Editor's Note: This was written just a couple short weeks ago, but during a simpler time. We do have much to look forward to and we are blessed by a loving, caring community. Keep looking up. Sunnier days are ahead. 

 

An early Sunday’s blast of sunshine and pristine temperatures brought the town out to play.

 

Hinkle and Deegan Lakes were flooded with anglers, trail walkers and playground enthusiasts on March 8. The casting of fishing lines and the slapping of fish against the water was accompanied by plenty of chatter and laughter.

 

Dog walkers and runners could be spotted throughout Bridgeport sidewalks. Bridgeport City Park and Compton Park were busy with family play and painted colorfully with sidewalk chalk art and hopscotch patterns.

 

Basketball courts were packed with players and bicycles of all sizes, strollers boasting happy babies and quite a few hoverboards were wheeling along the walk trails.

 

It was delightful to see it. Everyone I passed on my walk had a smile to share and greetings for the spring season.

 

Shasta and I cut across the wooded walk trail between Compton Park and upper James Street. My 13-year-old Husky had an extra spring in her step, jumping along the wooded platforms along the way. Squirrels scurried across in front of us, their bushy tails following them up the budding trees.

 

Daffodils had broken through the previously frozen ground, beginning to show off their yellow spring fashions. Crocuses added a purple hue to the season preview.

 

The welcome sound of chirping birds added yet another element. I watched the robins scouting out their nesting spots. Previously frozen waters trickled freely.

 

All the senses were awakened by the day as smells of charcoal and gas grills permeated. I guessed what people might be grilling. Burgers, chicken or some nice salmon? Picnic season is upon us.

 

Thanks to the debut of Daylight Savings Time, the day stretched on and on. Not a cloud in the sky, the jet streams of airport traffic formed patterns across the skyline.

 

The chatter and playing which had reached a crescendo in the early afternoon hours gradually softened. As the bold sun started its descend, beautiful streaks of pink formed to seal the lovely day.

 

Along my walk earlier in the day, I stopped to talk briefly with a young couple in a nearby neighborhood. We chatted about the effects of the weather on our moods and outlook. She put it perfectly: “Yes, it’s good for the soul.”

 

Enjoy the springtime. We have a lot to look forward to.