Pear blossoms March 17

The pear trees bloomed late this year; not surprising, I suppose, after so many unseasonable cold snaps during what is usually our early spring. But they're in full blossom now. Even if I were blind, I'd be able to smell them everywhere, unfortunately. I've always thought they smell like something died, which totally makes sense if you're trying to attract flies as pollinators. Other people say the odor is like semen, but frankly I'd rather think of decay!