Thinking Spring... And Summer Too

We've all been buried by an 'avalanche' of snow coverage lately — and with the most recent storm breaking an all-time record for snowfall in January, it's easy to see why.

But after an icy, snowy and downright cold winter storm, one thing is also clear:

We all need a break.

So with that goal in mind, Little Neck Patch wanted to give you a list of some of the fun awaiting residents once the Northern Hemisphere tilts back toward the sun, the ice melts and the air is full of warm, flower-scented breezes. (Hat tip to Port Jeff Patch for the inspiration.)

1. The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Parade. Whether or not this community celebration in honor of our brave veterans is the biggest of all Memorial Day parades, there's no doubt of this annual event's status as the unofficial start to a northeast Queens summer. As in years past, we're imagining sunny skies with temperatures in the mid-70s as Little Neckers and Douglastonians of all ages congregate along Northern Boulevard, munching on hot-dogs and sipping cold soda — with last winter's blizzard(s) a far-off memory.

2. Alley Pond Park, 'Denizens Of The Dark.' With the sounds of a late-winter thaw hopefully thrumming against the eardrums, join the Urban Park Rangers for an after-hours hike in search of bats, raccoons, owls and whatever else lurks in the dark.

3. Sylvan Stroll Through Udalls Cove Park. With damage from last summer's microburst (even summer has its ups and downs) thunderstorm cleaned up by native Little Neck resident last November, residents will be free to wander underneath the leafy canopy of oaks, with warm beams of sunlight dappling in the cool shadows.

4. Douglaston Village Arts Festival. Though this annual cultural mainstay on 235th Street usually signifies the end of summer, we can't help thinking forward to what we hope is the third installment of a popular street fair featuring everything from handmade jewelry to vases and oil paintings.

5. Sitting On The Dock Of Little Neck Bay. Boats, striped in red, green and black, bob in the still waters of the bay as we sit back and start wasting time.