Photo of the Day: Maddie Takes the Plunge

At the ready ...

... the launch ...

... and into the pool.

Evan's first dive, about 1980 or '81.

Almost exactly 30 years ago, I took the photo at the left of Madeline's father, Evan, launching his first dive.

That's Evan on the left. He was hesitant and tentative,held his nose and finally got up the courage to go in, nearly head-first.

Madeline, as is so often the case, simply said, "Yes, Pampa, I'm ready and I can do it" and she attacked. She had already conquered the slide (in 12 feet of water).

I had to pretty much drag Madeline and her little buddy Maggie--who were playing off each other's courage--out of the water at the end of the day. A couple of happy, self-satisfied kids, they were.

Just like Maddie's dad 30 years ago. Not much changes, does it?

Maddie (right) and her buddy Maggie ponder the leap.