IIDD, Oct 30th

 
Hello to all--Here's an invitation to the Artemis Gallery Christmas show.
6 artists, affordable work from $65, nothing over $400.
Hope we see you at the opening!

"Small Wonders"
Nov. 8 - Dec. 14
OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY NOV 11
7- 10 PM

Artemis Gallery
104C - 4390 Gallant Ave.
North Vancouver (Deep Cove)

Hi Martha!

Wonderful that you will be back in Vancouver! Look forward to attending the Opening Reception and catch up.

Must apologize for not replying sooner but has been a busy time these past ten days or so. Week ago, Saturday morning, I picked up close friend, Andrew Sredzki, who flew into town from Toronto for a little more than a week at The Island Inn. He is a very good cook and has done most of meals since arriving. Latest was a scrumptious chicken curry on Friday night. We had two tables of bridge, eight players and two observers, latter needed as bartenders and food servers, scullions and maids! Days have sped by and Andrew leaves tomorrow. His flight is at 7:00am so we'll need to be up at 5:00am, or so, to have him at airport in time!

Will be hosting the Non-Readers Book Club, (Although I do find it difficult, at times, to find time to read, Whirlygig and I are often only ones to have completed a given book, hence the name!), at our place tonight. (One of members, Misha, is in a wheelchair so it is easier for him with our single level access.) Will be discussing The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine, by Wallace, Benjamin, 2008.

Cheers, Patrizio
Tantum religio potuit suadere malorum

Only religion could persuade the wicked

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est

Where there is charity and love, there God is 

Hey Patrick,

Just to give you a heads up, my friend can no longer make it tomorrow.  He has a dinner planned with his wife.  So hopefully he will be able to attend our next meeting.

Regarding the meeting tomorrow, should I call you to park underground?  Or just try to locate parking somewhere in the area?

Cheers..Dave

Hi Dave!

Sorry that Robertito cannot join us this time. The Sisterhood is always at work!!!

With respect to parking, I parked my car outside, last night. No time restrictions on Sunday. However, Misha, one of lads who wasn't at last meeting, is in a wheelchair so he usually parks inside as it is obviously easier for him. However, he said in his last message that he hopes to bike to our place. His wheelchair is quite a gizmo as he has an attachment that turns it into a three wheeler with hand pedals. I've never ridden with him but Whirlygig told me that he "attacks" UBC's Forshore Hill and chats away without obvious exertion as rest of group are huffing and puffing their way to top! Anyway, call when you are close and if he isn't using spot you are more than welcome to it. Don't think finding a space relatively close by should be a problem in any event. See you this evening. Cheers, Patrizio!

Yo Patriccio,

I'm fully recovered, and so are my wheels - neither of us ended up as thrashed as we deserved. Riding at night, with inadequate light and drizzle fogged lenses, and encountering an ill-tempered bump on the trail (the existence of which I had previously noted on my regular trips to Home Depot), left me without a leg to stand on when it came to garnering sympathy.

I will be attending the half-read book club session tomorrow. Unless beset with malevolent monsoons, I plan to cycle in and sky train home. See youse den eh!

8^) cheers, Mark

Hi Sir Pat and Lady Coriandre!

Thanks for a very newsy email. 

All well chez les Gairdner. Pat has had a successful audition in Berkshire and already has been offered more gigs next year.

She outshone the other contestants with her dynamic artistic presentation, but perhaps I'm biased!

On the singing front, Bach choir has had two good concerts- Novello Publications and Mozart Requiem.

We're doing a recording of Delius' Mass of Life, a lovely but lesser known work and outreach programmes in schools.

 Work has been very busy, Summer tourism surveys are now finished and I have been busy with Passenger Focus railway surveys for a while.

You remember Corinne was approached to do one.

II have also been up north to Kendal to a funeral, delightful 93 year old lady- good family friend from Sedbergh.

More news later- Fondestos Love to all Jamie and Pat.         

 

Hi Lady Patrizia and Sir James!

Wonderful to hear from you, Sir James, and glad to learn all is going so well for you both. Congrats to Patrizia for her Berkshire audition. When does she go on a world tour? Pleased your work goes swimmingly. Fondestos to you both from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizio!


