These blossoms last for only a few days before the wind blows and carpets the pavement with the delicate flowers. Each year I determine that I will take a photograph of this tree in all its glory and each year I somehow manage to miss the window of opportunity.
This year was no exception.

There was the tree, but I had no film in the camera. I went into town to buy a film but forgot. Several other things demanded my attention and when I next looked, the tree had lost its blossom.

I may have missed my last opportunity, for the ground upon which the tree grows is likely to be developed in the near future.
Much of life is like this. We make up our mind that we will do some kind deed, send a card or letter, make a phone call, buy some flowers, give a gift, but then we forget.

We always assume that there will come another occasion for we harbour the delusion that we are eternal and our opportunities are endless.
Then we hear the sad news that a dearly loved relative has died and we have missed our chance to tell them how much we appreciate them. Sending flowers to the funeral directors and a letter of condolence to the family is no substitute.

The moral of my tale is this: Carpe Diem, which means "seize the day" or in other words – do it now!