Summer in the 50s!

Let me preface by disclosing as a child, this is as near to a pool as I ventured, usually in the company of my sisters, cousins and Aunt. Mother and Daddy didn't swim. What in the world was wrong with me? Everyone else swam while I managed a tepid dog-paddle.

Fast forward to summer 1972. St. Louis, our first home as a family of six .. complete with a pool. One tiny problem. I was still doing the awkward dog-paddle. Yes, I could actually get myself from side to side. But now? I had four children to keep safe! 

Mommy never learned to swim so fast. Mind you I did not progress to Olympic level, but proficient enough to jump in, wrap my arms around a child and swim to safety if I had to. Cheers to me!!! 

growing up in it

summer's sweet humidity

nothing more luscious