It used to be that Joe and Jim would race to open respective pools by Memorial Day. Them, thar were the good ole days. Mother Nature did not factor in... it was simply a goal. We still miss the comforting presence of Jim, as well as the shared commiseration regarding the extensive work it takes to keep yards (and pools) pristine. But the times they are a-changin', as has Opening Day.
Consider the sun-showers of maple seeds and pollen, currently in progress. Polynoses are descending upon us by the thousands; and I swear, you can cut through the pollen in the air. It layers the Great Outdoors with a lovely accumulation of mellow yellow.
During days gone by, we'd simply empty filter buckets filled with the dynamic duo. Now? We wait till maple trees are done shedding and pollen subsides. Result? Pool might open during mid-June. That's just fine; soon it shall be raining violets. Oh, and just so you know, we discriminate...
When the ornamental red Japanese maple seeds take root, we baby them till they reach maturity. Those big-leafed green leafy monsters are not so lucky. Please excuse me while I go pull that puppy from our
garden bed.
garden bed.
For Jim.
