A strange wind's a' blowin' ...must be a backdraft from all those holiday shoppers

I was surprised this morning by a light shower outside my door -barely more than a mist, really- that by breakfast gave way to a clear crisp powder blue sky. The wind, though, was something! What kite weather! I can only imagine how strong it must be down at Point Fermin or atop Twin Peaks.

We've been promised that this will turn into a mild Santa Ana that will last through Christmas. For now, the wind seems to blow west on one side of the boulevard, and to the east on the other.

I didn't find the pirate chantey CD I was hoping to play in order to combat the relentless onslaught of Christmas carols. My November Global Rhythm CD was more in line with the windy weather, which almost snatched the cap off my head.

Hopefully, if you're reading this, you had enough sense to stay out of the mall for your Christmas gifts. Vicki, Scotch, and Phideaux all have wonderful music you won't hear everywhere; and for books, Eduardo Santiago's Tomorrow They Will Kiss or Noel Alumit's Letters to Montgomery Clift.

You'll definitely be giving someone a cool gift they would appreciate!

Have a safe holiday, and be sure to hold on to your hats...