all sounds lovely, you are missing excellent weather here, mags is sunning herself daily, love to all!!!!
xxxx
Hi Chloë, Suntanning Kitten and Tinsel Town!
Glad that your weather, in Vancouver, is as warm and sunny as Winnipeg's. However, you probably don't need air conditioning. Here, sleeping at night, would be very uncomfortable without it! What about LA, Ayn?
Had thought that I would ride out to Assiniboine Park yesterday afternoon but once I reached River Road, at the south end of St. Michael, next to St. Vital Park, which borders the Red River, I decided to explore the area on the other side of Bishop Grandin, a major arterial route on the east side of the city. Crossing over, (I timed the light poifectly so that I didn't have to stop, you will be delighted to learn, Dear Reader!), the dual cariageway, I continued along River Road into a neighbourhood I had never been in before even when I lived here. I discovered, after proceeding a few blocks, Riel House, a National Historic Site operated by Parks Canada. I'm rather ashamed to admit it but I really had no idea that such a museum existed! So much for my knowledge of one of the most important figures in both Manitoba's and the country's history! At any rate, I turned in the driveway leading to the small park in which sat Riel's frame house. Interestingly enough, it reminded me, almost exactly, of the house in Rivers where, as you know, my grandparents lived, where Mom and her brothers were born and where I stayed as a child, where you visited as an infant!
At any rate, a number of people were sitting at a table, under a large tree, and I assumed they were visitors having a drink or a bite to eat. After one young woman said hello and welcomed me, I learned that they were people who worked there, in period costume, actors hired to tell Riel's story. Didn't really have time to stop as it was past 5:00pm by this time and I had to be back around 6:15pm as we were to go out for dinner with Noreen at 7:30pm but needed to collect her around 7:00pm. (Thought then that I'd like to visit before we leave for Falcon so will probably do so with Nana!)
Waved goodbye and kept exploring, riding through the grounds of St Amant, a small Catholic hospital, not far from Riel House. A few minutes later, I asked a chap on one of streets I was reconnoitering if he knew if I would eventually reach the University of Manitoba by heading east on St Mary's Road, the main thoroughfare att eh north end of St Michael. Not being familiar, as I mentioned earlier, with this part of the city, I wasn't sure if there was another bridge over the Red, in that direction. He informed me that I would have to use the bridge on Bishop Grandin to get to U of M but that there was a pedestrian/bike path on the east side of the bridge. Thanking him, I retraced my steps back across BG to pick up the path close to the entrance to St Vital Park. Following it I made my way under the bridge and was soon in Fort Garry and speeding towards the university.
Although I studied there from 1970-1973, (working on my MA in English Literature, thesis still incomplete!), I think the last time I was actually on campus was some time in the mid '80's when I went to play handball with Rocky while we were home for Christmas one year. I barely recognized the place as I cycled around the perimeter, trying to remember the names of buildings I had taken or given classes in. Having almost circumcycled the campus, I took a street leading into the centre and started to get my bearings although I could not, for the life of me, remember the Dafoe Library looking as it appeared today. I asked a passerby if it was a new building, since the '70's and he said he didn't think so but that it had received a new façade. Heartened that I wasn't losing my mind, I thanked him and rode around the very attractively landscaped pedestrian/bikeway concourses, feeling more at home as I recognized a number of other buildings: the Student Union Building, the Athletic Centre where I played many a game of handball and University College where I had had an office as a TA.
Close to 5:50pm, I headed back towards the bridge and decided, before going home, to scope out the route that I wanted to follow today, west along Pembina Highway towards Wildwood Park, coming at Sally's/Filmer's house from the opposite direction. I only had time to go but a block or two on Pembina but I think/hope I should be able to make the trek off this busy street. Saw a number of signs indicating Bike Route so trust it will be rather self-evident once I more time to explore.
Back at 33 St Michael with 43.33K on odometer to find that dinner with Noreen had been cancelled. Unfortunately, she had been suffering from a very painful migraine and so couldn't even think about going out. (We hope to see her on Monday before heading out to Falcon.) This being the case, I had plenty of time to do some stretches and crunches while your Mother watched Judi Dench in As Time Goes By. Once I showered and changed, I put a few cobs of corn on to boil and made a salad. Nana had taken one package of pickerel filets out to thaw, after she had talked to Noreen, so she fried them with Mrs Dash just before cobs were ready. Had a delicious Navarro Correas 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, (Mendoza, Argentina), 13.5% while preparing dinner and a more than tasty Koyle, 2009 Carmenere, Alto Colchagua, Chile, 14% with meal itself.
