IIDD, March 4th

My words fly up, my thoughts remain below: Words without thoughts never to heaven go. -William Shakespeare, playwright and poet (1564-1616) 

Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life. – Jack Kerouac

Hey Patrizio!

We have an Electric Guidelink on our website, however, I agree it is still
very confusing - this adaptor thing. I have a bunch also and never totally
sure which one to take! E.g. I have 2 that look very similar but say they
are used in different parts of the world. Always good to ask the expert on
these matters.

Remember our motto (which we stole from somewhere). Pack for a long trip and
then take half of everything away! (Except for medication - hah)

Look forward to hearing from you and VERY HAPPY your better half is OK for
the journey. Don't stay in Northern Japan for too long!! CC

Hi CC Rider!

Thanks for advice and good wishes! Here is a joke for your newsletter! Cheers, Patrizzio!
 

Hi Jane and Kjell!

Just a quick note to thank you both for such a lovely evening on Wednesday. Wonderful food and wine and company Will be in touch while "on the road". Take care of each other. Time to go as my suitcase is still calling!!! No sorry, "SCREAMING", now!!! Fondestos to you both! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi, Pat and Corinne,

Thank you so much for really good company (we are keeping the wine for a romantic evening).

Hope everything will work out well with your trip, and considering your solid travel experience we are not worried. Will miss you here, but will read every line of your reports to make up. Buona fortuna! Kjell & Jane

Hi Kjell!

Sip the wine while you are reading every line of the reports! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Julia and Ross!

Just a quick, belated note, to thank you both for such a lovely evening, weeks ago now! Such wonderful food and wine and company! I haven't forgotten your book, Ross. If you need it back before we return please give Chloë a call. Fondestos to you both! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Duhlink!

Trust everyone is well! Just a quick note to say that we are leaving on Monday to arrive in Hong Kong on March 6th at 7:05pm. We are staying at the YMCA and will spend five nights in Hong Kong. Then leave on March 11th to land in Sydney on March 12th to begin our two month sojourn in Oz. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

You lucky buggers! x

Hi again, Duhlink!

Talked to Jaimie this evening just before we headed downstairs to Sutherland's for a wonderful dinner. He is fine but Patricia is suffering from knee trouble. More packing once we were home again. Getting there! Will phone Andrew Sredzki shortly. Cheers, Patrizzio!  

Hi Rose and Joe!

Thanks for terrific pictures. Handsome gentlemen all! Must take after Rose!!!Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
 

Hi Bob!

Not sure when you are back. Have been following your wonderful trip blog but not last few entire as time is running out!  Hello to Anna. Take care of each other. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Wildwood Park!

Trust everyone is well! Just a quick note to say that we are leaving on Monday to arrive in Hong Kong on March 6th at 7:05pm. We are staying at the YMCA and will spend five nights in Hong Kong. Then leave on March 11th to land in Sydney on March 12th to begin our two month sojourn in Oz. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Kenton!

Trust everyone is well! Just a quick note to say that we are leaving on Monday to arrive in Hong Kong on March 6th at 7:05pm. We are staying at the YMCA and will spend five nights in Hong Kong. Then leave on March 11th to land in Sydney on March 12th to begin our two month sojourn in Oz. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Onion!

Trust you are well. Just a quick note to say that we are leaving on Monday to arrive in Hong Kong on March 6th at 7:05pm. We are staying at the YMCA and will spend five nights in Hong Kong. Then leave on March 11th to land in Sydney on March 12th, Cathay Pacific, CX 111, 7:15am, Terminal 1. We'll make our way to your place unless we hear otherwise. Hope that is fine! Looking forward to seeing you soon. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Jim!

