P,
Hope your ride is good today. Will join you Wednesday if you are getting on the horse.
Back from The Bay late tonight. Bringing home the 50s console which we are pretty happy about.
Look forward to hearing about all your shenanigans including the disreadership. W
Hi Giggster!
Congrats to you and The Jackal for your win! Wonderful woik!!! Wasn't sure when you were returning from SF. Not quite sure if you have a new email address or not so will send this message to both.
With repsect to ride on Wednesday, I'm up for that. Suggest a reasonably early start, 8:30am or so, depending on your school logistics, per esempio. Raymundo may wish to join us as well so perhaps we could meet near school. Looking further ahead, Big Al, (Not Marcus Aurelius as I've already chatted and he is busy with his Dad), is keen for Friday. Weather is supposed to co-operate so I thought that we could look at further explorations of Burnaby. Let me know your htoughts on both days/rides and we'll plan accordingly.
Had quite an excursion with Robo Ray yesterday. He met me at The Heartbreak Parkade at 9:30am and we proceeded, in an easterly direction, around Science World, to cycle into the eye of The Hurricane as we rounded the end of False Creek! Don't think I've ever ridden into such a head wind before. It was quite amazing, dodging airborne leaves, thick as flak bursting over German cities, blizzards of them drifting across the path, showers of them being torn from the trees along the way. Often had to shout to make ourselves heard over the roar of the wind. Occasionally we'd find respite in the lee of a building or the support pillars of the bridges we passed beneath. Out in the open, beyond the Aquatic Centre, the gale buffeted us anew and we fantasized about having Ken and you and Ragin' Bull in the peleton with the two of us drafting behind!
Constant struggle until we made it to underpass near playground and then we were protected, to a certain degree, the occasional gust wobbling us nearly into collision with one another. Easier going until the Rowing Club and then the battle began once more. By this time we could only laugh and put our heads down. Once in the shelter of the bank just beyond the point where we zip down onto the pedestrian pathway, at the risk of being ticketed by the Lexus Polizei, going was quite comfortable though we knew what awaited as soon as we made it under Lions Gate.
By this time we had started to notice the wave action, whitecaps frothing English Bay, the breakers crashing against the Seawall, sending up explosions of white water, bursting like high explosive shells on the beaches of Normandy on D Day! Just as we rounded the corner, where one is supposed to dismount, (I spit on such silly admonishments, Dear Reader, as you know!), we had to make way for another cyclist, coming towards us, in flagrant violation of Seawall traffic flow. (Do as I say, not as I do, Dear Reader!) Wondered if Seawall might be closed ahead and that he simply had to turn around to make his way out of park.
Decided to press on and really started to enjoy the cannonading, here the pedestrian walkway often awash with the surge, but not the bike path. Only had to dodge the joggers, walkers and baby strollers using the "diamond", our restricted lane! Everyone we passed was similarly exhilarated and atmosphere was quite delightful, especially since the sunshine was glorious and in spite of gale force wind, temperature was more than comfortable. In fact, I was probably a tad overdressed, more than toasty for entire ride.
From time to time, (could never figure out the rhyme or reason of it), the wind would shoot us along and we would shift into high gear and whizz along until, just as inexplicably, we'd run into a solid wall of screaming air and be forced to change gears. Not Robo Ray, however, he simply kept churning away, jaw set, legs locomotive pistons as he "attacked" his howling opponent with grim, relentless determination.
Once we made the Sylvia Hotel going was more than easy but tempered by what we knew lay ahead. We planned to make for UBC so the thought of the head wind we would face once we reached Science World, all the way to Spanish Banks and the Foreshore Hill, was rather dispiriting, to say the least. Nevertheless, we soldiered on and, to tell the truth, going was not quite as difficult as we had imagined. Not easy going, but not quite as incredible as run into Stanley Park itself.
