Sign of Spring

Hmmm. What to write, what to write? Shall I rhapsodize about how happy I am that the crows are back? Or rail on about the incompetent parents who visit the museum and want you to lie to their children for them ("Would you please tell little Johnny that you actually DO close at 2:30 p.m. in exactly five minutes?")? Or should I tell of how sad I was to see a little dead bird on the way home from work?

No. I think I'll sing the praises of spring, even though it's @$$%&()^ cold outside. Still, the snow has retreated and green things are pushing bravely out of the ground. And I'm finally riding my bike again. I get so much joy out of this small event that it's ridiculous. The feeling of the wind sweeping past my cheeks as if it's glad to see me again fills me with bone-deep pleasure. When I finally started commuting on my bike on a regular basis, I realised how much more sensuous cycling was, as opposed to getting around in a vehicle. Sounds and sights and smells surrounded me. When that realisation sank in, I was overwhelmed with delight.

I know I'm rhapsodising, but it's all true. I was almost bowled off my bike. Even now, being aware of the passing of the seasons is that much sweeter because I'm right in the midst of the changes.

Except of course, when it rains heavily, snows or the routes ice over. Yup. I'll freely admit I'm, by-and-large, a fair-weather cyclist. I only have one bike and I don't want to mess it up more than necessary. It could already star in the pilot episode of "The Bionic Bike" ("We can re-build it. We have the technology."). Aside from the central frame, the seat, and the handlebars, that bike has had just about every major piece of it replaced. As the guy at the repair shop said, "Nobody would want to steal it, to look at it, but they'd be getting practically a brand new bike." So, having stuck with it this long, and through this much money, I don't want to torture it and lose it. Besides, riding through the rain a lot means I get very dirty. Ew. : )

Anyway... yay spring!!!!!!!!!!!