Trust you are well. Just a quick note to say that we are leaving on Monday to arrive in Hong Kong on March 6th at 7:05pm. We are staying at the YMCA and will spend five nights in Hong Kong. Then leave on March 11th to land in Sydney on March 12th. Hope to see you soon. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Local Weather Forecast

Updated at 19:45 HKT

A humid easterly airstream is affecting the coastal areas of Guangdong. Meanwhile, a trough of low pressure is bringing unsettled weather to southern China. Locally, visibility over parts of the territory fell below 1000 metres in the evening. Weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow Cloudy with a few rain patches. It will be foggy overnight and tomorrow morning. Temperatures will range between 19 and 22 degrees. Moderate easterly winds, becoming southerlies tomorrow. Outlook : Humid with fog and occasional rain in the following few days.

7-day Weather Forecast	Updated at 19:45 HKT

Date Weather Temp RH

5 Mar Mon 19 - 22 oC 85 - 100 %

6 Mar Tue 18 - 21 oC 85 - 95 %

7 Mar Wed 18 - 21 oC 85 - 95 %

8 Mar Thu 17 - 20 oC 85 - 100 %

9 Mar Fri 15 - 19 oC 75 - 95 %

10 Mar Sat 14 - 17 oC 75 - 90 %

11 Mar Sun 14 - 17 oC 70 - 85 %

http://www.weather.gov.hk/contente.htm

Dear Patrick,

I wish you can view this email in html to see the diagram

Wow! Sound you are packed.

Please call me when you are at the YMCA on Tue.

Please refer to the weather forecast above where the cold air from Siberia and the warm air from the Philippines mixed here in Spring time.

This maybe a rare humid week.

See you very soon! Ting

There has been a change in our travel plans. We'll be  leaving a few days before the 25th for a trip to the sun and possibly Japanese tsunami refuse dappled shores of Kauai. Hopefully not the latter. What George might call a hardship posting. After that is Easter weekend and the sun drenched shores of Victoria beckon. 

I can't do march 18th either due to frivolous activities associated with Nancy's birthday. 

So it seems I'll be out of NRBC action until about mid April. 

I'm enjoying the Lawrence bio. Coincidently L of Arabia was on the tube the other night. Hadn't seen it for years - it's still fantastic. 

Has anyone read John Buchan's novels - In particular Greenmantle?  If you want to continue with anglocentric imperialist romantic fantasies about the mid east this is your book. I recall reading it in my youth and thought it a great adventure yarn. For those of you not familiar, Buchan was the pen name of Lord Tweedsmuir, who was G-G of Canada for a number of years. 

As this became TLTR some time ago, I sign off. See you possibly in the second half of April. Guy

Hello NRBC!

Trust everyone is well! Just a quick note to say that we are leaving tomorrow to arrive in Hong Kong on March 6th at 7:05pm. We are staying at the YMCA and will spend five nights in Hong Kong. Then leave on March 11th to land in Sydney on March 12th to begin our two month sojourn in Oz. From there to Japan on March 11th for three weeks. back in Vancouver on May 31st.

Flamin' and Sarge have very kindly invited us for dinner this evening so after I send a few more messages I'm going to pile all sorts of clothing into my suitcase and then "de-construct" it after meal. Nothing I hate more than trying to pack at 2:00-3:00am the night/morning before flight. Our plane leaves at 1:3pm so we'll need to be at YVR around 10:45am at the latest. Not all that much of the morning to finish up last minute things so want to be 95% ready before we head downstairs for dinner. All the best and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pic: Royal Sneakers! Special plate insert to provide support. Cora Lee is walking "normally" now but her foot tires so we'll have to be careful for first little while.

Guy,
 
happy trails, as they say. We will go back to the drawing board and find a new date.
 
This coming to you from yet another hardship posting, Kicking Horse Resort, where the snow keeps falling and the skiing is heavenly. G

Marriot Hotel:

The address is corner of Exhibition and Lonsdale St Melbourne. Confirmation number XXX. W Can't wait until 11 more days. 



Hi Sarge!

Thanks again for the wonderful dinner!

We'll see you on the 17th! Good luck with rest of playoffs! See you on the 17th! Cheers, Patrizzio!

10-4.
Supt Wayne A Sutherland
Director E Div HQ Relocation. 

