In today's excerpt - Alan (A.A.) Milne, the author and playwright who later became world famous for Winnie the Pooh, grew up in the 1880s with his older brothers in the small British schoolhouse where his father, John (J.V.) Milne, was the headmaster. Because John came from poverty, he lacked qualifications and was only able to become headmaster at rougher schools. Yet he led these with affection and good humor:
"In the rough schools to which his lack of academic qualifications condemned him ... J.V. needed, and had, the two great qualities, courage and a sense of humour.
"It was a school full of love. 'Without affection,' J.V. Milne once wrote, 'the schoolroom is a hard, forbidding place. With love, it becomes the next best place to home.' For the Milne boys, of course, school and home were in- extricably entwined. As soon as he is old enough to think about it, Alan can hardly wait to be a proper Henley House schoolboy."
A. A. Milne: His Life
by Ann Thwaite by Tempus, 1990
Hi Fingare/Digitale!
Enjoyed our chat of a few weeks ago now, Michaelo. Thought that you might be able to use some of the facts below over Thanksgiving! Be sure to read to end of excerpt, Mr Hops! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio,
In today's encore excerpt - the discovery of America. Author Tony Horwitz muses on the discovery of America after hearing from a Plymouth Rock tour guide named Claire that the most common question from tourists was why the date etched on the rock was 1620 instead of 1492:
" 'People think Columbus dropped off the Pilgrims and sailed home.' Claire had to patiently explain that Columbus's landing and the Pilgrims' arrival occurred a thousand miles and 128 years apart. ...
"By the time the first English settled, other Europeans had already reached half of the forty-eight states that today make up the continental United States. One of the earliest arrivals was Giovanni da Verrazzano, who toured the Eastern Seaboard in 1524, almost a full century before the Pilgrims arrived. ... Even less remembered are the Portuguese pilots who steered Spanish ships along both coasts of the continent in the sixteenth century, probing upriver to Bangor Maine and all the way to Oregon. ... In 1542 Spanish conquistadors completed a reconnaissance of the continent's interior: scaling the Appalachians, rafting the Mississippi, peering down the Grand Canyon and galloping as far inland as central Kansas. ...
"The Spanish didn't just explore: they settled from the Rio Grande to the Atlantic. Upon founding St. Augustine, the first European city on U.S. soil, the Spanish gave thanks and dined with Indians - fifty-six years before the Pilgrim Thanksgiving at Plymouth. ... Plymouth, it turned out, wasn't even the first English colony in New England. That distinction belonged to Fort St. George in Popham, Maine. Nor were the Pilgrims the first to settle Massachusetts. In 1602 a band of English built a fort on the island of Cuttyhunk. They came not for religious freedom but to get rich from digging sassafras, a commodity prized in Europe as a cure for the clap. ...
"The Pilgrims and later the Americans who pushed west from the Atlantic didn't pioneer a virgin wilderness. They occupied a land long since transformed by European contact. ... Samoset, the first Indian the Pilgrims met at Plymouth, greeted the settlers in English. The first thing he asked for was beer."
Tony Horwitz, A Voyage Long and Strange, Henry Holt, 2008, p. 3-6
Hi Gail and Jack!
Quite enjoyed the lovely Thanksgiving card you sent. Thanks. How will you spend holiday? Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
Hi Tinsel Towners!
Thought that you might be able to use some of the facts below over Thanksgiving! Fondestos, Love and Cheers, Poppa Pilgrim!
Hello Villa Vicente!
