The Garden City Pool

Through the arborvitae in my side yard, Andy, my neighbor, inquired What are you up to today?

I said I am going to the Garden City pool.

His response: The pool? Really? Why not the beach—it is only 20 minutes away?

Up until my girls entered middle school, there was no place on Earth more heavenly than the Garden City pool. It was the family camp. It was the ultimate day-occupier:  swim lessons, story time, mini golf, tennis, and of course the slide. The pool was a short 10 minute drive—transport was easy and traffic free.

Some of my most lasting friendships began at the pool-I met my friend Amy under the awning by the kiddie pool when I was in desperate need of a baby wipe.

But like all things, at some point there was a need to move on—going to the pool got a little bit old. And so, like most of my friends at the time, when the kids got to a certain age, we joined the beach club—which became adolescent camp. And for many years that was the most heavenly place on Earth—until it too, ran its course.

And now I have come full circle—rejoining the pool. It is still a little bit of heaven—only seen through new eyes. I am no longer bound by the rules of my youth. I  do not care who or if I sit with anyone. The location of my table does not define me  nor am I self-conscious in my bathing suit. I do not worry if someone is keeping track of my daily cover-ups and Jack Rodgers. What others think about a whole host of things no longer motivates me. I am completely free—and my clock is my own.

In ten short minutes I may be sitting poolside in a cushioned lounge reading my book while stealing swigs from my water bottle. The pool water is crisp. The flowers are vibrant—the background chatter soothes. The grilled cheese and Good Humor is a foodies delight.

And so when I replied to Andy’s inquiry I simply said this—While I love nothing more than the beach, unless there is a locker boy transporting my lounge, cooler, and umbrella from the car down to the ocean for me, I am just not that interested. I am too old and too spoiled to schelpp things around anymore.

The pool is easy---and at least for now—is my happy place.

It is my adult camp.