24 March 2023 – The temperature is back in single digits, but never mind, it is almost spring.

I know this, as I approach Dude Chilling Park, because:

One, hardy crocuses are in full bloom…

Two, a hardy book-lover is sprawled on the grass with her must-read…

and, Three, the slackwire enthusiasts are back.

Once again, they’ve strung two lines here at the park’s north-west corner, and they are honing their skills.

The nearest bench is occupied by a couple of skate-boarders taking a break, so I lean against a tree. As always, I am dumbfounded by the coordination and focus this art requires.

Black Shirt is midway on one of the two lines, a little tentative in her moves.

She bails.

But moments later, on the companion line, her focus is absolute, and her moves are slow, controlled, and rock-steady.

End to end, Black Shirt executes a perfect walk.

I circle the park and, passing the adjacent tennis courts, notice that the Phantom Yarn Artist’s contributions to the fence are still intact.

Nearly intact.

This bit is the remnant of Dr. Bonnie Henry’s famous mantra from the early days of COVID: “Be kind, be calm, be safe.”

It’s the important bit, isn’t it? And always in season.