Alternating between monsoon and extremely high humidity, Nature once again proves she can command our attention. As I sit here semi sweat-soaked (I only use AC when it's very necessary), I'm reminded of my days in California. It seemed the temperature never reached beyond 80, nor dipped below 45. Idyllic images of Carmel Beach and Salinas rush through my mind. Fisherman's Wharf at sunset. I realize, however, I'm reliving those experiences through eyes twenty years removed.

Of course, there were qualities about my experiences in Monterey that were less than positive. I simply despised being a soldier, even in such a low stress environment. Looking and behaving like everybody else did not agree with me. I did, however, meet some very interesting and nice people while in Monterey. Karate classes, parties with Army buddies, and driving down 17 mile drive stand out as some of the highlights of my life. So does being married to a woman with whom I didn't belong. Living in a run down apartment that was more expensive than any of the plush apartments I've seen in Tennessee.

Fog moving in off the Pacific annoyed me on more than one occasion. Of course, the fog drifted over land every day, but most days would dissipate by 10 or 11am. Its departure on other days was non-existent. I found it frustrating, to say the least, arriving at the beach early in anticipation of a sun which never showed.

Still, I remember the breeze from the ocean at night. And how the sea lions barked all night, providing music to sleep by. Dennis the Menace park, which boasted the largest sliding board I've ever seen. And I'll never forget El Estero Park: always serene, always filled with ducks of every variety, none of them too afraid to take popcorn right out of your hand.

I remember Defense Language Institute, and wonder how much I missed by living off post. How many more interesting people might I have met had I not been married. Almost all of my friends lived on post, and I heard of some pretty cool events that I'd missed.

Not sure where all that came from, really. I guess Monterey's been on my mind.