Vancouver International Airport 3211 Grant McConachie Way Richmond, British Columbia, Canada V7B 1Y7, Canada

1.	Head south on Grant McConachie Way E	2.4 km
2.	Slight right onto the ramp to BC-99 S/Seattle/City Centre/Richmond	500 m
3.	Slight right onto Grauer Rd	230 m
4.	Continue onto Sea Island Way	650 m
5.	Turn right onto No 3 Rd	2.0 km
6.	Turn left onto Lansdowne Rd	400 m
7.	Take the 1st right onto Cooney Rd Destination will be on the right	150 m

5611 Cooney Rd Richmond, BC V6X 3K5, Canada

 

IIDD, March 3rd

“All the pathos and irony of leaving one’s youth behind is thus implicit in every joyous moment of travel: one knows that the first joy can never be recovered, and the wise traveler learns not to repeat successes but tries new places all the time.” – Paul Fussell

Hello Patrice,

Sorry for the tardy reply, however it took me several days to read your
email ! . Kidding...kind of but enjoyed hearing of your recent adventures in
biking, culinary endeavours and social engagements with international
travellers. I also liked the blow by blow of the licence plate installation
and was surprised at how much work it seemed to be when put down in words!
while going through the motions of doing it did not seem to be a big deal.
This probably stems from my experience of doing this sort of thing for 12
hours a day for all those years. I'm glad to have been able to help out and
that you're pleased with the end result and hopefully so will Vancouver's
"finest".

I have been very busy as I'm trying to get some work done before we head off
to the happiest place on earth on Saturday. It will be a welcome break as
when at home I always seem to get drawn into some kind of task and the only
way to truly relax is to physically remove myself from the place of work. I
am quite pleased that I have already had several new inquiries this week for
my services as I did worry a bit at the beginning of the year as to weather
I would have to start pounding the pavement so to speak but fortunately word
of mouth seems to be doing the work for me.

I missed getting out for a ride as it has been quite a while but
unfortunately I guess it will have to wait until you get back or perhaps
when we meet in Brisbane! If we do not get to say goodbye in person I hope
you both have a safe journey and a wonderful adventure . I look forward to
regular updates from down under.

Love to Corrine and the rest of the fam.,  Take care, Al


Hi Big Al!

Pleased to learn that work seems to be finding you! Must be all the free advertising from my new illuminated license plate!

Well, the countdown has begun in earnest now. Must say that I think we are both in pretty good shape a far as packing and getting the house/our affairs in order. I cycled to RBC on 4th and Balsam around noon today to pay Chloë's $32 tax bill. This way i can file her return and not have to worry about deadline. Cora Lee owes quite a chunk so Sarge will file her return when they are back towards the end of April. I have everything entered already so she will simply coordinate her online payment with filing date.

Popped into Wanderlust, a travel store, on 4th and Cypress to make sure that I had all the necessary plug adapters for Hong Kong, Oz and Japan. Happy to report I have everything we need. Had acquired various "kits" over the last few years so am glad that I don't have to buy more gadgets. I didn't realize that HK uses same system as UK. Should have know since it was a former colony, of course. Certainly didn't know that Japan uses the same electrical outlets as we do. Chap  at store was very helpful. I have bought a fair number of travel items there over the years so don't feel I was taking advantage of their expertise.

On over Burrard to Aquatic Centre to log 4 miles. I didn't know if I'd have time for that distance as I wanted to give Mom her dinner at 4:45pm but as things turned out I was able to do both. (Fed Mom her dinner and she ate two desserts!) Had set the 4 mile mark as my goal before leaving on this extended trip and feel that I should be able to up it to 5, with some work up time, of course, once I'm back and swimming regularly. Can't tell you how happy this makes me given the trouble I've experienced with my right shoulder, ironically, ever since having my hip replaced!