Thought that you might be able to use some of the facts below over Thanksgiving! Make sure you read to the end of the excerpt, Mr Hops! Fondestos, Love and Cheers, Patrizio Pilgrim!
look like nice pics but we are hitting the road. Do you send me these long messages to prevent us from leaving Berkeley? I'll read them when I get the chance! Cactus
Hellooooo! My apologies for being absent in responding to your flavourful emails. I just love to read them! I will be looking for some advice as a novice bike rider (well, what do you call someone who last rode as a pre-teen, most likely on a banana-seat bike with spoke clackers?). I have signed up to do the Ride to Conquer Cancer. A 200 mile ride from Vancouver to Seattle. I must first (and foremost) obtain a bike! I have been going to spin classes at the gym and currently have enrolled in a 30 day spin challenge; over a 6 week period, attending 5 spin classes a week. That should be a good start on cardio conditioning. I have no idea what kind of bike to get, where to get one (on the cheap) as well as getting outfitted with appropriate gear. I am hoping my spin classes will condition my butt somewhat, but potentially need those padded riding shorts? Definitely need to get a helmet as well. We sleep overnight in some field set up with tents after probably about an 8 hour ride. The same for the following day (this happens in June). I am not really sure how we get back to Vancouver, but what I do know, that I'm getting a ride in someone's car!!! I am a bit nervous about training. I have some fear around being a biker on roads and dealing with cars whizzing past. I need to know a little etiquette so will be attending an orientation next week.
December 11th you say? Sounds fab - what time - afternoon or evening affair? It would be wonderful to visit. Glad to hear all is well! Thanks for your help in tracking down Rick!!! Cheers, E
Hi Lancela!
Most impressed with your obvious commitment for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Very impressive and I think you are going about it in the right way, given your last real riding! Your description of the wheel clackers makes me laugh and also gives me the thought that perhaps I should try to obtain some in order to drive my riding companions over the edge! Have also attached some suggestions for cycling gear you might consider! All found with Google Images under "female cyclists tour de france"!
I had thought about the possibility of doing same ride but we will be away for almost three months, (March 5th through May 31st, Hong Kong, Oz, Japan), so won't be in riding shape for such a distance upon return. Do hope to attempt the Granfondo, (http://www.granfondoaxelmerckx.com/), in Penticton, in July, however. Again, will depend on how much I can train in the five weeks or so, beforehand. Might just do 90K ride instead of full 160K if longer distance seems out of my reach. Will just have to see how I feel beforehand, although I probably should register shortly as it look like it will be a popular event. One to Whistler, this past September, was sold out!
Ideally, what I'd like to do is start training as soon as we return and then go up to Naramata to stay with friends there and train on actual course for a week or so beforehand. I have already ridden most of segment from Naramata to Oliver so have a pretty good idea of terrain. Part that is most daunting is return leg from Oliver via Fairview Mountain and rest of lesser, though still difficult hills back to Penticton. Friends Flamin' and Sarge, did part of Fairview climb as part of their training for week of riding in Italy last June and they dais it was a pretty daunting climb. Funnily enough, we were wine tasting the weekend of race and followed some of course, in reverse order, and happened to see bulk of riders on this stretch. Many were walking their machinas up the incline and these were people in full lycra, possessing light weight racing bikes. Latter is an issue for me as my current road bike is a hybrid and wonderful for what I do but relatively quite heavy for such long racing distances. Not that I'm worried about "racing" of course! I just want to compete against myself and finish even if it takes me two weeks!
Anyway, will be great to chat about these two races, and more, on December 11th. Anytime after 6:30ish. Granfondestos, Patrizio!
PS: Perhaps we'll come to Seattle to cheer you on. Goils can shop beforehand. I have a bike rack for four on my car and we would probably go with Flamin' and Sarge, if it works for everyone. They would be happy to cycle around Seattle, (not Coriandre!), as well so let's think about it.
Well, first off, let me say, that I love Lancela as my biking handle! It may take a little duct and double sided tape though! I am looking forward to a visit with you! Talk to you soon Lancelinor
Sounds as if you are into bondage as well, all this talk about duct tape and double sided tape. You are a very, very naughty girl, Lancela. I'll probably have to spank you on the 11th. I have a couple of spare handlebars so I'm afraid I'll need to use those! Cheers, Patrizio!
