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 fall party...yawn...

In the end the fall party-in-the-park was - well - kind of borrrrring. The evening was on the cool-ish side and there were definite hints of autumn in the air. Even though the affair wasn't called to start until 7:00 p.m. people started drifting over at 6:00 p.m. I mean, what is so attractive about hotdogs and corn? Okay. So it's "free" but one would think that they were serving filet mignon or lobsters and not weiners!


So we arrived at 7:05 p.m. because honestly couldn't see any logical reason to arrive earlier. The lineup to get hotdogs was long and the corn was still bubbling away in a huge vat. After all - people didn't want to starve or anything while they wait! Some of our fellow condo-villers and pool pals saved us a table away from the main crowd, since the few picnic tables set up were filled. As usual the one-man - actually two-man this year - band had set up early and were busy playing your usual 'cha-cha's' and popular spanish songs, along with the ever-popular Barry Manilow's, "Copacabana."

The hotdogs were actually cooked this year unlike last summer when they were cold and semi-raw. The big attraction, however, was the hot corn-on-the-cob and people filled their plates with two and three corns along with healthy blobs of butter sliding accross the surface. Let's put it this way: there was a lot of shiny lips. The problem with corn is that although it is delicious, it's almost impossible to extricates from between the teeth. There is also no way to pick one's teeth with one's nail that is socially acceptable so I passed on the corn. It doesn't mean that much to me. Word had it that the corn disappeared quickly as did the mini danish for dessert. The topic of conversation at least at our table were the rumors of romantic liasons between certain condo-villers or at least knowing looks between certain people. Of course, the pool and the ever-changing temps was also the focus of conversation.

Once the mosquitos made their presence known and the food was consumed, people began drifting away. Although there were door prizes, many of the winners had already left, which pleased those that remained since more numbers were pulled. As usual, we didn't win and then left the park to the mosquitos and avid samba enthusiasts. The sounds of disco filled the air until exact 11 p.m. after which the party season was over for another year.

Pool attendance has been sparse these days even though the days have been very comfortable. Perhaps the snowbirds are busy planning their Florida sojourns or maybe people had their fill of the water. There are still complaints of visiting children splashing the regulars to which they are reminded that pool=water=wet. Some people are never happy and in any case, the pool closes on Labor Day. Guaranteed that will be a reason for further complaints.

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.