Signs of spring abound in Forest Park — most of them are encouraging:
- Pink vehicle stickers are sprouting on windshields.
- Yellow and blue signs are sprouting on lawns. They say “We Stand with Ukraine.” O’Sullivan’s is distributing them in exchange for a $10 donation. The money goes to UYCO, which stands for Ukrainian Youth Camping Organization.
- New restaurant bars are popping up along Madison Street.
- Thanks to the return of sunshine, some of us are sprucing up our ghost-like appearance with a little third-degree sunburn.
- Grills are being fired up, bike tires are being pumped up and TVs are being turned off.
- Branches are budding, puddles are puddling, and bird feeders are busy.
- Homeowners are making the tough choice of planting grass seed or putting down sod to cover the mud with a toupee.
- Empty plastic water bottles are popping up on sidewalks and lawns. Plastic has contaminated the planet from the bottom of the ocean to the peak of Mt. Everest. Micro-plastics are appearing in human blood streams. Isn’t it time we switch to refillable containers?
- Restaurants are reopening their outdoor seating, park benches are being used. Soon, lounging on lawn chairs will replace collapsing on couches.
- Athletic activity has returned to The Park. Some are sore from playing sports. But it’s that good kind of soreness that reminds us, hey, the limbs still work.
- Garden hoses are being reconnected, cars are clean again, and some extremists are even washing windows.
- Face masks are disappearing. We no longer have to smile with just our eyes.
- After the lightning speed of hockey and the quickness of basketball, we once again have to adjust to the snail pace of baseball.
- The name may not be hip but many of us are looking forward to the return of Groovin’ in the Grove.
- Shorts are being worn again, exposing pale skin that may be blinding.
- Thermal underwear is going out of style. Parkas are being retired. Boots are no longer mandatory.
- Forest Parkers returning from spring break vacations have only one question on their minds, “Why?”
- Teachers, students and school bus drivers are counting down the days.
- Windows are opening, fresh air is flowing. Can putting out the porch furniture be far behind?
- Outdoor tours are coming, while indoor concerts and plays and audiences have finally returned.
- Neighbors who haven’t seen each other in months will get reacquainted.
- Summer blockbusters are coming. Will they ever stop making superhero movies?
- It’s no longer getting dark at 5:30.
- Backyard parties are returning but may require a fire.
- Sox fans are right to be excited, while some Cub fans continue to be delusional.
- Primaries are coming and it’s exciting to get campaign fliers in the mail.
- Cardinals are singing, but I’ll settle for a sparrow.
- Bees and butterflies will make a comeback. Can’t wait for mosquitoes.
- Deer-sightings will increase and skunks will make their presence known.
- Taking walks will be a pleasure instead of a trudge.
Ah, spring!
Correction (April 5, 2 p.m.): This story was updated to reflect the correct name of the UYCO.
