Calm, Cool and Collected

No one warned me about the Marine Layer.

I moved out here, completely unaware that at any given moment Southern California could be swallowed whole by a rolling, gray, enveloping mass. An evil fog, slithering from the coast, obliterating everything in its path. Like someone breathing wetly on your neck, rubbing against you in a cold and clammy attempt at seduction.

Oh wait, that was my ex-boyfriend.

The first time I saw it, I stood outside, in true dumb horror movie chick fashion, mouth agape, as the fog rolled down the hill and settled in the valley the parking lot made. I kept asking people, "What is this?" and "Is this normal?"

After 6 years I've grown to love the Marine Layer, looking forward to its extended stay for June Gloom and the occasional surprise visit. I was pleased to wake up this morning to an overcast sky, a cool breeze and a slightly damp feel to the air. All the promise of rain, without the payoff, but it's still soothing to my East Coast soul.

I'm actually writing this post with slippers on! It's enough to make me want a cup of hot chocolate or a bowl of soup. Almost.