Sunday, April 26, 2009

Don't Hate Me Because I've.... Got a Pool?

Remember that old commercial that said, "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful?" Well, I'll preface this post with a similar sentiment - it even rhymes! "Don't hate me because I've got a pool."

True confessions: My whole life I wanted a swimming pool. It was my "big dream." Three years ago, that dream came true.

Flash forward to the week of 4.24.09:
Who knew the temps would soar into the 90's outside of Philly in April? The well-paid weather reporters on ABC, NBC and CBS, that's who. When they announced an upcoming four-day hot-spell like "July in April," my wonderful, perfect husband had an idea. To prove his wonderful perfectness, he said, "let's open the pool early!" And I replied, "woo-hoo!" Sometimes my literary eloquence rivals the likes of Dickens, Hemingway and Willie S. combined.

So, Chuckie worked his (cute, tight) ass off for several days. He took the cover off the pool (the same cover we bought when we put the pool in three years ago, and now had three baseball-sized holes in it allowing a little froggy family to find a watery home), vacuumed, balanced the chemicals, and did all the work a proper 'pool boy' does to get the pool swim-ready.

Not only did my pool boy get the pool ready, he serenaded me as well. I swear, this is true, although it sounds suspiciously like a recurring dream I've had since I was a young girl...

And here, ladies and gentlemen, is the proof:
(Pool boy serenading me in the shade; me finishing "Good in Bed" by Jennifer Weiner (yes, Amy, finally!); my son, Ethan soaking in some rays; ; and our backyard looking towards our upstairs deck. Enjoy this early burst of summer!

(If you'd like to book your early reservations at Chez Schubert B&B, send me an e-mail!)

38 comments:

Kelly Polark said...

Looks like an awesome day! Lucky you! I never had a pool growing up (but thankfully my best friend did). I still don't (but my inlaws do, so I guess that's the next best thing!).
Who can I get to serenade me at my next pool outing?

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Kelly, As long as you've got a pool close by, that's good enough - plus it's much cheaper! You can talk to pool boy and see what he charges. Who knows, maybe there's a whole new career out there!

Michelle D. Argyle said...

I am seriously GREEN with envy. It SNOWED here today!

I have a pool, too, but it belongs to the town home complex, darn it. And there's no way it's opening any time soon.

*sniff sniff*

I want to come play at your house.

Angie Ledbetter said...

POOL PARTY WEEKEND AT SCHUBE'S HOUSE!!!!!!!! My three teens are pretty much house broken, so they won't be too much trouble, k? :)

Kasie West said...

Soooo fun. We too had fun in the sun this weekend. We went to the lake. Love it! Love summer in April.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Michelle, You can come play at my house anytime. We'll set our laptops out and write for a while, and then swim and have a glass of soda or white wine. What do you say?

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Angie, Sounds like a plan! I'm sure your teens will get along great with mine. They could teach each other new and more destructive ways to party, and really, how could we (as responsible, loving parents) deny them such a prime opportunity? So what weekend works best for you?

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Kasie, Good for you! The lake is always a great place to hang out. I'm just so excited we're having an extended summer this year. Global warming has its benefits.;-)

Vikki said...

Okay, I'm comin' over! I'll bring the tequila, limes and little drink umbrellas, you supply the blender. Margaritas + basking by a pool = HEAVEN!!!

We only had a pool for a few years when I was growing up, but we were in a very wooded area, and every morning we'd play "what poor creature tried to run across the pool cover last night?" Ugh, it became very depressing after a while. And freaky...we once found a snake in there!

Anonymous said...

Hmmm...Debbie's pool, icebergs...Debbie's pool, icebergs...yeah I like Debbie's pool better. ;) It snowed here last night. Again. I'm still wearing a coat. We still put the heater on in the car. I'm looking for some pity! :0

Lilly said...

Oh my that looks great!!! A pool boy who serenades you how lucky did you get? It looks hot and you are getting a tan already! Its getting cold here as we head into winter...

WendyCinNYC said...

I had a pool when I was a kid (never mind that it was above ground--that mattered not) and some of my best memories were of pool parties and having friends over to swim.

Enjoy your pool for the next few days!

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Vivi, I agree with your definition of heaven! Although, sometimes tequila and I don't get along. I'm a red wine girl, but in the summer I prefer a cold glass of white. So. when are you coming over?

