It rained in Sunny So Cal on Sunday. Mr. W and I met up with college roommie Diana and her “friend” at King’s Fish House in Long Beach Sunday early evening. Turned out the two men grew up in the same city (out-of-state) and had a few things in common. Such as a favorite local food.

Diana had to split to catch her flight but I wasn’t in a rush, so after dinner, Mr. W and I walked around the Pike at Long Beach in the drizzle. I was holding my closed umbrella in my free hand, and watched others hurry by huddled underneath their umbrellas, too rushed to enjoy the lingering chill, full moon, apricot sky, and changing neon-colored lights against the buildings, bridges, and lighthouse.

We wandered in and out of quaint stores, looked at American Indian crafts and rocks, I bought some sugarfree chocolate truffles, barks and meltaways as he enjoyed his candied apple. I marveled as how much he was like my dad.

This morning, the crisp, wet air brought into mind childhood memories of Christmas, and I re-experienced the twinge of excitement I used to associate with anticipation of large family gatherings, the promise of fun with cousins, family friends and special Christmas desserts. And presents.

After my noontime workout at the gym, I deliberately walked sans umbrella slowly from the parking structure back to the courthouse, enjoying the cooling mist of the October droplets on my skin and hair. I received a phone call shortly after lunch from Mr. W, who asked how my lunch was. Turned out he took the same type of lingering walk in the rain before he went back to work, too.

These are the days of crackling fireplaces, flannel blankets, candles, and hot chocolate.