Summer

It's hot outside. The sun is blaring down as you walk to the swimming pool. The clear blue water laps quietly against the beautiful tile on the pools' edge, designed so there's no lip - just the shining squares of color, then the water itself. It's like a mirage. You dive in and the water is perfect - neither too hot nor too cold. It slides over your body like a cool sheet on a hot night, and you're immediately relived. The colorful umbrellas and tables sit like small oases around the pool, towels draped here and there, floppy hats and books scattered, too. You emerge from the water and the breeze cools your wet skin.

Ah, summer in the water.

Not many of us in Colorado have pools - in fact, I don't know one person who does. My neighbor has a small kiddy pool in which she soaks her feet. :) Some folks join neighborhood or city pools, and that must be delightful. As for myself, I have a rather elaborate fan and drapes system that keeps my non-airconditioned house remarkably cool in these hot months. I'm thankful for that! No cake baking, though. No roasting of meat. The most use my stove gets is making jam when the fruit is just too irresistible. Lots of salads and meat grilled outside, farmers' market fresh fruit and veg.

It's funny - each season's flavors. In a few months, I'll be roasting squash and baking bread. And then winter will roll around with lots of soups and braised meat. But for today, it's going to be tuna salad with diced celery, bread and butter pickles, maybe some radishes, too - all on a bed of cool lettuce. Simple and delicious on a hot day.