IIDD, July 4th

Hi Deborah!

Wonderful news, on all fronts, more or less, family matters aside! Congrats on GC's! You are more than making up for lost time, it would seem, what with acting, landladying, de-cluttering, relationship building and home improving!!! Can we have your autograph before you become Tinsel Town famous? Onward! Upward!!

Went for one of what was, most probably, the most pleasant of rides, in terms of sunshine and temperature, so far this summer, if one can be so bold as to call the late arriving season by its proper name. Whirlygig and I picked up Jim, (School chum, from Hartlepool, of a close friend, Ray, who is in England/France for next six weeks. Jim and Christine, Jim's wife, are living in Sylvia's/Ray's house for next four weeks.), at 8:15am and proceeded up Cypress and down to Marine Drive, over Arthur Lang Bridge and thence to Iona Island where Vancouver's sewage treatment facility is located. In spite of treatment facility, it is a lovely promontory, featuring a bird sanctuary and delightful picnic area. Simply stunning view looking back to city with magnificent, snow-capped peaks sparkling in the sun, the Lions presiding regally over the metropolis below.

Back over CSTB and then up Heather to 29th whence we made our way back to Ray's place, (23rd/Arbutus), to drop Jim off. Whirlygig and I followed Valley bike route to 16th and then Giggenheimer peeled off at 2nd and MacDonald, while I made my way home, past Kits Pool, dipsy-doodling around Kits Point to push odometer to a paltry 51K by time I was in front of Harbour Terrace.

Found Cora Lee just back from picking up my friend Imre at VGH. He had been in overnight for a blood transfusion. Things not going very well with his fight against multiple myeloma so a very sad state of affairs. He had called yesterday to ask for a lift to hospital but we were both out and didn't listen to phone messages till late that evening. Felt very badly so was pleased that Corinne had been able to help out, for return trip, at least.

Pleased to say that with this latest glorious sunshine, Cora Lee has been able to power wash patio in preparation for re-painting. Hope deck will be spiffy for Wednesday when Nancy and David are here from Berkeley. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!