and just like that

with very little warning,

it was over.

I have enjoyed having a pool more this year than usual.

I suppose

that is because I actually got out in it

just about every day.

At first

it was all about the kids

and my trying to be more 'present'.

Yes, I am with my children

pretty much all the time,

but I confess I am not always with them.

Stay home mommas know what I mean.

(You do, don't you? or is it just me??)

~

As the season wore on

and walking with Tyler wasn't happening

because it was just too darn hot outside,

I started getting in the pool to exercise

alone

before the children joined me to swim and play.

After finishing my workout

(which if you must know

consisted of running - Baywatch style around the pool

(please-don't picture that!)

until my legs couldn't take any more,

then using just my arms

to keep me in one spot in the pool until they hurt

and then reversing my direction and going against the current

and doing it all over again.

repeat. repeat.repeat...)

but before the kids came out

I would sink down in the water

worn out - but in a good way

and I'd just

breathe.

It only lasted a minute or so

but it was my favorite time of day.

It was quiet, except for the water flowing through the filter

and the sky was always beautiful.

And there was peace.

And then

one day, I got in the pool and it was cold

and the next day

I got in there and it was gasping cold.

And I never climbed back in again.

Just like that

with very little warning

Swimming Season

was over.

On the bright side, though,

it's now cool enough that Tyler and I can walk again

which just happens to also be

my favorite time of day.