i don’t care if it snows next week, i’m calling it: spring is here. it’s been unusually warm since the end of february, and i don’t consider that a fluke. a freak snowstorm at this point would be just that to me. i would call that the blip, not this. it’s been so warm in toronto all week that you don’t need a jacket in the evenings. and i needed to take a minute to slow down and absorb that for a while. i chose to do so over after-work drinks at swirl wine bar on queen, two stories up, sitting beside windows flung open to the street below, with sparkling rosé, marinated soft goat cheese, pickled quail eggs, spiced nuts and fresh bread. it’s more than just the weather. i’m ready for beautiful things.