Past Tense

It is, or was, that time of the year that I would start getting ready for the winter season working outdoors. Columbus Day weekend was the time I would start to grow my beard for face protection during those cold windy days that bite at your face to a red raw montage.
I would be going thourgh my winter clothes, long underwear, thermal underware, wool socks, gloves, insulated boots, sweater, outcoat with liner and on and on it goes. It was never any fun as is brought to your mind what you were about to face for the next five months, if you were lucky. Having to do your job, even in a winter storm, was not the most enjoyable experience a person can have. Well, maybe a polar bear or ski ranger.

All of this, the above, came to my mind while I was watching another sparkling sun set off the North Jetty in Venice. People were fishing, going by in there sports boats or water motor ski. Everyone in shorts and shirt, eating supper while watching the sun set, chugging down a few cold ones. None of this would come to mind while I was getting ready for winter. Who could have thought there was a place in the world where all of this can happen? Not while you are waiting for the first snow of the year.

Yea, the economy is coming down on to our heads and we may not be able to do some of the things we would like to do. Even with that said, there is just a good feeling that we are in a place were you can, for at least an hour or two, forget what is going on and enjoy what is left what is offered for free. Life is truly good.