Saturday 17 December 2011

IIDD, Dec 17th

 In words are seen the state of mind and character and disposition of the speaker. -Plutarch, biographer and philosopher (circa 46-120)



Hello Claire and Greg!

Thanks again for organizing the walking history lesson! Four of us have signed up for Australian History 101 at UBC, in January, so we won't appear to be uninformed when we take mini-seminar! Must really apologize, once again, for having taken so long to reply but life has been a veritable whirlwind of social activity over last week and more, what with visitors and post-op blues!. These two events alone have kept us hopping, (literally, in Corinne's case), so to speak!

We held a mini-Christmas Open House/Welcome to Vancouver/Birthday Party this past Sunday. Close friends, Kathleen and Steve, from Melbourne, are here for a month, visiting friends and family. They have been staying with us since they arrived on Wednesday, Decemebr 7th and de-camped to her Mother's in Burnaby, a week later. We will be staying with them, mid-March, shortly after Flamin' and Sarge arrive in Melbourne. They live about 30 minutes south of Bendigo, in a tiny hamlet, North Harcourt, about 20 minutes north of Castlemaine, only about 90 minutes north of Melbourne itself, with new highway, completed since we were last there in 2006.

Flamin' and Sarge were planning to attend celebrations once they returned from Whistler. Flamin' had arranged to take ski lessons and on Saturday morning, shortly after session began, she hit a patch of ice and fell, not really doing any damage. However, a few moments later, another student in class came flying over same small rise, lost her balance and went flying, making a landing, with her ski boots right into Michele's back! The impact knocked Flamin' further down the slope and then the "slammer" drove into her, yet again, helplessly carried along by momentum on the icy slope, following after the "slammee", her newfound punching bag/brake! Long and the short of it is that Flamin' sustained two cracked/broken ribs, #9 and #11, as well as some considerable soft tissue trauma. Not sure of the all the details but she will be allowed to go back to work on Monday. She was in terrible pain, barely able to move on Sunday and was popping Chloë's Tylenol 3's, overlefts from her tonsillectomy, about two months ago now! She did make a brief appearance that evening but only stayed long enough to knock back a stiff rum 'n coke poured by ex-Navy, No Good, (NG, Norman Glen), Dusty Durston!

In addition to the gifts I'd received earlier in week, cycling friend, Big Molly, gave me a hilarious framed "photo-shopped" cover of Cycling World and a glorious green lycra cycling shirt that is really too, too good to wear, at least for riding! Chloë gave me some snazzy cycling shorts, (more zippers than a Hell's Angels' leather jacket), once again, so stylish I can only wear them to Church on Christmas Eve! (This "pretend" refusal to wear stylish garments drives The Sisterhood nuts!")

The Island Inn was also the fortunate recipient, from Famiglia Banks, of a huge container of leek soup, (last of the leeks from the garden, I gather), and a quarter round, or so, of one of the giant red cabbages we've enjoyed, from their garden, over the Fall. Clarisse had baked two Angel Food cakes for my birthday, slathered in chocolate pudding icing. Discovered I was nine years younger when I blew out the candles as The Sisterhood could only find two "Fives" in drawer when it came time to decorate cakes! Also noticed that Robo Ray had more than one piece of cake but refrained from making an issue of it as Sylvia mentioned he is rather testy these days, the cold temperatures getting to him! As well, he is fretting over the expense of having had his two bikes over-hauled and to recoup the outrageous expenditure is now working on a web-site to make PsCyco-Socks, (He wears large socks over his cycling shoes!), available on-line! Perfect stocking stuffers or indeed, perfect stockings, particularly the XXL, to hang on the mantlepiece! Nevertheless, a grand time and loads of fun visiting and celebrating with wonderful friends and family!

