Sure signs of spring

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

    At the thermometer reached the dizzying height of 50 degrees last week, I actually started thinking about spring.
    Then I remembered last year.
    On March 20, 2014, I still had more than three feet of snow in the backyard and a higher pile at the edge of the driveway. I think the temperatures were milder than this year’s frozen February, however.

    So I now look for more subtle signs of spring before celebrating the season.
    When you go to a clothing store, chances are you’ll see ugly flannel shirts on sale. They couldn’t sell them for $20. But for $5 or $10, you’re almost tempted to pick up a few.
    You start digging out your mild-weather clothing. Then you discover that the waistband on your summer pants and shorts shrunk over the winter. It’s probably due to the moisture in the back of your closet.
    All the snow shovels in your hardware store are either put away or stacked in a corner near the garden hoses and rakes. You won’t need the rake until Memorial Day weekend.
    Sam Adams winter lager starts disappearing from your grocery cooler and is replaced by summer ale.
    The Portland Sea Dogs file updates on removing snow from Hadlock Field. I think they hauled four dump trucks away last week before they could see the pitcher’s mound.
    Someone will say something outrageous or insulting at the annual town meeting. Then they’ll beg you not to print it.
    A pothole on Route 15 south of Greenville will swallow a Toyota Tercel and a moose. Their remains won’t be discovered until paving season starts in July.
    If you’re a bird lover, you’ll wake up one morning and see 150 redpolls trying to eat out of two feeders.
    If you’re a cat lover, you’ll see them trying to catch a redpoll.
    Patches of snow start to melt in your backyard and you find that hand trowel you misplaced last October while planting daffodils.
    You dress up and go to church on Easter Sunday, even if you’re not a regular attendee.
    You start thinking about summer vacation even if you’re still wearing a down jacket and Bean boots to work.
    You ask the boss for time off around Memorial Day weekend, but you’re too late. At least 15 people are already ahead of you.
    You wash your car more often. It looks better, but now you’re finding rust spots you didn’t know existed.
    There are two new puppies in the neighborhood, and they decide to use your front lawn as a rest room.
    Your pre-teen kids insist on wearing shorts to school, even in 50-degree weather. But at least they’re still wearing jackets or hoodies — most of the time.
    I’m sure you can think of a few more signs of spring, but it’s definitely on the way.
    So be patient, drive carefully and avoid the potholes — especially if you’re driving a Tercel.
Mike Lange is a staff writer with the Piscataquis Observer. His opinions are his own and don’t necessarily reflect those of this newspaper.