Hi Marcus Aurelius!

Very pleased to learn your bicycle and your aged frame are back up and in the saddle again, none the worse, more or less, for wear! Think there would be scanty sympathy no matter what. Life is hard, especially for elite cyclstii! Look forward to a blow by blow account of the accidento this even. See youse den eh, for sure B'y! Dis is it, me son!! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

PS: Bring a pannier as I keep forgetting to return your daughter's tin!


Dear Neighbors;
I would like to thank everyone for the support so many of us gave as we commemorated the 20th anniversary of the fire. We have had much press coverage, and Kay Loughman has made sure that much of it has been published on Open Forum. 

Above all others, I am deeply grateful to Peter Scott and Teresa Ferguson, who opened their hearts and lives to Chronicle reporter Kevin Fagan. This resulted in an utterly gripping page one story that brought the message of preparedness and neighborhood cooperation to hundreds of thousands of homes. Teresa and Peter,by this presentation, linked our commemorative events with the Suicide Prevention "Out of Darkness" community walk in the public eye.  Acknowledging that trauma and stress born from catastrophic experiences is an important aspect of recovery from disaster, and one that has been too often neglected in our society, is an immensely important achievement.  Thank you Peter and Teresa and your family!

Thanks to so many of you for participating in the other activities on Saturday, the gathering at the Rockridge BART tile wall, the official ceremony at the Gateway Exhibition Center, or the Preparedness Fair at Lake Temescal Park.  At the ceremony, we received a plaque of recognition of the event from members of the State Assembly. When we locate the proper place for its display, we will let you know.

At that ceremony, I made remarks on our behalf.  The text can be found on our NHCA homepage, and I invite you to read it.  I hope that I did a good job in speaking for us all.  http://northhillscommunity.org

I am so proud of our community, and what we have accomplished; I am cheered that the commitment to safety and neighbor to neighbor awareness will flourish in the North Hills in the years ahead.

In peace, David Kessler NHCA chair

Hi Cactus and Donna Florida!

Glad things went so well for commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the devastating fire. Hard to believe so many years have passed. I can still remember talking to you on the phone. I was at work the morning you gave me the terrible news. 

Dear Minister and UBC Planners:

I cannot say how strongly I support having a demarcated bicycle lane on SW Marine Drive. I use this route to cycle to Steveston and back, and elsewhere of course, on a regular basis and think this would be a much needed improvement to the existing thoroughfare. I urge you to act on implementing such a bike lane as soon as possible for a host of safety, environmental and recreational reasons. Let me thank you, in advance, for giving careful consideration to this matter.

Yours Sincerely,

Patrick Dunn, Librarian, Retired, UBC Library 


Hi Patrick,

Thank you for your comments regarding this section of SW Marine Drive. SW Marine Drive is owned and operated by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. UBC has had some preliminary discussions with Ministry staff and are working closely with them on exploring options for addressing parking and cycling access along this stretch of roadway. A "no parking" solution has been part of our discussions to date and we will continue to explore with MoTI the benefits and impacts of implementing this. Your email will be kept on record by UBC and also shared with the Ministry, who are cc'd on this email.
Thanks again for your comments.

Adam Cooper, B.A.2, M.A.
Transportation Planner, Transportation Planning
Campus + Community Planning
University of British Columbia
transportation.ubc.ca


Hello Adam!

Thank you very much for your last email with some of the details regarding the proposed Demarcated Bicycle Lane on SW Marine Drive. In fact, I rode it twice this past week so am keen to see any and all improvements, when possible. I know I speak for the other three friends, (along with many other cyclists, of course), who rode with me.

All the best. Cheers, Patrick!

Hi Lads and Lady!

Though that you might to see some of this correspondence. With respect to coming rides, Monday is supposed to clear later in morning, I believe, while Tuesday looks even better, so far. Let me know what you think and we'll plan accordingly.


