Alpine Arnica

This "perfect" flower was growing in the alpine meadow on Plateau Mountain. Photographed (telemacro) on July 17th. Think I'm correct in saying that this is an Alpine Arnica. Such a pretty flower centre. Apologies again for seemingly endless flower photos, ha!

Received an e-mail this morning, giving me the number of the ship container that is bringing the 12 boxes of sentimental belongings left to me my brother and my parents (from England). Apparently, the vessel is due to arrive in port around 3/8/11. I'm assuming the boxes will be travelling via Toronto. So, I don't have much time to do more clearing in my basement and some desperate cleaning before I can let anyone see my place, ha!!! Still have to see to a list of items, adding individual values for around 400 small items (of no value to anyone else, but of great sentimental value to myself and my kids). I should, instead, be finding someone to dig up everything in my back garden so that a wooden deck (just above ground level) can be built to fit the whole area - it's only very small, but has to be done, as I can't bend and kneel for the upkeep of any garden at all. I'm facing a fine if I don't get this done - and very soon! It's almost impossible to find anyone who will do just a one-time job - they all seem to want weekly work. Panic!

Later: there is hope yet! Just got home from calling in at one of the big lumber stores and got lots of information about installing a ground-level deck. They will even come out and remove all plants/shrubs from my two borders and a short length of nasty (i.e. non-native, lol!) Cotoneaster hedge and level the ground if necessary. I was given a very approximate price estimate for the wood itself and will arrange a date for the builder to come and visit my back garden and see what needs doing to prepare it for a deck to be built. It never occurred to me that the same person/people would remove all plants, etc., too, so that solves two major problems for me! Such a relief. Of course, I don't look forward to getting the final estimate - but unfortunately I have no choice but to get this done.

Thunder and lightning rain storm just arrived (6:00 p.m.). Only 16C (61 F), so feels nice and refreshing. Wish I could send some of our rain and cool air to those of you who are having to deal with very hot weather!