This and that

We got about .6" of rain in about 20 minutes yesterday.  Rainfall at this time of year is a mixed blessing.  The heavier soils in some of the gardens still need to dry out, but the frenzied plantings from the last couple of weeks need some water to establish and grow.  If we don't get any between now and next Monday things will be on track.  Meanwhile, the somber mood in Quebec has lifted somewhat now that the Canadiens have been out of the playoffs for almost a week and the Stanley Cup finals are beginning.  The Habs are no longer the powerhouse team that dominated the NHL for decades, but they are still the closest thing to a religion in La Belle Province.  The Rangers are in the finals for the first time in 20 years.  Time to break their fans' hearts again.   There is no Mark Messier to bail them out this time.  Finally, the Republicans have found another scandal.  I guess the President can't even get a soldier back from the enemy without being questioned.   Obviously there are questions regarding Sgt. Bergdahl's disappearance from his unit.  Some even imply he deserted.  However, the armed forces make every effort to recover their own.  Republicans would not question this policy if carried out under Bush.