Winters never used to bother me. I’m like a little kid when the first significant snowfall hits. But in recent years, along about the end of January I’m bored with the whole winter thing and I’ve started getting downright cold. Must be my medication — that or living in drafty old houses.

I have always wanted to live on the California coast. When I was growing up, it was the ultimate location. I can still see Annette water skiing, the wind blowing around her bouffant hairstyle without moving a single strand. And there was Frankie on his surf board.

So this winter I started picturing myself sitting on a deck overlooking the ocean, reading my morning mail. Oh, look, here’s a welcome letter from Arnold and Maria. My California Medicare Supplement quote finally arrived. And there’s a royalty check on my latest bestseller. Hey — it’s my dream. Why not make it a good one?