Flamin' and Sarge have very kindly invited us for dinner tomorrow evening so after I send a few more messages I'm going to pile all sorts of clothing into my suitcase and then "de-construct' it tomorrow. Nothing I hate more than trying to pack at 2:00-3:00am the night/morning before flight. Our plane leaves at 1:3pm so we'll need to be at YVR around 10:45am at the latest. Not all that much of the morning to finish up last minute things so want to be ready before we head downstairs for dinner.

Well, keep in touch about Brisbane. We should be there between April 9th to 15th so let me know if it looks like we will overlap. Enjoy The Happiest Place on Earth. Time to go a my suitcase is calling!!! No sorry, "SHOUTING"!!! Fond regards to you Big Al, Marilyn, and the Young Brothers, Jimi and Gene! Cheers, Patrizzio!

P,

I thought these tapes might give you some sense of his reading of his own work -- which I think is outstanding. He reads all his work when it is available in audio format. I also found these pieces, I am A Stranger Here Myself, to be particularly funny even though they are somewhat dated. If you are taking a Bryson book, Notes from a Small Island is really quite amusing – about England.

Have a great journey. W

Hi Whirlygig!

Thanks again for popping by with travel books and Bryson tapes. Much appreciated on both counts. Trust all goes well in Kicking Horse!!! Will be in touch while "on the road"! Time to go a my suitcase is calling!!! No sorry, "SHOUTING"!!! Fond regards to you and Kerry and Tia Maria! Will be in touch while "on the road". (Hello to Carlos The Jackal!!!) Fondestos and Cheers, Il Conduttore!


Hi:

We wish you Bon voyage and a safe trip. Thank you both for dinner which was delicious and also for the company. We are off to farmers Market today to sample the pig! Hope we see some sun before we leave Vancouver!  Best wishes Derek and gayle 

Hi Gayle and Derek!

Thanks again for coming on Thursday evening. It was a lovely time indeed. Thanks again, to everyone, for the wonderful wine and divine desert, and to you both for the terrific book on Cornwall. Can hardly wait to see landscape with my own eyes!

Will be in touch while "on the road"! Thanks as well for good wishes. Time to go a my suitcase is calling!!! No sorry, "SHOUTING"!!! Fond regards to you and Gayle, Krissy and Mark! (Trust Farmers' Market went well. Did they sell and fridge magnets?) Will be in touch while "on the road".  Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS: Re: Sent from my iPod, albeit somewhat slower than the average person! You need Dragon Dictation!!!

Hi Patrick,

Wanted to get the invoice to you before you left.

Will also send in mail but of course you will be gone. Have a great adventure! Charlie

Hi Champagne!

Thanks again for most recent invoice and wishes.  Fond regards to you and O Susannah! Cheers, 

Patrizzio!


Cross-crossing the globe! I go to Texas for 10 days in May to help with the move and attend Miranda's commencement ceremony. Probably cannot squeeze in Japan. A shame!

Four quick recommendations for HK, which you can find in any guidebook:

1 Hong Kong Story display at Natural History Museum is an absolute must and not far from your hotel

2 lankuaifeng is a bar district on H K island for you British imperialists. Not my thing BUT dinner in the Midlevels further west is highly recommended. Take the famous outdoor escalators to get there

3 ferry to Lantau for fresh fish lunch. Ferry takes about an hour so this is a half-day activity

4 tram to Victoria peak has terrible crowds but also a must. Solution: take a public bus to the peak (I can see the bus stop in minds eye but cannot recall the street - ask around near the star ferry terminal on the HK side), then take the tram back down! Go at 4 pm and have cocktails in the fancy rrstaurant so that you can get a table and see the sunset. Have a great trip! Randy

Hi Randy!

Thanks so much for the recommendations for KH! Really appreciate local knowledge!!! Too bad about Japan but Miranda's commencement will be wonderful, I'm sure. Buona Fortuna with move!!!
Time to go as my suitcase is still calling!!! No sorry, "SCREAMING", now!!! Fondestos to you both! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hello Pat and Corinne,
 
best wishes for your trip.Have the best holiday ever.Don't
forget to bring back good weather and lovely memories.
Thanks for the photo you send to us. And here we are.
Rose and Joe in Nuevo Puerto Vallarta.Second pic.Enzo
Rose-Dino .Third pic. the three PETRONIO.

