Signs of Spring

I ate lunch today sitting at the window of a restaurant, vastly entertained watching people walk by. There were people in shorts (although the 10 degree Celsius weather didn't seem quite that encouraging to me), marathon runners wearing numbered bibs by the dozens, people walking here, there and everywhere with all manner of dogs and young children (with and without strollers), old ladies bundled up in heavy coats, scarves and wool hats who looked as if they were sure the sun and blue sky would disappear any moment in an freak snowstorm.

I also saw several more tangible signs of spring:

A robin, only the second I have seen so far this year:

Crocuses shining boldly purple in the midst of last year's dead foliage:

Balloons in Easter egg colours floating outside a house to designate the party location (why do you never see balloons outside in the wintertime?):

And most unexpectedly, a Porsche painted robin's egg blue!