As if leaving weren't stressful enough....

Here's a photo of some recent "transformations" to my lawn, thanks to the raccoons. I know they found some yummy grubs and earthworms because they dropped some in the jacuzzi, whilst washing off their dinner.
I really don't have time to blog but I need a quick break from all the unexpected problems that needed solving before we fly to France tomorrow. 
I worked a very full day on Saturday. I got home to a familiar refrain of "I can't find my wallet".
The Artistic One doesn't usually get too worried and I've heard the song so many times, I just let him walk around saying "I've looked everywhere". This is not true and wallets usually reappear after a few days, in a drawer, under the bed or fallen from pants pocket into a shoe in the closet.
His searching and complaining was of a more theatrical nature than usual. After a while, he told me he had received a mysterious call from a bank. He hadn't completely understood and the caller had gone in search of an interpreter and disconnected in the meantime.
By the time I was apprised of this little gem, it was late on Saturday and no one answered the number we called back. I got online to look at recent bank-activity and, sure enough, the lucky thief who found all the necessary PIN's with the cards in the wallet, had been on a bit of a spree and made several withdrawals from each account.
Two hours of phoning banks, cancelling cards and giving statements ensued. All's well. The money is restored and I can do the rest of the affidavits when we return. TOA still has plastic to play with on our travels and he still has both passports. It could have been worse.
Thank goodness I had a horse to ride yesterday. Chief was a star. He's learning about circles and cantering on the correct lead. You can see him trying his best to get the footwork right over two ground-poles in a row. His ears are forward and his brain is steaming along. This is a horse with a very willing and completely honest nature. If I give precise aids, that we've previously learned, he does his job. It all came together on Sunday which was very rewarding. Given the choice, I'd stay here and ride Chief every day.