Saying goodbye to another summer

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 Laguna 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 Festival of Arts and Sawdust Festival. It’s

the time of diving in the coves. It’s the time of Thursday Art Walks.

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

winter.

Of course, in Laguna there is a reason not to dread this time of

year. The streets empty. The beach reappears from underneath the mass

of humanity that has stretched upon it for months.

Laguna’s Laguna’s again.