The pool, the gardener and life in condoville

"So Eleanor - you haven't provided  us withany updates on condoville. How has summer been, anyway?"

Actually, given the absolutely great bordering on fantastic (I love that term "bordering on") July we had with hot temps, life has been idyllic. Most of the time has been spent by the pool and on occasion there have been a dozen people lounging in the new blue chaise chairs, some of whom actually swim. Just being sarcastic. I'm probably one of the few non-swimmers who rarely dip a toe in the water unless the combination of heat and humidity become unbearable. It's interesting that so few people take advantage of the pool, generally, especially it's used by two condo bldgs. On most days perhaps there are eight to ten people on average with your lap swimmers using the pool in the early morning hours. The afternoon is for the "leisure loungers" who take dips between reading a book or listening to music through whatever device. The weekends are for family visits with lots of young people and children dropping by. There have been some complaints (so what else is new!) expressed focusing on children splashing. I mean - c'mon! Pool=water=wet! Don't go in the water if you don't want to get wet is my philosophy! Wear one of those hideous plastic shower caps if you want to retain your newly coiffed hair! The other complaint is that the kids are too noisy! Gimme a break!

Seems that these days everyone is wearing a two piece or bikini bathing suit, even those whose body shapes certainly aren't made for an excessive display of skin. My bathing suit of choice is a one-piece since I've accumulated cellulite over the years along with dropped muscle syndrome. That's what I call flab that has nowhere else to go but down due to gravity's influence. A lot of our discussions focus on the various bikini color choices, style and whether or not the wearer does the suit justice.

Last but not least, the last paint job by whatever company the condo board hired is a bust, with more and more of the former color showing through. This means that the surface is not fully protected. What type of pool service uses the wrong paint, anyway? I mean...really... At least the pool surface isn't slippery any more.

"So Eleanor - what's new with the so-called gardener/whatever these days?"

The flower beds are blech. More than blech - they're blechy/pffffft. In the years I've lived here, have never seen such a mish-mash of flower types and bad color combinations. You have your orange marigolds, which are such - excuse my snobbishness - common types, mixed with pink wave petunias, sedum placed here, there and everywhere, astilbe...you name it, chances are it's growing somewhere in one of the flower beds. Just blechy is the only word that comes to mind but there are others I can assure you. Nobody asked us, the people who pay the condo fees, our opinion. Mind you, in our condo bulletin, there was a piece focusing on the gardener and it appears that people are taking their complaints directly to her, one-on-one. Good for them! The condo board on their part, asked people to complain to the condo director who is in charge of the garden. Been there - done that and didn't do any good. Yup - it's an obsession on my part but one that will be over shortly since summer flowers do disappear in autumn.

Tickets have gone out for the autumn party-in-the-park. Instead of party sandwiches, it will be roasted corn and hotdogs. I'm not big on hot dogs or corn, actually, but I'll indulge and swoosh it down with a glass of cold white wine. In attendance will be the usual singing DJ who will play lots of spanish type dancing music since this gets about a dozen people dancing and everyone will sing out choruses of "New York, New York..." along with "Copacabana"...and some Beatle music thrown in for good measure.

Summer life is good in condoville. Relaxing by the pool, watching and listening to the boats as they make their way over the river, the sound of the river life including the honking of the Canada geese... Their return can only mean one thing: autumn is around the corner.

What's happening in condoville these days, anyway? Glad you asked

So right now people reading this are asking themselves: "what's happening in condoville, anyway, these days?" More than likely, people are or at least could be, wondering about our - well - different condo gardener.

For those not up to date on the continuing saga, our condo board hired someone to remodel our small placette or over-look, that over looks the pool. Although it was still visually attractive with beautiful flowers planted between wooden railway ties along with wooden stairs, the old placette was falling apart. There was a lot of speculation as to whether or not it required a complete demolition job down to the earth, but in the end the condo board hired a female contractor/architecht/whatever to update the look. The new and improved model is composed of stone and cement with a plexiglass railing erected around the circumference. Very modern looking.

