Some early bloomers on the grounds of the Texas Capitol. (It was, of course, a grey, overcast morning.)

Mountain Laurel bloom. Smells so good.

Redbud tree.
A severe storm ran through central Texas May 14, 2008, much like the weather we are having now (May, again). I walked around the Texas Capitol on my break May 15th. On the north side, you could definitely tell a storm had come through by the broken branches. On the south side, it looked as if a tornado had hit. A tornado did not do this damage, but the winds were almost tornado strength. Old oak trees were uprooted and torn branches hung from many trees.
One of my favorite trees.