Summer Morning in Phoenix

I've forgotten how much I like the early mornings in our pool. Last summer slipped away as I was in Napa, and I didn't even inflate my easy chair.

At 5:30, the back yard is still shaded as the sun is low behind my neighbor's property. They have lovely palm trees just beyond the fence. Bird condos. I can see them hopping in their hallways, noisily awakening their spouses, and kids, chirping, " If you have work to do, get going. It will be a hot day!"

I set up the sprinkler to take care of the small plots of grass, get the Sunday paper, my sun hat, and reading glasses and shoved off. I feel like a light weight. Just use one foot to paddle away from the pool cleaner hose. It's all shade and very, very peaceful. Bill is still sleeping.

When Bill wakes up, he gets in the pool, too. Larry, our cat, comes along. He is such a good cat, he is almost a dog. I entice him to within arm's reach. He lays on the cool deck and revels in being scratched by mom and dad with wet hands. Crazy cat!

The lawn is all watered and I have nothing that must be done just now. I think how I can do this any day, every day, if I please. Monday is the same as Sunday. Whoa!

Soon I have finished the front page and I'm getting a little chilly. Bill stays in awhile, I move a padded chaise to a shady spot as the sun is rising and starting to spread rays. Who knows how much time passes, who cares. Not us. Finally Bill gets out and heads for the house.

He needs a hair cut, and I offer. Got him all trimmed up, and he doesn't even have to tip me.

Then it's off to First Watch for breakfast. I eat a wheat germ pancake and bacon. Lots of syrup. I'm slowly but deliciously killing myself.

I realize I must be driven to the store as my car is in the repair shop. Getting out on the black asphalt l am aware it is very hot and will get much hotter.

And so it goes...


Have you noticed when you travel out of state and people learn you are from Phoenix, they wonder where you tan is. I avoid the desert sun, but I must tell you, I had a truck driver tan after being in California last summer. Good, good.