Patrick. Hi. So sorry. I got all caught up watching the 6th game of the World Series on Thursday night at my friends' (the most baseball I'd seen all year) that I had to watch Game 7 today, too -- after getting off work at 6, and completely forgetting about observing the bridge game. Till now. My apologies.
Anyhow, it was a bit of a crappy night for taking 2 or 3 buses to the island. Wasn't going to ride, and definitely not driving on the Friday before Halloween. I won't drive over town after a drink, even on a regular night. 

So, perhaps another night. I do have to work till 6pm the next couple of Fridays. Cheers. Ian

Hi Ian!

Sorry you couldn't join us but understand. Unfortunately, friend Andrew leaves tomorrow so I won't be able to get you two "jail-birds" together this time around! His flight is at 7:00am so we'll need to be up at 5:00am, or so, to have him at airport in time!

Keep in touch. Let me know when you might be on this side of the bridge and perhaps we can connect. Cheers, Patrizio!

Hi Jaap!

Trust you and family are well. Must apologize for not replying sooner but has been a busy time these past ten days or so. 

Friend Andrew, visiting from Toronto, prepared a scrumptious chicken curry on Friday night. We had two tables of bridge, eight players and two observers, latter needed as bartenders and food servers, scullions and maids! Days have sped by and Andrew leaves tomorrow. His flight is at 7:00am so we'll need to be up at 5:00am, or so, to have him at airport in time!

Will be hosting the Non-Readers Book Club, (Although I do find it difficult, at times, to find time to read, Whirlygig and I are often only ones to have completed a given book!), at our place tonight. (One of members, Misha, is in a wheelchair so it is easier for him with our single level access.) Will be discussing The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine, by Wallace, Benjamin, 2008.

Fond regards to you and Karin from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizio

Marvin Angelo Mercado Marvin Angelo Mercado added a new photo to the album Mobile Uploads.

Hi Patrick,

I hope you and Corinne are keeping well and busy enjoying life as usual.  I’ve had a crazy busy time with work and play.  I just got back from a one-week trip to Peru, and have another one-week Peru trip coming up in November, likely followed by a trip to somewhere crazy – my client hasn’t said for sure but I think it’s PNG.  The grapes are still on the vines, getting quite good we hope.  Picking is now scheduled for about November 10. 

I don’t know if you got it, but following is Lynne’s description of our European trip.  I think she described it pretty well. A few pictures attached, one of me and a group that cycled alongside the Danube one day, another of Lynne at leisure on the Rhine, another of me cycling in Amsterdam, and us with the windmills.

Hope to see you before long.  Are you around Vancouver these days?

Hi Corinne & Patrick--

Please see below for the details on our river cruise. But before ... How are you both? How're things at the Island Inn? Did you have a nice Thanksgiving? (We did. We went up to Kamloops for a family wedding at which we enjoyed a typical turkey-and-all-the-trimmings dinner and a carrot-cake wedding cake for dessert.) What are your plans for the Christmas season and the new year? It seems strange to be talking about this now but there are already Christmas things in the stores and I've had a couple of reminders about Christmas fairs/markets and special orders for holiday goodies and gifts. Achh!! We are undecided at the moment mainly, I think, because the weather here has remained pretty decent. I'm sure, though, that the first week-long typical Naramata late-fall early-winter weather will send me to Trip Advisor!

Hope to hear from you soon. Take care.

Cheers,

Lynnie

XOXOXO

P.S. Some big news from here ... My new red 2012 Lexus CT in on its way to Vancouver. We will have to come down to pick it up "soon". Timing will depend on the grapes. If we get the call to pick that will take priority. We'll keep you posted and hopefully we can connect for a visit while we are in the city.

P.S. 2. Petey put together a neato slide show on my new MacBook of the pics from our cruise. We'll share them with you next visit or sooner if there is a way to forward them.  

Finally—some semblance of normalcy with the departure of the worst case of jet lag ever and an early-winter cold. Who knew that over 12 hours in the air and in airline lounges plus a 9-hour time difference could be so debilitating. It couldn’t possibly be advanced age!