Cody had a friend over and we invited them to eat with us but they wanted to do burgers on the bbq so we ate inside although we would probably have used patio if they had not been home, evening being as pleasant as it was and not a bug in sight! After dinner, I cleared up and Coriandre went back to Dame Judy. A couple of other friends popped by and I said hello to the gang, by now everyone gathered in the TV Room, off the kitchen. I asked the lads if they would like to join me in a snort of malt, after I determined that they would either not be driving or that there was a designated driver. Three of them opted for a taste of Bruichladdich, Waves, 46%, and one of Laphroaig, Quarter Cask, 48%. Cody started to cough and splutter after sipping the Laphroaig, much to the amusement of Fraser, the one friend, (his name implies he is probably of Scottish parentage), who seemed best able to appreciate the maltage. By and large, they are probably used to drinking Spiced Rum so these peated malts were new to their young palettes! Good fun with the Bad Uncle! Chided, of course, by Mother Hen Cora Lee!
Said goodnight to lads and joined Coriandre on couch to watch a bit of business coverage, US economy, on PBS, after British sitcom, and then some weather reports about Hurricane Irene threatening Eastern Seaboard, Washington, Boston and New York. (Yesterday, before Greg and Pam left for War Eagle, we were watching similar coverage and Greg and I mentioned to The Sisterhood that we had one-way tickets, for each of the Durston sisters, to The Big Apple. All they needed to do to claim the free flight was sign a few insurance forms!!!) Around midnight, we brushed and flossed and then read for a bit before turning out light.
I was up at 7:30am to have a cup of java and make a breakfast of overlefts. Cora Lee struggled out of bed around 8:30am and we both read online, (VIWF Book News for me, various papers, [National Post, Vancouver Sun], for her), while we munched and sipped. She is of downtown, by bus, to explore Osborne Village and environs, while I will ride to Pembina and beyond. Little cooler today but still supposed to reach 26C by this afternoon so will need my camel pack for sure!
We are to be at Wildwood Park by 6:00pm this evening, for a bbq with Sally/Filmer so will need to be back by 5:00ish. Fonestos and Cheers, Dad!
Hi Pat,
You sound like you up to your usual busy schedule
We arrived safely in Santiago, only to have my bag stolen right from under my feet while we were having lunch.
thank God I had all my documents in a passport pouch around my neck. I am so mad, but apparently here it is really bad.
well onto more pleasant experiences, running the rain.
buenos Tardis, Ski
Hi Ski and Ronaldo!
Glad to learn that you are alive and well in Santiago but terribly sorry to hear about your purse! What a drag!! Trust nothing else, untoward, befalls you! Don't miss your flight home!!!
Pat,
Felt rather guilty when I read your letter with the proposed lengthy bike trips as I haven't been out since you left. Realize that I'm a very social cyclist although I have been to the gym a couple of times - don't seem to mind that in isolation. Just recovering from two days of painting on one of Peter's renovations. Needed the day off to help the back recover but probably back at it tomorrow without the regular Saturday morning ride. Must get the odometer fixed up soon. Haven't got passed looking at the instructions. Think I'll place it the old Giant as that will be the main bike once the winter sets in. Much appreciated as I enjoy looking at the numbers and it serves as an excellent training tool.
Thanks for the photos. Sylvia went cycling with Pauline this morning in the Endowment Lands. Met Sylvia about three hours later as I was making my way to Broadway on my bike on an errand. Of course, they had stopped at some French coffee shop on Broadway and met up with Bill Gross and Denise.
Fantastic weather here also. We've been eating on the deck regularly and have guests this evening - Susan Whaley and Tom Sitar. Susan's Phd was based on the Australian author, Pat White (think I have that name right).
Chris returns from Fort Steel on Sunday as he has eight job applications in and is hoping to be interviewed for some of them. He sent us some great photos in costume which I'll try and send.
This is the weekend Jim is cycling west to east coast (C2C) with his son, Richard, and son-in-law, Ed. Christine is backing up in the car.
