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Observations from the SWB RailRiders’ 10-2 loss to the Buffalo Bisons

Wait is over for April the giraffe, YouTube star and new mom

<p>What is this thing we call spring?</p><p>It&#8217;s a rebirth of sorts. Like a new awakening. A new beginning. A new life.</p><p>Take a ride down Third Avenue in Kingston, and you&#8217;ll see spring in daffodils that have sprung up around trees on both sides of the street.</p><p>Walk down Welles Street in Forty Fort, River Street in Wilkes-Barre or Susquehanna Avenue in West Pittston and take in the cherry blossoms that have sprouted from tree branches on both sides of those streets.</p><p>Visit Kirby Park where you&#8217;ll see softball games being played, Frisbees being thrown, children swinging on swings and dogs barking at ducks on the pond.</p><p>Spring is in the air all around us.</p><p>It&#8217;s in the bright yellow daffodils that have appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.</p><p>It&#8217;s in the hydrangeas and soon-to-sprout tulips in our neighbors&#8217; yards.</p><p>It&#8217;s in the Easter lilies that have surprisingly bloomed every year since we planted the bulbs after bringing the flowers home from church several years ago.</p><p>Spring is in the people hanging over the backyard fence, catching up on neighborly gossip that escaped them during the winter months.</p><p>It&#8217;s in dog lovers walking their furry friends with a spring in their step and a smile on their face.</p><p>It&#8217;s in bicyclists who round corners with a little more zip at this time of year.</p><p>It&#8217;s in joggers who no longer have to dodge ice patches on their morning runs.</p><p>It&#8217;s in the sound of the snowblower being dragged to the storage shed where it will rest until called upon again next winter.</p><p>It&#8217;s in the sound of the lawnmower and the leaf blower, both of which have emerged from the storage shed and are so necessary at this time of year.</p><p>It&#8217;s in the sound of children who have come out from behind their video games and television sets to enjoy the outdoors once again.</p><p>It&#8217;s in the sound of the hammers and saws as building and remodeling take shape once again.</p><p>It&#8217;s in the sounds of the chirping birds who have returned from spending the winter in sunny Florida.</p><p>It&#8217;s in the sight of the robin sitting proudly in the backyard before flying away just in time to escape the reach of the neighborhood cat.</p><p>It&#8217;s in the sounds of laughter as Little Leaguers make their way down the street during Opening Day parades.</p><p>It&#8217;s in the crack of the bat as the first-year Little Leaguer gets his first-ever hit and in the sound of pride in the stands as Mom and Dad watch the veteran Little Leaguer round the bases after hitting his first-ever home run.</p><p>Yes, spring is all around us. Enjoy it while you can. Because, you know, it won&#8217;t last forever.</p><style>
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Our view: Take the time to enjoy all spring offers