We Closed the Pool!

Another summer has come and gone. It’s been in the plans for a couple of weeks now, and we’ve held out for as long as we can. After careful consideration, our pool is officially closed for the season. While we’re sad as it marks the end of summer, we’re also relieved that it’s finally done. 

It takes a lot of work to get the pool ready to close for the season, just as much as it does getting it ready in the latter part of Spring. We had to take the weather into consideration as the forecast had trended wet this week. A loophole was found as we had a dry evening on Tuesday. With that, we got everyone to pitch in and help close the pool. 

It takes a team effort when closing down the pool for the season. There’s the process of taking apart the filter. A couple of hands and we’re able to get the ladder out of the pool and get it drained. Then there’s getting the cover on the pool. It takes every hand to get it on there the right way. We need to secure the cover with rope so that it doesn’t blow off when we have high winds. Dad goes around the pool once that’s done to get the plastic around the pool. 

It’s not an easy task, and takes a lot of work, but it doesn’t take long if everyone helps. Think of the Entenmann’s donut boxes. A lot of work goes into making those boxes. My dad would know, as he did that for most of his life. You can’t be too hasty with getting the pool ready to close. A lot of work goes into maintaining it during the summer, and protecting it during the colder months.  

Has the summer of 2026 been a bust when it comes to swimming? No, even though I could have spent more time in the water than I did. I was doing well until the wildfire smoke came in and ruined our air quality (for a few days). After mid-July, I just couldn’t find the time to get in the water.  It’s not that I was wasting time, I just couldn’t find it. Also, I spent a good amount of time going to the gym (or walking outside). One thing I could have done to increase time in the water would have been to curtail the outdoor walks until the humidity died down. I won’t complain or grouse about it as I’d made up for it trying to stay physically fit in 2026. 

The pool’s closing is a sign that Fall is either here, or will be arriving soon.

The rain may be a broken record this year, but there’s something about a cool, damp Fall day that gets the blood flowing. It’s relaxing and therapeutic, like the first snow of the season (as long as it doesn’t wreak havoc). The rain is sticking around, but the humidity is leaving as next week is trending unsettled. We’re entering the pumpkin spice zone when it comes to weather. It’s the perfect opportunity for a hot Pumpkin Spice Latte. 

This morning I went to Caleese. On deck is Cutie’s for my first Pumpkin Spice of the year. Even though I’ve had Pumpkin Spice K-Cups, I’ve balanced that with Fall Blend and Butterscotch. I’ve had to adjust my schedule a little bit as I’m working Sunday. Originally that was going to be my Ligonier day. It means I can enjoy some of the Steelers game (or Eagles game on FOX). My trip to Little Stars Hollow will come at the end of the month. I’m leaning towards the Dragonfly Inn Mocha when I go to Abigail’s.

This morning, I got the Cookie Butter Crunch Latte at Caleese. I joined the loyalty program via text (I do the same with Cutie’s Coffee). While there, I read a chapter of my new romance novel. “Love Felt Like This” has become a New York Times bestseller and the author is traveling the country promoting her new read. I’m really starting to come into it and can’t wait to see where the book goes. 

Post-Caleese, I took a walk at Twin Lakes. Initially, I was there longer than I wanted to be but everything evened out in the end. With rain chances lining the extended forecast, you have to pick your battles. I made a quick stop at Barnes and Noble before heading home. I wanted to check out that new book on ER. It’s become my latest to show to watch. 

In other news, 20 days to vacation and the number is shrinking every day!