We assumed, obviously incorrectly, that this would be the extent of the architect's/whatever duties but for whatever reason, a decision was made to hire her as the gardener. It would be interesting to know at this point and especially after she planted eight rose bushes, seven of which subsequently died, what her credentials are to handle this task. She did, however, ensure that a drip water system was installed at who knows how much, to gently water the now dead roses. It does make one wonder when a gardener shows up to work the earth wearing high heels and a shovel. Period. I lie - she did produce shears two weeks ago. Since she likes perennials so she planted them here, there and everywhere. No layout plan to speak of and the end result is a mish-mash or...stuff. Species include yellow marigolds, red impatiens, pink/white petunias, large leaved hosta plants, astilbe - you name it - chances are we have it growing - somewhere. Utterly, again IMHO, blechy and a mess.

Enough ranting.

Two weeks ago the annual Summer Party in the Park was held in the park accross the street. The menu as is the case for the summer fete, was party sandwiches (I adore party sandwiches!), pizza(!) donated by a major pizza chain, veggies and dip, chips, wine and coffee and mini danish. As usual, there was the usual DJ who played everything from rock music for dancing, waltz, lots of latin numbers that the crowd seemed to really get into and as the evening wore on, the music of Barry Manilow slowed things down. No hip-hop, though. We always make our getaway upon the mosquitos arrival. They're always the unwanted interlopers on any evening event especially when we're the food!

The pool - well - the paint is chipping/flaking off the surface of the pool but the good news is at least it's not slippery any more. How can a pool company use the wrong paint for an outdoor pool? Obviously, they managed. I dunno... Oh and there are now new pool chairs. Opinion is mixed on whether the old one's were better and more comfortable. Doesn't make any difference in the end since the old chairs are no more, anyway. Visually, they match the pool water.

Still haven't spotted the little wood turtles that were seen sunning themselves on a rock last summer during a walk on the path but there's still time to find them. Meanwhile, it's going to be a busy at the pool this weekend with hot temps and lots of sun, drawing youngsters and teens in to cool off. There are condo-villers who complain that they splash too much. I mean - c'mon - it's a pool! Right? Never a dull moment - to be continued...

The Christmas lights they do twinkle, somewhat

It's mid-December and almost Christmas in condoville but you wouldn't believe it. In past years we always had a beautiful and tasteful display of white twinkling lights in the middle treed and green area dividing the two condo buildings. It matched all the other very bright and twinkling displays of the other condo apartments. This year, however, and for whatever reason - money springs to mind - the powers-that-be at the condo association decided that our light display was excessive and unnecessary.

In a note posted near the elevator and surrounding area, they offered the explanation that there will soon be the expediture of a new roof. Not mentioned by the association is the rumored two figures, a comma and four-zeros amount spent this fall on the new placette or small landscaped over-look with a view of the pool and the nearby river. The old version which dated back to the 1980's built with wood and surrounded with shrbbery, finally started disintegrating. Its replacement is a modern, visually-stunning, IMHO, approach with large patio tiles replacing wooden railway ties leading up to the placette along with a stone placed layout. In the Spring a plexiglass railing will complete the look. As mentioned, the replacement came at a steep-ish price. There is grumbling among some condo owners that the old look was nicer while the newer and frequently younger condovillers like the updating. It will be interesting to get a more overall opinion of the end result once the news gets out about the cost. There most likely will be a heated discussion but the job is finished so what else is there to say?

To get back to the Christmas light display, this year in a cost-saving move, three live fir (Christmas) trees were put up in the landscaped, middle treed area facing the streetbetween the two condo buildings. The trees are - well - sort of lacking in thickness and branches...sort-of Charlie Brown-ish... and are decorated with blechy-colored mundane lights i.e. red, green, yellow, etc. etc. On top of which the stringed lights barely cover the branches. Quite an about-face after the beautiful display in past years. The general concensus among people I've spoken with is that it's lacking - let's leave it at that. To add insult to injury, there's an electrical short in the light timer causing them to work on a 5-minutes-on/5-minutes-off interval throughout the night. It's akin to living accross the street from an all-night diner that stays open all night i.e. they're on - no - they're off...etc. etc.

Given the current money-saving atmosphere, the trees will probably be down in a week into the new year. The memory of the holiday lights will be forgotten for a year at least until the annual condo meeting in the Spring. The agenda will include the the renovated placette and the re-painting of the swimming pool. Did I mention that they still didn't re-paint the slippery surface of the pool in autumn. Well they didn't. If there's one subject that gets condovillers riled up it's the pool but even that will be replaced with the smell and noise of the new roof.

