REFLECTIVE MOMENTS Hopefully geese aren’t discouraged by spring snow

There are sure signs that spring is here — winter storms after the first day of the new season, flocks of geese contemplating a return to the South, and most importantly, my tulips poking through the icy ground, at least six weeks before they are safe from their tips turning black from a late frost.

Yes, this is spring as we know it, with all the changes in weather patterns and forecasters not being entirely sure of what each day will bring —whether rain, snow, fog, or unseasonable conditions that would confuse the most savvy goose.

With the most snow of the winter coming in March, it is fitting that I still follow my Dad’s premise that winter tires go on around November 15 and come off near to or closely after April 15. The take-off date usually allows for the April showers that come as freezing snow. Other old-timers nod sagely when I explain my winter tire rou- For Moose Jaw Express tine.

The Easter weekend is normally a time for searching through the closets to check out the spring and summer clothing that was put away for fall and winter. Checks must be made on whether there are buttons missing or seams that need sewing, or indeed, whether last year’s styles will lend themselves to yet another year’s worth of wear.

In many cases, the clothing bunched onto the hangers last fall had already served me well for more than one summer, and unless further closet-shrinking has taken place, there’s likely more life left in those blouses and light-weight slacks. My one pair of shorts will certainly be sufficient considering they are never worn outdoors where someone might laugh uproariously when they see me in them, complemented by my very black, knee-high compression stockings. I have indeed become my granny and aunts.

The puddles in the streets are another spring circumstance that bodes well for the car wash establishments. It will soon be time to remove the rubber mats for cleansing and rubble removal and it would be prudent to get the duster out to cleanse the upholstery and remove the cobwebs and dust that has accumulated over winter. There’s also a scum on the inside of the windows that hints in the winter that the defrost doesn’t work — it works but does not remove dust and grunge.

I understand calves and lambs are being born on nearby farms and soon, wild crocuses will bloom in the pastures that will eventually be warmed by a springtime sun. And soon will follow the dandelions, buds on the trees and sprouts of greenery popping up in yards that have been covered by banks of snow and even some leaves that were not fully removed in the autumn.

Green thumb advocates will be planting seeds for growth in on-site greenhouses, preparing in advance for the May long weekend when gardeners typically sow for a new season of produce and flowers.

And what about spring cleaning? Yes, what about it? How about leaving that chore so it may be called winter cleaning, perhaps in time for Christmas. But not now when the geese are honking overhead and the robins are likely filing their flight path to return to their favourite nesting spots right here in Moose Jaw.

Happy Spring.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net