18 Hours and counting . . .

Water warms to the touch and the sand welcomes the soles with a beautiful velvet clay-like texture. Nature's red carpet, it neither judges nor rushes.

Smell of salt in the air with a cool breeze coming from the south. A few privileged seagulls and the ocean gently lapping the shore, reminding me of her immeasurable charms, supply the only audible sounds.

Sun warms the skin with a soothing constant presence that lulls one to sleep with lazy indulgence and dreams of delightful empty agendas. Nothing to do, a phrase seldom uttered, yet, today, held in my mind like a precious jewel, rolling it over and over, contemplating its implications.

The sky reflects the deep blue depths of the ocean with a few interloping clouds plying us with a few moments of respite. One can see clearly to the horizon.

Next to me lies a bucket of ice-cold longnecks, glistening with beads of anticipation, not long for this world. Won't be long now, as the days have slipped to hours and the hours slip toward departure.