For her part, Cora Lee continues to do well. This past Monday, at noon, I drove her to a scheduled post-operation appointment with her surgeon. She was more than a bit concerned as she lost her balance getting up off the couch that morning at 5:00am to go to the bathroom. She inadvertently put all her weight on the foot that isn't to have any weight bearing for next six weeks! She was very concerned that she had done some serious damage to her toes. Fortunately, Dottore said all was fine, x-ray taken after surgery showed all was well and fall/misstep didn't do any damage, other than to cause excruciating pain for some time! (She probably did it on purpose. Good excuse for more pain killers!) I parked at Safeway on Broadway and Macdonald and skateboarding on her nifty, mini-four wheeler, kneeling with her right leg on padded support, she managed distance from office across the street to car with little, if any, difficulty. I suggested that she do shopping for fruit and vegetables at Young Brothers, (Broadway and Trutch, hardly five blocks west!), and I'd run a few other errands before collecting her. Bit of eye daggerage, Dear Reader! If looks could kill!

Back at The Island Inn she settled onto couch and I took out the recycling. Met neighbours, Dianna and Bob, who moved into Harbour Terrace this past July. Bob had his left knee replaced two weeks ago and is still using a walker. I invited them in to say hello to The Canadian Patient and they compared notes on pain medication, bowel movements and the like! I suggested that we hold races in the hallway, placing bets on the walker vs the mini-bike. Even have extra bike helmets in case of spills or dirty racing moves!!!

Tuesday night she was getting up from toilette and thought that she was going to fall so she grabbed the towel rack on the wall, to steady herself, and ripped it right out of the gyp-rock! Wonder Woman, fighting inanimate objects wherever they lurk! No evil coat-rack, nefarious picture frame or villainous lamp stand is safe from her all seeing eyes and deadly stumbling! Dusty came over next day to inspect damage and I wondered if we should move the rack up when re-attaching it. He replied, rather testily, that it would have been be better by far if she simply hadn't grabbed onto it in the first place. And this is his first born!!! Of course I could never agree with such a cruel statement of fact!!!

Took in White Christmas: The Musical, at the Stanley on Thursday night. It was a wonderful production, energetic and spirited cast and ensemble. Terrific music, of course, and all of the choreography, tap-dancing atop a piano, per esempio, was just delightful, even thrilling. Everyone enjoyed it immensely. Took a bit of effort to get The Injured and Recovering Sisterhood to the theatre. Sarge drove Cora Lee and her Mom, as well as Flamin' and Nicole followed in her car with Dusty and I, dropping us off. Helped Cora Lee into her seat in "handicapped" section as she had use her "skateboard" while Sarge parked a block or so away. Nicole had found a spot shortly after she pulled away and called her Dad to let him know that she was offering Valet Service! Saving space until he arrived, she pulled out and he pulled in. Slick!!!

I walked over to Arts Club Box Office that afternoon to pick up tickets that Corinne had been able to exchange for seats that would allow her leg to be elevated. Usher was extremely helpful and provided two stiff, foam cushions to act as a foot rest. Funnily enough there was another young woman beside us with her leg in a boot. She had an injured achilles tendon but ultra-sound showed but a 25% tear so her dottore said she only had to wear it for two weeks. Unfortunately, Flamin' had to leave at the Intermission as she was in too much back pain, exacerbated, I suppose by having to sit through almost 90 minutes of Act I. Nicole came to fetch her so after the performance there was room for everyone in Sarge's vehicle. Dusty and I were pleased as otherwise we'd have had to walk home in the cold and the rain.

Quiet evening last night as together with Rosie and Dusty we watched Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Everyone, except Dusty, had seen it when it came out so we wanted him to see it before going to sequel. Think I even enjoyed it more the second time as I could appreciate what was going to happen and concentrate on how events unfolded.

Tonight we are having two tables of bridge at The Igloo, The Penguin's abode on Maple and Broadway. Used to play doubles with Janet Scott. Her Mom, Gladys Knight and the Pips, is in town for hols and we have played with her on a number of occasions. Should be fun, especially as I have "fabulous" bridge prizes, purloined from he re-cycling area in our parkade! Re-gifting Never Sleeps!!!

Off to the Aquatic Center after I run Her Ladyship's shower. Molto difficile to aid in the bathing process when Mistress Nibs insists I am to be blindfolded while she annoints herself with unguents and scented oils. Bit like the Blind Leading the Lame and Halt! Onward! Fight!! Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year to you and Claire and family. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!


 


Hi Rae!

