Every year I have a big big dream that doesn't seem to be coming true. A swimming pool. How I would love a pool here. Having grown up in the Sydney suburbs splashing in and out of our Clark aboveground pool I grew up with chlorine-filled ears and wet hair. Goosebumps at the end of summer. Summer skinny dipping sometimes.Now, living in the Italian countryside means that while we are blessed with cherries to die for, a veggie patch, wisteria in scented bells at the front door, we are far from the big smoke and its attractions. So I always figured a pool would even out what might be missing. Long lazy laps and a drink under my palm trees. Good mates and some racy music. Entertainment without having to drive, queue, park. A wonderland for my kids.
For we have a big garden, currently full of cherry blossoms and long bright green grass - so long I can't find my erba cipollina anymore - and I could easily squeeze in a pool without even bothering the trees or my non-existent neighbours. And summertime here is stinky hot and loooong if you don't mind, up till September when I'll bring out my cardigans again.
What's your unreachable dream?
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Last week's winner was Lyn with her very truthful comment. Do contact me Lyn so I can send you your birthday DLC copy!
A pool seems like an excellent idea.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed. All systems go!!
DeleteOh, my kingdom for a pool! With a lawn like that, you should go for it. I'd love one - I settle for crowded indoor lanes for my lunchtime laps. : ( BTW, the movie image is from the French film, 'La piscine', isn't it? Did you get that film? I walked out of the cinema scratching my head.
ReplyDeleteI loved that film, so quirky and French and hot summery. Gets me in the mood! When - and if - our pool ever happen I promise there will be a lane waiting for you! I have the ladies doing acquagym in mine - all performing for the tattooed dude at the end of the pool. Oh to swim in silence.
DeleteWell ... I am looking after a pool. Have done so for 10 years now and guess that changes my view on pools! Waste of electricity and water, very expensive on hours cleaning and products ... !
ReplyDeleteDon't want to spoil your dreams, but guess the dream is only complete with a big stash of cash so somebody can do all the work for you!
I do rather like the bit of the acquagym dude ... especially if he knows Zumba well.
Oh dear a reality check! I'm sure you're right Willemijn. I guess I never noticed my Dad cleaning the pool and putting in chemicals.. Oh well. But I do have three hefty sons and may be able to enlist that acquagym instructor if I do some stylish laps, no??
DeleteDid not count in your sons ...!
DeleteStylish laps will get you there!
Here's hoping !
DeleteHi Cat, how nice it is to go down memory lane. How wonderful to have those beautiful memories to revisit. I was there with the wet hair so I felt your memory. I am from the northern beaches of Sydney so I really do understand.
ReplyDeleteAs for the pay off, living the life that you do, it sounds like a small price. But, hey, there really is no Utopia.
Good luck with the pool. And, I won, that is fabulous. Thank you, I am so excited to receive and read your book.
Yes congratulations Lyn! I'm very happy my book will be making its way to Queensland (we used to go to Brisbane every Christmas!). Yes I'm going to have to do some serious weighing up as Willemijn has pointed out. But a pool! You remember how hot Italian summers can be? It's above thirty for so many days my brain goes into meltdown.. Xcat
DeleteMy unreachable dream is this house I've been imagining since I was a little girl. White picket fence, apple tree in the front yard and a creek in back for ambient noise. And I would have a birdhouse by the front door, with tiny painted shutters.
ReplyDelete(That last bit is still available. So all is not lost.)
Oh Averil I know you're in househunting limbo. I hope your dream vision will materialise. Somehow I have a good feeling it will xcat
DeleteI love your description of the movie, The Swimming Pool, you really captured it, we loved that movie! But I'm sorry to say that having a swimming pool never lived up to my dreamy expectations. Yes, the kids enjoyed it for a lot of years but now it's another expense, a magnet for leaves and sorely under-used, even in summer.
ReplyDeleteBut you've inspired me to give our old pool another look. :)
Leslie (GwenMoss)
Oh I remember the leaves and the insects. And I realise our pool stood still for years when we grew up. But it's also part of a business plan for the house... (fingers crossed) Then I'll sell up and run away to Paris!!
DeleteNice thought thanks for share this post this I also share with you something. For a few hundred dollars, an independent architect can sketch-out your dream pool, and you can use this drawing to get apples-to-apples cost estimates for your home pool construction.Chicago Pool Builder
ReplyDeleteSwimming Pool Comparison
We had a clark pool when I was kid, most of the neighborhood friends would come over and we would make whirlpools and then suddenly change direction. In Australia we were a street from the beach so I understand your wish for a pool. lol x
ReplyDeleteand my dream a little studio space totally my own to write, read, draw and potter x
We also used to do the whirlpool thing! All the time! And then we'd sing pop songs under water and you'd have to guess what we were singing. All of this for hours on end!
DeleteAh the studio. I have that one, but when it's noisy upstairs I have to retreat to the chicken shed! Xx
Plot and dream, my friend. There is nothing you cannot achieve once you've thrown your heart into it. This I know to be true.
ReplyDeleteMy unreachable dreams? I'll cry if I write them. I just have to hope.
Well this is going to be a tough one. Meaning money wise. But yes, nothing like a good challenge..
DeleteI think you should write them, say them out loud, okay maybe just quietly. I've had some amazing dreams come true (the short story collection out this year, a huge dream of mine!) and I still have quite a stash. I still think hard focused work and a drop of luck are a great cheering squad. But oh, sometimes it's just the wishing.
I grew up with a pool, too, and I miss it. I hope you get your dream because you would get so much good use out of it. Dreamy and practical.
ReplyDeleteWell it's not going to be easy but I'm going to throw my all into it. What I would do for any easy home-wake-up swim right now.. before I attack the garden!
DeleteNice I also share with you something hope this helpful for you my friends By strictly adhering to our stringent quality assurance process throughout the entire process, when we hand over your pool, we also give you absolute confidence in our design, materials and workmanship.
ReplyDeleteCost Of Fiberglass Pools
Great blog! Gorlin Pools is a New Jersey custom spa and NJ swimming pool contractors remodeler and builder serving Ocean County, Monmouth County, Mercer County, New Jersey.
ReplyDeleteHaving a swimming pool in your backyard is definitely a treat! Especially come summer time, where you can beat the heat by taking a plunge in there any time you want. It would also be fun to throw barbecue parties with your friends on weekends. Or just simply relax by yourself by the poolside, while thinking of the plot you want to write. I do hope you get one, or have already have one by now. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteMatt Grant @ Pool Service Perth