It took a long time to clean the hot tub.  I thought that keeping the pump going all summer (like it was heavily suggested) would have done the job. But unlike the old tub (which we totally shut down each spring/summer, and was easy to clean each fall) there was a layer of scum on the shell, plus the inside of the lid was very slimy and needed serious scrubbing.  

 

In any event that job is now done, I refilled the tub, and then set the temp to 98 degrees.  MAYBE that temp will feel pleasant to soak in during the evenings, at least for the time being?   In preparation for (eventual) soaking I did a bunch of miscellaneous trimming to improve the view from the tub.

 

Today's mail brought a notice for Tom from the IRS, though I didn't get one.  Maybe mine will arrive tomorrow?  

Basically a form letter, it seems that our issue finally has been resolved, with a letter to follow.  

Hope those letters arrive soon!  

Of course it would be wonderful if they included our refund checks, but at the very least I expect them to state the specific amounts.  

Gee, do you suppose they will pay us interest after having kept our money from us for a year?  Asking for a friend...