Here it is spring, or so the calendar says, and that means it’s time for my annual spring column-at least I think I’ve written one each year.
Signs of spring are obvious unless you are oblivious. Buds are forming on the trees, the grass is turning green and flowers are pushing their way up from their dormancy. It always amazes me.
If you have noticed, the first few days of warmer weather bring out the best and worst in people. Drivers seem to get a little heavier on the accelerator and lighter on good driving sense. Convertible drivers have the top down and the heaters on.
Meanwhile, off the streets, Husband Joe has wheeled out the grills (yes, grills) and begun his outdoor culinary attempts. So far he has been successful. Understand, for me that means I don’t have to cook!
Lighter apparel is now being worn, even if the temperature doesn’t always cooperate, so we see people in shorts also wearing heavy sweaters. Go figure! It’s amazing how people can find last year’s clothes so quickly.
Stores are featuring summer and swim wear, which gives us hope there are warmer days ahead. Another sure sign of spring is that Chris, the local UPS man, probably has his summer uniform (shorts and short sleeve shirt) ready, if he hasn’t already worn them.
But, while I know what the calendar says, and that we’ve had a few “nice” days, I’m not ready to put all the fall and winter clothes away. And for safe keeping, the boots are still at hand.
Spring also means Easter and Passover holidays-the time when people attend church or synagogue, even if they don’t go at other times of the year. Who can forget getting an Easter outfit every year? Remember when hats were a must for Easter?
It also means it’s time to dig out the movies of the season-whether for religious, historical or entertainment reasons. Songs? I had a cousin who insisted the real words to “Easter Parade” were, “In your Easter bonnet with all your friends upon it.” Picture that.
Traditional meals will be made for Passover and Easter-matzo balls or Easter eggs (or egg shaped Jello-O jigglers). Families will also hold their own personal Easter egg hunts, with plastic eggs, with parents hoping they can remember where they hid them all.
Spring also means baseball. Since spring is a time of new beginnings, it may mean a rebirth for your favorite team. For me, that would be the Cubs. Speaking of the Cubs, they will be available for sale at season’s end. When they were purchased by the Tribune in 1981 the price was $20.5 million. It is estimated they may go for $600 million or more, so save your pennies and break open your piggy banks. Is it a deal or what? Only time will tell!
So happy spring, happy Easter, happy Passover, happy everything!
By the way does anybody have any Montana quarters? Seems those of us who are collecting the state quarters are having a hard time getting Montana quarters. Thank you!