Hi Rose and Joe!

Thanks for terrific pictures. Handsome gentlemen all! Must take after Rose!!! Time to go as my suitcase is still calling!!! No sorry, "SCREAMING", now!!! Fondestos to you both! Cheers, Patrizzio!
 
Hi Jane and Kjell!

Just a quick note to thank you both for such a lovely evening on Wednesday. Wonderful food and wine and company!Will be in touch while "on the road". Take care of each other. Time to go as my suitcase is still calling!!! No sorry, "SCREAMING", now!!! Fondestos to you both! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Funds Apex Notice...

Compliment Of The Day!

I have a lucrative business proposal of mutual benefits to share with
you.

Let me start by introducing myself. I am Mr. Zhang Kehua, I have an
obscured Business suggestion for you.

                                                                                    Kind Regards, Zhang Kehua.

Hi Morana!

Trust you are well! Had wanted to send a note earlier but time has simply evaporated! As you might recall, we leave this coming Monday, March 5th, for five nights in Hong Kong. Then leave on March 11th to land in Sydney on March 12th. Will be there until we fly to Melbourne on March 17th to hook up with close friends, Flamin’ and Sarge. We will rent a car there and will travel around, basically a loop, to Adelaide, back to Melbourne then to Sydney. From there to Brisbane and then a flight to Cairns. F/S return home from there while we fly to Darwin. After a week exploring that part of country we are back in Sydney before on to Japan for three weeks. Not home until May 31st!

Will be in touch while "on the road"! My suitcase is calling!!! Best wishes to you for now. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Saturday Morning Greetings from The Island Inn!

Patrick! Your trip sounds wonderful! I'm getting pretty envious:)
I've been busy too, with my new job and tying all the loose ends at my old one.
I hope you have a lovely flight and I'm sure you'll have the time of your life exploring Asia, Australia and Japan.
I'm hoping for a detailed report when you come back, I'll be patient:) So don't worry and enjoy your trip and hopefully you'll tell me all about it when you return.

Love to all your family,  Morana

Ayn P

Dr. Neil Degrasse Tyson was amazing on Bill Maher tonight!

• • 
    

    Ed Johnson I love him! And yes he was. You know he did a cameo on Big Bang
  • 
    

    Patrick James Dunn We watched show with David and Nancy, while eating Nancy's famous chocolate cheesecake! Even had a care package to take home, supposedly for Dusty. He'll be lucky if he sees any of it!
    
    

    

    Catholic Coffee
      CATHOLIC COFFEE MORNING IN ROME 
     
    
    Three old Catholic men and a Catholic woman were having coffee in St. Peters Square .
    
    
    The first Catholic man tells his friends, "My son is a priest, when he walks into a room,  everyone calls him
    'Father'."
    
    The second Catholic man chirps, "My son is a Bishop.  When he walks into a room   people call him
    'Your Grace'."
    
    
    The third Catholic gent says, "My son is a Cardinal.  When he enters a room everyone bows their head and says
    'Your Eminence'."
    
    
    Since the lone Catholic woman was sipping her coffee in silence, The four men give her a subtle, "Well....?" She proudly replies,
    I have a daughter,
     
     
    SLIM  & TALL
     
    40 D Breasts
    
    24" WAIST and
     
    34" HIPS  When she walks into a room, people say,
    “ Oh MY God”

    Hi Joe!
    
    I'll have a double espresso!!! Cheers, Patrizzio!

IIDD, March 2nd

If only I may grow: firmer, simpler, -- quieter, warmer. -Dag Hammarskjold, Secretary General of the United Nations, Nobel laureate (1905-1961) 

The School of Athens

Art: Raphael

Lyceum: From Latin lyceum, from Greek Lykeion, an epithet of Apollo meaning wolf-slayer, from lykos (wolf) which also gave us words such as lupine (like a wolf) and lycanthropy (the delusion of being a wolf). In ancient Greece lyceum was a gymnasium so named because it was near a temple of Apollo. Aristotle established his school here. Earliest documented use: 1579.   