A pool of discontent

This has been a really hot summer, the type of summer that reminds people of their past with fondness.

"Remember when we were (insert year or age) and it was so hot that... (insert personal recollection)?"

It's surprising, then, that more people didn't use the pool to cool off. In the morning the pool was busy with a dozen or so lap swimmers in addition to Ms. Cruela deVile and her aqua fitness ladies twice per week, while the afternoon hours were used sparsely by condo-villers mainly to stand around, gossip and dunk intermittantly. However, problems arose when some of the morning lap swimmers made it known that they required the entire length of the pool to extend their lap swimming into the afternoon. Not surprisingly, this did not go over well with the leisure dunk-and-dippers who expressed the opinion that they had the right to do nothing if they so desired and stand motionless anywhere in the pool they damn well feel like it.

"We need lanes!" one of the lap swimmers pleaded her case. "Why can't people just stand on the side until we finish?"

"Did you do your laps this morning?" I questioned, to which she responded affirmatively. "You can't regulate where people can stand in the pool! Why don't you do laps on the side of the pool?"
A look of horror crossed her face.

"We need room to do strokes!" she went on, "and not run into people standing around!"

"Exactly!" I responded. "Just move to the side and everyone will be happy."

Another issue this summer for some people were splashers, the ordinary folk who splash when they kick while swimming, or diving in the pool or children having fun.

"Why do they have to splash everywehre?" one of the anti-splashers asked to which I answered: "why are you in a pool, then? You can't get wetter-than-wet!"

A condo-viller made a request, would you believe, to have the diving board removed so that she would have more room to do laps. It's true!

"They can dive off the side," she concluded.

The pool will be closed this weekend, which will end the bickering - for this year. Heaven knows what they'll come up with next summer.

Late summer observations du jour and the autumn party is a go

Nature has its way of telling we humans that summer is winding down. Given the really hot weather we experienced this season, my balcony flowers really gave a show to be remembered. Okay, so we did switch to one of those super soils that promise lush blooms and this could have helped but more likely the end result was due to lots of sun and heat. The shortage of rain meant a dependence on human intervention and all the flower boxes, urns and hanging plants received watering twice per day. Every morning and evening I brought out four 2-litre soft drink bottles filled with water and emptied them into the parched soil. The plants thanked me for my attention by providing a visual treat for the eyes. Truly.

In any case the plants are now at the "leggy" stage with lots of stem and leaves and flowering at the top only. Like a faithful servant, I "dead-head" the plants and remove the dead blooms and although there is some new growth, it's obvious their time here on earth is winding down. So depressing but natural.

Notices have been posted our autumn party-in-the-park will take place in late August. This is the one that is always well attended since hot, boiled corn is on the menu and hot dogs. Usually, the hot dogs aren't really cooked enough but hungry mouths demand to be fed and the people are impatient!

The talk around the pool has turned to wintering in Florida, yet another sign that summer is over. Location of winter condos has replaced the pool temperature discussion and less people are coming down to lounge. There are the usual complaints voiced about how some people splash when they swim. Duh! Water=swimming=splashing.

It's raining today. It will rain tomorrow and the next day too. Good. More river bank is showing and the ducks need water to swim. Did I mention that our ducks stay over for the winter but that's cold weather talk.

Of painted balconies, flowers and the pool

Summer is at the mid-way point and there are signs that preparations are afoot for the oncoming autumn. All the condo-villers were advised that the cement ceilings of the balconies are to be painted. Really, visually they look okay to me, as does their neutral beige shade but obviously there must be more to it than visual appeal. Perhaps the coats of paint protect the cement or something. Anyway...this means that we have to take down our three hanging plants and hooks. Mr. Don't-Hold-My-Legs will be standing on a chair and doing the honors as I watch and offer helpful suggestions like "don't you want me to hold on to your legs?" and "be careful - you could fall!" Important things like that. Speaking of flowers, this was truly a bumper year for all my plants including those in the flower boxes and urns. They all have to be moved to allow for the ladders and balcony painters. The hanging plants don't like it when their hanging parts are squished on the ground level so some will succumb and break off. Oh well - won't be long before they will meet their maker so-to-speak since the plants and earth are emptied on to the bank of the river. There's something very poetic about that act me thinks.