Once we made it to campus, we cut across, via West Mall, to Thunderbird and then onto 16th, making for Imperial. Not a single Mercedes in sight at St Georges as we turned north, past Tia Maria's former school to King Ed and then all the way east to Yew. Dropped Raymundo off with about 54/55K for him, (You will recall that he'd cycled to our place initially so he had logged more distance, in spite of my numerous circlings, en route!), to proceed home, following my regular, established route down Macdonald, Kits Beach, Kits Point and Lamey's Mill Road. Total elapsed distance: 61.33K. One of more interesting rides to date. Know everyone, all the regulars or quasi-regulars, would have enjoyed it as it was both challenging, (Raymundo and I feel, quite strongly, that we should be able to add, as a wind handicap, at least 20K to our totals!), and rather thrilling, in a sado-masochistic way!
That evening Cora Lee and I celebrated the 40th anniversary of our first meeting, at a pub, Champs Motor Inn, in Winnipeg. Beautiful Fall afternoon, clear, crisp and sunny, (almost identical to yesterday, with exception of wind!), when we went inside, to meet, by chance, later. More than a foot of snow, (felt sorry for all the kids who were going out trick or treating), when we left, together, as I wanted to drive Cora Lee to her place so I could "stalk" her! [This is Ayn's take: "40 years ago I was out trick-or-treating with Grandma Clara and Grandpa Soup while my mom was out with friends and met the man I was never successfully able to run off...way to stick it out there Poppa aka Dad aka Patrick aka Little Dictator!!"]
Flamin' and Sarge joined us at 6:00pm for a bottle of Henkell Trocken, Dry, to celebrate. Were taking them out to dinner as an anniversary present to them. Their anniversary was in July but we couldn't all be together at the time. Had planned to go to Edibles, a new restaurant on Granville Island we've quite enjoyed in the past. When we arrived found a notice informing prospective customers place was closed for Halloween! Decided upon Granville Island Hotel and enjoyed a very pleasant, tasty meal in front of one of their fireplaces as evening was lovely but chilly.
Back home for another bottle of red wine, Silk Scarf 2008 Ensemble, a Bordeaux-style blend, Merlot Cabbage and Cabernet-Franc, complex with a caressing softness, much like The Sisterhood! Great evening and a more than wonderful way to celebrate 40 years of domestic servitude and penury!!!
Cheers, Patrizio, aka Scullion Extraordinaire/Pauper in Extremis/Il Conduttore!
PS: an ersatz, quasi, extended paraprosdokian:
The police came to my front door last night holding a picture of my
wife. They said "is this your wife sir?". Shocked I answered "yes".
They said "I'm afraid it looks like she's been hit by a bus". I said "I
know, but she has a lovely personality".
Safety Triangle: Latest road safety video from Lexus Polizei!
Hello Patrick,
I'm writing to let you know that our trip to the Broadway Lodge was great. Tia liked the casual atmosphere, I think she was really worried that it was going to be formal (playing in front of 40 people was feeling a little overwhelming to her, she thought she was just going to play for your Mom!). We met Fe and she made us feel very welcome. We arrived just as the residents were having their lunch, so the timing was good as we got to see many of the people that might gather around to listen to Tia tap on the ivories. I think we will go back this Saturday/Sunday and play during the lunch hour! Tia did play a bit while we were there and she seemed fine.
We met your Mama just as she was heading back up to her room, Tia said she is cute! We introduced ourselves and then away she went.
Thank you again for making this connection for us, it will be good for all of us!!
Hope to see you soon, Kerry
Hi Kerry/Tia and Whirlissimo!
Grand that everything went well at The Lodge! I know that the people at the Lodge are pleased to have Tia play. Glad that The Young Glen Gould likes venue. Carnegie Hall next stop! Terrific you met Mom as well. I saw her yesterday, around 2:00pm, and she was quite alert so had a pleasant visit even if she only managed to say: "Good idea!" This was in response to me suggesting that Tia should give me half of her Halloween swag!!!
Put lotion on her arms and hands and then helped her with with juice. Once again, after I primed the pump, (Need to give her a sip of liquid first otherwise she simply chews straw!), she drank glass down without any trouble.