Greetings from Nanoose!

A wonderful day skiing up on Mt Washington today-just a 1 hour drive from front door to top of mountain.

Several hours of blue skies on beautiful snow...

We need to "pin you down" to a couple of weeks next year in Maui, so that we can plan for others.

(you get 1st dibs-seniority and all...!)

Don't worry, if your plans change, no problem, but we hope that you will join us for walks/whales/cycling/food/wines...

So, you can pick either the 1st 2 weeks, or the last.

That would be Jan 26th to Feb 9th, or Feb 16th to March 2nd.

Let us know your pick, and we will work around it.

(Remember, if you have to bail out, no problem-we just want you to pick so that we can talk to a couple of other folks-mayber dangerous Dan & Una!)

I think that Wayne & Michele have too many holidays already planned for 2013 already, and can't make it, but we'll find another time for them!

The place is quite spectacular-4th floor right on the ocean for whale watching, great cooking facilities/BBQ etc, not to mention USA wine deals.

Any ways, you are almost ready to depart, we believe, so let us know, stay in touch & Bon Voyage!!! Safe travels... Gregg & Francesca

Hi Lurch and Grogg!

Trust you are both well! Must apologize for not replying sooner but time has simply evaporated! As you know, we are leaving on Monday! Mt Washington sounded marvelous. Weather here hasn't been great here, of late, so have been doing more swimming than cycling.

What with trying to deal with the myriad things that need to be done before being away for three months, (never mind packing!), life has pretty much been a whirlwind of activity. Week ago today I picked up Tina and Trevor, again, as you know, who had been skiing at Sun Peaks. They were to leave for home next day so we had invited Sylvia and Ray Banks to join us for dinner. Coriandre prepared a wonderful Japanese recipe for sliced pork. I did Yukon Gold potatoes, halved, on skewers, with a Dijon mustard/olive oil/fresh rosemary coating, broiled, and Her Majesty added fresh green beans, cherry tomatoes and feta, to the menu for vegetable dish.

Couple of white wines from BC's Okanagan Valley, 2009 Dunham Froese, Amicitia, (blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Viognier), 13%, pink grapefruit, tart, with a fine, spicy, lingering finish,
and a 2010 Sandhill Chardonnay, 14.5%, clean and fresh, tropical fruit and spice. First red was from Chile: 2009 Novas Carmenere/Cabernet, 14.5%. I'd never tasted this wine before so was really looking forward to it. Not disappointed in the least as it was gloriously intense, ripe strawberries and black pepper with subtle, well‐structured tannins. Need to pick up a few more bottles before we leave! Next red was from Argentina, 2008 Trivento Malbec, 14.5%. Had not had this particular vintage before but had quite liked earlier ones. Eucalyptus and blackberry, wonderfully jammy with a touch of black cherry sourness, impressive length.

Sylvia had brought along a divine crumble, apple with rhubarb, topped with rolled oats and brown sugar, for dessert, topped with French Vanilla ice cream. Even persuaded some of The Sisterhood to have a few snorts of single malt, Bunnahabhain's Darach Ur, 46%, sweet vanilla oak with dried fruits and a hint of cinnamon, as well as Auchentoshen's Three Wood, 43%, caramel and a little bit of sherry, touch of orange peel along with light, toasty oak fragrance. Lovely evening with wonderful friends.

With respect to time in Maui, once again, sounds heavenly so thanks for gracious invitation. Feb 16th to March 2nd would probably be our preferred dates, as of now. However, certainly appreciate the flexibility about committing, at this point, as we are currently exploring a month or so in Panama around similar times. Understand there is a direct flight from Vancouver, via Transat, and know that Clarisse and Coat Hanger cannot manage other than direct flights, certainly reinforced after experience with their latest cruise connections. It went well but extremely long days with change of plane, etc., is simply too much for them now. Will know more once we are back, of course. Hope this is fine.

