Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Everybody Into The Pool!

At what age is it more tempting to belax in the sun lounger and just observe the happy splashing in the pool? Clearly it's 50 years old because I have become that person. "C'mon Mum!" called Cy, 8, imitating my Kiwi accent: "You taking a dip?"

Cy and Jackson at the Kenwood place

Yes, I really should take a dip. Just before school started we rented a house with a pool in Kenwood, Sonoma. The first day I did nothing but succumb to the literary lure of - Wedding bells for Jen! Should you mix studs with sparkle!? Peplums: waist chubber or hip thinner? Second day, OD-ed on magazines, I hauled my nethers off the slatted chaise (clear the way, Mamas going a'swimmin') and blopped into the pool.

Instantly you're a kid again; dolphin diving and doing the porpoise twirl. Must take that dip more often.

Jackson "surfing" in the pool
Tallulah and Cy on the deck

Belaxing at the Kenwood place (clearly I've been overdoing the fake-tanning wipes)

Nearby Glen Ellen

Eating ribs for dinner in the rental house with friends

Cy and Tallulah

Kevin and Teddy

I wanted to tell you that friends and family of Helena's were incredibly touched by your comments on my previous post. One reader emailed me: "How does a husband go on after that?" Helena's husband, Phil, an industrial designer, wants to be at home with his two young children for a while. He still needs to support his family though. One of his ventures is making metal birds. To put the word out, he's doing a bit of a Banksy and hammering six birds a week onto random fences, poles and trees around Auckland, NZ. So keep an eye out for Phil's sweet tweets.

A covert sighting of Phil hammering in one of his birds


via Metalbird

A Banksy or a Birdsy or just taking a dip...did you do anything kiddy or quirky this weekend?


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46 comments:

  1. kim at northerncalstyle.August 29, 2012 at 11:21 PM

    Jody, This is so me, I will hardly ever go for a dip, but when I do, it's great and I wonder why I don't. Guess it's the hair thing which is stupid. What a fabulous resort home! Love the views. That sounds like a perfect getaway for the end of Summer. I really enjoy seeing where you guys go!
    xo
    Kim

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    1. About Last WeekendAugust 30, 2012 at 12:08 AM

      I know, it had all the toys and heat until dark..and best of all we could walk away from the cleaning...

      Delete
  2. libbyAugust 29, 2012 at 11:41 PM

    That place looks exactly right for just lazing around and having a dip now and again.....but are you sharing your dinner ribs with a child you haven't told us about before? ps those birds on random fences/trees is a lovely idea.

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  3. About Last WeekendAugust 29, 2012 at 11:49 PM

    That was Will and Chase and Lesley, so a few more at the table, yes!

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  4. tiffany roseAugust 30, 2012 at 12:02 AM

    I need to do something kiddy, have been an adult for much too long. That area you've gone is wonderful, I used to live in that neck of the woods, when I was a kid. :)

    If I tuck in with the kids for ribs, maybe nobody will notice?

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    1. About Last WeekendAugust 30, 2012 at 12:07 AM

      Always another seat at the table and a place in the pool!

      Delete
  5. AnonymousAugust 30, 2012 at 12:12 AM

    Could I do with a weekend away there!

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    1. About Last WeekendAugust 30, 2012 at 12:27 AM

      Would love to be dolphin diving in that pool again...

      Delete
  6. Mrs. ExeterAugust 30, 2012 at 12:57 AM

    This looks so lovely as I'm lying in bed listening to the rain battering the roof and trying to find the enthusiasm to go out with the dog! Enjoy the pool and the summer! xxx

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  7. TrishAugust 30, 2012 at 12:57 AM

    I've always been the mamma lounging by the pool. I take after my mother who only got in the water in exceptional circumstances and then kept one foot on the bottom at all times.

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    1. About Last WeekendAugust 30, 2012 at 11:36 AM

      My mother does the traditional "head above the water" stroke. No doubt I will be following her soon.

      Delete
  8. AnneAugust 30, 2012 at 1:40 AM

    Looks like you had lots of fun times!!
    ~Anne

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  9. Sulky KittenAugust 30, 2012 at 1:46 AM

    Sounds like you had a great time, chilling out. That little Teddy is adorable. My weekend brought me right back to my childhood - it was raining, so I stayed indoors and whined constantly!

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  10. SarahAugust 30, 2012 at 2:04 AM

    I don't really like getting wet so generally prefer to be out of the water. I do sometimes venture in though and enjoy it of course.

    I've just come back from two weeks in the UK doing lots of boy-centric things based on military museums and had an absolute blast with them. Best holiday for years.

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  11. DianaAugust 30, 2012 at 4:05 AM

    Those birds are beautiful and so wonderful that he spreads the beauty around! I hope he finds some peace soon.
    As for the pool thing, it starts in the forties. Yes indeed. We had a pool then and all I wanted to do was float around in my dreamy little world!! Looks like a great weekend!
    Love Di ♥

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  12. Danielle (elleinadspir)August 30, 2012 at 5:21 AM

    Those birds are so fun! What a cool project.

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  13. ingeAugust 30, 2012 at 8:05 AM

    Live the Kevin and Teddy photo I think everyone has fallen for that dog

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  14. The Flaky FashionistaAugust 30, 2012 at 8:35 AM

    Hi there, just discovered your blog via another. Really enjoyed reading it ... especially your rants!!

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    1. About Last WeekendAugust 30, 2012 at 11:48 AM

      Thanks for stopping by, I'm an inveterate ranter and raver so loads to choose from here!

