All good things must pass

The first sign always seems to be that, suddenly, the sun is

falling earlier in the day.

Then, it becomes just a little too cool to leave the windows open

all night.

The most perceptive notice the leaves starting to fall from the

trees or the migrating birds heading south.

Kids know because everywhere they turn are signs declaring those

three words of absolute juvenile horror: Back to school.

Summer, once again, is just about fled.

Many in Huntington Beach live for this extra perfect time of year,

the best months of months that are already better than in just about

any place else. After-work walks are sunset strolls instead of guided

by street lamps. There’s warmth in the early morning air. The beach,

the park and the patio seating at every restaurant cry out for

attention and attendance.

It’s the time of the U.S. Open of Surfing. It’s the time of

boating in Huntington Harbour. It’s the time of the junior lifeguard

program.

But it all has to come, sadly, to an end. Fall looms, and with it,

winter.

Of course, even that cold and rainy fact is tempered here. For,

while a noted poet has lamented that winter is never far behind

spring, Huntington Beach residents can rejoice that winter here

really isn’t winter at all.