As of a few days ago, it is officially spring. Here at Birthday Blossoms HQ in New York City, it’s hard to tell. We had a few teaser days, but it is still fairly cold. On the way to work today, Birthday Blossoms staffers noted many people had on hats and gloves as they trudged through a weak sunlight which felt more winter than spring. Spring weather will eventually catch up with the calendar, but it’s hard not to feel a bit antsy after such a cold, snowy winter.
Our natural anticipation prompts us to look for the tell-tale signs of spring. Depending upon where one lives, the signals vary. In the northeastern United States, crocuses and daffodil shoots announce the new season, serenaded by burgeoning birdsong. Midwesterners look for tree buds swelling and listen for spring peepers, those tiny frogs that sing in the spring. In New York City, a reliable signal of springtime comes from runners, who celebrate the season by tossing off the sweatshirts and donning shorts and t-shirts for their exercise. The most exuberant sign to date was heard on one of the few teaser days New York City experienced two weeks ago. In the park near Birthday Blossoms HQ, a man stood on a tiny footbridge spanning a courtyard singing an opera aria at the top of his lungs. Arms flung wide open to welcome spring, he sent a message of exuberant expectation. Spring is just around the corner.