This 'n That

Yes! It's officially spring...at 7:04 a.m. today. And the birds are celebrating with song, the sun is bright and children, who have 1/2 day of school today, are out on bikes and scooters. Tony has tilled the garden, ready for A to plant peas tomorrow when she comes for her weekend visit.

On Thursday, when we traveled to Putnam for our baking task, we saw, for the first time, the wonderful new marquee that has been installed at the entrance of the Bradley Theater. It's presence is the result of a facade grant program that Putnam recently received, and through which many of the downtown buildings are being beautified. Although we won't be attending the event, a grand lighting ceremony is scheduled for 7 pm tonight.
Several new businesses have opened in the Main Street downtown area over the past few weeks, and several more are scheduled. I don't know of many other downtowns of towns or cities that are experiencing such a rebirth. The train station has just signed leases for 2 businesses...a florist and a bike/kayak shop. An Italian restaurant, an upscale women's clothing consignment shop, a potter (well established in the neighboring town of Woodstock, but re-locating), a beauty shop, an art gallery, etc., are all new businesses since fall. Another building that is undergoing renovations and will hold numerous small shops has already acquired 2 renters, and the building won't be ready until at least next fall. This process is fun to watch.