Mike Rainone
Hammertime
Dear winter: We are definitely breaking up with you.
It is now the time to start seeing another season that is not so long-winded and boring, may be a little mushy at the beginning, but most certainly is much hotter than you. This is that often very wet, but glorious time of the year when our landscape slowly begins to shed itself of the ice and snow that has hung around for the past six months or so, and the biggest smiles will begin to appear on the faces of the green thumbs, the golfers, the outdoor fanatics, and the young duffers who just can’t wait to spend all day outside in the sunshine and dirt.
Of course, as always, there will be lots of puddles and pot-holes popping up everywhere, many of the drains will have to be unplugged, and the big question soon on our minds will likely be how much will our rivers, and ponds, and lakes rise when the big spring melt comes? Many who are already into the ‘spring fling’ mode will be out wandering around their back yards viewing the dull brown aftermath and junk left behind by another winter, and then will begin making plans of how they will once again transform it all into a lush wonderland of grass, flowers, veggies, and barbecue sessions after a month or so of the annual spring labour of love. Behind the scenes our hard-working garden centres will be patiently primping and pampering their brand new crop of plants and flowers in preparation for the later spring invasion of the ‘green thumbs’ and everyone else who just can’t wait to spend some quality hours grooming their blooms all summer long with a hardy hoe-hoe-hoe.
At this time of the year there will always be that dedicated breed of spring sports fanatics, who will sneak out as fast as they can to throw or bat the ball around, toss some hoops, hit the tennis court, play some road hockey, find a dry spot to chip some golf balls, or just go fly a kite. How can we ever forget one of the first early traditions of spring, which include the playoffs, which somehow we manage to sneak away for, or those super-friendly neighbourhood garage sales, where winter’s cast-offs can bring cash or could magically become someone else’s treasure as long as our beloved partner approves.
Hats off to our spring clean-up crews
Whenever it may be, the slushy but welcome arrival of spring always marks the appearance of volunteers of all ages who head out into all areas of town and county to clean up all the mess and garbage that has been left behind. We should all appreciate our 4-H clubs, school children, and the various groups, organizations, families, and individuals who stroll the parks, ditches, and playgrounds in a fun group together, while filling all sorts of garbage bags with mostly unwanted junk, or maybe some recyclable bottles or something really worthwhile?
We really need to drive carefully everywhere we go, not only to avoid splashing someone, but also to be aware of folks of all ages out and about with buggies or bikes or getting really excited about casting off the winter wear and breathing in the fresh but much warmer air. Also watch for the signs of our municipal and provincial crews out in our communities and highways and byways beginning their spring work, respect their safety, and please remember that the fines for speeding in these areas are extremely high, and can also include demerits. The ice on the lakes, rivers, and ponds will soon be getting thinner every day, so please watch out for the posted signs, be safe, take your fishing huts home, and then admire the ‘big melt’ from the shore.
Now let’s have a little fun
• We just wanted to let you know that some of us have entered the SNAPDRAGON phase of our lives. Part of us has snapped and the rest of us is dragging. Whatever the case, no matter how we feel we should get up, dress up, show up, and never give up.
• If we haven’t grown up by age 50, we don’t have to. It is so much better to have a friend with TWO CHINS than one of those who has TWO FACES.
Take your time and welcome spring in your way, and have a great week, all of you.