A Long Morning

   We sat through a very long, tedious RTO meeting for three hours this morning but rewarded ourselves with a nice lunch at Boston Pizza. I had chicken quesadillas with Caesar salad - yummy! I announced at the meeting that this will be my final year as Secretary and they should start looking for someone to train to replace me. I came into the job cold and it was a very difficult first year so wouldn't wish that on anyone.

   Nasty scare yesterday - got an e-mail from the government saying they hadn't received my tax payment! My lunch buddies told me it was probably a scam but, one short phone call later, it was all cleared up. The payment had gone into the wrong account (the one I use when paying tax in installments). Not sure if it was my fault or the government. Regardless it's all sorted now and the agent who helped me was very kind and said it's not an uncommon mistake. Phew!!

   No dinner tonight as I am still stuffed - maybe soup or a sandwich later.

In the Vegetable Garden

   I have been picking leaves off the lettuce plants for the last week already, but the raspberry bed is a disaster area! Full of weeds and only a dozen canes showing any sign of growth. Berries will be very late if at all. The tomato plants have very few flowers - hope they put on a burst soon!

Most of last year's raspberry canes don't seem to have survived the winter

Plentiful Bounty

   Rhubarb cake last week and a rhubarb crumble today - maybe it's time for a batch of jam. I usually wait until the local strawberries are ready as I like the combination, but the rhubarb is coming on gangbusters.

   A bit cooler today so no swim, and we had heavy rain this afternoon. The garden benefitted from a good soaking. Luckily I had cut the grass yesterday as it will be growing like crazy again.

A Sad Affair

   One more pool entry and then I will cease and desist form mentioning how fortunate I am to be able to cool off in it!

   After yesterday's brief dip I had a longer swim today as the temperature of the water is almost 70F. However, first thing this morning I had a nasty shock as there was a dead animal floating in it when I got up! I have had the odd mouse, bird or squirrel meet its maker in the pristine waters but this one was big!

   It turned out to be a raccoon and, being a bit squeamish, I decided to elicit help in removing it. I called 311 (the City help line) but they said animal services would not come on to my property to remove it. Then I called a Wildlife service I have used in the past (squirrels and raccoons in the attic ) but they wanted $300 to come and remove it. So back to City Services and they agreed to pick it up if it was on my boulevard, which is actually city property. 

   So I gritted my teeth, took a shovel and a pail and managed to remove it myself. It was a gruesome affair and I actually felt some pity for the poor animal. Soon it will be picked up and out of my mind and responsibility. I hope that's the last one I have to deal with!