Thanks for travel wishes. Will be in touch while "on the road"! My suitcase is calling!!! No sorry, "SHOUTING"!!! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Last Saturday night's gathering: Flamin'; Sylvia/Trevor; Ray/Chloë; Sarge; Cora Lee; Tina; latest of Pierre! This past Thursday evening. Gayle/Derek, with Krissy, (their daughter), and Mark, her husband. Krissy is a work mate of Chloë's at GIB. We are planning to exchange homes with G/D, (they live in Cornwall, UK!), in summer of 2013.

Hi all,

We've just come back from Tasmania where we spent 3 wonderful days exploring the southern part of the island. There was no cell phone or internet reception so we've been out of touch for the first part of the week.
 
We arrived in Aussie land Feb 21st after nearly 26 hours either in the air or at airports. I'd set my watch to Melbourne time as soon as we boarded our flight from LA, so it put us in sync to the correct time here. Laura picked us up from the airport but had to go back to work, so we went grocery shopping, made dinner for all of us and then went for an hour walk before going to bed. Sure made a difference to ward off jet lag.
 
The next day Ted & I walked to the beach along St Kilda - about a 15 to 20 minute walk from L & J's home. We walked for about 3 hours and came back with blistered feet and burnt necks. The temp was around 31 degrees C.
Later went out for an incredible dinner to celebrate Ted's 65th and James's 31st birthdays. Restaurants are very competitive and rarely is the food substandard. We could just eat our way around Australia - in fact that is exactly what we're doing. Definitely not losing weight.
 
The next day we learned more about the transit system and wandered around the central business district of Melbourne. Friday Ted had a few workshops organized so I busied myself with more grocery shopping and preparing meals. Melbourne went up to 39 degrees C so it got unbelievably hot in the kitchen. Thankfully L & J have air conditioning although it didn't keep it really cool. 
 
We decided to get away from the heat for the weekend so L & J rented a cottage in Wilson's Promontory. We went for a 2 hour hike in the early morning and by 10:30 am it was already 28 degrees. Long sandy beaches with hardly anyone around and no sharks or jelly fish. Waves were pretty high so after 10 minutes in the water, I was totally exhausted. Back to the cottage for dinner before going to the penguin parade on Phillip Island. Beautiful night to sit and watch the penguins waddle in from the ocean at dusk. We were able to see the southern cross and the milky way in the clear night sky. Returned to the cottage and received wonderful news - James proposed to Laura - finally!
 
So another wedding everyone. Not sure where or when it will be but we're definitely celebrating! Had dinner with James's parents the next day. Pat must have suspected something because she had invited her brother and his wife, plus James's best friend and his wife. Will keep you informed.
 
This is the best trip ever. And we get to go back to Van to await Steph & Will's baby at the end of April. How lucky can we be!
 
Cheers to you all Love Elaine
 
Hi Elaine and Ted!

Congratulations, indeed, to Laura and James! We'll have to celebrate with them when we are in Melbourne. Also, Belated Birthday Greetings to both Ted and James! Hip Hip Hooray! For they are Jolly Good Fellows...!

With all the excitement and travel and sunburns, trust you are both well! Must apologize for not replying sooner but time has simply evaporated! As you might remember,, we are leaving on Monday! Not sure how long you will be in Melbourne. (We spend five nights in Hong Kong. Then leave on March 11th to land in Sydney on March 12th. Will be there until we fly to Melbourne on March 17th to hook up with Flamin’ and Sarge. We will rent a car there and will travel around, basically a loop, to Adelaide, back to Melbourne then to Sydney. From there to Brisbane and then a flight to Cairns. F/S return home from there while we fly to Darwin. After a week exploring that part of country we are back in Sydney, for a week or so, before on to Japan, arriving on May 12th, for three weeks. Not home until May 31st!) Let us know if we will cross paths in Oz or when it might be best to see newly engaged couple!

