Summer: Aunt Marge’s Season

Cynthia Lopinto From The Editor Leave a comment 2,596 Views

Summer is the one season that really heightens my senses. I love the feeling of sunshine warming my face as I take a swim in our pool. It takes me back to summers in N.J. and visiting my Aunt Marge.

My aunt’s house had a built-in pool, which was a big deal during the 1960s. Most people who were lucky enough to own a pool back then, had only the above ground type. But my Aunt Marge was always a step above! She had a large slide and diving board too. She would keep fresh towels in the dryer for her guests so they would have something warm to cover themselves with when they were done swimming.

She was also the first one I knew to have central air conditioning in her home. Your body would move from 90 to 65 degrees every time you went inside to use the bathroom (really tough in a wet bathing suit). On nights that I got to sleep over, I loved piling up the blankets and getting cozy. I felt like the princess from “The Princess and the Pea.”

My aunt and uncle’s king-size bed was the first I had ever seen of its kind. It was monstrous. Summer nights saw endless games of Yahtzee played between my cousins and I on that very bed. Of course they also had a state of the art color television to go along with it. I felt like royalty in their house.

My aunt died a number of years ago and I can’t remember the last time I visited her in her house. I do remember what a warm and loving hostess she was. You felt like a real “star” when you were in her company. She definitely went all out.

I try to keep her level of hospitality in mind when I have people visiting in my own home. I feel it is my way of saying thank you to the wonderful memories she gave me. The summer, with all its wonder, will always belong to my dear Aunt Marge.

E-mail Cyn LoPinto at editor@homefrontmagazine.com.

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Cynthia Lopinto

Cyn LoPinto, M.A. is a gerontologist focusing on significant issues affecting older adults and their families. Her areas of interest include lifestyle enrichment, family dynamics, and caregiver support. Cyn has worked in both the recreational and healthcare industries.