“I could never in
a hundred summers
get tired of this.” 
Susan Branch

Memorial Day weekend… the unofficial start to summer. I’m ready!

Growing up in San Francisco’s Sunset District in the 1960s, the only things we needed for a good summer vacation were warm sunshine and a swimming pool. To enjoy these amenities, we spent time at Redwood Rest Resort in Boulder Creek, Pine Grove Resort in Northern California, and many Sunday afternoons at my cousin Dan’s home in the San Carlos hills. When I graduated from high school in 1972, I had the opportunity to live in San José, California, where I again enjoyed warm sunshine and access to a pool.

When Kathy and I purchased our condominium home in 1986, one of the selling points was that our West San José complex has a beautiful pool and spa. Of course, the three-bedroom, two-bath unit with a large, private, enclosed, two-car garage was a significant factor, as well, but the pool was the icing on the cake. I would never want a pool in the backyard of my own single-family home. Liability worries and the cost of heating and maintaining the pool are burdens I have no desire to take on. A community pool, however, is ideal. 

In the years when we were raising our three boys, we made good use of the pool and spa facilities throughout the summer months. Normally, the pool heat is turned on by May 1st and remains on until the end of October. In June, July, and August, we used the pool almost every day. There were other kids in the complex who, in those years, used the pool regularly, as well. It was an ideal venue for making friends and building community.

In their high school and college years, our boys used the spa more often than the pool. It was a great way for them to relax after their football, soccer, basketball, or baseball games and practices. I enjoyed late-night visits to the spa, as well. Once the kids were in bed, I could spend 20 to 30 minutes enjoying the hot, healing waters of the spa before getting a good night’s sleep. It was quite a treat.

Time passes quickly. We have now lived in our home for almost 39 years. This summer, we will once again be spending a good deal of time at the pool, only now it will be with our grandkids. Since Steve and Morgan live just two doors down from us, their kids are beginning to use the pool quite regularly. During the summer months, it will be our go-to place. Why? We are blessed to have warm sunshine at the pool, making it a perfect place to hang out on a summer afternoon. There’s no need to leave home to enjoy the ingredients of a good summer vacation.

It’s easy, and quite normal, for us to take things for granted once we’ve had them for a while. Our pool, however, is one thing for which I will always be grateful. Year after year, it has provided a quiet, peaceful place to cool off, relax, exercise, read, visit with neighbors, and, on occasion, take an afternoon nap. 

While I may not live long enough to experience “a hundred summers,” I know I’ll never get tired of enjoying our pool.