Partaking in outdoor activities in New Orleans in the summertime means working up a serious sweat. At 11:30 this morning, the temperature was already 86 degrees F (at least the humidity today is unusually low; it's just 53%). Bearing the weather in mind (as well as the fact that the kids are out of school & need something to do), we joined a health club this week.

During our initial tour of the club, I discovered something I didn't expect: a room devoted to spin cycles. Besides having a fleet of Schwinn spin bikes, the room offers sweeping views of the fitness club's tennis courts and a view of the Lake Pontchartrain levee. Naturally, the room is also air conditioned. Without a doubt, I'll be spending a lot of time there, particularly when the humidity and heat are oppressive outdoors.