This morning's low temp was 41 degrees Fahrenheit. By Tuesday, the high temp is supposed to be 86 degrees. What's a girl to do?

Answer: dress like an onion. I start out with a colorful sports bra (for housework and exercise), over that a short sleeved tee shirt, then a long sleeved lightweight sweater or sweatshirt, and finally a hoodie or light jacket.

I have a whole collection of tee shirts, some plain, most bright colors and patterns (waving hello, Kramer). Today's is a black tee with a red-fanged garish green Millenium dragon. I usually just grab the tee from the top of the pile, so some tees get worn over and over, while others languish at the bottom of the drawer, waiting for the day when I excavate for them.

As the day progresses, I peel off the layers, and then as evening approaches, put them back on.

I feel sort of silly getting dressed as if I were a refugee, having to put on all my clothes for a quick getaway, but it's the most sensible way to dress if you live in this neck of the woods. The alternative would be to come home in the middle of the day and change clothes. Not happening.

If I were the neat and tidy type, I'd fold everything as I take it off and put it in an organized pile on the back seat. Reality? I peel it off and toss it behind me. The red fleece vest that lives permanently in the back seat (for chilly emergencies) is the only clothing that is properly stowed.

Being ready for any change in the weather is an art form here in southern California. I call it Onion Couture.