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Val, OMG! Snow? I'm so, um, sorry. I'd pick a pool and 90+ degrees over icebergs, too. I never did like the cold weather much...;-(

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Lilly, It's so weird that our seasons are reversed! What are your winters like? Does it ever get truly cold down under? And, yeah, pool boy's are a wonderful thing - especially ones who sing and play guitar.;-)

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Wendy, Lucky you! When you're a kid and have a pool, you're the prize of the neighborhood. Kevin Cotton who lived around the corner had one (above ground) in my little Long Island town. Everyone wanted to be his best friend.;-)

Beth said...

I don't hate you...I just want to assume your identity. ;)

That looks fantastic--I would definitely hang out there. Wine? Yes, please!

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Beth, Too funny! No one's wanted to steal my identity before. After a glass or two of wine - I think you'll change your mind on the identity theft...;-)

Sage Ravenwood said...

Definitely looks like a perfect way to cool off. How am I staying cool, a dog bath - literally. Pickles is pathetic with the heat, so it was a perfect way to cool her down and well...yeah me. I get a soapy cold shower, as well as the bathroom. (Hugs)Indigo

Traci said...

You lucky girl you! My apartment complex has a pool, but there is nothing like a private one. :-)

Kathryn Magendie said...

*laughing* - love this post!

Well, one day maybe I'll have a vodka tonic with lime at your pool, and then you'll have a drink of your choice on my porch with the mountains *smiling*

Happy Pooling!

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Indigo, Just as long as you're cooling yourself off. And, with Pickles the pup? That sounds like fun.;-)

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Traci, I am lucky, you're absolutely right. I wanted a pool since I was a little girl, and it's just as great as I imagined it would be. It's good to have dreams.;-)

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Kat, I'm going to hold you to that! Both would be experiences to cherish. My drink of choice on your mountain porch? A full-bodied Cabernet.;-)

Anita said...

Another post like this one and I may show up at your house, bag in hand.

Vegas Linda Lou said...

You're a lucky girl, all right! But what's a hottie like you doing in a one-piece?

Ray Veen said...

Can I bring my kids and their friends and a pinata and a birthday cake? And fireworks?

(And I can't forget to say this... looking good, Mrs. Schubert)

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Ray, Cake? A pinata? Fireworks? Sounds like a party to me!

(And, I can't forget to say this ...thanks!)

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Anita, Promises, promises.;-)

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Linda, It's not a one-piece - it's a "tankini." But, thanks for the compliment!!

fudgelady said...

That pool is lookin' good -- but no one's IN it!

Did anyone venture to dip a toe in? How was the water?

Do you need volunteers? ;-)

Have an awesome summer swimming, sunning and sipping!

Mollie said...

I don't hate you beacuse you have a pool....THAT's not why...
Dinner was FABOO - must do again soon.
GET IN THE WATER!!!!

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Fudge, Yes, we were all in the pool. It was a delicious 86 degrees and couldn't have felt better! Thanks, and I hope you summer is filled with much fun as well.;-)

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Mollie, Dinner was definitely FABU. And for the love of Catwoman, we DID get in the water! Sheesh!!! Back off, already. Chuck took pics of me, but I thought they were too, well, you know guys... (Yeah, you do!) Let's get together again soon. Kisses, D

Pen Pen said...

Holy SHIT! IS THAT ur house?!!! It's HUGE!!WOWZA!!!
We had a pool growing up, and I loved it--but we were in Houston, and never covered the pool. Some people here do, and the water does get cold, but I know many people who still swim cuz the surrounding air can be warm in the winter many days.
Anywho- like 2 years ago, there was a crack in the bottom, and we stood and watched all the water drain out--it was wild. My mom filled the pool with dirt and made it a garden. I was pretty pissed.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

PenPen, Holy crap - I'd die if we had to turn our pool into a garden!! If you're ever in the Philly area, you better let me know. There's always room at the "inn"!!

Michelle D. Argyle said...

I'm all over it except for the wince since I don't drink. I would love to head out your way. *sigh*

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Michelle, I'm drinking a lot less these days myself. I'd love to sit out by the pool with you and sip a Diet Coke or a sparkling water. Let me know if you're heading up our way!!

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