California Dreamin'

"California, here I come right back where I started from.
Where Bowers of flowers bloom in the spring.
Each morning at dawning, birdies sing an' everything.
A sunkist miss said, "Don't be late"!
That's why I can hardly wait.
Open up that Golden Gate, California here I come!"

Alyssa has gone to Hawaii since she was offered a good deal for the trip.  It's sort of a tag-a-long offer from her place of employment.  Whenever I think of anyplace close to the ocean (let alone an island surrounded by ocean!) my mind goes back to the place of my birth, California.  In the past when I have gone back after a long time away I spend the first few hours fighting off the emotions of being there where the memories are so deep.  All the growing things which are so familiar.  Even the air (and I'm not talking about smog here!) has a different feel.  The skin begins to soften and hair goes wild and curlier.  I love the place.  And I won't even go into how I feel about the ocean itself.  But the "dreamin" part will have to do for now, I guess.  So while I am here in this snowy but basically dry atmosphere, I will think of old times and of Alyssa who will probably be Hawaii Dreamin' in a day or so.  Have fun, Alyssa!  I look forward to that shell from the beach you promised and to having you back.