I am looking out my window now to a typical late-fall-type day in the Okanagan. It is cool. The clouds are scudding along to reveal the odd patch of sunshine and the other odd showery patch and new snow on the mountains across the lake. It’s definitely time to take down the sun shades, bring in the patio furniture, and cover up the BBQ. And, it should be almost time to pick the grapes ... but not quite. The sudden downturn in the temperatures and several rainy days the week before last have delayed ripening again. We could be scuppered if we get a serious frost in the next week or so. Fortunately, above-zero temps are in the forecast for the next little while. Petey is in Peru this week. Hopefully, the grapes will be ready to pick when he gets home.

Now, to news on our cruise ... serious jetlag on our return notwithstanding we had a wonderful three weeks in Europe. We would definitely take another river/canal cruise on a small ship and with the same company (Scenic Tours out of Australia). Everything lived up to expectations and then some. Our cruise director and onboard hotel manager were both wonderful people with indefatigable reserves of energy and humour. Our cabin steward was a lovely young guy who wouldn’t allow a used towel to linger for more than a few minutes. We made a new BFF of one of the bartenders and enjoyed the “performances” from many of the wait staff, particularly one Eastern European fellow who was enamoured of Hawaii and seemingly couldn’t tell a.m. from p.m. Petey became pals with the captain and even spent some quality time with him in the wheelhouse, which was particularly interesting when going through the many locks and/or under a low bridge.

At the beginning of the trip we flew to Frankfurt and then on to Budapest the next day. While we were waiting in the Budapest airport for transfer to the Scenic Pearl we met Karen and Moe, a couple from just outside Victoria. (They are almost neighbours of our good pals Barb and Fred. Small world, eh?) We hit it off and spent a lot of time with them on the ship and occasionally on shore excursions. There was open seating for meals, so it was nice to have such compatible dinner mates. We also met some other lovely couples—a few Canadians and a few Aussies. Being an Australian company, they were the majority on board with the next most numerous being Canadians. There were a few Brits and even fewer Americans. Most everyone was a similar age to me and Petey with a few “youngsters” in their 50s and some true oldsters or what the cruise director and tour guides called the “VIP” group. (I think VIP stands for “Very Iffy Perambulators”.) Iffy or not, there was lots of perambulating on the shore excursions. I definitely got in my 10,000 steps per day especially when you consider that walking on cobblestones must count 2 for 1!

The cruise got off to an excellent start with a short night sail on the Danube at Budapest to see all the beautifully floodlit buildings including the Parliament and many churches. We spent part of the next day exploring there (after a trip to Memento Park where the city fathers have collected a number of the knocked-down monuments and statues from the old Communist era) and are definitely looking forward to experiencing more of the city when we return next spring with Barb and Fred. Our next stopover was in Vienna where we spent two nights. A highlight here was a concert of Strauss and Mozart music at the Palais Lichtenstein. Petey and I also took a walking tour that included Schonbrunn Palace, which, we realized once there, we’d both visited before.

We continued along the Danube, through the Wachau wine country, to Melk where we endured an organ recital at the famous abbey. Then it was on to Passau from where we took a day tour by bus to Cesky Krumlov a beautifully restored medieval Czech village (where I bought some lovely amber and silver jewellery). This trip was noteworthy in that it was on the only day of the whole holiday where it was really cool and poured down rain. For the rest of the time we enjoyed beautifully warm days and lots of sunshine. (Petey was really glad to have brought—at the last minute—three pairs of shorts and I my sandals.) This day trip was also noteworthy in that it highlighted just how much difference still exists between “east” and “west”. Even though the Czech Republic is fairly well-to-do as former Communist-bloc countries go there were noticeable differences—even in the landscape—as soon as we crossed the border. It’ll be interesting to see if we notice this as much next spring. We won’t be going to Cesky Krumlov again but we will spend some time in Prague and elsewhere in the CR.

We switched from the Danube to the Main-Danube Canal and continued through locks and glorious scenery surrounding the various “burgs” and “heims” to Nuremburg where we took a sobering tour of various WWII sites including the Nuremburg Rallies stadium ruins. (Petey rememberd being there with his pal Humphrey back in the ‘60s.) There is a big debate as to whether the site should continue to exist or be demolished. It is a very powerful reminder of a very dark time in Germany’s history—a time most Germans do not want to repeat. On the other hand, it is apparently one of the very few remaining “rallying points” for the neo-Nazi movement. This is a tough one, no?

