Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Ah, springtime. The crocuses are croaking and the buds are budding. All of a sudden, it’s the second half of March already. Soon it will be back to street cleaning and road races.

Boston has the Marathon and Red Sox opening day and we have Honk, busy bike lanes and Porchfest, along with yard waste.

Facebook friends had these comments about what springtime in Somerville means to them.

“Tufts students will be leaving soon.”

“Crab apples to throw at Barneys.”

“Lots of potholes that still aren’t filled in.”

“Stickball at Winter Hill!”

“Lobster rolls at Briana’s.”

“Massive potholes and street cleaning parking tickets!”

“More homeless camping out in Davis and Porter square. It’s so sad I know all too well first hand being homeless myself twice in my life.”

“Back in the 70s it used to mean softball practice and night games started in June.  Somerville was so much better then.”

“Hearing my neighbors call out to each other. It is the cutest thing. And officially the beginning of spring.”

“More socializing outdoors! When is Pride of Somerville having an in-person meetup?”

“On a positive note, we would go to Winter Hill and get dandelions from the vegetable store next to Leone’s. Made an excellent salad. Then get some warm bread from Winter Hill bakery. Yum!”

“More bus and bike lanes, less parking, small shops going out of business, catering more to people who didn’t make Somerville what it once was, shall I go on?”

I’m looking forward to my two sons’ band playing in my driveway for Porchfest on May 11.

Springtime in Somerville is pretty cool. P.S., I hope there’s a good Memorial Day parade this year. Another sign of spring is Easter Sunday. Happy Easter.