Thanx for the historical update! Little did you know I am a descendant of the first colonists in Connecticut!! 8th great granddaughter of Thomas Stanton, famous interpreter of Algonquin, AND Thomas Hooker, famous preacher and some say the first to craft a model democratic constitution!
On a more sober note, we will be off soon to spend time with my mother, who is not doing very well at this time. May be her last Thanksgiving....Greetings to all at the Island Inn, Nancy
Hi Mary Chilton Winslow!
I always knew you exuded an air of refinement, not to say superiority! Hence, "The Uppity Californians!"
Very sorry to hear about your dear Mother. Difficult times, indeed. [Bit of black humour ahead. Hope you won't find it in poor taste. When the end finally comes, at least your Mother's body will probably be too heavy for your nephews to carry around the house for a couple of days before funeral! Always a silver lining in each dark cloud!]
Heartfelt wishes, Patrizio!
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Sunset and Vine postcard. 1960s
Hi Ms Tinsel Town/Hollywood!
Great snapola indeed!!
Wow....thanks for sending me porn to my work address. When I get fired I
can't wait to kick Chloe out of the guest room at the Island Inn
Hi Grumpy! (Must really be genetic!!!)
That was the intent. At least you won't take hour long showers and can smoke with the dude at Broadway Lodge who has a medical supply of ganja! Like Wow, Man!!! Cheers, Poppa Pot!
The Washington Post's Mensa Invitational once again invited readers to
take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or
changing one letter, and supply a new definition.
Here are the winners:
1. Cashtration(n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the
subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.
2. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an asshole.
3. Intaxicaton: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you
realize it was your money to start with.
4. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
5. Bozone ( n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops
bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer,unfortunately, shows
little sign of breaking down in the near future.
6. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of
getting laid.
7. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high
8. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the
person who doesn't get it.
9. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
10. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
11. Karmageddon:It's like, when everybody is sending off all these
really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's
like, a serious bummer.
12.Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day
consuming only things that are good for you.
13. Glibido: All talk and no action.
14. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when
they come at you rapidly.
15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've
accidentally walked through a spider web.
The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words.
And the winners are:
1. Coffee, n. The person upon whom one coughs.
2. Flabbergasted, adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.
3. Abdicate, v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
4. esplanade, v. To attempt an explanation while drunk.
5. Willy-nilly, adj. Impotent.
6. Negligent, adj. Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only
a nightgown.
7. Lymph, v. To walk with a lisp.
8. Gargoyle, n. Olive-flavored mouthwash.
9. Flatulence, n. Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been
run over by a steamroller.
10. Balderdash, n. A rapidly receding hairline.
11. Testicle, n. A humorous question on an exam.
12. Rectitude, n. The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.
13. Pokemon, n. A Rastafarian proctologist.
14. Frisbeetarianism, n. The belief that, afterdeath, the soul flies
up onto the roof and gets stuck there.
15. Circumvent, n. An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewishmen
Hi Colin!
I barely have time to read "these things"! Quite liked the image Ayn sent along this morning, Sunset and Vine postcard from the 1960s . Cheers, Patrizio!
Margaret Friesen, Assessment Librarian with UBC Library, will be retiring next month. To celebrate her contributions to UBC Library and to recognize her years of service, I would like to invite you to her retirement farewell.
Tuesday, Nov. 29/11
Cecil Green Park House
3:00 - 5:00 PM
Please RSVP by Nov. 25/11 to Harry Young at 2.3977 or harry.young@ubc.ca
Light refreshments will be served. Please join us in thanking Margaret for her time with UBC Library.
I look forward to seeing you there, Ingrid T. Parent University Librarian
Hello Harry:
I'm delighted to attend Margaret Friesen's retirement farewell on Tuesday, Nov. 29/11, Cecil Green Park House, 3:00-5:00om. Thanks and Cheers, Patrick Dunn!