If you are planning to pop by Lodge on weekend let us know and perhaps we could play a few rounds of bridge, (we have gluten-free playing cards!), afterwards, depending on your schedules, of course. We might even be able to co-ordinate this with a ride, Giorgio, if weather allows. Anyway, let me know and if this might work let's figure out timing, etc. Cheers, Patrizio!
Hello Patrick!
Your Mom is a smart woman, it is a great idea that you have half of Tia's Halloween swag. Indeed, she has an overflowing bread bowl full of candy. Attached is a picture of Tia in her Halloween costume - she is Coraline, the Tim Burton character, not a fisherman!!
I'm really getting to know Wayne (via email, haven't met him) at the lodge. He suggested Tia either play at 11am or 2ish, so I think Tia will enter the Broadway stage around 11am on Saturday. I would think we'll be there for an hour at the most. I'll talk to George and see what our plans are, we are having some kidlets and parents over later in the day for a games night so as long as we are prepared for that I would think a hand of bridge would work out well.
Cheerio, Kerry
Hi again, Kids!
Wonderful costume. No wonder Tia scored so much loot! Wayne is a wonderful chap. You'll like him. Let me know what you decide about bridge on Saturday and perhaps we could have a spot of lunch, play a bit of bridge over noon hour, after rehearsal. Cheers, Patrizio!
Okay, I'll wait for the master scheduler to return so that we can confirm, however, I'm not sure we'll have a lot of time this Saturday.
Talk soon, Kerry
P,
May the ill winds of lasterday be calmed. I would love to ride in the
morning. The only thing that will get in the way is if Kerry decides to take
the day off. I will know shortly -- so I am told.
The e-mail is some glitch in Telus webmail. Both addresses go to the same
place which is even more puzzling. So I got two copies of your e-mail...
Happy anniversary to you and C. Great story.
I look forward to hearing about the bridge, the unruly unreaders and other
adventures in the malt trade.
More later, W
P,
Thanks for your generous offer to play bridge on Saturday. We would love to
play some cards but I think we better pass. The day is going to be a little
stretched especially if you and I get a ride in the morning. What was to be
a games night with another couple and their two kids has somehow ballooned
into a potluck with parents and a small fair with rides and clowns and all
within the confines of our house... I will be feeding the elephants and
taming lions most of the day.
You might find me on your patio that evening just to escape the mayhem.
I will confirm riding commitments for Wednesday morning -- later this
evening. W
Pat,
Would like an early ride tomorrow -- whatever works for you and Ray.
Mark will join us -- he is angling for a turn around Stanley's Yard.
Please confirm plan by e-mail. W
Pat,
I'D LIKE TO RIDE WEDNESDAY BUT THE FORECAST DOESN'T LOOK COOPERATIVE, WITH RAIN TO START AT 9AM THROUGH THE DAY. WE'LL GIVE IT THE WINDOW TEST IN THE MORNING.CAN'T SEEM TO GET OUT OF CAPITAL LETTERS - SORRY RAY
Hi Lads!
Raymundo's weather moles, he suggests, predict rain to start at 9:00am BUT my sources seem to indicate late in the afternoon:
Wednesday:
Cloudy. Rain beginning late in the afternoon. Becoming windy late in the afternoon. High 10.
I'm prepared to ride around Lord Stanley's domaine not matter what, (unless it is raining proverbial cats and dogs), rendezvousing at 9:00am, just before Science World, where Dragon Boat crews often assemble, in semi-open space to south of construction, to give Marcus Aurelius time to meet us, whether coming by Sky Train or along Adanac. If Whirlissimo and Raymundo, (should he choose to accept the assignment!), want to meet at The Heartbreak Parkade at 8:50am that should be plenty of time to honk at a sleeping Ragin' Bull and make our way to Olympic Village and slightly beyond. We can then proceed around Science World to SP and individuals can tailor rest of ride to suit their time constraints/distance preferences. If weather holds, I'll probably head on out to UBC after that. This, just to let everyone know, should anyone be interested to do the same or suggest some other route/variation.
I assume The Lost Riders of the Seawall will confirm by email tomorrow morning. Hearing nothing, I'll proceed as noted above and hope for the best! Cheers, Il Conduttore!
