mild. Winters in NYC can be brutal and summers just as intense, so I always try to take the time to enjoy the transitional seasons. This spring that means dressing lighter, walking the scenic routes, sampling lighter fare, and stopping to notice the flowers that I hope will continue to bloom all summer long.