Patriçio,
Sorry I missed your call, a scoot about the park would have been great. I am however in Anacortes returning tomorrow probably late aft.
Hi Ragin'!
I wondered if you might be visiting your Uncle. Trust things are going as well as can be expected!
Once I 'd not heard from you, I set off, shortly after noon and made my way to Stanley Park. It was both gloriously sunny and quite warm. Only mistake I made was not to take my sunglasses! I thought that it would cloud over and even rain but nothing of the kind. In fact, it was one of the best rides, in terms of weather conditions, that I have had, of late.
Since I was all by my lonesome, and didn't have to pander to any whiners, I decided I'd try for a hat trick over Lions Gate. The fact that the Seawall was still closed, (See account of yesterday's ride below.), beyond Prospect Point meant that I had to use roadway to return, even if I didn't want to cross bridge. Knew from day before that it was a 15K round trip from the tunnel under road near Second Beach, around Seawall, up and over LG and then back to tunnel. Did this twice more and on last loop I added a few kilometres, first past Rowing Club as far as Brockton Oval and then doubling back towards Coal Harbour as far as the west end of Harbour Green Park, to get the extra 6K I needed for final tally. My reckoning was dead on and I pulled into Heartbreak Hotel with 71.33K on the clock, at just after 5:00pm
Clarisse invited us for dinner and we dined on her scrumptious meatloaf, green beans and mashed potatoes with a spinach/boiled egg/mushroom/green grape salad. Her almond flavoured, candied fruit/pound cake loaf for dessert tasted like more! After dinner, Cora Lee had a Presbytery meeting. Had arranged with Marcus Aurelius to attend a VIWF event, Incite, at VPL downtown. He took Sky Train to VCC Station, cycled over to our place and then we drove to library. Found on street parking right next to building so couldn't have been better. The program was most entertaining and interesting. I'd never even heard of the the three authors: "Ray Robertson discusses his latest work of non-fiction, Why Not? Fifteen Reasons to Live and writers Cathy Stonehouse and Rebecca Rosenblum read from their latest short story collections, Something About the Animal and The Big Dream." Wonderful to discover new, (new to me, at least), voices.
Came back to The Island Inn and had a snort of 12 year old Dalmore, Highland, The Black Isle, 40%, before Marcus headed off to ride all the way home to deepest, darkest Burnaby. He was determined to do so as he was fussed that he'd not ridden earlier in day. It was pouring when he left his house in the morning, to help a cousin, I believe, who lives in East Van and rain stopped about 15 minutes afterwards! Needless to say Cora Lee and I had two more slugs to wish him well: a 15 year old Benriach, Speyside, Tawny Port finish, 46%, and a 17 year old Glengoyne, Highland, 43%. For my money, the Dalmore won, hands down. Oloroso sherry wood finish, golden mahogany colour, elegant and rich on the palate with a delicious sweet vanilla finish. (Needed another dram, as I was writing this, to confirm my initial thoughts!) 'Ain't Life Grand! Cheers, Patrizio!
I wondered if you might be visiting your Uncle. Trust things are going as well as can be expected!
Once I 'd not heard from you, I set off, shortly after noon and made my way to Stanley Park. It was both gloriously sunny and quite warm. Only mistake I made was not to take my sunglasses! I thought that it would cloud over and even rain but nothing of the kind. In fact, it was one of the best rides, in terms of weather conditions, that I have had, of late.
