Old Man Winter is losing his grip. Spring is doing her best to slip away from the frosted grasp of the past. Very few voices are lamenting the passing of the season of cold, snow and high heating bills.

It getting to the time of year when we review the official “Spring’s Arrival Indicator Check-List.” There are many so called signs that spring is here – some valid, some not quite and one for sure.

On Feb. 22, my grandson spotted a robin in our back yard. For a brief moment, I was excited about this traditionally accepted sign of the coming of spring. However, my bliss was fleeting, as this could not be counted as a sure sign of spring’s arrival. Snow occupied the same space on the tree branch as the confused avian, and I think I saw it wearing a scarf around its neck. It is possible the misplaced feathered creature might have taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque and arrived too early for check-in.

Some folks watch for the big box stores to put away the snow chuckers, ice-melting products, and roof shovels — and replaced those products with lawn furniture, riding mowers and crabgrass killer. As much as I enjoy the seasonal shift in back-breaking outdoor maintenance, this is not a sign of spring. These folks also display Christmas stuff three days after the close of Labor Day Weekend.

“Spring Break” is looked upon, by some, as a strong indicator of spring’s onset. However, just because a phrase contains the word “spring” doesn’t mean that phrase is automatically linked with the heralding of warmth and new life. Here at the Center of the Universe, the term “Spring Break” is synonymous with “I’m sick and tired of winter. I’m going someplace warm. I’ll be back in a week – if I come back at all.”

Spring has also been shamefully coupled with the rebirth of pot holes.  This is unfair, prejudicial, and the true definition of political incorrectness. Those pot holes have always been there and, they never went away, don’t blame it on spring. Say what you will about winter (and I usually do), but at least the pot holes get smoothed out as they pack full of snow and ice. It’s an integral part of the road improvement program — saving billions.

However, there are some signs that have stood the test of close scrutiny and have made it to the official spring check-list. Buds bursting at the farthest outreach, of the youngest branches, of spreading silver maples are a reasonably good sign. Another good sign is the emergence of purple crocuses, yellow daffodils and something that resembles the possible return of a perennial – but might just be a weed (it’s still too early to tell).

Backyards filled with the aroma, wafting up from the first batch of burgers (or steaks, chops, brats, and/or dogs – your choice) being tossed over open flames ranks high on the checklist. This sign is listed under the category of “Don’t Have To – Sure Want To”.

The official “Spring’s Arrival Indicator Check-List” has been around for a while and is maintained by a select few experts in the field of Seasonal Changeupery. I am blessed to be the leading expert in this field and, as such, have determined the official sure sign of spring.

A couple of days ago, I picked up my 4-year old grandson. The first words out of his mouth are usually a buoyant and cheerful, “Papa, Papa, Papa.” I really like this greeting. However, this time the first words he said were, “Dairy Queen is open.”

Those of you that know me (and now, everyone else), are fully aware of what we did next. We beat feet to the Dairy Queen walk-up window, ordered a couple of small chocolate cones and parked ourselves on one of the sun drenched picnic tables out front.

Get out your lists and check this one off. The Dairy Queen is open. Spring is here!

 

Larry Wilson is a mostly lifelong resident of Niles. His optimistic “glass full to overflowing” view of life shapes his writing. His essays stem from experiences, compilations and recollections from friends and family. Wilson touts himself as “a dubiously licensed teller of tall tales, sworn to uphold the precept of ‘It’s my story; that’s the way I’m telling it.’” He can be reached at wflw@hotmail.com.