We joined a pool!
Actually it’s the same pool we were members of 2 years ago. We took last year off since we had an infant and access to a second pool with our gym. But as soon as I heard this pool was open with a very clear social distancing plan, I knew it would be the perfect solution for this summer, and hopefully the summers beyond.
Reservations + A Noodle Grid
How it works is members are divided into two big groups that alternate dates (Tu,Th,Sat or M,W,F,Su). They switch each week. On your days, you can reserve one square of the grid spread between three different pools (including the baby pool) for one hour. If a grid is empty when your time is up, you can jump in and keep swimming until the family who reserved it shows up. The square you reserve is all yours, and no other families will be close. I felt totally safe, and as you can see, we didn’t get close to other people. Plus: chorine everywhere.
Birchie loved swimming!
Actually he started out quite timid and didn’t want to leave my waist, but he got used to it. He’s slowly learning to kick with a puddle jumper holding our hands.
Friday Night
We went with Mazen on Wednesday afternoon for our first visit. Thomas and I took B for dinner on Friday night. (Mazen was with Matt).
We picked up a salad from Chopt on the way and packed up the rest of dinner as a picnic.
Saturday: First group ex workout in 3+ months
While a lot of our city has opened up, I have drawn the line at outdoor activities. Our gym is open now, but I am not ready to do indoor exercise (as much as I would love to!) The shared air and spikes in cases are both concerns for me. So I’m sticking to all outdoor events for now. And this weekend Chris held a special outdoor class on the parking deck. I was SO excited to go! He had marked off spaces 10+ feet apart in rows, and we all stood on our spot. With the music pumping we did a 45 minute HIIT class. It felt so good to be around people even though we were all spaced out. I didn’t realize how lonely I’ve been until then.
Also for any locals – I hadn’t been to ACAC since March to see what they’ve done to the back parking lot. It’s crazy the changes that are already underway! For non-locals – they’re constructing a building and parking garage where we used to park.
Meanwhile back at home…Thomas was having a blast!
Eats
I had almond butter toast before my workout and some leftover smoothie after. I had Plenty Cville quiche with salad and chips for lunch with a salad and then settled into the couch with Mazen for the afternoon while Birch napped.
We had a relaxing afternoon at home. Mazen went slip-n-sliding and Birch and I read 100 books.
A Mellow Dinner
Happy hour started with this Pinot Gris. BTW, if you want to try some clean crafted wines, this trio of Chilean wines is 20% off right now! And you can get an additional 5% off when you buy six and 10% off when you buy a case (which can be mixed!) I loved the Resident and tasted the tropical notes shining through a fairly crisp and minerally wine.
We ordered Mellow Mushroom pizzas for dinner. They were SO good!!
And the spinach salad we had was great as well.
Sunday: More Pool
On Sunday we went back to the pool. I took the boys by myself and it went surprisingly well!
We swam for an hour and then had some snacks on our quilt while we dried off. The boys chased each other around for a good 20 minutes before we headed home.
Post-pool lunch
A big salad with feta, olives, pepper, and leftover Mellow dressing. Plus some kids quesadilla!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Looks like your summer is off to a great start! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Nancy says
I’m envious that your outdoor pools are open! Ours are closed up here in NH. On the plus side, our Y is open and with an hour-long reservation for a lane, it’s wonderful to be back swimming laps! The grid system your pools have set up is genius! Have fun 🙂
Laura says
I love how your gym and pool have figured out a way to social distance !! I think you are wise to stay outdoors as this COVID is not figured out yet and not worth the risk . I understand how you are feeling about missing the social aspect of life , but hopefully soon this will be figured out .. I love how you are making your home a place to play and relax .. it’s a beautiful home !
Ellen says
Our town pool is opening (just a little later) and I am so relieved. After months with no school, I think the kids need some positive outlets and safely shared spaces. If they can’t keep distance from their friends, we will scale back on visits, but I have high hopes!
Kath Younger says
I agree – the kids need some positivity this summer!
Denise says
I was in Charlottesville overnight last Wednesday. We wandered down to the Downtown Mall and it was still very quiet. However, we had a wonderful early dinner at Hamilton’s. The Smorrebrods are WONDERFUL! So much deliciousness in a little package. Delightful with their house rose.
Kath Younger says
It’s crazy how quiet it is down there! I’ve once ventured out once or twice. I’m looking forward to a patio dinner soon.
Elizabeth says
So happy your pool is open! That must be helpful with the boys – get some fresh air and burn some energy!
Kath Younger says
Yes totally!! Even just playing in the grass after swimming was fun : )
Eliza says
The pool looks fun! The wine looks nice too. I’ve been curious about Scout & Cellar. Are you a rep with them now? I don’t recall seeing an announcement, like you did when you started selling Beauty Counter.
Kath Younger says
I signed up to get a discount on my own purchases and share with you guys via links, but I’m not trying to make it a big biz or anything.
Katie says
How is Gus? Haven’t heard any updates for a while.
Kath Younger says
He’s doing ok! I can’t remember the last time I updated y’all, but he had to have a few more minor procedures on his knee. Recovery was not that smooth. He seems happy but he’s still limping a bit. He’s out of his confinement now and able to play and go for walks again.
Kimberly says
Sounds like your summer is off to a great start…considering all the uncertainty with the virus. Our local pool decided to not reopen this summer i’m’ in NJ but is taking this time to do much needed repairs and improvements. Our gyms are still closed, not sure when they will reopen. I treated myself to a paddle board this year and have been spending a few hours every morning on the local lake..enjoying the solitude, and nature. A great way to get my exercise in while learning a new skill.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Kath Younger says
I wish we had more swimming lakes here. (Not that I love to swim in lakes – lol)