VAG in Serious Trouble

Tuesday unfolded differently than planned. I did no work at all. Instead, I played on the computer, and both walks with Sheba were long. I just didn’t feel up to doing anything. It clouded over in the afternoon, but it was 25° and heat and asthma are not a good mix. So, it was a very, very nice relaxing day. 

I didn’t have to water anything, and if it is cloudy again tomorrow, I won’t water then, either. It’s predicted to be wet on Thursday. But I have news….

Shocking news, in fact, from Dwight who works at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Its director left a few months back. I can’t remember what the official word was about his leaving, but I saw it as a bad omen. I felt he probably saw he had no future there because of the debt and the lack of budget for anything ambitious. The design for the new gallery had been rejected before he was engaged, and then officially delayed for redevelopment.

Every single staff person has been sent a letter offering a buy-out. They’re cutting about 30% of the staff positions. Now the board, who over saw the activities that have brought the institution to this point, is running the gallery! They are a sinking ship; who is going to want to invest in a losing proposition? I was shocked to read in their annual report that the gallery has spent $64 million on consultant and administrative fees so far on the new gallery! It’s going to be interesting to see how this story unfolds.

Last night was the usual: dinner and a movie. And because the day dawned overcast and mild, I will not do any watering today. I shall be baking.

Here are some photos from last evening’s walkabout.

This Fuchsia has doubled in size this year.

The Ocean Spray is blooming on the huge bush blocking the view of
David and Ursula of me in the hot tub.

I love this self-seeded plant growing in the many
cracks between the pavers in the courtyard.

Two years ago I started moving plants that were not doing well
to places around the brick patio where I put the table for when
I'm hosting guests outdoors. This was once a fire pit.

This is THE most beautiful Hydrangea I have ever seen.

The enormous bush of Ocean Spray in Colleen's yard makes 
for a beautiful backdrop to my garden.

All the Campion in the yard—and there are lots
of them everywhere—are blooming. They are
a blazing shocking pink, and they are beautiful.

This garden, under trees, I had no hope for, but it is really looking
lush and pretty now.

This garden bed, too, is under trees, but is really coming along.

I have Huckleberries and I love them.

These are my caged Blueberries. There is netting that you can't
see stretched between the frames and the planter.

You can see the lushness of my crop this year.

My big Rhodo, after a year of fertilising, is
bursting with new growth. I am very happy.

The front bed, which is open to the deer, is 
starting to look like a garden.

This Horse Chestnut has grown from a self-started
seedling found in the forest. Last year it was eaten
by Deer and so I was thrilled that it survived.

My pride and joy is this Paulownia tree that also
came from a self-starting seedling.

The Virginia Creeper is really thriving. I planted it two years
ago. Come Fall, it will be beautiful.

The Climbing Roses are blooming on the top of
the trellis, and the Climbing Hydrangea is also
blooming.