Divine day at the pool. Perfect weather for lounging with gusty winds that allowed for short periods of tanning. Didn't go in the water but everyone who did says the water temperature was fantastic. I'll take their word for it. Finished my Monday New York Times crossword puzzle. Monday is a "do-able" puzzle as is Tuesday but by Friday, I'm at the dozen word stage. Sometimes I don't even understand the clues, never mind fill in the squares. Listened to music on my ear phones and heard one of my all-time favorite songs, "Solsbury Hill" by Peter Gabriel. I like! Is there anything better than the summer time and listening to oldies music by a swimming pool?

Once August rolls around, preparations get under way for the autumn version of the party in the park. This time 'round they will be serving up freshly boiled corn, hot dogs, wine/soft drink, dessert. The fall party is always better attended than the Spring one, for one reason or another. The usual DJ will do his version of Barry Manilow's greatest hits and break out with an occasional Lady GaGa, along with many Latin dances, always popular. Hips will sway, bums will wiggle and feet will go along for the ride.

Will be checking out the ducks tonight during a walk on the path near the river and hoping for a woodchuck sighting. Life is good.

Lounging by the slippery pool

It's been a sweltering run of hot weather that has drawn condo-villers to cool off in the pool that was newly painted last month. Thing is the condo board for whatever reason - saving money springs to mind - decided to change the pool company servicing the pool. Not such a smart move. This is the same company that took forever to show up to re-paint the pool interior, which resulted in a late opening. As if this wasn't bad enough, the company used a paint that left the surface slippery. Think of walking on wet tiles and you get the idea. Now the pool is filled and the slippery situation was brought to the attention of the condo administration, who in turn responded by adding large black mats at the bottom of the pool in the shallow end and all along the wall. Looks kind of - well - dumb-ish. Thing is, the rest of the pool surface is still slippery and one can only hope that they won't line the entire pool with black mats. Anything is possible...

Some kids visiting the pool unaware of the pool rules one assumes, and who inadvertantly brought water toys in the pool, were quickly advised by an administrator that this was a no-no. Their protective grandmother who happened to be watching nearby, took personal umbrage and proceeded to express her unhappiness loudly and vociferously to the administrator in no uncertain terms.

"What kind of pool is this?" she yelled out so that everyone could hear, going on a rant for a good five minutes. "Children have to play! This isn't a jail!" In the end it didn't do any good and they played with those syrofoam noodles for the remainder of their stay in the pool. I think it bothered the grandmother more than it did the kids.

There are only three round tables with umbrellas, located in primo locations. The thing to do now especially given the strong summer sun is to arrive early at the pool, plop towels and other pool-related accessories on the table and chairs to reserve the spot early as in 1:00 p.m., before people start arriving. So far no one has challenged the reserve-ists as to their practice but we'll see if anyone says anything before the season ends. It's not really fair.

As always the pool temperature is a hot topic in the true sense of the word. Some people prefer the water temp on the cooler side at 79(!)F while others want it kept at 83F. Given the air temperature, which has been hovering at 9oF, the pool water has been a constant 84F. Everyone has an opinion ranging from, "too warm - it's like taking a bath!" to "perfect temperature!" I tend to fall into the latter category.

Nothing like lounging on a noodle while listening to the speed boats race by on the river and to people quibble about the water temperature. Life is good.

Party time in the park

For once the weather was perfect for an outdoor party with clear skies, a light summer breeze and 70-ish temperature. Every year, twice per year actually, the five condo building associations on the island throw a party in the park accross the street.

The park, owned by the associations, is huge with perfectly maintained tennis courts, a small putting green for desperate golfers or children that could use re-surfacing, a well-equipped children's play area with swings, and some shuffle board courts. All this and beautifully maintained and visually pleasing grounds.

The parties are by invitation only limited to condo owners. Usually there is a good turnout since there is food, which is always a draw, and party sandwiches are the main course at the welcome-summer-party, while the fall fete includes hot corn on the cob and hotdogs. Always amazes me how people suddenly turn into a frenzied mass of unfed animals where there is food, jostling and pushing in line lest they run out. The "hot" item was pizza and people rushede in line to ensure they get a slice. Like they've never eaten pizza before! Throughout the evening a DJ played music ranging from Lady GaGa to Barry Manilow although participants were few and far between. A few hours into the party and tickets were drawn for prizes. As usual we didn't win while the group at the table next to us took home two gifts. Once the prizes were depleted and the DJ had played "Mandy" too often plus the mosquitos made themselves felt, people started drifting back to their condo buildings.