Enjoy the good weather as well as the contacts with friends and relatives.
Regards to Corinne.
Ray
Felt rather guilty when I read your letter with the proposed lengthy bike trips as I haven't been out since you left. Realize that I'm a very social cyclist although I have been to the gym a couple of times - don't seem to mind that in isolation. Just recovering from two days of painting on one of Peter's renovations. Needed the day off to help the back recover but probably back at it tomorrow without the regular Saturday morning ride. Must get the odometer fixed up soon. Haven't got passed looking at the instructions. Think I'll place it the old Giant as that will be the main bike once the winter sets in. Much appreciated as I enjoy looking at the numbers and it serves as an excellent training tool.
Thanks for the photos. Sylvia went cycling with Pauline this morning in the Endowment Lands. Met Sylvia about three hours later as I was making my way to Broadway on my bike on an errand. Of course, they had stopped at some French coffee shop on Broadway and met up with Bill Gross and Denise.
Fantastic weather here also. We've been eating on the deck regularly and have guests this evening - Susan Whaley and Tom Sitar. Susan's Phd was based on the Australian author, Pat White (think I have that name right).
Chris returns from Fort Steel on Sunday as he has eight job applications in and is hoping to be interviewed for some of them. He sent us some great photos in costume which I'll try and send.
This is the weekend Jim is cycling west to east coast (C2C) with his son, Richard, and son-in-law, Ed. Christine is backing up in the car.
Enjoy the good weather as well as the contacts with friends and relatives.
Regards to Corinne.
Ray
Pat,
The photos I mentioned taken at their workplace in Fort Steele.
Ray
Hi Ray and Sylvia!
Glad to learn that your back isn't too, too bad after painting for two days, Raymond! Was it at Tom Johnson's house? Funnily enough, had a message from Whirlygig and he just received an odometer from his girlfriend, Kerry. You should give him a shout and you can cross-check your settings while ascending Seymour!!! Of course, if you prefer an easier ride you could always join the latte crowd and use the special setting to count coffee cups and muffins! Probably what Jim is doing on C2C as Chris will be driving from coffee shop to coffee shop!
Thanks for pictures. Great fun! Curiously enough, I thought of Chris and company, (You will understand why when, (not "if"), you read on!), in their historical garb on my ride yesterday. Just to clarify, is "Chris" his girlfriend? Bit confusing with two names the same! (Not even counting Christine Brownlee!) Or is it "Nevada"? Is that a stage name? Good luck with interviews/job placement. As another aside, we must try to have Bill and Denise over with you and Carters as we've not seen them in ages.
Glad to learn that your back isn't too, too bad after painting for two days, Raymond! Was it at Tom Johnson's house? Funnily enough, had a message from Whirlygig and he just received an odometer from his girlfriend, Kerry. You should give him a shout and you can cross-check your settings while ascending Seymour!!! Of course, if you prefer an easier ride you could always join the latte crowd and use the special setting to count coffee cups and muffins! Probably what Jim is doing on C2C as Chris will be driving from coffee shop to coffee shop!
Thanks for pictures. Great fun! Curiously enough, I thought of Chris and company, (You will understand why when, (not "if"), you read on!), in their historical garb on my ride yesterday. Just to clarify, is "Chris" his girlfriend? Bit confusing with two names the same! (Not even counting Christine Brownlee!) Or is it "Nevada"? Is that a stage name? Good luck with interviews/job placement. As another aside, we must try to have Bill and Denise over with you and Carters as we've not seen them in ages.
P,
I did not realize you were driving. I thought you were leaving at 4AM to get
a 6AM flight...
The sisterhood bought me an odometer for my road bike so I can verify your
kilometrage -- all sponsored by Lexus.
Before the installation of the klik counter -- I did the UBC to Iona to STB
and up Cambie, cursing all the way, in your honour – a two hour blast on the
carbon fibre rocket. Winds were moderate from the south east. I am having
trouble hearing you from three provinces away so I would like it if you
would please speak up.
Let me know when you are returning to the civilized world. I am trying to
arrange a bridge night here with you and C and Kerry’s mother Rita who is
coming to town from K’lowna for a wedding here on the 10th.
Weather is pretty special here – just let those sunny flatlanders know we
get a full three days without rain a year and it is now.
Enjoy, W
I did not realize you were driving. I thought you were leaving at 4AM to get
a 6AM flight...
