pre-lilac season

Each year long about May, the city of Rochester is filled with the scent of lilacs. Each city has their own unique festivals that happen throughout the year, like the Snowflake festival in Corning, or the Corn festival in Avon... But i have to say that my very favorite is the Lilac festival.

this is what most of the lilac bushes look like right now,

but there were a few that were early sprouters and had some beautiful blossoms.

Around the park there are some other really beautiful flowers,

so before we had to run back to the car, we were able to capture some beauty there as well.

My friend Melissa (who also has some pics up on this same topic) lives within walking distance of Highland Park... so yesterday we decided to head on over to take some "pre-lilac fest" pics. However, we drove because of the impending storm over yonder. The weather yesterday seriously went from about 80 degrees to total downpour with shooter marble sized hail! I can say though, that when it's summertime weather i do enjoy the occasional storm :)


aaaaalso, another reason for this picture taking outing was the very recent purchase of my new lens! I ended up getting the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8. To say I love this lens would be an understatement. I tried really hard to get everything I wanted in a single lens, and I can honestly say that the only thing i could have made better is for the f stop to be like 1.8 or 1.4, but i couldn't get it all! This lens really is amazing and i am glad i saved the money for it.

After the storm had passed and the only water falling was leftover raindrops on the trees above, we got out of the car to enjoy these beautiful magnolias (ok i think they are magnolias, but if they're not, then let me know!)