The pool practically takes care of itself since we have a robotic pool skimmer that works with solar energy. The garden lies in the Arizona heat. The compost is cooking. The monsoon winds knocked down a major limb from our mesquite tree, so we can and do fix the trees. We’ve finally cleaned up the dirt from the big Haboob that engulfed the Valley of the Sun in July and the little Haboob from August.
So now we have more time to do the fun things of summer, but not enough free time to get out of town. Having a pool in the backyard is like going to the cabin after 5:00 pm every day and still working the next morning.
It’s a little warm hanging out BY the pool, but it’s perfect INSIDE the pool. In addition to taking a dip a couple of times a day to cool off, we like to get some exercise.
Public pools provide lap swimming when you want to focus on fitness and cardio. In our backyard pool we can do resistance exercises. Dragging empty plastic milk jugs underwater by hand or ankle strap is fantastic exercise. Standing on one leg stretches are great because the aftermath of falling doesn’t hurt at all. Our son likes to pump a rock over his head while staying afloat. That’s a real workout!!
As I mentioned, it’s ridiculously hot, but what would it be without reading a novel! I have a large 800-pager on the go. When it’s too sweltering to be outside, I retreat to the air conditioning, within sight of the pool. It’s the best of both worlds.
Winemaking is one of our hobbies. Aside from the serious wines, we also make some summer ones. The Blackberry Merlot is ready to drink and the Raspberry Zinfandel is ready to bottle. These fruity wines are best served with a little ice for that summer feel. Of course, that’s just my opinion. I heard the gasp! of serious wine lovers.
Most of the cabins are quite remote. Our Cottage in the City has a number of world-class museums just a short drive away. As summer winds down, this is the perfect time to visit one we haven’t been to before. That will make our summer in the city more like a vacation.
Cribbage and board games are the final ingredient in my Cottage in the City recipe. Grab a partner and bring back the fun summer tradition of family gaming. We brought out the Crokinole board for a party and couldn’t remember the rules so we looked it up on the net. Amazing what you can find online. Internet is another advantage of your Cottage in the City.
