Mums

OK. I'm cheating, these are photos from last year's Mum show. I didn't make it there this weekend due to bad weather and (what else) fatigue! Maybe next week end . The show is on till November 2nd .

Raccoon Buffet

This morning I came downstairs, opened the door to have a look at what the weather was doing, and saw garbage everywhere. The raccoons haven't had a buffet at my house for awhile so I guess it was my turn. I put the kettle on for tea and then headed back outside with a broom. Just as I was about to unlatch the screen door I saw something flutter on top of the now dried out cone flowers. At first I thought it was a leaf , then realized it was a tiny bird. A yellow bird, with grey and black colouring on the sides. I watched it picking away at the top of the cone flower and decided not to disturb it. Went back in the kitchen to get breakfast ready, taking a peek outside every couple of minutes to see what the bird was up to . I decided to take some pictures which didn't turn out any good. Hard to get good shots through a screen door ! The bird hung around for about half an hour, then suddenly was gone. Now I could go out and clean up the mess and Oh what a smelly, disgusting, mess it was . After that was done I went down to look at the flowers. The bird had picked the tops clean. I never knew birds liked cone flowers . Even though I do like the way the dried tops look in the winter with snow on them, I don't mind them being bird food, especially for such a cute bird.

Now as for the raccoons. Live in the city next to a ravine and believe me, you won't think they're so cute.

The Amantadine seems to be working, yet I find it's very uneven. Not sure if it will balance out eventually.

Work, a Few Flowers, and Climate Change

Here's a few of my day lilies , roses, and cone flower buds, along with my neighbour's more civilized front garden. Mine is getting that jungle look again, which I will try to subdue this weekend.


After all the whining about my work situation I finally have some good news. Turns out that I qualify for a disability payment that would allow me to continue working part time and still receive about 80% of my earnings. It won't happen over night, still lots of forms and bureaucratic nonsense to get through, including nagging management to do their bit. At least I can enjoy the rest of my time off and know that something is in the works. Now maybe I'll be able to hang in there longer and get a real pension, instead of the half one I would get if I quit.
Yes, after that bizzarre conversation with my manager, I was seriouly considering it.

Not going out celebrating just yet, because these things have a way of unraveling. Stay tuned .

If you believe that climate change will have dire consequences, consider moving to Canada.

Roller Coaster

Another cloudy rainy day . Things started out not so great and are now this evening pretty good. I've had the twitches the last couple of nights and tingling . Will I ever get use to the roller coaster ride ?

I'm going on my trip after all ! In July, the hottest month, but I don't care. I feel so much better about things since my doctor visit. Now I think I can relax and enjoy myself a bit.

Had to pay $8.00 for a registered letter today that is only going a few blocks from home. It's a copy of the letter from my doctor requesting a medical accommodation for me, plus some other medical documents that I want my work manager to review. I also mentioned in my covering letter that I never heard from Health Canada regarding a review of my case. Another thing that didn't get done because I bet the request is still sitting on a desk somewhere .

You can't just drop off a letter at the office. It has to go in the box with all the rest of the mail . That would give them the excuse that they didn't get it and delay things even more. Pretty sad when you can't trust anyone. So I spent the money to force them to acknowledge the letter and give me some documentation in case I need it later.
It made me think about work all day too. I have to put it out of my mind and go back to vacation mode.

I see Montel Williams is having another gambling fund raiser for MS. Is that all he's good for now ?
Here's a couple more flower snaps from last weekend. I notice the day lilies are beginning to bloom in front of my house . I'll wait till there all open and take a few pictures of them.

Flowers and Thunderstorms

Fantastic afternoon at the flower festival. All the beautiful irises and peonies made me feel like I had stepped into an impressionist painting. Lots of really gorgeous hostas too. I may go back later this week as the peonies still had loads of buds waiting to pop.

And Oh! the thunderstorms today. We got caught in the rain twice, luckily though we got back home before the real whopper storm began . It was crazy, with black skies and strong winds bending the trees in half. I just hope it didn't do too much damage.
Now I'm exhausted, at least it's for a good reason.
Read an article in the paper this morning about declining SUV sales. Can you believe that oil was only $9 a barrel in the 1990's ?