Signs of Spring

Spring is approaching, and I have the signs to prove it. The snow is melting and the robins have been spotted to the south of us. Old folks are talking about March coming in like a lamb, and red-winged blackbirds have been flocking. But there are other ways of telling when spring is near, rather than just counting on wildlife and nature. You can tell spring is approaching when…

• You notice that you’re thinking of leaving off the long johns. You don’t actually do it yet, but you do think about it.

• Despite the snow-banks, ice patches, and 25 degrees temperatures, stores have bathing suits on display.

• Apples are spongy and wrinkly. Lettuce is fresh and crisp. Green onions are appearing in the stores.

• You are shopping less on eBay and more in person.

• Instead of tracking in snow, your kids are tracking in mud.

• You feel like eating an ice-cream cone.

• In any given public parking area, cars with skis latched on the top have been replaced with cars with bikes latched on the top.

• Christmas movies are out. Action movies are in. It’s almost season finale time for your favorite TV show. Reruns are appearing at an alarming rate.

• You think about exercise programs. Not that you do anything about starting one, but you do think about it.

• Sleds, toboggans, and saucers are on sale. Bikes and skateboards are not.

• You want to cut your hair. And shave your legs.

• Wedding supplies are suddenly abundant in the craft stores.

• Your snow-shovel has dust on it.

• You remove the bag of Quick-Melt Salt from your garage.

• The fresh, fragrant odor of new growth and wet earth permeates the plant aisles at hardware stores.

• Seasonal allergies kick in.

• The squirrels are getting mighty frisky. As is your cat.

• And last but not least—you realize you aren’t driving to work in the dark anymore!

Oh yeah, spring is coming!