Anticipation

 

When summer came to the San Fernando Valley, the days were hot. We had a swamp cooler in the back bedroom and our youth to keep our temperatures from climbing. By far, the funnest, most exciting way to keep cool was going to the Hallers' to swim in their pool. Mom played tennis with Pat and my parents went to dinner with that couple about once a month. In the afternoon, when hot dispair and sluggishness crept into the house we would turn to mom and wonder if we could go swimming. If she agreed to call Pat and invite ourselves over, we knew we were in - Pat was a generous soul - and the time between knowing and mom making the call became a time of excitement. The younger ones would exclaim how wonderful jumping into the pool would be even though we knew better than to jump into the pool, splash water out and endanger pool inhabitants.  The older ones might demonstrate their savoir-faire by changing into their swim suits.  Then mom would come out of the back bedroom and tell us we could swim at the Hallers' and we'd pile into the car for the 10 minute drive to that fashionable house - not that we were allowed in there - and attractive yard. What brings this to mind these days is mealtimes for cats. Two cats are often hopeful about the opening of a Friskie can.  One sure fire indication of good things to come is me getting out of bed in the morning. The cats get excited, the younger one rushing around, the older one giving me a meaningful look as we walk to the kitchen; really takes me back to hot days looking for pool respite.