(photo from Pier 39.com)

I’ve been eagerly awaiting the return of my neighbors since they took off in the summer for their annual vacation. Once a year, every year, they travel out to the Channel Islands for what we all want, a little sun, relaxation, avoiding the prey of large cities and most importantly to breed. And without fail they return every year with the newborns at their side. Residents of the City know that I’m talking about the adorable yet stinky and loud neighbors the Sea Lions at Pier 39. What I love about these neighbors is they always start barking, singing–or whatever you call it–right as my alarm goes off. But I have to say, waking up to their sound tickles my ears more than whatever is playing on the radio. In essence, they are nature’s alarm clock. They are my alarm clock. Now if only they came with a snooze button.