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 pool, the flower bed and the none-gardener rant

At long last, condoville today is bathed in sunlight for at least another day. It's amazing how a dose of sunshine brightens everybody's disposition. If I could, I'd do a sun dance if it would keep it around for a while.

On a positive note, the pool is already fit for swimming and we're only in May. This is quite a departure from past years when they didn't even start filling it until the beginning of June. According to those in charge, the cement pool bottom will not be re-painted this year. The pool company that did the job assured the condo board that its slippery surface will slowly wear off over time. It appears that the condo board are satisfied with this promise and are willing to wait and see if anybody complains and then act.. This means that once again as in past years, there will be rubber mats placed at the bottom of the pool near the pool steps to prevent people from slipping. Looks dumb if you ask me but then nobody did and even if they had, I would have told them it looks stupid. I suppose it's better than slipping. We'll see what the reaction of the pool users will be very soon.

Some excitement on condoville boulevard, today! A movie company used our street to shoot a scene. As expected residents living in buildings on the street were out in full force to watch. The movie company was supposed to start shooting at 3 p.m. but didn't show up until 4-ish. Some people took them at their word and sat on benches located in the park accross to guarantee a good vantage point since 2 p.m. They were subsequently informed that they would have to vacate their benches by the movie people. I'm surprised nobody brought along portable chairs. A real estate agent who recently moved into our building took advantage of the crowd, handing out her business cards. How crass - but inventive. I've always been tempted to walk up to a member of a film set and utter one of my favorite quotations from "Sunset Boulevard": "I'm ready for my close up, Mr. deMille." BTW - it was a cops-and-robber film and they brought along props that included a fake police car and a bullet-ridden car. As fast as they arrived and set up, they were gone.

My "favorite" person, the so-called gardener/garden designer/amateur/wanna-be, has finished her planting. After doing a thorough walk-around, I can say with absolute certainty, no doubt in my mind and complete assurance that her job sucks, big time. There are pink and red impatiens planted in a row too far apart giving it a sparse look, yellow and orange marigolds dotted here and there don't belong, along with yellow pansies, which I absolutely adore under normal circumstances. Also thrown in for good measure are a few hosta plants, four ferns jutting out here and there... and heaven knows what else. Meanwhile, the small flower bed near the placette/overlook is a mish-mash of you name it - it's there - somewhere. She planted hybrid tea rose bushes and four of the eight have gone to that great garden bed in the sky. I could have told her this would happen since she planted them without offering them any food and most likely not enough primping and babying. Roses love to be coddled and in return reward those that ignore them by dying. Ask me about it! Meanwhile, let us not forget that she had a drip water system installed - still can't believe it - specifically for the roses well being. A lot of good that did, huh? Eventually, she will return with her clipboard in hand to note which of her choices have thrived and which died. Like it matters at this point.

Lots more to report but we'll wait until after the condo board meeting. Right now a roofing company has arrived to re-roof our building. The crew is yelling instructions to each other - nobody heard of walkie-talkies? More tomorrow after the condo meeting. Meanwhile, I'm going to choose paintings to be framed for the annual condo art exhibit. At least it keeps my mind off Madam le None-Gardener but not the noise outside.

Flowery conclusion: more flowers - and gardening expertise - is required

Took a stroll around the newly adorned flower bed that separates our two condo buildings. As mentioned in the previous commentary, the gardening designer is now in charge of planting flowers.

Big mistake.

Initially, this move seemed harmless enough. I mean, how can one screw up planting flowers, especially if one is supposed to be an expert in this area. Right? Today's little walk-around reveals that she didn't appear to put much thought into her choice of blooms and many of blooms that were planted are half, if not conpletely, dead. As in gone to meet the composter. There are wilted petunias - color unknown, impatiens that appear to be a pink shade - difficult to tell since they're shrivelled, orange marigolds (baaaad color mix!) and other species. The problem down the line when they start spreading out (if they ever get that far) is that they were planted too far apart, most likely as a money-saving move. Hey - our condo fees are supposed to cover this area.

Forgot to mention that while planting the flowers, she also brought along a large plastic, black container that is used by garden centres to hold new trees before transplanting. Inside, as it was revealed, she had divided up some what must have been perennials, for transplanting with the annuals. I mean - c'mon - talk about saving money! It is most surprising since in past years our flower displays have always been sumptuous and a treat for the eyes. This year the best that can be said about them is mediocre.

The grecian urns in front of the condo buildings now contain a puny mix of - wait for it - petunias. That's it! Six or eight petunias in a large urn. They look lost, poor things.

Basically, very disappointed and not at all impressed with the gardening accumen of this so-called expert, if indeed she is an expert. Will make a point of finding out her professional pedigree and background.

In conclusion - at least for now - but rest assured more comments will be forthcoming - it's a mix-and-not-match display. Blech!

UPDATE!! The garden designer...whatever/whoever, has just arrived and is currently looking over the plants in the overlook/placette. Correction: she has a pen and paper and is counting the plants. Counting...plants? What and why is she performing this task? I can tell her without having to count them that more are required. She has now moved over to the flower beds between the two condo bldgs. and is continuing to count or assessing the almost dead and/or dying plants.

A member of the condo board has arrived on the scene and it appears at least from my vantage point, that he is posing questions about...everything, especially the empty areas. We'll see what, if anything, more she adds to the beds.

Getting down and dirty in condoville

At long last, somebody finally - accent on the finally - removed the dried out Christmas tree put up last December with lights clinging pathetically to its limp, brown branches.. Or holiday tree depending on your personal beliefs. It's about time! There is nothing sadder than a fir tree that has lost its color and dead. Why 'they' waited so long is anybody's guess but given that the area in which it stood is surrounded by trees, the ground probably remained frozen and unyielding to removal. In retrospect, it was a pathetic display, anyway, compared to past years. Pure speculation here but the condo boards were probably looking at the financial bottom line to save money on electricity. Guaranteed this will be brought up at the condo meeting next month. Should be interesting.

Now that the ground is workable, the gardening designer who oversaw the renovation of the overlook/placette has been put in charge of flower planting. Given the price of the renovation, perhaps this is not such a good idea. She showed up in what can be described as designer gardening duds and emptied her car filled with flowering bushes, to be planted in the green stretch of land dividing our two condo buildings. The assistant, who arrived a half-hour later wearing very un-gardening clothes including white/beige colored shoes, was assigned to digging holes for the new shrubs. Bet he never expected to be digging holes dressed like that! He did not appear to be enjoying his task using a straight-edged shovel, the only tool they had obviously brought along, when a spade would have made the job so much easier. One has to question the lack of tools given their gardening task. To her credit, the gardening designer did put on a pair of orange(!) plastic gloves that stretched up to her elbow. Clashed with the rest of her outfit if you ask me. As for the assistant, he disappeared somewhere for a while.

The Day After the Planting

Unbelievable to see but it's snowing and raining outside, today as it has on-and-off for the last couple of days, with the temperature barely above freezing. Hopefully, all the small flowering bushes will survive. April is such a fickle month and perhaps it would have been wiser to wait until the end of the month or the first week in May. But Ms Garden Designer knows better. We'll see.

Another subject that will most likely be brought up at the annual condo meeting is the renovation of the overlook/placette. This is the small landscaped area with seating area, which overlooks the pool. Renovated last year at a steep price, opinion is divided as to its esthetic value, overall. It has gone from a wood-based structure to that consisting of cement and plexi-glass railing. As I mentioned, opinion is divided especially where dollar values is concerned.

The barbeque on the balcony will have to wait for a while although the weather is supposed to turn warm next week. Promises, promises...

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...