Those Milton genes, or why chlorine smells a little like a metaphor

I sat today at the pool, praying for sun. I know those suffering in record heat might find my prayer incredulous, but it has been cloudy and raining off and on. I was born and raised Oregonian, so I am aware there's some law against whining about gray skies, but it's August folks and my kids are learning to swim outdoors. Be kind to them, Lord. 'Cause it's August.

I watch them and my own swimming lessons come to mind. I remember laying poolside, practicing strokes, listening to the instructor. Waiting to dive. Swimming underwater. Treading water.

I am peculiar when it comes to water activities. There are only a handful of things I actually like to do and none of them include playing mermaid at the bottom of the pool. But I made it through all this before - I just didn't like it, and I wasn't a natural.

These are clearly Greg's kids.

They are always willing to swim, no matter the weather, no matter how tired they are. They don't beg to sit out. They love it.

I watched a retired man swim laps for a time. He made it look so easy, so effortless. It may be worth remembering that a lot of training goes into his fluid moves. It takes time to become that graceful.

That's something even a terrestrial woman like me can appreciate.

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Tara posted some great pictures of the kids playing put-put golf today. Supercute!

swimming lessons pool rain sunshine practice