"Keeps life on its toes." They follow around a steep incline, up the rock-carved path, ocean waves in panorama on the beach below. "My existence was oh so fast paced before it took its turn. And my mind! Always occupied with lines and character mullings when not consumed by crowds and cheers and conversation. Still getting used to how it is around here again."

She smiles. "Though ask Leslie or Lou or one of the old ones here. I was always the town's firecracker growing up."