Progress on the pool was a little delayed, waiting for the gloopy clay slime to dry out enough to permit the next stage. That was probably a good thing as the project manager, Doc, was off work with a bad back. One of his crews did come on Monday to ensure that the rain drain was now repaired and watertight – we don’t want any more floods. And then on Thursday, a new crew turned up to set the reinforcing bars prior to pouring (or rather, spraying) concrete. They worked with gusto, putting in pipes for the pool plumbing and fixing metal rods to reinforce the concrete. It only took them one day, and we hope that the next stages go as well.
On the NOA charity winetasting, things go apace. The ad hoc committee went to inspect the venue that had been identified as a suitable place, and agreement from the owners (a very upscale housing development called Achasta) has been given. Next stop is arranging the wines – as this is a charity, there are hopes that we will get that free! The event is targeted for mid November, before the Thanksgiving holidays begin to fill everyone’s calendars.
On Friday afternoon, we went over to Cavender Creek winery for a quick glass and chat with friends who assemble there most weeks, and there was something of a cause for celebration. Our friend John had a small heart attack on Tuesday, and was rushed to the local hospital. They rapidly decided that he needed specialist attention at a bigger hospital in Gainesville, so off he went in a second ambulance whilst his wife raced home to get some necessaries for him before joining him there. By the time she reached the hospital, he had already been into the operating theatre, been fitted with a stent to prevent his artery clogging up and was in recovery with his future lifestyle changes and medication being discussed. He was home on Thursday, and out at the winery on Friday, having a (permitted under the new regime) few glasses.
Whilst we were in the winery, two falconers turned up. They each had a hawk on his wrist (as well as a very thick gauntlet) and were discussing the possibility of using these and other trained hawks to reduce grape losses from birds. It’s nice to hear that a historic craft may have a place in the modern world. Meanwhile, Cavender Creek is using a pair of high tech scarecrows to deter maurauders – these may also scare off bears (who have been known to raid vineyards).
From the Weekly Crime Beat police report
A deputy said he placed his hat on top of a car during a routine traffic stop. After the driver pulled away, he realized the hat was still on top of the vehicle. (I’m not sure if this counts as a crime!)