WHEN THE CLOUDS MELTED AWAY




I was happy. I think that's why I'm destined to live where I do. With 320 days of sun per year, The Valley of the Sun couldn't be better for me.



Even in our hottest times, I like the sun. I may be inside, but just looking outside or just a brief trip to the mailbox requires sunshine for me. Scalding sun is better than clouds: gray that covers the sky like a wet sheet, is not welcomed by me.



I don't know why I'm that way. I know I've always loved the outdoors. And there's no latent Gene Kelly singing in any kind of rain for me. So again, it's the appeal of ol' sol.

I guess luckily for me, I almost never burn. Stupidly, I didn't use any sunscreen for years either. A reformed sun worshipper, I slather on a 15 everyday now just to be on the safe side. Yet I know every dermatologist around says to stay out of the sun and its harmful rays. That's like telling a country song writer to be positive when composing those lyrics. It's not gonna happen.

For far too many years I didn't wear sunglasses very much. Until Maui Jim came along, I just couldn't see clearly enough to wear them on the golf course. Now, you'll never catch me without them. I even wore them today on our two mile walk at 5:00 AM when there wasn't much sun at all. But that's the way I avoid the heat in June through September.

Sunny days, blue blue skies, ever so slight breeze, and Maui Jims--it's all good for me.