Let's get a few things straight. Spring means green grass poking up, buds forming on trees, crocii bursting forth and songbirds twittering away. You see that snow on the ground? That brown grass? Those dusty roads? Even the Homer Chamber of Commerce isn't so optimistic. That's why they call it the Winter King Salmon Tournament, buckaroos.

Sure, a sunny 45-degree day here, a rainy day here, and you're thinking, Huh, it's going to be an early spring. Don't get suckered in. Spring is like so April.

Instead, while whistling in the dark and hoping that Easter Sunday doesn't bring a surprising little egg roll in the snow, take note of spring's subtle signs here at near-60 degrees north. Early (or maybe just wintering over) trumpeter swans. Tufts of green grass at the edge of houses, a little early salad for our moose friends. Kids playing soccer on the low tide. Sunrise and sunsets at the sevens. An intrepid photographer on crocus watch at the post office, waiting for the first flowers to bloom. And spring break, when dang near everyone leaves town and the rest of us can relax without the stress of long lines at the airport.

So before you pack your bags for Hawaii, hey, try out some of these Best Bets:

BEST GO BIG GREEN BET: Yeah, yeah, today on St. Paddy's Day, everybody is Irish. On the other hand, considering America's multi-cultural roots, well, everybody is Irish. Check out the calendar listings for various St. Patrick's Day events, chow down on corn beef and cabbage, and remember: if you're going to drink, be responsible, and give the leprechauns your keys.

BEST I'LL TAKE A SESTINA FOR $500 BET: In the raw, ruthless world of slam poetry, ya gotta think fast on your feet to pull a sonnet out of your hat in 30 seconds or less. Think you've got the iambic pentameter to run with the big dogs? Enter the Kachemak Bay Campus Student Association's Poetry Slam at 6 p.m. Friday at the East Campus. It's part of a celebration of Women's History Month.

BEST FLAT CALM LIKE A JACUZZI BET: Hey! Are you out-of-town pukers gonna let a little chop slow you down? Bring it on! Homer's best salmon fishermen will show you how to get the champion kings even in the biggest seas. Those sea-bright, tasty winter kings are running — reward enough — but you could get The Big One and win fabulous prizes. The 12th Annual Winter King Salmon Tournament starts at 8 a.m. Saturday out of the Homer Harbor, with weigh-in from 4 to 6 p.m. at Coal Point Trading Company. There's a modest $100 entry fee.