Blooming marvelous

When I pruned the apple tree I took this nicely shapped branch inside and popped it in a vase with water. Today i noticed it has flowered. A bit ahead of the outdoors section still in the earth.
I can hear the wind howling again, rattling the slate tile above my bed. Will it never end.
I forgot to mention, our team has surged, or strode, into the lead of the pedometer challenge this week. But its not a competition, of course. Bit concerned for Mondays scores though as I am 'tapering' in advance of the Etape. I'm sure my teammates will understand a poorer performance. It's just a temporary dip in performance.