The Flame trees are blooming

It is "spring" here in Galmi, and despite the fact that there has yet to fall a drop of rain here in Galmi, the flame trees are beginning to bloom. The humidity is increasing, and that seems to be enough to make the blossoms come out. They are no where as beautiful as they will be when the rains come, but as I (Deb) will not be here when that happens, I thought I'd give you a glimpse of their beginning glory. When fully blooming, and the leaves have arrived, they create a wonderful canopy as one walks through the compound. They are my favorite tree here in Niger. The children love to collect any fallen buds they find on the ground, and peel them open and look at the red and yellow streaked blossoms. They are incredible!