More “bergs” or “burgs” and “heims” along the Main-Danube Canal and then on to the Main River. Petey bicycled one of the legs along here at the same time as a big bike marathon. I waved to him from the sundeck on the ship with an apricot daiquiri in hand. The following day we joined the “advanced” group of walkers/hikers and went for jaunt along the Tauber River. We opted for the long way home and almost missed our departure deadline at the ship!

We’re now on the Rhine River and heading downstream through the Rhine Gorge which is magnificent and probably has more castles per kilometre than anywhere else in Europe. Before hitting the gorge we went ashore and took a cable car up to the 125-foot Niederwald Monument. The view was breathtaking (and the walk down was fun) but, alas, the monument itself was under wraps for restoration. The next day we were on to Cologne where we set off to explore on our own, sample some of the local Kolsch beer, and buy some—what else—cologne. That night was the Captain’s Farewell Dinner and it was the second-best meal that we had on the ship. The first was the night we had a reservation at the upscale Portobello restaurant—a separate section with seating for 24 or so at the front of the lounge on the upper deck. This was also the night we had a name-that-tune contest. Our team (Petey and I, Karen and Moe, and another lovely Aussie couple) was not even in the running even though we got extra points for my dancing!

We’re now in Amsterdam where we spent two nights. On the day in between we opted for a bus tour to see the outlying areas with their windmills and cheese factories. We bought some lovely goudas, including an aged one that almost had the texture and taste of a fine parmesan. Our last night on board was bittersweet. We enjoyed a final dinner with lots of toasts to good times and good friends and we’ll-have-to-meet-agains. Petey stayed up late helping new-found fellow aficionados finish a lovely bottle of single malt. I repaired to our cabin early to pack up for our departure on the morrow. We bid our fond farewells, grabbed our suitcases and backpacks, and made our way from the ship to the train station, which was mercifully just across the street (8-10 lanes) from the dock. We put the bags in a locker and spent the rest of the morning and afternoon wandering about Amsterdam and concluding that Amsterdam is not a place that we have to revisit ... ever.

Our train ride to Bruges via Brussells went very smoothly as did our taxi ride to our B&B. It was a wonderful place on a very quiet and very old (as is everything in Bruges) side street abutting a canal and just a short walk from the central city square. Our hostess was a font of information and soon had us out of the house and on our way to a pub with dozens and dozens of Belgian beers. We spent most of the following day wandering around and just taking in the sights and enjoying the continuing beautiful fall weather. There are very good reasons why Bruges is designated a UNESCO world heritage site. (Alas, the movie—In Bruges—really didn’t focus on this aspect of the city. Speaking of the movie, the dog featured in a few scenes belongs to the B&B.) In the late afternoon, we met a group in town for a ride out  of town for a ballooning adventure. We started in a field a fair distance north of town, drifted over the town, and came down in another field on the other side of town. It was an amazing adventure and could have been even more enjoyable if Petey and I hadn’t been split up and if my basket-mates hadn’t been obnoxious Russian smokers!

The following day we took an excellent, but very sobering, trip to Flanders. We returned to Bruges in the early evening and caught our train to Brussels and on to Dusseldorf where we were met by Hansgeorg and Daniela. Hansgeorg was one of Petey’s classmates at Imperial College. We dropped our luggage at our hotel and then decamped to H & G’s temporary home (their house is undergoing a major, major renovation) for a wonderful late supper featuring many luscious cheeses (including those we’d brought from Holland), interesting breads, and some special bottles from Hansgeorg’s cellar, notably a lovely bubbly. We spent our next two days and nights in Dusseldorf in a whirlwind of activity—walking the streets and window shopping, visiting galleries and museums, trying different local speciality beers and other goodies, eating out at a Michelin-star restaurant, and generally enjoying being the pampered guests of our two very gracious hosts. In addition, Daniela is an excellent cook and served us the most delicious venison we’ve ever tasted. They even drove us to the airport for our flight back home. It was a wonderful conclusion to a wonderful trip ... and left us looking forward to the next one. Cheers!!

