Sign #3 that spring is here - the window screens are back and still their usual ineffective selves.

My local hardware store started selling window screens again, replacing the countless bags of salt previously resting there, unused. The reappearance of the screens is a sure sign that mosquitoes will be pestering New Yorkers in no time. It's no secret that these things are NOT very useful. Unless you're paying a pretty penny (are any of those left?) to be suckered in to thinking the luxe life fits in the East Village, you probably live in an circa 1900 walk up. This said walk up may or may not have plumb (see adjective definition #1) windows, increasing the chances that what little bit of nature is outside will find its way in. I'm not saying there are a lot of bugs here, but the ones that are can outsmart the quickest of fly swatters. Maybe New York's "only the strong survive" mentality extends to other species. That would explain the subway rats, bed bugs, and toughgrannies.