gor[b] Paul Gorbould: Words and Pictures

Urban signs of spring

At this time of year you can't help but stumble upon those "signs of spring" stories - you know, the crocuses peeping out, tulips in bloom, lovers going for strolls in the sunshine.

Let me tell you, there are precious few crocuses in downtown Toronto, and the lovers don't stroll until it gets dark on Jarvis. So I did an informal poll of my colleagues, and here's our tentative Urban Signs of Spring list. See if you agree, or if you can add any to the list:

1. A winter's worth of dog turds and cigarette butts resurfaces from beneath the snow.
2. The good mangos reappear in the stalls in Chinatown.
3. Don Juan's chip truck parks across the road for the first time. Don's back (from Greece to grease.)
4. Jays home opener. Reporters say, once again, that this year they have a chance.
5. All the women on Queen St. suddenly wearing giant sunglasses.
6. Beer drinkers on sidewalk patios, wearing parkas.
7. Male pigeons start acting... twitterpated.
8. Rickshaws rides available. New runners, same ads for hot oil body massages.
9. The guy that delivers the water is already wearing shorts.
10. Building management discusses removing bike carcasses from around the perimeter.
11. News outlets run their annual pothole stories.
12. Building management turns on air conditioning.

What did I miss? Let me know!