Hello World Travelers!

Welcome home! Glad you are back and awaiting harvest. Certainly enjoyed your wonderfully descriptive, and often humourous journal, Lynne. Suppose my favourite is the wave with apricot daiquiri in hand! Your stay in Brugge, with visit to Flanders, seemed quite similar to our experience. We. too, had a grand time. As it turned out, the husband of the lovely woman who ran the B&B where we stayed, is an organist and he took us to the Jesuit church where he plays for a guided tour, early the Sunday afternoon we were there. We then attended the service itself, that evening, before returning to a wonderful Greek restaurant we discovered, just off the Bell Tower square, if I recall correctly. Did you climb it? I found it fascinating, especially as workmen were there, clambering over the huge bells and occasionally dropping a tool, a hammer or a wrench. I wasn't so much worried about the bells themselves, rather my head!

Terrific to have gracious hosts when visiting. Almost like being on The Bench at The Naramata!!! Loved your snaps. Flamin' and Sarge will be green with envy having cycled in Italy this past June, as I think you will recall. Believe Flamin' would have been holding a glass of Prosecco, however!

Do let us know when you are coming to pick up your new wheels. Perhaps we could smash a bottle of Champagne on the front fender to launch her!!! If it happens to be before November 15th you are more than welcome to stay with us, (Still haven't changed sheets since Dom Jugos was last here!), as Cora Lee's parents arrive then and Chloë is there until they turf her out. I f later, we can always send her downstairs to Sutherlands as they are almost completely de-nested. As well, Kathleen and Steve are arriving on December 7th, in case you didn't know, for a month, at least, I believe, so keep that in mind for a potential re-union.

Andrew, Executive chef, flown in from Toronto, at great expense. Some of his magnificent creations. He prepared a scrumptious chicken curry this past Friday night. We had two tables of bridge, eight players and two observers, latter needed as bartenders and food servers, scullions and maids! First prize was a weekend retreat at the gorgeous home of close friends, The Lighthall B&B in Naramata!!!
Both are amazing gourmets and serve stellar local wines with each meal, including breakfast. Had never had a Riesling with muesli before we stayed with them! The freshly squeezed orange juice is not to be missed either!!!

New roof is on both places and Mom/Dad's roof is really looking good! Lance roofing found some rot under the old singles but repaired everything for only another $700.00. Really boosted the value of the A frame as so much shows with the sloped roof. Mom/dad are in Ontario as you know. We have been away helping Marlo move to their new place and clean both houses. Move went well but stiff from all the carrying and bending. Nice place that they moved into. Big 3/4 acre lot and lots of room.
well bye for now. George 

Hi Giorgio et al!

Great that everything worked out so well with roofing and house move. Nice to have all that behind you, I'm sure. Fondestos to one and all. Cheers, Patrizio!

Nadienka Wyss Hey cruel Host Father, this is the cruelst Host Daughter ever!! Because I really couldn't make it on Skype.. trying to catch up with Nicolina too but it seems way to hard to come online during the Canadian timezone:( It's been also waaaay to long since I last wrote you an email, right?!;) I apologize for that too. To give you a short insight in my current life: I moved to Zurich! Can you imagine? :D Well actually it's Winterthur but it's still located in Kanton Zurich. I've started studying Physiotherpie here, that's why I had to come here, living with the Zurich people.. They're nice though, arrogant, but nice. Oh and stressed of course. Anyway, I live with 3 other students in a lovely appartment. 2 guys, 2 girls and somehow we seem to fit together :) School's awesome too, we don't just sit there and listen to the lectures, we actually get to do practice a little as well, like role-playing (physiotherapist and patient). In Bern, everything's and everyone's alright and happy as well :) Hope, you guys are fine too!? Let me see, I'll try to be online this saturday evening.. around 9pm Swiss time, which will be 3pm your time? Think I'll be online all evening anyway, so you can (try to) reach my by chance ok? I'd even love to see Maggie! Can you actually believe that I've missed her too? :D Ok dearest Host Father, gotta go to sleep and get up early to go learn some usefull things! Miss you and would u please kiss Cora Lee and hug her properly for me? Oh and Chloe as well. Talk to you soon. Fondestos and Cheers. Your Dearest Host Daughter Nadienka

Hello Dearest Host Daughter!

