Lately we've been hearing a lot on the news and in social media that the winter back home and most of eastern North America has once again been frigid, snowy and generally brutal.

Fortunately for us, the weather here has been as good as it can possibly be and, although the temperatures have consistently been in the high 20's or better, the local flora and fauna have recently announced the arrival of spring.

In recognition of the changing season, from February 6 - 8 the annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival took place near the Tai Pae gate. Several floats decorated with thousands of flowers were on display over that weekend, and it was impressive to see the detail and workmanship that went into creating each one.

But apart from the floats, it became obvious as we walked about the city that flowers were more abundant than at any other time since we've arrived here. I didn't always have a camera with me or there would have been many more photos included in this album showing trees, bushes and vines in full bloom with the most vibrant colors imaginable.

I hope these photos bring all my friends and relatives a little ray of sunshine to warm your wintry days.

Enjoy!