The signs of spring are everywhere around us:
- Dumpsters sprouting from the streets, some in full bloom.
- Golfers sporting sweatshirts and stocking caps. Parkas still in fashion just two weeks from Memorial Day.
- Little League games rained out, while soccer players, unfazed, kick it around in the cold drizzle.
- Three exciting building projects: Revitalizing Harlem & Madison, replacing Brian Boru, and the project planned for the former Kevil’s Restaurant site. Speaking of Kevil’s, I would like the photo of my folks back, before they tear it down.
- High water on the Des Plaines River feeds fears of basement flooding.
- Enjoying walks again, feeling that familiar strain while climbing the Circle Bridge.
- Moving trucks add to traffic, while containers full of household goods sit on the streets.
- Your first robin, your first cardinal — I’ll settle for my first sparrow.
- Worms sunning themselves on sidewalks while ants boil out of cracks in the pavement.
- The Roos Fitness Center opening! My adult kids are jealous it wasn’t built when they were young, but they’ll use it just the same.
- The All-School Picnic is upon us, with teachers and students trying to keep it together until summer vacation.
- Buds on the trees giving way to leaves, except for our tree in front that has obviously given up the ghost.
- Loud family celebrations return but who can complain about a neighbor blasting James Brown?
- Restaurants restoring their outdoor seating, perfect for couples wearing coats.
- Fruity beers are the seasonal rage although I can’t see how anyone drinks them.
- The White Sox are firmly anchored in last place, while Cub outfielders pray the ivy will thicken.
- The annual ritual of switching out sweaters for short-sleeve shirts.
- Somehow managing to be overdressed, or underdressed, every day.
- Strolling couples holding hands, proving the old adage, “In the Spring a young person’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.”
- Hearing the excited screams of children freed from their wintry prisons.
- Leaving the garden center with the firm faith that we finally have grass seed that will grow.
- Sticking to the sunny side of the street whenever possible.
- Loud car stereos, motorcycles screaming down the Eisenhower, and your neighbor cutting his lawn just before dark.
- The smoke from fire pits, laughs and excited voices — what is the protocol for crashing backyard parties?
- Sidewalks sales, garage sales and just plain alley-picking.
- Becoming reacquainted with fresh air and learning that the strange light in the sky is called the sun.
- Tulips, roses and lilacs blooming, along with a healthy crop of dandelions.
- Roofers resuming their roosts, nail guns thumping and saws whining.
- Spraying down the patio furniture and firing up the grill.
- Fans adjusting from the frantic speed of basketball and hockey to the glacial pace of baseball and golf.
- Being startled by exposure to some really pale skin.
- Celebrating spring, even if this year’s version lasted about two days.
John Rice is a columnist/private detective, who has seen his business and family thrive in Forest Park. He thoroughly enjoys life in the village and still gets a thrill smelling Red Hots, watching softball and strolling through cemeteries. Jrice1038@aol.com
