How sweet it is. Spring might just be trying to arrive early after our mostly mild winter, and how do we know that as wanna-be weather prognosticators?? Most of us were thrilled to see in early March that nature’s biological clock had told the geese and several other winged creatures to come back early and they are now slip-sliding away and trying to settle in on our still frozen ponds, the ice-fishing and outdoor skating venues have given away to slush and puddles, and those dreaded potholes are popping up everywhere.
I guess we weren’t really surprised during the first weekend in March when the roar of the motorcycles came to life, several brave souls in hoodies had put the tops down on their convertibles and went ‘cool cruising’, and many of us have already put the parkas, the woolly PJs and the snow blowers away for the season. Even though the arrival of spring can be a rather messy time as all the leftovers and junk left behind by winter is appearing after the snow melts, there is always so much joy around as the children look forward to the Easter Holiday break, and just love to attempt to jump over or wade through the biggest puddles in town in dad’s old rubber boots.
In some areas of our sunny south, the golf courses have already appeared but please don’t panic before the greens have been pampered and the open-for-swinging- season sign goes up. Most of our avid ‘green thumbs’ are getting antsy and just can’t can’t wait to toss off the winter blahs and get out in the back yard, where some of the buds, the early tulips and daffodils are already peeking through, and the song birds are nipping at the berries. Even though we are already planning our new spring wardrobe we should all know quite well as Albertans not to get to excited about March coming in like a lamb, because we could still be blasted with one or two of those wet and wild spring storms, to which the wise old farmers will reply that ‘She’s going out like a lion, and we really do need the moisture.’
Whatever the case, don’t put the snow shovel away just yet, but please get out at every opportunity and enjoy the slightly warmer fresh air, and fondly look forward to those glorious days in the very near future when folks of all ages can dare to hang out in shorts- T-shirts, and sandals. Meanwhile on the gray, wet, and dreary days we can stroll back into the garage and slowly start to dig out the garden tools, the bird feeders, the bikes, and of course, the ball gloves, golf clubs and all of those other spring and summer toys. Those families and neighbours who are already really into the ‘spring fling’ are busy planning their annual ‘garage sale’, and have likely booked their favourite camp spots in our fabulous provincial parks and recreational playgrounds.
Now, let’s have a little fun:
*A bookseller conducting a market survey asked a woman, ‘which book has helped you most in your life?’ Without any hesitation she quickly replied, ‘My husband’s cheque book..’
*Someone asked an old gentleman, ‘Even after 70 years of marriage, you still call your wife darling, honey, and my love….what is your secret?’ ‘I forgot her name and I’m scared to ask.’
*If you think that women are the weaker sex, try pulling the blankets back to your side of the bed.
* A dedicated husband wheeled his wife into the kitchen and explained, ‘I figured that you should have breakfast in bed on your birthday…..can you reach the stove??’
Do what’s best for you, then share it with everyone else, and have a great week, all of you.