Missing fish.

I'm sad.

I was randomly perusing a blog when I saw pictures of a trip to the Ballard Locks for the Salmon run.

For those NOT from Washington: Ballard Locks = the (water) gateway between the Puget Sound and Lake Union. Also the site of where salmon migrate back to their homes, leaping out of the water and up a "ladder" of underground stairs, much to the delight of onlookers.

I miss summers in Seattle.

I miss the bonfires on Golden Gardens beach. I miss watching the boats and the salmon come in and out of the Sound through the locks, feeling totally at peace. I miss kayaking on Lake Union on a beautiful day. I miss wandering Pike's Place, getting croissants or steamed pork puns, looking at flowers and listening to buskers. I miss Bumbershoot. I miss Discovery Park, the Aboreteum, the Fremont market, and wild blackberries everywhere. I miss all the green!

I know winters weren't quite as fun - cold, cold, cold - but being near the water made up for a lot of it. Plus there was Christmas decorations downtown and hot chocolate on Capitol Hill.

And no matter what the season, I miss my friends. I have many here as well, but I miss all those who helped shape my existence so much during those three years.

And while I know it will never be the same as before - I will never be a carefree singleton, out until all hours, and I may never afford a home in Seattle proper - I know it will still be great, a wonderful place to share with my family. Single friends will have turned into couples that we can still share our lives with.

I still can't wait to go back.