Raymundo's weather moles, he suggests, predict rain to start at 9:00am BUT my sources seem to indicate late in the afternoon:
Wednesday:
Cloudy. Rain beginning late in the afternoon. Becoming windy late in the afternoon. High 10.
I'm prepared to ride around Lord Stanley's domaine not matter what, (unless it is raining proverbial cats and dogs), rendezvousing at 9:00am, just before Science World, where Dragon Boat crews often assemble, in semi-open space to south of construction, to give Marcus Aurelius time to meet us, whether coming by Sky Train or along Adanac. If Whirlissimo and Raymundo, (should he choose to accept the assignment!), want to meet at The Heartbreak Parkade at 8:50am that should be plenty of time to honk at a sleeping Ragin' Bull and make our way to Olympic Village and slightly beyond. We can then proceed around Science World to SP and individuals can tailor rest of ride to suit their time constraints/distance preferences. If weather holds, I'll probably head on out to UBC after that. This, just to let everyone know, should anyone be interested to do the same or suggest some other route/variation.
I assume The Lost Riders of the Seawall will confirm by email tomorrow morning. Hearing nothing, I'll proceed as noted above and hope for the best! Cheers, Il Conduttore!
Hi Famiglia Killjoy!
Too, too bad about the non-bridge! Does that mean we are playing, à la the Non-Readers Book Club? Understand completely so not a big deal. When time works. Cheers Patrizio!
PS: We have a spare clown's nose if that is of any help. As well, Whirlygig, when you are providing water for elephants you could always sneak out to the Heartbreak Hotel Cigar and Whiskey Patio for a snort or two of maltage to soothe your mayhem addled noives!!!
PPS: We also happen to own a strait-jacket if confinement is deemed required within the confines of your home!
PPSS: We can discuss other methods of restraint and/or torture on the ride domani!
Patrick and Corinne,
tkThanks so much for that entertaining evening. really had fun, only hope that I wasnt too crusty, Want to report that I have polished off the Ian Rankin book and passed it on to Johannes, who was, of course desole to miss carousing with you all.
As for the pictures from the evening-- not bad, but I like the Halloween one the best! NOw where can I get 5 nice pumkins? Mary
Hi Mary:
I think you intended the email below for someone else. Pansy
I think you intended the email below for someone else. Pansy
And now it goes to you the Dunns , I hope. Mary
Dear Cranky Crustacean!
Your message finally arrived! Glad you enjoyed the Rankin and pleased that Johannes inherited it. Bridge prizes, the gift that never stops giving!
Cheers, Patrizio!
Your message finally arrived! Glad you enjoyed the Rankin and pleased that Johannes inherited it. Bridge prizes, the gift that never stops giving!
Cheers, Patrizio!
Patrick.
Hi, there. Nice-looking food. I would've loved to have tried the
chicken curry. Wish I'd put a reminder on my phone. Just that damn
baseball game on Thursday was so exciting, it made me want to see the
final on Friday -- which was not nearly as good as Thursday's game --
and I forgot all about your invitation. Oh, well. Another time,
perhaps. Ian
Hi Ian!
Halloween evening Cora Lee and I celebrated the 40th anniversary of our first meeting. Our eldest daughter lives in LA. This is Ayn's take: "40 years ago I was out trick-or-treating with Grandma Clara and Grandpa Soup while my mom was out with friends and met the man I was never successfully able to run off...way to stick it out there Poppa aka Dad aka Patrick aka Little Dictator!!"]
Update: From Chloë, our youngest daughter
 |
|
Read your posting yesterday and enjoyed it immensely! Thanks for best wishes.
