She wasn’t hopping through the snow squalls, but in the days before Easter, Barbara Bartash made a great Easter bunny.

Standing at the door of the store on Rumford’s Island, the Easter bunny waved at passers-by.

“It’s fun, cheers people up,” she said. “I see drivers slow down and wave and smile. … Don’t want them to have an accident, but people need a smile.”

People sure do. This spring has been a disappointment weatherwise and, consequently, otherwise, too.

For example, on March 18 caution tapes were stretched across the sidewalk from the parking lot to the steps of the Rumford Library. Wind gusts were bringing slate roof tiles down!

It’s been too cold to do the repairs. Though Gil Bolduc is lined up to do the job, library director Luke Sorenson said that “most people are pessimistic” about getting the job done.

Meantime, Sorenson said, “People ask us if it’s safe to park in the spaces near the building. We tell them we can’t guarantee the safety of their cars.”

Library staff report that 40 to 50 percent of the people coming into the library ask why the caution tapes are there.

“More people ask on windy days,” Sorenson said.

Rumford selectmen designated three TIF (Tax Increment Financing) districts last week. But what is TIF? According to the Maine Office of Community Development Web page, a TIF “… provides municipalities with a local tool to finance the cost of private development.”

Ah, government speak! The narrative continues, and maybe says this: New property taxes for a project in a TIF district can be redirected to assist the project developer. TIF districts then appeal to private developers because they’re going to get financial assistance. Maybe it’s something like college financial aid? We’ll see.

The sound of the sump pump tells us it’s spring. Also, the resurgence of lady bugs that have been living in window frames all winter.

Last week, the crocuses across the drive were revealed. But what became of the crocus bulbs out back? Moles and voles feasted on them and frolicked, no doubt, in the mole tunnels that will take some serious stomping to destroy.

Something’s up down in the old garden. Rhubarb maybe? You can save a walk to see because a pair of big adolescent deer are enjoying whatever it is. Are these kids descendants of Doris Doe? Maybe.

Linda Farr Macgregor is a freelance writer; contact her at [email protected]