The strains of the music from the one-man-band DJ drifted through the quiet summer air until 11 p.m. while we watched the evening news reports on the Gulf oil spill and the ensuing repercussions feeling somewhat guilty.

Getting art-sy in condoville and other observations du jour

The neighbors directly above us or maybe not directly above us but somewhere nearby, it's difficult to ascertain the source of the noise, is doing something to their floor. Most likely trading in their carpet for wood floors. Carpets are passe and wood is in. Thing is...there's a lot of noise involved in the preparation and the sound is akin to a dentist filing teeth and the effect is similar. Every time the noise stops, my ears ring in response. Hopefully, the noise will cease soon - it better since condo rules say all work has to stop by 5:00 p.m. Can't wait. Anywaaaay...

It would have been better had the weather cooperated with cool-ish temps and threatening grey skies but the art exhibition went on, regardless. In the end, the guy in charge of getting the show together came through posting notices everywhere in and around condoville a couple of days before the show, on trees and along the walking path near the river. Thing is...he didn't bother advising all of the artists and creative types that there was going to be a show and therefore participants were few and far between. There were approximately six or seven of us: three painting artists, two jewelry creators who did great business - jewelry always sells - and my neighbor down the hall who makes beautiful hand-made dolls. I even sold one of my flower paintings. Also bought a very nice necklace because we artists have to support each other and besides the price was right and I needed a new piece. Still, the show could have still been better if there had been more exhibitors, who in turn would have brought in more visitors. Insert big sigh here. There's always next year. A few of us discussed the idea of changing the venue to the park accross the road. The setting is perfect and I can envision displaying art work and other artistic endeavors in the green space. Even have a name for it already: "Art In the Park." In case of rain, we could have a tent on stand-by. Don't know how well the idea will go over with the powers-that-be since the park is privately owned. Still, it's something worth pursuing.

As the art show went on, the pool was at long last being filled. This was probably more exciting to condo-villers than mere art. One of the administrators cautioned a very avid and anxious swimmer against using the pool since the water heater required time to kick in and the water would be cold. Wanna bet she'll be swimming, anyway? She'll have to wait since the weather forecasters predict a rainy week. Still, can't get wetter than wet...

Next week Ms. Aqa Finess Cruela de Ville will be giving her first class, rain or no rain. Won't be long before her sweet, melodious voice will fill the air counting down numbers, leading the masses in pain and hopefully, some gain. Perhaps I'll lounge on the sidelines and watch and snicker to myself. I'm not into pain.

There's massive re-paving going on in the streets around condoville and only one side of the new bridge is in use and open to traffic. It's like an obstacle course with cones and other construction equipment placed down the middle, not to mention chunks of cement missing from the road surface making driving hazardous - at least for moi.

Meanwhile, new ducklings have made their presence known, swimming behind mom and dad. Amazing how ducklings are born with the ability to swim. Somewhere there are gosslings most likely hidden from the view of prying human eyes.

Summer is the voice of Ms Cruela de Ville...

Art show must go on...and other condoville stuff

The Art Show is a go!

After being in limbo for two weeks, there's good news regarding our annual art exhibition.
Actually found out this piece of information by accident when two of the artists living in the condo building next to ours posted a notice promoting merely their artistic output on our bulletin board. The person organizing the show for whatever reason, never bothered phoning or advising us one way or the other. Most likely the duo artistico took advantage of the opportunity, arranging to display their work. Upon realizing what occurred, the neighbor down the hall and myself who were justifiably livid, decided to create our own notice and hand-delivered it to all the buildings in our area. We'll show them! Anyway, who cares. The main thing is that the show will go on! Last year visitors were sparce but then perhaps Mr. Organizer didn't do his job in promoting the exhibition as he claims! In the end, it can be said that every effort was made this time to ensure that there would be people visiting the exhibition. The show is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Of course I'll report back...

I've also prepared an art portfolio with photos and information on all the paintings I've created so far. Not sure how many paintings I'm going to exhibit but most likely, as many as possible. Last year people actually showed their paintings on the grass but I have two easels and two table easels that could hold about nine canvases altogether.