That evening Nana and I celebrated the 40th anniversary of our first meeting, at Champs Motor Inn, in Osborne Village, you will recall. Beautiful Fall afternoon, clear, crisp and sunny, (almost identical to yesterday, with exception of wind!), when we went inside, to meet, by chance, later. More than a foot of snow, (felt sorry for all the kids who were going out trick or treating), when we left, together, as I wanted to drive Cora Lee, (Corinne in those days), to her place so I could "stalk" her! [I inserted your account into various emails: {This is Ayn's take: "40 years ago I was out trick-or-treating with Grandma Clara and Grandpa Soup while my mom was out with friends and met the man I was never successfully able to run off...way to stick it out there Poppa aka Dad aka Patrick aka Little Dictator!!"}]
Flamin' and Sarge joined us at 6:00pm for a bottle of Henkell Trocken, Dry, to celebrate. Were taking them out to dinner as an anniversary present to them. [Gave your Mom a silver, Native Indian pendant, (from Maggie), and $4,000 Hong Kong Dollars. (Knew she would need "shopping cash" there! I received latest Tony Bennett CD and The Keeper of Lost Causes, a detective novel by Jussi Adler-Olsen, one I've wanted to read ever since learning about this Danish novelist earlier this summer. Chloë presented us with a very nice bottle of Sandhill Cabbage. As well, she fille dmy car with gas since she's been using it for most of last week and first part of this week!]
Cheers, Poppa, "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Little Dictator Moniker" San, aka Scullion Extraordinaire/Pauper in Extremis/Il Conduttore!
Hi Patrick,
Hope you are fine.
I'm just new on linked-in.
We might have plans to go to Canada next year.
We keep in touch.
Take care! Karin.
Ayn P No Poppa, but you can visit the house when you come. Melvin bought them a gorgeous stainless steel grill. Alex said it shone so brightly the other night when the LAPD helicopter was shining its light down on it while breaking up their latest "animal house" gathering"!!
22 minutes ago ·
Reminds me of your tales of first visiting Compton!Yes, but I think the officers are likely a bit friendlier in Reseda thankfully. They simply asked the kids to take it down a few decibels and headed off to the next party.Officer Chavez, perchance?"Nope, he's with the Devonshire dept so Alex's place would be out of his jurisdiction."I spit on distinctions between municipal jurisdictions!Ayn wrote: "Yes, as do all retirees who live a life of leisure cycling their days away only to finish with gourmet meals, fire-side, at fancy waterfront hotels."
Hi Cactus and Donna Florida!
As I mentioned, via Facebook posting, found picture very moving.
Hi Patrick,David Kessler also commented on his photo.David wrote: "It was quite a moving event....and the rest of the day, which included the commemoration of the 1911 Oakland Hills Fire, was also very emotional and meaningful...."Hi Patrice,
My sincere apologies for the lengthly time to responed, however I am just
catching up now on the last few days emails. I have been juggling multiple
work projects, family visits, halloween preparations / parties and battling
a cold for the last 5 days. I'm feeling much better but am still quite
congested and generally tired feeling. I did manage to get out for a nice
ride around deer lk. on Saturday though and admired the new sections of
boardwalk constructed around the lake side. I caught up with Colleen and her
friend Laurie who had gone for a walk at the lake as well and rode along and
chatted for a while before heading off on an unfamiliar path back up towards
our place. I had to negotiate a few sets of stairs but then found myself on
some quiet sidestreets winding up through the Oaklands condo complexes ,
across Oakland and then on a three block steady incline that at the end
found myself able to coast downhill for a few blocks eastward towards our
place, quite pleasant actually and a nice change from the somewhat gruelling
ride straight up from the lake to our place.
I enjoyed reading about your Friends' visit from Toronto and thought that
was pretty neat that you were able to visit with your ex halloween date /
gambling accessory partner!. Nice bonus with the bottle of bourban, and what
a nice gesture from Westjet for the trouble, A lot of companies could learn
a thing or two about customer relations from them!.
I would love to get out for another ride soon , especially seeing as we
seem to have had some scheduling / synchronization issues so far and it
would be nice to have an outing that was unaffected by missed connections
and dissapearing acts!. I tried you at the Island Inn a few minutes ago but
got your machine so maybe I've missed you again. If you are out for a ride I
hope you have had a very pleasant one.
Take care, Al
P.S. Thanks for the correspondence re: the demarcation of S.W. Marine, I'm
sure a few voices of support will help spurr them on to continue upgrades
on the infastructre.
