... another creative endeavor, by yours truly, entitled: Sicily, Never Enough. A short story, very loosely based on my visit to the island a few years ago. I look forward to returning and documenting new adventures. While I loathe humidity, with a passion unbridled, I am also looking forward to Summer's onslaught. Not having to bundle up, not walking hunched over to further shield myself from the cold, not having to shuffle down the sidewalk to avoid black ice, and more importantly, not having to struggle over huge snow banks to get over the curb, because the city hasn't mastered the art of plowing.

It's always exciting to see the streets teeming with people and the restaurant, bar and cafe proprietors setting their tables and chairs outside. I also love stopping by the farmers’ market vendors selling fresh, locally grown produce, plants, and honey.

The unsavory characters are the exception to all things wondrous, about Summer, however. The warmer it gets, it seems that the shady, the mentally unstable, those jiggling down the streets... muffin-tops exposed, and the uncouth come slithering from underneath their moist rocks, ready to wreak havoc on unsuspecting and unwitting victims. What is it about Late Spring/Summer that causes this particular sub-species to make an otherwise exciting season, a little uncomfortable for the rest of the populace? Who knows. It does make for comic relief, though