Finally the contractors in charge of preparing the swimming pool actually showed up this past weekend. Seems that they claimed to be extremely busy according to the people in charge of the swimming pool portfolio of the condo board, who were most likely bombarded with condovillers asking when the pool was going to be filled. To date the pool has been spray-jet-cleaned and prepared for painting. Period. It still has yet to be painted and then filled for the opening day this Saturday. I don't think so. If not, the condo board better prepare for a mutiny.

The neighbor living in the condo opposite ours is still obsessing (my opinion) over his new floor. While discussing the art show dilemma last week with my neighbor down the hall in front of our apartment, his door suddenly flew open and with measuring tape in hand, he dropped to his knees and measured the wooden floor entrance to his apartment. Of course I glanced inside his apartment and its really sparsely furnished. I call it Extreme-Sparse-Modern.

Meanwhile, aqua fitness is scheduled to start next week. Of course they first need water in the pool...

UPDATE: THE POOL HAS BEEN PAINTED!!!
Today in late afternoon, the white truck with the painted picture of a swimming pool on the side, showed up and an hour later when it drove away, the swimming pool was a rich deep shade of blue. No water - yet - but at least it's one step closer. According to the powers-that-be a.k.a. the condo board, a new and supposedly more efficient pool company was hired to care for the pool this year. This new company claimed to be very busy and hence the reason for the delay. Just realized it's the first time I used the word "hence" in any of my blogs. Maybe I'll use it again in the future.

Where there if life - and artists - there is hope

There could be good news regarding the condo art exhibit that was cancelled a mere couple of weeks ago. Received a phone call from the organizer who informed me that the show could be on again, if the artists are willing or interested in the idea. The only fly in the ointment so to speak is that if I understood him correctly, the day selected is Wednesday. If so, logically, this is not a good idea since people don't attend art related events in the middle of the week. We'll be looking at each other's paintings: "oh -I love your latest creations!" I mean - that's nice and all but having outsiders look them over is exciting. Anyway, the organizer is supposed to get back to me at which time I'll ascertain whether it will be a mid-week event. If so - I'll have to think it over but hopefully in the end it will be re-scheduled for a weekend. All of this means I'm back in a full painting mode.

Unrelated, the gardeners made their weekly visit. Looks like we're going to have a beautiful display this summer. It has to be an improvement on last year's offering that featured flowers, which looked half-dead and weird, never-seen-before (at least I've never seen them) species that never did belong or fit in. Went over to chat with one of the gardeners to express my delight and admiration for the work. In spite of giving compliments in both English and French language, somehow we weren't communicating for some reason or the other. I mean, he should have picked up on what I was saying just by my speaking tone, the smile on my face and my pointing to the ground. Oh well - it's the end result that counts.

The pool is still filled with dirty water. It's supposed to open the second week in June so there's still time one presumes, to fix and paint it. The condo board directors don't seem concerned.

And so it goes...

Bummer - no condo art exhibition this summer

Real downer. Found out there won't be an art exhibition (and sale as the case may be) this summer between our condo building and the one next door. Go know why.

A couple of years ago, a few of the condo-ites living in the building next to us showed off their artistic renderings outdoors. Some people stopped to look them over while on their way to the pool including me. Last year somebody took charge and the event was expanded to include artists or people who believe they're artists, including those in our building. Loved the idea especially since I paint and the most difficult problem was to select canvases to frame. In the end I chose five landscapes and two floral paintings. Truly amazing the degree in which frames enhance a canvas. But I digress.

We were about fifteen artists with varying degrees of talent (painting is subjective as they say) and we set up our displays outside around the two condo buildings. In spite of perfect weather conditions, there really weren't a lot of visitors but it was wonderful to have strangers comment and examine one's work. The surprise was that I sold my first canvas. I'm told this means that I can call myself a professional artist, now. Go figure!

However, as is the case in life, nothing lasts forever and in this instance, not even for one year. A phone call to the man in charge last year who lives in the building next door to find out the exhibition dates, indicated that it wasn't to be. He mumbled something to the effect that there wasn't enough interest and other stuff I couldn't make out. His response was very vague, which indicates to me that perhaps - just perhaps - the artists living in the building next door want to keep the show solely for themselves. We'll see next month if this is the case when the exhibit usually takes place. I mean - even if they do set up shop, not much I can do. I suppose I could boycott them or make snide remarks about their art work... Or a better idea would be to find out if there's any artists living in our building and if so, we can set up our own show. We'll show them!

