Summer living

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Some of the very best summer days aren't the ones you plan, they're the ones that begin with a simple text message.

Yesterday, right in the middle of the afternoon, my phone buzzed. It was an invitation from my friends to come over for a game or two... in the pool. Don't mind if I do!

When I arrived, Christie and Betsy had already thought of everything. A couple of bathing suit options, a towel, and even a sun hat were laid out and waiting for me. There was no time to waste, we were determined to squeeze every possible minute out of a beautiful summer afternoon...and the 1 hour I had to join them.

The floating pool Mahjong table was every bit as fun as we'd imagined. I'm so glad Christie had the foresight to buy it months ago. We've been waiting for the perfect day to christen it, and it did not disappoint. Floating in the pool, laughing between hands, soaking up the sunshine, it was one of those moments you wish you could bottle up and save for the middle of winter.

What made it even more special wasn't the game itself, but the company. Having friends like Christie and Betsy who can turn an ordinary weekday into an unforgettable afternoon is such a gift. The older I get, the more I realize that true friendships aren't measured by how often you see each other, but by how effortlessly you pick up where you left off and how much joy you bring into one another's lives. I'm incredibly grateful for women who know that sometimes the best therapy is sunshine, laughter, a floating Mahjong table and a small bag of potato chips. 

After my relaxing break, the afternoon flew by, and before I knew it, Tim and I were dancing barefoot in the sand to live music at our beach club. The band was fantastic, the ocean breeze was cool, and the sky put on one of those spectacular sunset shows that remind you why summer evenings by the water are simply magical.

We lingered long after the music ended, staying so late that the valet had already gone home. We laughed as we found our own keys hanging on the board, climbed into the car, and headed home happily exhausted, ready to rest up for another fun-filled summer weekend.

There's another band playing tonight. I honestly don't even know who they are, and I don't really care. Live music is always a good time, especially when there's sand beneath your feet and friends all around.

Now, if only my calf muscles agreed. Dancing in the sand always seems like a fabulous idea until the middle of the night, when I'm jolted awake by those awful charley horses. Ouch! Apparently, that's the small price I pay for a carefree evening.

I try not to count the precious summer weekends as they slip by, but I do remind myself to make the most of every single one. Going from pool to beach in the same day? That's a pretty wonderful way to start.

My beach bag is packed and ready to go, and with a day or two off ahead of me, I'm hoping to enjoy more than just a few stolen moments. Summer never seems to last long enough, so I'm determined to savor every sunset, every laugh, every dance in the sand, and every unexpected invitation that comes my way.

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'" — C. S. Lewis