For the past few nights, I have slept UNDER the duvet rather than ON TOP of it. After several months, this was quite a novelty. I've also noticed that the butter in the butter-dish is now no longer semi-melting away; but just perfect for spreading. Change is certainly in the air.
We have still managed to swim most days, but with the water temperature now below 20 C, and not likely to rise, we are closing down earlier than usual.
We both love swimming, and do so as often as possible; in hot weather several times a day, it's the only way to cool down. My last swim was two days ago in 19C water, and was very brief.
It's a seriously depressing activity, closing the pool, just as opening it in late May is exhilarating. Seeing its Winter cover of black plastic back in place is as bad as it gets. There's a lot to remember when one closes a pool, the cleaning and chemical process takes at least 24 hrs; and it always makes us feel 'glum'. Nothing else gets 'put away' for Winter in quite the same manner.
The water may look appealing in the photo below (that I took yesterday), but it's far too cold.
We have considered subscribing to some Country Club in order to use a heated pool, but frankly I'm not sure if it could ever replace the tranquillity of our own. The sea at Brighton, when I last looked, was at 16 C, which is totally out of the question; I think anyone swimming in that would need several flasks of hot Tea upon their exit. Certain people in Brighton swim every day of the year (without wet-suits), but they are NUTS.
It's possible that we may grab a few short 'Weekend Breaks' to warmer, more exotic, locations, where swimming would be very high on our list of priorities; but otherwise I expect we'll be spending Winter drinking Horlicks, and listening to Mrs Dale's Diary on The BBC's Home Service; whilst dreaming of opening-up again in May 2022.
The pool is so beautiful and inviting. You will miss it but you will surely have other happy things that you can enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThere are always other things to occupy us. It's getting quite chilly here, so no more swimming.
DeleteIt's a very lovely pool. Is that your house in the background? May I save the picture? If I ever win lotto I can tell the builder of my dream home I want a pool just like that.
ReplyDeleteThe little building on the right is the pool's 'Pump House'. It was built to resemble a Pigeon Tower. Of course you can save the picture; I'd be flattered.
DeleteThere is a group of lovely ladies in our little town up here in the frozen north who swim in the sea most days whatever the temperature. They call themselves the Blue Tits.
ReplyDeleteI approve of their name if not what they get up to. I think these folk are crazy.
DeleteI wouldn't go in the sea around here (16c like yours) without a wetsuit, I can't see the point of freezing to death unnecessarily. I understand your gloom over closing the pool, I have a similar feeling about my paddleboard which is looking likely to being put to sleep very shortly, until the spring, now that the cooler weather is here.
ReplyDeletePutting your board away sounds very similar. It's a seasonal necessity, but it hurts.
DeleteI learnt to swim at the age of 4 in the Baltic Sea on the Island of Rügen, where I was born. Temperature even in summer about 17° I am used to swim in such cold water, but I love the Mediterrinean (??) Sea it's like a hot bath of 24 or 26 ° for me.Your pool looks great and the lanscape around just a dream.
ReplyDeleteWe landscaped the pool into the garden. Many people have their pools in the middle of a field, and it looks silly.
DeleteWe noticed it colder too..only one bedroom window open instead of two!
ReplyDeleteWe still have the ceiling 'Velux' window open at nights if it's not raining. Can't breathe otherwise.
DeleteIt's the time for moving tender plants into greenhouse, covering our wooden outside furniture, so it's always a sad moment to close down. BUT spring will come around again and the joy of getting everything out, will soon be here.
ReplyDeleteYes, we're doing much the same. Most of our plants will survive down to about -8C, but with a few we just cross our fingers and hope!
DeleteWhat a shame you have to stop something that is such good exercise. I think it would be difficult to share a pool after having your own private one.
ReplyDeleteWe always feel very fit as Autumn approaches, but long walks with the dog don't really replace what swimming gives us. Maybe a rowing machine would help!
DeleteIf you wear rubber swimming hats and liberally grease each other down with goose fat, I think you will find the temperature of The English Channel quite tolerable.
ReplyDeleteWell, I certainly wouldn't be doing my usual 10 lengths.
DeleteI hate to disappoint you, but Mrs Dale's Diary is no longer on the wireless. You could make do with the Archers, but even that is more Eastenders on the telly than Mrs Dale these days.
ReplyDeleteNext you'll be telling me that The BBC Home Service doesn't exist any more; don't be silly.
DeleteI read a book called 'Wintering'. She describes meeting up with a group to swim in the ocean in winter, and how calming it is.
ReplyDeleteAs I read it, I thought..."Nope. Not doing that..."
Swimming should be a pleasure, not a punishment.
DeleteWould you really like to have no seasons and a permanent pleasant warm temperature but not too hot? Ah well, you have the fun of Brighton Pier entertainments to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure we'll find something to amuse us. And there's always Fish-n-Chips.
DeleteThe fish and chips can't be worse than those of Blackpool.
DeleteThe sea here is icy. It takes great determination to take that first plunge. Fortunately the sun still warms my bones when I get out but I need a hot shower afterwards too.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll stick to walking again till next summer.
My grandkids swim all the year but we all know that the young don't feel the cold.
I would love a heated pool to swim all year. None around here
I don't mind the water being cool-ish, but I do insist on hot sunshine when I get out.
DeleteYou would be surprised Cro, there are still plenty of people going for the daily dip in the sea here in Hove.
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
The loonies I see go in beside the Palace Pier. All bonkers!
DeleteThat's where Briony and Tom go.
DeleteBriony lives in Hove Actually, where folk are very refined.
DeleteAh, thanks. She does sound rather posh.
DeleteYour pool always looks wonderful and closing it for the Winter has to be a sad moment. Being back in Britain for the Winter must include theater, museum, gallery visits and your favorite pubs. Travel to warm exotic places that include swimming sounds excellent as well. As far a swim in the icy sea, no thank you!
ReplyDeleteYes, there'll be plenty to keep us busy, including seeing all our very good friends. I believe parties are already being planned.
DeleteYou are much fitter than me doing 10 lengths. I could just manage 1 length. Mind you swimming was never my thing. We are awaiting delivery of a rowing machine. Always used one at the gym once a week but that had been closed with Lockdown. It will be good to have one here.
ReplyDeleteSince we installed the pool I've found that my stamina has increased hugely. I used to get quite 'puffed' after a few lengths, but these days I don't feel it at all. My 100 metres daily swim (s) leave me feeling very fit.
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