Meanwhile, no work has started on cleaning out the pool. It's still filled with yucky, grey, murky water. Hard to believe that it will be ready for swimming in a month. I've already washed the beach towels in preparation.

There's dandelions growing everywhere in wild abandon, since it's forbidden to use harmful weed killer. Meanwhile, the multi-color tulip display in the park accross the road is magnificent.

And so it goes...

Of screens and barbeques

Every Spring the local window screen repairer sends around a notice that he will be making his yearly appearance. Somehow everybody has at least one screen that needs repairing or replacing. We're replacing the screen in our den. He's got a good thing going. People bring their screens to him since he sets up shop in the parking lot.

Today we're setting up the barbeque on the balcony. This is what summer is all about. Nothing like the flavor of barbequed steaks or chicken although it does have a tendency to make smoke. Some of the condo-ites feel it's below them to barbeque what with the smell of cooking food wafting in the air. To them I say: yummy!

The "in" thing now is to install striped canvas curtains around the balcony presumably for privacy. According to the condo regulations all the curtains have to be the same color. Condo living means that everyone is equal - and the same. Personally, this does not appeal to me whatsoever. Cuts the light and sunshine. Then again, that appeals to some people.

Heard from the man in the condo building next door who is in charge of the painting exhibition. The show showcases the work of artists living in our building and the condo bldg. next door. Amazing the number of people who paint in two buildings. Anyway, he informed me that he is checking into how many artists want to partipate again. Wanna bet they all do?

The snowbirds have returneth home

Like something out of a sci-fi novel or movie, the mass disappearance of condo-ites that began in autumn ended in April with the return of the "snow birds." Evenly tanned skin announces to the "pale-ers" who stuck it out in winter weather: "look at us you poor, disadvantaged regular, pale people - we spent the winter in Florida!" This year mind you, the tan wasn't that marked due to the miserable weather they had to suffer.

So now they're back home and walking their fashionably dressed mini-sized pooches, who never bark at squirrels or cats or any of the normal temptations that bother most dogs. They are either extra-ordinary dogs with extra-ordinary, easy-going temperment or are rendered bark-less breeds with the help of human surgical intervention if you get my drift. Seems there are regulations set down by the condo board as size limitation of the dogs, hence the miniatures.

Their outfits are something out of a doggie designer catalogue and raincoats, hat and boots aren't unusual for the pampered set on wet Spring days, or heavy jackets, leggings and snow boots to deal with the cold, blustery winter temps. I mean, being normal is just not an acceptable word or option. Makes one wonder, though, given the number of people in parts of the world who go hungry and homeless.

There were signs posted throughout the building today announcing the condo annual general meeting next month. I'm actually toying with the idea of attending to make a point about pool regulations. Seems there is a rule, which is being followed to the letter that one cannot bring any type of toy i.e. floating basketball/volleyball sets, balls, sinkers or rings used by children to dive to the bottom of the pool for retrieval. Nothing. Nada whatsoever. This was discovered when I bought some of the above-mentioned watery diversions at the dollar store and was informed by one of the condo board directors that toys/games were forbidden. I can understand games that take up pool space but sinkers? You throw them, they sink to the bottom and are retrieved. I'm quite P.O.'d about it, actually, and just might express my opinion - or get my husband to do it for me. There are always people who find something negative when the kids are present. "Don"t splash!" is a common complaint uttered by many. I mean - c'mon - it's a pool filled with water for heaven's sake! Don't go in the pool if you don't want to get wet! Heaven forbid they should get their perfectly coiffed hair damp!

I've actually heard Mr. Guy Across the Hall communicating with some of the neighbors a few mornings ago, an indication that he stays there at some point although he sure makes himself scarce. I mean, he doesn't have to mix and mingle with others and he did say hello to somebody. At least he appears satisfied with his floor since there haven't been any work people visible.

Tomorrow I'm going to check out the path that runs along the river - and the ducks and hopefully, the Canada geese. Life in condoville is good.

Spring arrives/ed in condoville

The snow has disappeared for more than a month now and the warmer temps are bringing out the condoville regulars for daily promenades. Actually, the ducks never left if ducks fly off somewhere in winter. They lingered near the bridges where pedestrians stroll and waited for handouts to sustain them over the winter. They got them - and then some.