      Delete
  15. Avril xAugust 30, 2012 at 9:18 AM

    Lovely post - I'm another 'can't get my hair wet' kinda mum...wish I wasn't but I'm a rubbish swimmer too, which doesn't help. Loved this blog - and thanks for sharing the metal bird story. Avril x

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  16. torrieAugust 30, 2012 at 10:55 AM

    so glad you rented a beautiful home and enjoyed your stay! we stayed close to that restaurant (glen ellen)... passed it daily on our return, and it was always packed at night (pretty little, so not hard to fill quickly :), but still- made me want to visit... so quaint).

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  17. Alexis GraceAugust 30, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    What a perfect way to celebrate before the return to fall's structure.

    And what a beautiful gesture by your friend's husband......

    This post has me inspired from top to bottom.

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  18. The Silver BunnyAugust 30, 2012 at 1:24 PM

    None of those things as I was in a big city, but I love love those birds. What a great idea !

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  19. Metropolitan MumAugust 30, 2012 at 2:10 PM

    No dipping this side of the pond. Autumn has arrived. Am getting fatter and fatter. Counting the days till the due date. Dxx

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  20. AnonymousAugust 30, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    I really liked those birds. Has he opened a shop, maybe even Etsy. Or try StoreEnvy, they don't have any fees.

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  21. Chocolate Cookies & CandiesAugust 30, 2012 at 3:42 PM

    I'll get my siblings to keep an eye out for the birds. It's just so tragic that your friend died at such a young age with little children. My heart goes out to the family :(

    I've forgotten what it's like to be able to dip into cool waters, not freezing-your-ass-off-and-die kind which we got at Cornwall!

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    Replies
    1. About Last WeekendAugust 30, 2012 at 4:45 PM

      I know...double wetsuits and one of those bubble heads required for Cornwall.

      Delete
  22. nancy @ adore to adornAugust 30, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    so much fun!
    I actually did do something kiddy for my last weekend! The family went to Disneyland! =D I hadn't been since I was a kid!
    xo,
    nancy

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  23. Lacey RAugust 30, 2012 at 4:42 PM

    Sigh, I had always wanted to swim in a pool in California, I finally got my chance this past spring....it was everything I'd imagined it'd be! lol

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  24. MimiAugust 30, 2012 at 6:03 PM

    oh, so fun! i want to go jump in the pool now! ;)

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
    Mile End Bakery Giveaway: Win a dozen cookies of your choice!
    Open internationally: Win a set of temporary tattoos!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Leigh Powell HinesAugust 30, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    What a great rental house, Jody!

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  26. classiqAugust 31, 2012 at 12:12 AM

    What a perfect way to end the summer! I am so sorry to hear about your friend, Jody. My deepest sympathy.
    Ada

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  27. miss bAugust 31, 2012 at 1:30 AM

    Looks like you had such a fun time - I'm definitely a lounging by the pool type - getting through a pile of magazines. The metal birds are so beautiful.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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  28. Twisted Scottish BastardAugust 31, 2012 at 1:47 AM

    I enjoy a cooling dip as much as anybody, but I've yet to find a method that keeps the bloody water out of my Tui.

    Speaking of Tuis, that last metalbird picture definitely looks a bit Tui-ish.

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  29. AnonymousAugust 31, 2012 at 2:11 AM

    I need those tanning wipes! I don't even having anything quirky to share :( It's starting to feel like pool weather here, well for the brave anyway :)

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  30. Ms ScarletAugust 31, 2012 at 3:06 AM

    I did do something kiddy - I made a chocolate cake with butter cream icing, I made myself feel sick by licking the bowls clean of left-over mix.
    Sx

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  31. The Dainty Dolls HouseAugust 31, 2012 at 3:29 AM

    How wonderful, that pool looks super...am happy you all had so much fun!! xx

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  32. MagdalenaAugust 31, 2012 at 4:35 AM

    You always take beautiful pictures and write nice posts! I love it!
    The rental house is amazing!! What a great end of summer!!

    Have a beautiful weekend and a good start of September!!

    xoxoxo

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  33. UnknownAugust 31, 2012 at 4:39 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  34. UnknownAugust 31, 2012 at 5:12 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  35. Memoirs of Me & MineAugust 31, 2012 at 7:12 AM

    Looks relaxing. My kids love when I play in the pool with them.

    www.memoirsofmeandmine.com

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  36. Elle SeesAugust 31, 2012 at 7:18 AM

    i think i could fit in there right nicely. you won't even notice! ;)

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  37. Cafe FashionistaAugust 31, 2012 at 8:23 AM

    Your tan looks awesome - love it! Ooh, I want to tag along next time - this looks like such a fun way to relax!! :)

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  38. JayAugust 31, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    Did you match that lovely toe nail polish to the tray on the table deliberately?! Looks like a great time was had by all & I love those metal birds x

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  39. VinogirlAugust 31, 2012 at 9:32 AM

    There is a Banksy in Liverpool on an old closed down pub. Love it.
    I did frolic in a pool with my two nieces and one nephew this past week...but now they've gone and high-tailed it back to Blighty, so no more frolicking for me :(

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  40. LeslieAugust 31, 2012 at 4:15 PM

    Well.. I'm turning 5..3.. in September and I too and done with the dipping. My husband informed me last week that he booked a trip to Maui next April. Naturally the family will try to get me to run around half naked, boogie board, and swim. I'm just not into that sort of thing anymore. Also I hyperventilate when I wear a snorkel and I've seen enough yellow tang in my life time.

    Your toe paint color is so fun.. looks great with the tan. Also.. my wedges are SW. Do you have them? They were uncomfortable at first but I love them now.

    Leslie

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