Signs of Spring in D.C.

The Washington Monument reflected in the Vietnam Memorial.

The Washington Monument reflected in the Vietnam Memorial.

Growing up in northern Indiana, and then spending decades in Detroit, I always thought the First Day of Spring was a cruel joke. It was just as likely to snow on March 21 as it was to break 40 degrees. And even after the snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils show their optimistic faces in Michigan, it is still entirely possible they will be buried in 4 inches of spring snow. The average day of last frost in Detroit is May 12, meaning it’s not safe to plant until close to that date. In D.C., it’s April 23.

But here we are on March 21, and the District is rife with daffodils and blooming magnolia trees. Here are my other observed signs of spring:

  • Sandals and flip-flops appear on shoppers
  • College kids in Georgetown are accompanied by their indulgent parents
  • Crowds return to the Civil War battlefields (at least that’s what the ranger at Antietam told us)
  • Sunglasses booth emerges at the flea market
  • Clouds of cyclists flock Rock Creek Parkway
  • Washington Capitals fans crowd the Metro
  • Mr. Pennsylvania returns to Eastern Market, with his apples, fresh greens and Amish yogurt
  • The rescued greyhounds at Lincoln Park no longer wear sweaters

It’s all very welcome, and hasn’t arrived a minute too soon. Even though we avoided heavy snow this year, it feels like a long winter. It may have been more of a spiritual winter than a physical one, but it felt long nonetheless. It’s hard to believe that in a couple of months we’ll be complaining about the heat. But we will. In the meantime, vive le printemps!

More spring photos

One Response to “Signs of Spring in D.C.”

  1. Socorro Henrickson says:
    August 9, 2011 at 9:19 am

    Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is

    Reply

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