In the middle of the winter, I dream of the beautiful scenery of hiking and running trails at the Torrey Pines Reserve. Oh, how I miss those exquisite runnable trails of La Jolla! Rare Torrey pine, miles of unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds. It was like a paradise for me. The hiking trails are with stunning views and I loved to run on the beach. One can also continue north along the beach to Solana Beach and Del Mar. Those were the times. My thighs were tighter, my cheekbones higher, my skin was absorbing sun 11 months a year. Even on Christmas, I would sit in a bikini on our balcony, having breakfast. There was a paradise-like atmosphere. Except for the rattlesnakes. They are born with tiny buttons at the end of their tails. Each time they shed their skin, a scale remains behind which, in time, becomes the infamous rattle. I heard that sound more than once.

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