A Bit of a Blow

   When the pool guys came to open the pool last week they couldn't get the heater to start up. It has been a bit "iffy" for the last couple of years. Now, I don't mind swimming if the water is at least 70F but my guests (grandkids) like it closer to 80F so a heater is basically a necessity. So, I had to bite the bullet and get it replaced. It is over 30 years old so certainly doesn't owe me anything.

    Problem was how to remove it and get the new one in - the shed that houses the pool equipment is very close to my neighbours fence and I guess was put up after the heater was installed. Solution? Remove the shed! It also is very old and quite decrepit. 

   Yesterday my handyman son came over with all his tools and dismantled the shed and we stacked it by the front curb. It took about 4 hours on the hottest day of the year and we were both sweaty and grimy by the time we were finished. But, lo and behold, overnight it is now gone to scrap metal heaven, we presume. At least it is no longer there.

   The new heater will be installed in a couple of weeks and my bank account will be empty. Never mind, " 'fits money?" as my old uncle used to say. I just hope I won't have any more major expenses for a month or two.

Once the new heater is installed I will see about getting a new shed.

Hot!

    Today was our first day of extreme heat - 29C -  really too hot to work, or even sit, outside. I did water the plants after the sun had started to pass overhead but came in sweating and thirsty.

   The pool was opened last week but is still a tad chilly (69F) for swimming so I had to resort to a cold shower instead. The A/C has just come on,first time this year. I just turned it from heating to cooling last week!

Looks inviting but still a bit chilly even for me!

Around My Neighbourhood

It's been a good year for Grape Hyacinths.

Somebody's already been to the garden centre.

Professional landscaping I think!

Another Indoor Day

    A wet and dreary day today but not cold. Still no milk at the store so I had to substitute evaporated milk (half milk, half water) in today's loaf of bread. It turned out well so that is something to remember in the future.

    I spent most of the day reading. My current book is "The Autobiography of Henry Vlll" by Margaret George. It is a fascinating (although fictional) look into the life of the notorious monarch. The author uses an effective device to carry the story forward with passages inserted into the king's account by his jester, Will Somers. I am thoroughly enjoying it and it will keep me going for some time as it is very long. The libraries are still not open.

   I had a phone call from one of my Bridge friends today - we are both missing Bridge very much but there is little likliehood of us getting back to playing any time soon. It would just be too difficult to keep social distance from each other and avoid sharing germs on the cards! Not to mention the community centre where we play is still shut and probably won't open again for months.