Walking tour of condoville

Yet another crisis in condoville this week. As Roseanne Roseannadanna used to say: it's always something. It's a crisis when related to the pool and once again the heater was down. There were a few cool evenings causing the water temperature to drop substantially. Predictably, this did not go over well with the morning regulars.

"The water was so cold this morning," one of the lap swimmers complained. "It's ridiculous having to swim in an unheated pool," she railed on, placing the blame on the condo association trying to save money. I suppose it's a possibility but not likely. I'm sure the condo pool committee don't appreciate phone calls at all hours and having to listen to pool regulars rant and rave about water temps. Officially, the pool heater was broken but Ms morning swimmer wasn't convinced and believes a plot is afoot. Whatever... Okay - so the water temperature was 74F instead of the usual 83F but there are worse things in life! Things are now back to normal and the water is a comfortable 80F although there is grumbling that it should be at least 82F. Still more complaints about swimmers splashing while doing their strokes. I mean, the only way to avoid getting splashed is to stay out of the pool. Gimme a break!

A familiar voice stopped me in my tracks while passing the pool on my way for a walk. It was the familiar and melodious sound of Ms Aqua Fitness Cruela Deville shouting out instructions to her willing aqua fitness slaves.

"Take your noodles and place them under your arms!" Cruela barked out in addition to yelling out other commands. After 5 minutes of listening to her and the delighted reaction of the participants who actually appeared to enjoy her screeching, the memory of our short and not-so-sweet work-out sessions compelled me to depart.

The river has receded considerably due to the unseasonably hot summer this season with huge boulders jutting out at the shore line. Living in an area near a river with lots of greenery and trees in addition to a walking path, we are partners with wild life that call the area home. Spotted two small pond turtles sunning themselves on a boulder and a huge groundhog ran accross the path in front of me. Ducks are in abundance and most of them seem able to withstand a frigid cold Canadian winter. ,Most likely they manage to survive with the help of human handouts.

Next week is the autumn party in the park accross the street. Gotta remember to bring along tooth picks this time since corn on the cob is on the menu. Not socially acceptance to pick out the kernels with one's finger. Actually, not much better to pick one's teeth with tooth picks either.

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.