P.P.S. Pics. of recent outings including an 80's party a few weeks ago and
Alice Cooper before attending a halloween party Sat night.Hi Big Al!
Great Halloween snaps!!! You make a fab lamp shade. Wear it instead of a bike helmet. You wouldn't need a light either!! Will let you know about Friday once I've heard from rest of lads.
Buongiorno signor ciclista,Amico di mia figlia vorrebbe la televisione, per favore (se è ancora disponibile).Please give me a call to set up a pickup if it's not yet spoken for.Thanks, eh! 8^) cheers, Mark
Hi Marcus Aurelius!
Think Whirlissimo and I intend to ride tomorrow morning, before rain begins so let us know if you might like to join us around SP, per esempio.
Dear Sir Patrick and Lady Corinne.Great news as ever and I could imagine the vivid descriptions of the autumnal colours.Well done on your cycling workouts You are a great influence on us seniors. At the moment it is full tilt with work and has been for a long time.littlr time for leisure and just enough timr for Bach Choir and certain church services.I try and keep fit the odd swim and keep active somehow walking.after this big project I will be able to get into some routine.I loved the photos and Pat was intrigued and amused when I told her everything.shall phone soon.love to you both. sir james
Hi Sir James!
Glad you enjoyed message and snaps. Keep up with the fitness! A little exercise is better than nothing!!
Hi Simone!
I have forwarded the Triangle video to BCAA and ICBC for their road safety program!! Cheers, Patrizio!
Hola Patricio,
Thanks for the response, finally. We were beginning to wonder if you were ok but thought somebody would have mentioned in passing if you were dead, dying or had gone back to Barbara. Interesting to see the pics of your friend Andrew. He looks fairly normal, not at all as you described!
Today we harvested the Syrah so the vineyard can rest up for the winter, dreaming of a hot, sunny next year (that would be a big change for our bad-luck vines). It took all of about 2 hours to pick four bins with our crew of six, followed by a sumptuous lunch of barbecued hamburgers, apple pie and Nichol Cabernet Franc '05 and '08.
Are you serious about putting us up for the new car trip? We're going to be down this weekend and staying over Monday and Tuesday nights as I'm going to attend a conference Monday through mid day Wednesday. Could we invade for Monday and Tuesday nights? Let us know if that will fit your schedule. Maybe we can have some laughs and share some good food and wine.
Hopefully yours, Peter and Lynne
Hello Favourite Naramatians!
Sad to report that although Cora Lee wanted me to go back to Barbara, Barhbara herself would have none of it! What's a poor boy to do? Single malt helped a bit to boost my self-confidence and help overcome two-fold rejection!!!
Congrats on successful harvest! Great news that you would like to stay. I assume you may well be with other friends earlier in weekend but, if not, you are welcome to stay here for entire duration of your visit to Vancouver. Just wondering if you are/plan to be free on Monday evening as would like to have a dinner party with Flamin' and Sarge. We curl on Tuesday evening, (leaving for club after I send this message), at 7:00pm next week, late, 9:00pm tonight. Don't worry if you just want to sleep here and spend your time and money with other, better, wealthier friends. Just leave your washing and ironing, shoes to be polished, etc., and we'll make sure everything is done! Anyway, Lord and Lady Lighthall, please let yer 'umble servants know what would suit the hoi aristoi and we'll plan accordingly, guv!
Patrick,
Thanks, monday evening with Flamin and Sarge sounds great. We'll keep you posted on check-in time. Please let us know what we can contribute for dinner.
Cheers JDP
Hi JDP!
Glad you can make dinner with Clan Sutherland. If you'd like to prepare one of your killer Caesar salads that would be grand. Not to worry if that poses a problem, however, with respect to time, etc. Some hors d'oeuvres, perhaps, if that would be easier.
Not a big deal, one way or another, but will you be checking in on Monday or earlier. Just need to let the maid know so that she can lay the fire and turn down the quilt, have hot water bottle ready, and a decanter of malt by bedside!
Chat soon. Cheers, Patrizio!
No comments:
Post a Comment