Around the building the outdoor pool still has the remnants of melted snow in the form of dirty water. Before it is filled with clean, sparkling water, it will require its usual maintenance and coat of paint. If this isn't performed before the really warm weather sets in, there will be grumbles from condo dwellers speculating as to if the pool will be ready for its June opening.

This winter the owners of the condo living next to the garbage chute on our floor complained that people were disposing their garbage too late in the evening, in addition to it making excessive noise allowing the chute door to slam. I can imagine that being a pain in the middle of the night when you're trying to sleep. The problem was solved by adding (I'm told) some type of magnetic device that prevents anyone from disposing trash after 9 p.m. Sounds reasonable to me.

Last year a new owner bought the condo apt. directly accross from ours. He completely renovated the entire interior and laid a new wood floor. For whatever reason he doesn't appear satisfied with the job since the floor guys have been back at least three times that I'm aware of. Actually, visually it looks gorgeous having seen peeks of it whenever the floor guys left the door open. I'm wondering what they could be doing since they're always measuring and there's noise from machinery obviously being used. The owner himself is an enigma. I'm not even sure he lives there. We've passed each other in the hall perhaps twice during the year and muttered the usual social niceties but somehow I get the feeling that he doesn't spend much time there. Perhaps he's planning to flip the apartment, which is his perogative. Weird...

There's an open house today indicating that we're going to have some new condovillers. There's definitely been a change of owners this winter. The best time to see all the newbies is when hanging out at the pool but that's later on. Meanwhile, I'm going to make a point of finding out about Mr. Accross-the-Hall.

Space - the parking garage

Go figure that the parking garage would be a cause of friction. The front bumpers of our car have been dented three times now. Not badly mind you but visible none-the-less. Heaven forbid the "bumper" should leave a note of appology to the "bumpees" or pass along an anonymous hint that would point to the guilty car. It's like the condo residents take an oath of silence to ignore anything that could cause a verbal confrontation. Unlike TV shows which can narrow down potential perps by analyzing paint chips, a lot of the parked cars have bumps. Go know!

In order to narrow down the culprits, my husband deduced by the placement of the small dent(s) that it was the condo shopping cart used to transport grocery bags back to the apartments, which did the damage. When confronted with evidence the owner of the garage space on the left denied any culpability.

"I'm careful!" he responded maybe a little too quickly indicating some potential feelings of guilt. "How come you pick on me?" The owner of the other garage space on the other side not surprisingly, also denied any involvement.

Incensed with everyone's indifference, a hand-made sign was posted informing everyone who passing through the parking garage that our car had been the victim of a shopping cart-hit-and-run. It made my husband feel better but embarrassed the heck out of me! Never a dull moment.

Yesterday,somebody blatantly and openly smoked a cigarette,a no-no, in the parking garage, which is considered common area governed by condo rules. The one thing one learns quickly living in condoville is that there are rules governing...practically everything.

A condo is an apartment with lots of neighbors

Moving into a condo has been interesting from a life-changing perspective. Having lived in a house for umpteen years, the first adjustment was getting used to the idea that we're no longer alone. This means movement from the upstairs neighbors who I call "The Clickety-Clicks" since one of them sounds like they're wearing high heels. Actually, it could be both of them come to think of it.

It's particularly annoying when I'm attempting to focus on my writing or painting a canvas. Mentally, I find myself following their footsteps as they 'clickety-click' while moving around their apartment.

Clickety-click.... Clickety-click...back and forth, back and forth.

On occasion in utter frustration, I find myself screaming - okay not screaming, yelling softly, because neighbors won't like that - "shut-up...shut-up...shut-up!" I've threatened to physically confront the C-C's but have been restrained by my husband. I mean, what would I say?

"Hi there. I live downstairs. Your slippers or shoes or whatever you wear on your feet are driving me up the wall! Kindly exchange them for a quiet sole. There's some on sale at Walmart."
I suppose I could send them an anonymous letter but it wouldn't be difficult to narrow down the letter writer, which could prove embarrassing.

Anyway, it's quiet upstairs since they've left for Florida. At least I think they're gone. I could swear I heard footsteps yesterday. Meanwhile, Mr. Happiness who rarely cracks a smile, is leaving the condo shopping cart in the hall in front of his apartment, instead of returning it to its usual place in the garage. It's always something.