The Berkeley half marathon is on today and the streets are closed in confusing ways that none of us felt like dealing with so we opted for a midday swim. Kim, Tiana, Angie, Sheila, and I all met up at the Albany Bulb in the bright sunshine. It was a glorious day. The sky was clear and deeply blue, the air was warm. The water sparkled like it was filled with diamonds and clocked in at a refreshing 55 degrees.

Tiana and Kim were in their full wetsuits, so they swam ahead while Sheila, Angie, and I tagged along behind.

The sound of the bagpipes drifted in on the warm breeze. Now we know that that lovely sound is coming from Tim, the octogenarian, retired librarian, bagpipe-playing inspiration who comes down to the bulb every day to play. It was a lovely accompaniment to our swim today.