Water and Fire

You know my obsession with water. Give me a lake, a pool, an ocean, a bathtub ... I'll take a swim. Now it's autumn and there's a chill in the air. It's time for fires.

If I like something, I want "two of 'em." It's a trait I was born with. Selfish? Yes. But the giving part of my personality wants everyone else to have one too.

We bought a fireplace for the oldie's room. Our bedroom also has a gas fireplace. Our living room has an old fashioned, wood-burning fireplace that I enjoy hauling wood to keep it going. I consider it two minutes of camping.

I grew up without a fireplace in my home. I was very confused about how Santa was going to shimmy down the chimney when we didn't have one. Lucky for my parents, I was gullible enough to buy whatever story they told me. Even when they broke the bad news, I knew I was lucky. I don't need some fat man at the North Pole -- I lucked out with them. (I still like the fantasy.)

We also have one of those fire pits on our patio. On my best days I can sit in front of a fire and then swim in the tub.

Real or Artificial?

My childhood Christmas trees were artificial. If my parents ever had a real tree, I don't remember it. The perks are obvious: no fire hazard, no dropping needles, you can put it up any time, you don't have to water it, etc.

The husband is a purist. We have had a real tree for every holiday that we've shared. He's adamant about it. And, there is something special about picking out your annual tree. Plus, they smell so darn good.

The debate continues. I'm ready to move to an artificial tree -- just because it's easier. So far, no dice. I've lost the battle (again!) this year but I haven't completely thrown in the towel.

Christmas isn't the only time I have the real versus artificial debate. Sometimes I do it in my mind when I'm on vacation and looking at strangers on the beach or around a pool. But I'm not thinking about trees.

Water

The pool is open! Many of my friends have pools but that has never appealed to me. Looks like a lot of work. Instead, I wait impatiently for our club pool to open and then jump up and down like a 5-year old when it does. As old members, the girlfriends and I have commandeered our special spot. We call it "Cocktail Corner." After golf, the husbands are allowed to join us. Every once in a while, some unknowing person ventures into our space. Wrong! We find a way to move them along. (We're usually polite.) You have to have been around the block a time or two to sit in Cocktail Corner.

I have friends with lake cottages. I can be packed before I hang up the phone. My blood pressure goes down significantly the moment I see the lake. Dogs and friends make for added fun but mainly, I like looking at the water, watching the sunset, cocktails on the pier and our other routines. (The wet dogs make Big Daddy crazy.) Dinner at 8pm? Dinner at 10pm? Who cares? Let's all go for a boat ride.

I love the ocean. Some people have this weird thing about flying over water. Are you any less dead if you crash in water versus on land? Call me crazy but I don't think so. I love to walk along the beach, I love the crash of the waves, I love the enormity of it all. I love the smell of ocean air. I love the memories.

The husband has a similar fondness for the mountains. I understand that. Mountains are majestic and I am in awe of the beauty they behold. I still need some water.

When I need an escape from the oldies, I love to take a swim in my tub.