Congratulations on your move to Zurich and studying Physio! You'll be able to help your Dearest Host Father with all his cycling aches and pains when you have graduated! Glad you are enjoying your new living circumstances, even though you probably miss friends and family in Bern. Too bad that we can't seem to be able to find mutually convenient times for a Skype call but I know just how you feel because I must apologize for not replying sooner simply because it has been a busy time these past ten days or so. Week ago, Saturday morning, I picked up close friend, Andrew Sredzki, who flew into town from Toronto for a little more than a week at The Island Inn.

Fondestos to you, Dearest Nadienka, as well as to other friends and family members, from both Chloë, your Host Sister, Maggie, Your Host Cat, (she mises you as ANdrew is allergic to cats so he can't let her sleep on your bed!), Cora Lee, your Host Mother and Patrizio, your Cruel Host Father!!!

Pics: Happy Halloween! 40th anniversary of our first meeting, at Champs pub, in Winnipeg. Beautiful Fall afternoon, clear, crisp and sunny, 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! Tomorrow, we are going to celebrate at Edibles, a new restaurant on Granville Island. Taking along Flamin' and Sarge as an anniversary present to them. I t was earlier this summer but we couldn't all be together at the time.

Hi Patrizio,

It's good to hear from you.

When are you available to come over? Lunch or dinner?

Let's try to get together before Christmas.

Cheers, John and Carmen Miranda 

Hi Carmen Miranda and Southside Johnny!

Thanks for kind invitation. Would certainly love to accept. Cora Lee's parents arrive on November 15th so perhaps after that, if you'd like us all! Cora Lee is busy with the Friends of VPL Annual Book Sale until later this evening but I'll suggest this to her and we'll plan accordingly. Thanks again. Cheers, Patrizio!

PS: Watch this and then go and buy a lottery ticket!

Attachments: The_Luckiest_People_On_Earth.wmv

To good not to watch...last is the best! 

Hi Colin!

Thanks for clip! Great sound track!!! I'm on my way to buy a lottery ticket once I send this message! Cheers, Patrizio! 

Hi Claire!

Thanks for confirming reservations! However, in spite of your warning, can hardly wait to try both mango and lychee wine!! Must apologize for not replying sooner simply because it has been a busy time these past ten days or so. Week ago, Saturday morning, I picked up close friend, Andrew Sredzki, who flew into town from Toronto for a little more than a week at The Island Inn. Fondestos to you and Greg from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizio!

Hey Dunners,

Bruce and I lost to Gary Johnson and Habib Rahman 3-1. Pretty good match. It
was a semi final in 40/50 event. Chuckster ran the tourney and he and his
partner Don "the Professor" Livingston won the 60+ over Tom Locke and Gord
Pybus of VRC Cheer Covey 

Hi Baby Beluga!

Thanks for update on Wrightson! From the sound of it everyone had a pretty good tournament. Perhaps after watching this you'll do better in Gamble! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Nice.....

Hello Kids!

Trust everyone is well, whether in Hawaii or Vancouver! Will be hosting the Non-Readers Book Club, (Although I do find it difficult, at times, to find time to read, Whirlygig and I are often only ones to have completed a given book!), at our place tonight. Cora Lee will be busy with winding up the Friends of VPL annual book sale, on since this past Thursday. I usually host as one of members, Misha, is in a wheelchair so it is easier for him with our single level access. Will be discussing The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine, by Wallace, Benjamin, 2008. Andrew leaves tomorrow at 7:00am so we'll need to be up at 5:00am to have him at airport in time!

Cheers, Patrizio!

When I read some of the rules for speaking and writing the English language correctly, -- as that a sentence must never end with a particle, -- and perceive how implicitly even the learned obey it, I think: Any fool can make a rule. And every fool will mind it. -Henry David Thoreau, naturalist and author (1817-1862)

 

A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs -- jolted by every pebble in the road. -Henry Ward Beecher, preacher and writer (1813-1887)