The sisterhood bought me an odometer for my road bike so I can verify your
kilometrage -- all sponsored by Lexus.
Before the installation of the klik counter -- I did the UBC to Iona to STB
and up Cambie, cursing all the way, in your honour – a two hour blast on the
carbon fibre rocket. Winds were moderate from the south east. I am having
trouble hearing you from three provinces away so I would like it if you
would please speak up.
Let me know when you are returning to the civilized world. I am trying to
arrange a bridge night here with you and C and Kerry’s mother Rita who is
coming to town from K’lowna for a wedding here on the 10th.
Weather is pretty special here – just let those sunny flatlanders know we
get a full three days without rain a year and it is now.
Enjoy, W
Hi Whirlissimo!
Glad to learn that weather is fab and that you are obtaining tax credits for using Cambie. Guess you'll need them now that HST revenues must be repaid to Federales! As well, more than delighted to hear, (I am shouting this at a 10 on The Sisterhood's Howlometer, so I trust you can hear me!), you are now the proud owner of a Klickometer! A new standard for bridge prizes! Not sure if I mentioned that I gave Robo Ray one, in part to thank him for bottle of Bunnahabhain so you should give him a shout and you can cross-check your settings while ascending Seymour!!! Of course, if you prefer an easier ride you could always join the latte crowd and use the special setting to count coffee cups and muffins! Probably what Jim is doing on C2C as Chris will be driving from coffee shop to coffee shop!
We will be home by the afternoon/evening of the Friday, the 9th, or next morning, Saturday, the 10th, for a wedding reception, ourselves, that evening. Think first night would be Sunday but I'm not sure. I'll speak to Coriandre and let you know as soon as she consults her diary. Look forward to meeting Rita. Maybe we'll be at same wedding in Big Small Town!!!
Glad to learn that weather is fab and that you are obtaining tax credits for using Cambie. Guess you'll need them now that HST revenues must be repaid to Federales! As well, more than delighted to hear, (I am shouting this at a 10 on The Sisterhood's Howlometer, so I trust you can hear me!), you are now the proud owner of a Klickometer! A new standard for bridge prizes! Not sure if I mentioned that I gave Robo Ray one, in part to thank him for bottle of Bunnahabhain so you should give him a shout and you can cross-check your settings while ascending Seymour!!! Of course, if you prefer an easier ride you could always join the latte crowd and use the special setting to count coffee cups and muffins! Probably what Jim is doing on C2C as Chris will be driving from coffee shop to coffee shop!
We will be home by the afternoon/evening of the Friday, the 9th, or next morning, Saturday, the 10th, for a wedding reception, ourselves, that evening. Think first night would be Sunday but I'm not sure. I'll speak to Coriandre and let you know as soon as she consults her diary. Look forward to meeting Rita. Maybe we'll be at same wedding in Big Small Town!!!
Pat:
Des and Sheila are here for the weekend. Ryan and I do not leave until Monday morning. We went to Joe Fortes last night for dinner. Wayne Sutherland
Morning D,
Sounds like your having a great time in the Peg, sorry to hear you were not able to see Noreen, hopefully monday will work out. Off to the Trout Lake Farmers market in a bit to meet my friend Christa (she used to work at the brewery) as she is heading off thursday for Halifax to start law at Dal and want to spend some time with her. then later today i am going to go see George for a little bit, drop off the books and some DVD's of mine i think he might enjoy.Will also add Grandma to the visiting mix today!
Still sunny and nice here. Tell Cody not to bother with the malt, stick with the weed.
Love you both.
Chloe Alexis and Mags "wearing a two piece cause I'm so skinny" the cat
xxxxx
Sounds like your having a great time in the Peg, sorry to hear you were not able to see Noreen, hopefully monday will work out. Off to the Trout Lake Farmers market in a bit to meet my friend Christa (she used to work at the brewery) as she is heading off thursday for Halifax to start law at Dal and want to spend some time with her. then later today i am going to go see George for a little bit, drop off the books and some DVD's of mine i think he might enjoy.Will also add Grandma to the visiting mix today!
Still sunny and nice here. Tell Cody not to bother with the malt, stick with the weed.
Love you both.
Chloe Alexis and Mags "wearing a two piece cause I'm so skinny" the cat
xxxxx
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