Again, congratulations to everyone Will be in touch while "on the road"! My suitcase is calling!!! No sorry, "SHOUTING"!!! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Folks.

A couple of things before you go.

The earlier invoice showing the original payment of $325 for the insurance top up returned to us from your address. Not sure why? Had Patrick Dunn’s name and the Lameys Mill address. Anyways, when I get the new invoice, probably today, I will email it to you from online, and then send again, but you won’t get until you return. You do have the new amount you paid on what I sent you the other day. The policy# is still the same. Trust this is all clear? Any questions, please call.

Also, we just read this and just in case you didn’t see it. Not sure how this will affect your trip. Just wanted you to know.

FLOODING for NSW

TORRENTIAL rain has brought flooding to the Australian state of New South Wales and forced evacuations in some areas. Large parts of the state were either flooded or under threat, local media said. Canberra had received its entire monthly average rainfall in one day. The rain has been caused by a weather system moving across southern and central parts of the state. Several roads are said to be closed and a dam to the west of Sydney was reportedly at risk of overflowing. The Age newspaper reported that Canberra had been hit by 53mm of rain in 24 hours, compared with an average monthly total of 50.7mm.  Evacuations had been ordered in at least four areas of New South Wales, including in Cooma, where two creeks were said to be rising rapidly. The Bureau of Meteorology said some areas in New South Wales could expect more than 100mm of rain on Thursday and warned of possible flash floods in the coming days. New South Wales state emergency services are preparing for more rain over the next three days with up to 300mm expected to fall in some areas. Northern parts of the state and southern areas of Queensland were also hit by flooding last month. Have a great journey!

Hi Champagne!

"It was clear as mud/But it covered the ground/The confusion made me head go round!"

Anyway, thanks for latest re-working of insurance! With respect to packing, the secret is just to fill your suitcase with $100 bills! Will be in touch while "on the road"! My suitcase is calling!!! No sorry, "shouting"!!! Thanks again for your help and support. Best wishes for now to O Susannah and you. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Jo-Anne and Colin!

Trust you are both well! Will be in touch while "on the road"! My suitcase is calling!!! No sorry, "SHOUTING"!!! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

 

 

IIDD, March 1st

Contempt is the weapon of the weak and a defense against one's own despised and unwanted feelings. -Alice Miller, psychologist and author (1923-2010) 

Hi Legs!

Trust you are well! Had wanted to send a note earlier but time has simply evaporated! As you might recall, we leave this coming Monday, March 5th, for five nights in Hong Kong. Then leave on March 11th to land in Sydney on March 12th. Will be there until we fly to Melbourne on March 17th to hook up with close friends, Flamin’ and Sarge. We will rent a car there and will travel around, basically a loop, to Adelaide, back to Melbourne then to Sydney. From there to Brisbane and then a flight to Cairns. F/S return home from there while we fly to Darwin. After a week exploring that part of country we are back in Sydney before on to Japan for three weeks. Not home until May 31st!

Have told Chloe about your dish so you can call her to arrange collection when timing suits. We'll be home over next two days so if you want to pop by that would be fine as well. If not, will be in touch while "on the road"! My suitcase is calling!!! Best wishes to you for now. L'Chaim, Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Ayn P shared Equality California's status update.

Equality California

BREAKING: Maryland's Governor signs marriage equality into law!

 

Chloe Alexis Dunn

Check out the love for Pig on the Street!!!!

Reader Soapbox: Search for bacon sandwich turns Vancouver couple into mobile food vendors

www.vancourier.com

Straw, sticks, brick, and three little pigs, sound familiar? You know the story with a hungry wolf huffing

 

Bryson tapes:

P,

I thought these tapes might give you some sense of his reading of his own work -- which I think is outstanding. He reads all his work when it is available in audio format. I also found these pieces, I am A Stranger Here Myself, to be particularly funny even though they are somewhat dated. If you are taking a Bryson book, Notes from a Small Island is really quite amusing – about England.

Have a great journey. W