Sappy days of summer

This week a tragedy struck the condo-villers. To most people it's a minor inconvenience but for the morning group who swim laps, the break down of the pool heater was intolerable. Being that the temperature was on the cool side having to swim in cool-ish water in cool air temperature did not go over well.

There was a sign posted near the elevator advising everyone of the situation.

"The pool heater is broken" was all it said. So the topic of conversation in the elevator was speculation as to when it would be fixed. For the die-hard morning group, swimming in an unheated pool wasn't a deterrent and in fact it became a badge of courage.

"Did you hear the pool heater is broken?" a member of the group commented, as the elevator ascended to our floors.

"Downer," I commented. "You swim every morning so it must be really bothersome."

"Oh no - that doesn't stop me!" she replied proudly. "I swim anyway. Once you're in - the water is fine."

If you don't mind numb body parts, the water was acceptable, but I told her I would wait until the heater is fixed.

It took a week for the heater to be fixed and now everything is back to normal. The aqua fitness gang do their thing twice per week although I'm not sure if it's Ms Aqua Fitness Cruela de Ville is leading them into sessions of pain, since there is no sign of her melodious voice bouncing off the condo building walls. Have to check that out. During the afternoon some of the "regular" condo-villers drop by for a quick tan and gossip updates and a dip in the pool.

The big topic under discussion these days is the road work going on in the area. They're re-surfacing the access roads and driving is limited to cars having to share one lane on one side of the bridge. As expected, some people end up driving on the wrong side with cars facing each other. Lots of complaints but the job is almost completed at least in one area. Meanwhile, the other bridge is scheduled to be demolished and re-built this fall and winter. Makes for good complaint material for discussions.

Rules rule the pool

It's a beautiful, warm sunny day with nary a cloud in the sky. Birds are in fine form, chirping away while on the river, boat owners take advantage of the perfect conditions moving their water-bound vehicle accross the water leaving ripples in their wake. The newly painted pool is finally open and condo-villers are making use of it. Morning is when the lap swimmers do lengths while the afternoon is for the casual set in designer bathing suits to lounge around the pool.

Interesting that in spite of all the media reports about the danger of skin cancer, there are sun worshippers who are obviously convinced that a tan is preferable to having to go through treatment for cancer. They appear to not be convinced since their solution is to apply sun protection lotion and then broil in the sun for a couple of hours.

While on the elevator, noticed that the power(s)- that-be posted all their rules governing the pool. Lots of "can't do's" like absolutely no water or food whatsoever in the pool area, even though there are three tables and beach umbrellas presumably for this purpose, no toys in the pool (a personal grit-my-teeth rule) and so on. Have to confess that on occasion I bring along a container of apple juice and take an occasional swig hiding my face in my beach bag when nobody is looking. I'm sure somebody is watching, somewhere on their balcony and a rumor will circulate that I'm an alcoholic. One of the strangest rules and it seems applicable in most private pools I've visited, is that swimmers must take a shower before entering the water. There is a big sign posted on the wall between the changing/bathrooms so this must be an important issue. The only logical reason that comes to mind is that this rule was created in case would-be swimmers wear dirty bathing suits and/or don't bathe and thereby could pollute the pool. I mean, why else is this rule applied? The pool thermometer is back hanging from a rope after its disappearance last year. The thermometer is a favorite gathering spot for swimmers and is checked frequently by those who feel the temperature shouldn't be below 80 degrees F. 79 is too cool and 82 is definitely preferable. I'm among the latter.

Aqua fitness should start any time now providing there is enough joiners. I'll know the exact moment when Ms Aqua Fitness Cruela de Ville's lilting voice echoes throughout. I'm sure she means well...then again...