Today, before going to work, I stopped in at the Y for a nice morning swim (a habit I've only recently begun, and one I hope to continue of course). As I entered the pool area, I saw that there were a number of folks in the whirlpool (which is right by the entrance to the pool); it was noticeable because it was unusual to have more than one or two folks there at that time of the day. These were six or seven African-American women, all of whom were at least my age or older. A number of other women were hanging around the pool itself, but no one was in the water there yet. A lifeguard (or class instructor?) informed me that the pool was closed at the moment, but it would be open in about 15 minutes. She said that, in the meantime, perhaps I would like to join the ladies in the whirlpool? :) Well I am not shy, and they didn't seem to mind having one more body in the tub; so I did join them. I was able to find a little spot over in one corner. After exchanging pleasantries,