Soon it will be Winter here on the Central Coast of California. It may be better to describe it as "Winter" because temperatures here are so mild, the bulk of our rainfall won't arrive until January and we get virtually NO snow. Today, temperatures are in the mid 60's and it's sunny. We are still able to leave our windows open during the day to let in the fresh ocean breezes. I'm sure that sounds like heaven to some of you who are already clearing snow from your paths, putting chains on the tires and having to split wood for the fireplace. There's a little part of me that envies you! For the record, "I sure do miss snowy winters!" I didn't always live here in paradise. Once upon a time, I lived in a four season state... Arizona.
As a kid growing up in Winslow, Arizona, I experienced snow regularly EVERY winter. So much snow that at times it resulted in Snow Days off from school. We'd bundle up with extra sweaters, socks, boots and scarves and play for HOURS sledding, building snowmen and ice forts and having the BEST snowball fights you ever saw! Then into the house we'd march, littering the floor with extra clothes on the way and beeline for the fireplace to warm up. Mom would make hot chocolate with marshmallows and we'd sit red cheeked and happy looking at the Sears catalogue making our Christmas lists. Then, before you know it, we'd be layering up again to go outside. This time to go ice skating on O'Haco's pond near Bushman acres. With a big thermos of hot chocolate tucked inside our coats and camping lanterns in our hands, we'd trudge through the snow to the pond, skates thrown recklessly over our shoulder, daring one another to try tricks on the ice. Before our California "winter" is over, I'll have to visit Big Bear or Lake Tahoe and relive some of those treasured memories.
**And just a quick update.... I'm still walking! **
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