Summertime

I'm sitting in the sunroom, sipping a cup of herbal jasmine tea, on a cool and overcast late April afternoon. The rain the last few days has been good. It’s cleaned the air to a sweet, intoxicating perfume (I just can’t be outside enough right now!) and is giving our lawn & veggies & flowers a run through Mother Nature’s Natural And Most Effective Sprinkler And Irrigation System a.k.a. MNNAMESAIS (For those of you that need acronyms). As I savor this hot, familiar nectar, my eyes cast out beyond the glass confines and take in the splendid views, of which I will never tire.

The field behind us is coming into being, shedding its winter coat and springing forth in grandeur. The Timothy Grass is starting to rise, searching for gentle breezes and the summer sun, it’s soothing carousel of greens make a beautiful backdrop.

The "park" is awakening. This is an area of my neighbor's property that is undeveloped and natural. There are tons of trees and is residence to many wonderful creatures that choose to call it home. We even have some Hawks nesting there, and have the last few summers. The paths are mowed to allow access for "All creatures, great and small." Welcome back, Mr. Park, congratulations on surviving another harsh winter!

In the foreground, my pond. Built it with my own two hands, and the help of my Nieces’ husband Josh. You are a good man, Josh. We hand dug and removed every morsel of dirt to make that hole just right and once she was full of water, Josh & I made several trips to the local quarry and hand picked every single rock that surrounds her welcoming shores. It is in its first full year now and I am so proud. There are a few bullfrogs that have taken up residence. They’re kinda getting used to me, pretty cute little guys and gals in a frog sort of way, plus they are starting to find their "little froggie" voices to serenade us. It should be a grand symphony at its finest by the time summer rolls around.

I am going to put a pump in this year, maybe some goldfish and definitely some additional plants. I planted a small little Oak tree between it and the field last week (just before the rain, am I good or what?). Should be a nice addition and provide some excellent shade and set the tone when she gets bigger.

Speaking of trees, my eyes move away from the glorious life-giving pond and focus on my two soon-to-be-majestic Maple trees. My thoughts go back to those that have given me grief about planting them where I did, I respect their knowledge and concern, but that's a price I am willing to pay. I know maintenance is a bitch, but they grow fast and provide a great canopy and privacy. That's my reason and hopefully, my rationale will guide me safely through this. No negativity. Only positive. Aum. I do love these little babies, look at em’, they’re so cute, let em' grow!

My eyes trail from the Maples and fix on the pool. It is covered again, sadly. I had it opened for a while, poor little thing is eager for bodies of all shapes and sizes to enjoy the pleasures that lie within its concrete boundaries, but Nature says not quite yet. Little petals from our flowering Crab Apples are covering everything right now. Looks pretty, but Lord what a process to clean up.

The patio furniture is in place, minus the cushions, which makes it look like intricate iron statues placed carefully about my lanai. They are pretty, but will be glad when they are modestly covered with their cushions.

My eyes reconnect with the pool. A crooked little grin sets up shop at the corners of my mouth and then expands slowly to a smile. I ease back on the seat, get just right and close my eyes.

Spring forward to Swimming Season. My favorite time of the year. What do I love most about it? To feel the warmth of the concrete on my bare feet, the coolness of a drink in my hand, the evenings with my baby, holding hands and looking into her eyes, laying on a float, staring up at that golden orb in a perfectly blue sky, or star-filled extravaganza, feeling the coolness of the water and heat of the sun, listening to music emanating from the outdoor speakers (Not overbearing though, good neighbor policy!), sitting with friends and family, sharing conversations, talking about how good the tomatoes are looking and how the salsa bowl needs to be refilled, children laughing, the smells - various levels of sunscreen, burgers, dogs, brats or Portabellas grilling, and chlorine in the air, or perhaps all the above?

Yep. I think so, and many more that don’t come to mind right now. I also know that a huge factor, and probably the second most important to me, in looking forward to Swimming Season, is seeing the radiant joy that the pool has brought to so many people, young and old.

Second you say? You ask what the number one factor is that I look forward to each and every Swimming Season? The Pièce de résistance? The Butter on the Bread? The Gravy on the Taters? The Ultimate Thrill of the Swimming Season? Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Grandmas and Grandpas, Cousins and those that marry Cousins. Here it is! The well-timed cannon ball, when you can really surprise those unsuspecting victims! There is nothing better than stalking your prey, waiting for that just right moment, and then like a stealth fighter flying through the Afghanistan skies, you lock in on your target, head for the edge and at the last possible minute, scream “CANNONBALL!” There is nothing better. I love it. I do it every chance I get. I will do it again this year. The next victim could be you…

I was just about to hit the sparkling blue water, poised for the best one yet, when I was shaken from my reverie, the Sun's come out and I must get to work. It's still April. There is plenty to be done today. Gotta move some stumps into the Secret Garden and a few thousand other things!

By the way, just forget what I was saying about that cannonball thing. I don’t do it every chance I get.

Copyright April, 2010, "Summertime" by JR McIntire