Looking for signs of Spring - Urban version!

Downtown Madison has always been a place that I have loved. I grew up here, and when I was a small child (in the land before Malls) it is where we went shopping, went to church and for entertainment. State Street runs from the Capital building to the University Mall, so it is a slow metamorphosis of people from business to students, with shop owners and restauranteurs being the basis for it all.

It is where the protests happened in the 1960s. It is where parades, protests,parties  and people still happen. And, most recently, a huge celebration for UW getting into the Final Four! (click here for 17 reasons you should be cheering for them!)

Cars are generally not allowed on the mall, buses and bikes abound. and even a firetruck now and then.

It seemed only right to go check it out on one of the first warm days we have had. Besides I had just been to the accountants to pick up my taxes, and had enough of reality, so needed the fun of the street.

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So I started on the "square" (the area around the capital) and found this group of guys having a sunny day debate. I love the contrast between them and the reflections in the window next to them. From there I headed down State Street. The minute the warmth hits, so do the hammers and cranes. Construction is as much a part of spring in the North as are crocuses and daffodils! These guys (below) all seem to be enjoying being able to work in shirt sleeves for a change!

This young woman (below) was really enjoying the day, the people watching and her cigarettes. When she saw me and my camera, she immediately produced a puff of as much smoke as she possibly could! I caught her and a friend talking on my way back up the street, but they guy passing them seemed to have a problem with them. hmmm. Wonder what the full story is here!

Ran into another group of debating guys (above). I liked the way the tree and the shadow sort of delineated the loner from the group. And I had to include the accordionist (right) who was serenading us all as we passed. 

These last three are just a potpourri of people doing their thing on a spectacularly beautiful day after being housed in ice for months on end.

Happy spring everyone!

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