With a forecast of May showers throughout the day, then clearing sunny skies and mounting temperatures – plus the overnight parade of greenery which distinguishes both the trees, the grasses and the fields, the advent of springtime is incontrovertible. It won’t be long before we see kayaks and paddle boards on the river. Already the swollen spring freshet has diminished noticeably and the shoreline bullrushes thrive accordingly.
The change of season heralds as well the gardener’s delight , the occasion for tree pruning, seed planting and the post-exhaustion wait for the development of the new arrivals.
A more prosaic application is garage sweeping and cleaning. And – who knows – on a balmy day with the house windows open or ajar we may be inspired to investigate what has been pushed to the back of the closet and invites delivery to the local thrift shop for more useful purposes. Only lately I saw an upright piano advertised FREE to anyone who cared to remove it. Reportedly – and based upon my own limited knowledge – the appeal is unpopular and reflects the alternative technology to harp and hammers.
The “season” also marks such elevated and colourful social events as the arrival of the Royal family by carriage at Ascot for the annual race meeting and associated car park, picnic and ritual costumes. If that nose-in-the-air prescription doesn’t attract one, there is – closer to home and equally civilized – tennis at Gemmill Park and lawn bowling on Robert Street or boating on the numerous nearby lakes and rivers.
If all that should fail to withstand your enthusiasm there is also the inexpressible beauty of early spring crocuses and daffodils throughout the neighbourhood. It is always an assured excitement to imagine what will prove the latest effusion of agricultural talent on the front lawns of peoples’ homes, whether mounting sunflowers or whimsical ornaments or sculptures.
For my part I shall content myself this day or any day or doomsday to tricycle the standard 4Kms, making certain to apply the relieving electric feature only when necessary while attempting to avoid disruptive roadway obstruction. Perhaps I shall stop to chat with a neighbour and to reinvigorate my overall sensibilities through much needed society. Springtime is an awakening on so many fronts!