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!

If it's not one thing.......

   The pool is up and running (I had a short dip this afternoon, cold but refreshing) but the pool guys left a note saying that they couldn't get the heater started - so, another unplanned-for repair bill. There have been way too many of these this year!

   The air conditioner has just come on for the first time this year so at least that's working. Another lovely sunny day and not as humid. I should sleep well tonight.

Almost there!

   Pool's open and filling as we speak. It's still a bit green but that will improve overnight. I'm hoping for the promised thunderstorm to help with filling it, otherwise it will just be the garden hose and that takes several hours. The temperature is a chilly 62F!

Colourful Wigelia bush.

Time for the Pool

   Waiting for it to cool down so I can tidy up the back yard (cut grass, trim borders etc.) The pool guys are coming tomorrow to take the cover off my pool and start up the circulation system. Always a tense moment while we wait to see if everything survived the winter!

   I have sweated buckets today as it is 29C and very humid - I could really have done with a swim!

This is the "Before" picture. Check tomorrow for the "After".

Believe it or not, none of these houses looming over my backyard were there when I bought, 20 years ago!