Spring Watch

   ‘Spring watch’ for me usually begins during the third or fourth week of January, depending upon the weather. Often during this period we will have a thaw that acts as a bit of a tease. The snow begins to melt off the roof, neighbors take their cars to the car wash and the Johnny Seeds catalogue arrives in the mail. I begin to watch the increasing amount of daylight announced on the weather forecast each evening and then race to the window to make sure it is really happening.

     But within a few short hours the harsh reality returns that winter is not yet over as the next major storm blows though dropping a mere ten more inches on top of that which is already on the ground. The warm breezes of the previous several days are replace by chilly blasts of arctic cold. The early morning news broadcasts announce another closing of school.  At least the kids are happy.

     Wintery February days seems to pass at a snails pace in anticipation of the coming season. There are forty more minutes of daylight.  The seed order has arrived and there is talk about the upcoming Red Sox season. The state basketball tournament is history. All this helps to pass the time. With the arrival of March there is a renewed enthusiasm that spring is just around the corner and although March 20 signals its first official day, there are already many unofficial signs.

     The days of March seem endless. It may be raining today and surely that will help melt the snow.  The roads are covered with dirt and sand from the winter storms.  Most of that sand seems to be on the grass in my front yard, a sign of some spring yard cleanup. 

     So what are the signs of spring in northern New England?  By now there are over two hours of increases daylight and we have set the clocks ahead for daylight savings time soon. Opening day at Fenway is scheduled for April3. (Is it really the Yankees this year?) The seeds I had planted are beginning to show signs of life.  I can get the morning paper at the end of the driveway without having to put on a winter coat and I can walk cautiously across the front lawn, picking my steps carefully as not to leave my shoes stuck in the mud.

     But the sure sign of spring is that the neighborhood is coming alive as people are out and about, just like me. They walk up and down the streets each evening or early on Saturday morning and offer a friendly “hello” and a wave. The heavy winter coats and boots have given way to the brightly colored fleece and sneakers. Oh yes, there is also a smile of accomplishment on each face as deep down inside we know that we made it through another Maine winter.

          I just hope that Mother Mature doesn’t play an April Fools’ joke on us again, although.........it doesn't sound good for Saturday!!!!!.