A pot-pourri of spring observations

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/05/2022 (386 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I write this with inflated confidence that we have seen the last snowflake for a few months, and can now enjoy the tender green shoots of spring.

I am sure that the streets have been swept of a winter’s worth of dirt and sand, and that most of the potholes have been filled with something – anything, really, but preferably sand, gravel, or asphalt, whatever is handy.

This year’s pothole season was more ridiculous than most, due to the weather which couldn’t quite make up its mind. As horrible as the roads are, I must applaud the pothole-filling crews for their efforts. For, as quickly as a hole was filled, two more appeared. Thus is the way of the pothole.

I have to say that every pothole complaint I made to 311@winnipeg.ca was addressed and filled within a few days. No matter the size of the hole — don’t assume someone else has already reported it.

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And now for something completely different. I must offer a big bouquet to the staff at the Victoria Inn’s Chicago Joe’s restaurant for a tasty and relaxing Mother’s Day brunch. Everything was fresh and diners had enough space to feel at ease.

As concerned as I was about dining amongst a crowd again, what I hadn’t considered was anxiety on the part of the staff. There’s a lot of pressure to make up for those lost holiday feasts, and many servers were without jobs for a long time. Then comes Mother’s Day — one of the highest-grossing days of the year for restaurants, floral shops, greeting card sellers and chocolatiers. I can tell you they had nothing to worry about. The food, service and atmosphere were exceptional.

• • •

On a more serious note, it’s impossible to ignore the news these days. Families are being displaced by war, earthquakes, floods, heatwaves, drought and wildfires. You may have family or friends experiencing one or more of these catastrophes. If you are lucky enough not to be affected personally, please take a moment to help in some small way.

New Winnipeg families may be in need of housewares, clothing, toys and basic furniture. Think about dropping off a meal or driving our new Winnipeggers to the store or school. Imagine being taken from your home, with nothing but the clothes on your back, and trying to make things normal for your children.

It doesn’t have to be a big thing – but it needs to be something.