It’s hot out. And one of the best ways to keep cool on the hottest days is to find some cold water to jump into. Whether it is a swim in your pool at home, a dip in the Gulf of Mexico (which honestly felt like bath water the other day), or just a hose that you spray on each other, cool water just feels great. It brings your body temperature down and lets you relax. I find that on days that I swim, I feel cooler even hours after a dip in the pool.

Working at a garden center is definitely a hot job. When our girls were little, they’d be waiting for me when I got home from work on a hot day, usually with one of my favorite cold beverages ready. When I walked in the door, even before I’d set my things down, one of them would start shrieking, “Suit on! Suit on!” with their little hands in the air, waiting for me to pick them up and head for the pool. I can’t remember exactly what age they were at the time, but it was before they could say full sentences. They still love for me to swim with them today, but I don’t get the same excited toddler voices anymore. How quickly those days pass!

This past week, the girls were playing in the pool with their cousin Maggie, who just turned two. Instead of being the little ones, Abby and Maddy get to play babysitter with her, carrying her around, helping her learn to kick and jump in the pool. And just like my girls when they were two, Maggie has that sweet little voice, full of excitement, and she says the cutest things. It’s so fun to watch our girls grow up, but a little sad that they don’t give me the memorable “Suit on!” anymore.

It is definitely full-on bathing suit season. Hot days and warm nights make a pool or any cold water extremely refreshing. Be sure to cool off and keep yourself hydrated during these dog days of summer. And be sure you have Plants and Pets on your calendar. It’s coming up in just a few short weeks. There are still spots left for Yoga in the Garden on August 5th, too. Stay cool and keep on having fun Living Life Outside.

P.S. We will be closing early on Thursday, August 3 at 3pm to celebrate our colleague Minervo’s 20th anniversary with Kerby’s. When you see him at the Nursery, please congratulate him on his many years of dedication to gardening in our community!