Though it did not mark the end of my day, the afternoon swim in the country pool of my erstwhile physician enhanced my disposition immeasurably.  It was exactly the relief for which I have been yearning – especially today after having stood erect for 20 minutes – in a state of swelling decomposition – waiting in line for Service Canada to open its doors at 8:30 am when I was scheduled to renew my passport. It is of course no surprise to me that our rule-bound enterprise at Service Canada today was replicated by my erstwhile physician’s partner who serendipitously materialized and reported glowingly upon their recent New York to South Hampton voyage and subsequent trek on electric bicycles through the vineyards of Champagne-Ardenne in northeastern France.

The curious feature of my delightful unanticipated swim today is that I performed my athleticism solo. That is to say, with the company of no other being apart from the beloved family pet, the black Labrador named Finlay who cheerfully announced my arrival but somewhat disdainfully refused the invitation to join me by the pool in the meadow.  Apparently he had the good sense to acknowledge instead his preference for the cool air of the house. Today was a balmy 32°C and sunny. Immediately upon entering the pool my restraints dissolved into luxurious immobility.

The background to this unusual social convention is that my erstwhile physician has repeatedly invited and encouraged us to profit by the advantage of the pool during these steamy summer days. As recently as last evening while sitting on the patio overlooking the 9th tee at the golf club – having a bite to eat – we encountered my erstwhile physician in the company of his regular playing partners and cronies just finishing up on the last hole. He reiterated his invitation – as did his partner earlier this morning. Accordingly I felt it was about time for me to accept this fortuity without further reluctance – though honestly I hadn’t imagined how exempting it was to prove.

A corollary of today’s euphoria by the pool was the wistful recollection of Longboat Key where we regularly punctuated our day with a swim in the pool or the sea. The rising persuasion of repeat sojourns there is compelling – in spite of its contradiction of the current disfavour with travel to the United States of America because of the administration’s hostility towards foreigners. Similarly however the pleasure of today’s summer adventure illustrated the inexpressible magic of local custom – a beatific devotion for which I am also grateful. Once again – as I sit at my desk overlooking the shimmering cornstalks and the glistening river – I am reminded importantly of the reality of life at home.