Since I was all by my lonesome, and didn't have to pander to any whiners, I decided I'd try for a hat trick over Lions Gate. The fact that the Seawall was still closed, (See account of yesterday's ride below.), beyond Prospect Point meant that I had to use roadway to return, even if I didn't want to cross bridge. Knew from day before that it was a 15K round trip from the tunnel under road near Second Beach, around Seawall, up and over LG and then back to tunnel. Did this twice more and on last loop I added a few kilometres, first past Rowing Club as far as Brockton Oval and then doubling back towards Coal Harbour as far as the west end of Harbour Green Park, to get the extra 6K I needed for final tally. My reckoning was dead on and I pulled into Heartbreak Hotel with 71.33K on the clock, at just after 5:00pm
Clarisse invited us for dinner and we dined on her scrumptious meatloaf, green beans and mashed potatoes with a spinach/boiled egg/mushroom/green grape salad. Her almond flavoured, candied fruit/pound cake loaf for dessert tasted like more! After dinner, Cora Lee had a Presbytery meeting. Had arranged with Marcus Aurelius to attend a VIWF event, Incite, at VPL downtown. He took Sky Train to VCC Station, cycled over to our place and then we drove to library. Found on street parking right next to building so couldn't have been better. The program was most entertaining and interesting. I'd never even heard of the the three authors: "Ray Robertson discusses his latest work of non-fiction, Why Not? Fifteen Reasons to Live and writers Cathy Stonehouse and Rebecca Rosenblum read from their latest short story collections, Something About the Animal and The Big Dream." Wonderful to discover new, (new to me, at least), voices.
Came back to The Island Inn and had a snort of 12 year old Dalmore, Highland, The Black Isle, 40%, before Marcus headed off to ride all the way home to deepest, darkest Burnaby. He was determined to do so as he was fussed that he'd not ridden earlier in day. It was pouring when he left his house in the morning, to help a cousin, I believe, who lives in East Van and rain stopped about 15 minutes afterwards! Needless to say Cora Lee and I had two more slugs to wish him well: a 15 year old Benriach, Speyside, Tawny Port finish, 46%, and a 17 year old Glengoyne, Highland, 43%. For my money, the Dalmore won, hands down. Oloroso sherry wood finish, golden mahogany colour, elegant and rich on the palate with a delicious sweet vanilla finish. (Needed another dram, as I was writing this, to confirm my initial thoughts!) 'Ain't Life Grand! Cheers, Patrizio!
Hi again Ragin'!
Forgot to insert account of yesterday's ride! Cheers, Patrizio!
Forgot to insert account of yesterday's ride! Cheers, Patrizio!
- We've got to move these refrigerators and got to move the color TV's
Pat,Hope Corinne is feeling better and Chloe's recovery is complete.Weather looks brighter and you're probably riding as I write. Having to use the gym on a daily basis so not suffering too much.Finished the Denise Mina novel last night. It got better as it went on and the ending was very good, I thought. Will start The Disciple of Las Vegas by Ian Hamilton this evening ( a library book), before continuing with the ones you loaned me.Thanks for the canal barge blog. Great photos although I must confess that I have not read every word of the blog. You could have a very good experience in England using the same mode of transport. I know some of the canal areas in Yorkshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, and Hertfordshire. Some very scenic countryside with the odd watering hole along the way. Good to have bikes on that sport of holiday just to travel into nearby towns and villages.Let's hope for some dry weather soon.Ray
Hi Raymond!
Thanks for inquiring about The Sick Sisterhood! Cora Lee is still struggling but Chloë is pretty much back on track. Glad that you are using gym. I must admit that I had not expected to ride, at all, these past few days. Pleased to say that this was definitely not the case, more by Chance than Good Management!
Pleased you took a look at the CDB but I certainly don't expect people to read it in its entirety. At this point, meant primarily as an archival record of sorts. Bedside reading for insomniacs only!!! Had thought about doing similar trip in England, as you suggest. Would even consider taking bikes or perhaps buying decent ones there, particularly if we decide to combine with a house exchange.
Give me a call, if you have an opportunity/desire to ride and weather looks a bit promising. I've found, over course of last few rides, that even a bit of rain isn't all that unpleasant and really no reason not to ride if one doesn't mind a modicum of damp. Cheers, Patrizio!
Chloe Alexis Dunn Chloe Alexis Dunn updated her status: "Happy Turkey Slaughter to all my American peeps!!!!"
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