Poisoning Pigeons in the Park

Spring is here, a-suh-puh-ring is here! (Life is expensive with too little beer).

I am now immersed in the first spring of my life. It is fantastic. The trees are still bare, and the grass is still sparse, but little crocuses are bursting from the earth in rich hues of purple and gold, daffodils are blooming in outdoor pots, and the other day it was warm enough for me to wear a sleeveless top. Mind you, the Swedes are still wrapped up in scarves and mittens and giving me funny looks. And to be fair, it did snow only a couple of weeks ago, a proper snow that lay on the ground. I have been told that in Sweden, if a month has an 'r' in its name, then snow is possible. But the change in whether is so abrupt and brings with it such a communal joy that I feel like I have never understood the meaning of the word "spring" before. The streets are suddenly full of people, and the cafes have begun uteservering (outdoor eating areas), one of the Swedish hallmarks of the arrival of spring. [Apparently there's even a legislated date for when they can put them out. Typical, the Swedes have legislation for everything.]

The only downside is the increased activity in our little home district, Gårda, otherwise known as
the Event Area. All the sports arenas are blaring with activity, and I am dreading the monster truck rally in June. Ah well, it's a nice neighbourhood, and close to the city centre. Axel has discovered a state-of-the-art skate park nearby, and we go sometimes to watch the skaters - delighting in the small helmeted children, admiring the older indie kids, and criticising the posers. Especially the girl posers. Why aren't there more female skaters?

So it's been pretty idyllic. We eat ice creams and bask in the sun. We lie in bed and watch movies from the library, drinking herb tea and balancing the coffee table on the bed. There are bad things, worries... I've had a persistent stomach ache, we're totally broke and are worried about the summer when Axel's CSN money ceases... but in general, no complaints. Spring is an occasion of hope and joy. ("Ev'ry Sunday you'll see/ My sweetheart and me").

"So if Sunday you're free,
Why don't you come with me,
And we'll... "