Trust you are all well! Must really apologize for having taken so long to say hello but life has been a veritable whirlwind of social activity over last week and more, what with visitors and post-op blues!. These two events alone have kept us hopping, (literally, in Corinne's case), so to speak!
Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year to you and Rick and Judy and family. We will miss everything from you people and Ayn and lads to pool and wonderful, wonderful food and wine!!! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
--


Bridge is on for Saturday December 19, 2011 at my Igloo

So we are on…I’m shocked since there was such short notice…this is great.

Mom and I am going to the afternoon matinee at the Playhouse tomorrow, so I could use a little help with a bit of food for dinner.  I will make some chili and have some nice fresh bread, however, if anyone would like to bring a salad or a dessert that would be helpful.   I will have a couple appies as well.
As for time – I will say 1815.  I’m sure the play will be over by 5, so that will give me enough time to get home and be ready to greet my guests).

I have secured the best parking spot in the whole building...just for you...well, for Corrine. :-)
Come into the alley and the underground parking. First is the commercial parking and then there will be a gate. Come to the gate and buzz me at 022. I will try to let you in (but will also head down in case it doesn't work). If you get in, go almost to the next gate...and on the right (next to the bike locker), you can park...it is a nice big spot and says private parking (or something like that). Pull in there. I will be down to meet you. And yes, the elevator if very close.

Looking forward to finally having you all over. It has been a long time coming.
I trust you will bring score sheets. Oh and the prizes!! I'll work on that...thanks for the reminder (not that I needed one). :-) Janet


Hello Nanook of the North!

Wonderful that you have arranged secure moorage for the Mother Ship, Titanium Green, and the mini-bike/skate board pod, piloted by peg-leg Capitaine Coriandre. We will proceed to the docking bay, using the charts provided and signal our arrival with three blasts, one long and two short, of the foghorn, international convention for "0-2-2"! We shall endeavour to bring tally pads, as opposed to score sheets, (a rather plebeian term which we prefer not to use at The Island Inn on the Sea of False Creek), and thank you for the reminder, not that we needed one!

All being well, we estimate that the Good Ship Three No-Trump should arrive in port shortly after 6:30pm-6:45pm, given the difficulty of loading its fragile, not to say, cantankerous, highly volatile  cargo and the slow passage through the pack ice surrounding your igloo! We, who are about to discover the Northwest Passage, salute you!!! Cheers, First Mate and Galley Slave, Duplicate Dunn!

PS: This message sent of behalf of Captain Dusty Haddock, slightly indisposed, as of this writing, as a direct result of having consumed more than his fair share of the daily rum ration!



Ginette Bertrand posted on your Wall.
"Love the 1976 photo...those were grand times for all of us! Ahhhhhh Love!"


Patrick James Dunn Grand times indeed but Love never ages! Is the accompanying picture a self-portrait. I'm very taken with it, whether painting or pic! Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Patrick,
Ginette Bertrand commented on your Wall post.
Ginette wrote: "This portrait of me is a painting actually done by the local artist Suzanna Blunt, I think she captured me quite well, it was done in 1990. This way long after I am dead I can "haunt" my son's days as the portrait when you look at it the eyes seem to follow you everywhere (which is usually a sign of a good painting).
Among the well-known people Susanna has painted are Toni Onley, painter, Vancouver; George Woodcock, author, Vancouver; Stanley Donen, film producer, Los Angeles; Stephen Isserlis, Cellist, London; and was chosen in a nation wide competition, by Her Excellency, Gerda Hnatyshyn, wife of Governor General Ramon Hnatyshyn, to paint her portrait for Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Ontario. In 1997, she painted and personally delivered to Buckingham Palace a portrait of His Highness, the Prince Edward.

Susanna was educated in Canada and in Europe. She now lives in West Vancouver B.C., Canada. As well as paintings, she produces sculptures in a wide variety of styles and in mixed mediums, from realistic, to abstract contemporary art.

Internationally acclaimed as a portrait artist, she travels widely to fulfill her commissions.

She has designed murals for businesses and for private homes, as well as fountains and other sculptures for gardens. online galleries.The Royal Canadian Mint on June 2, 2003, unveiled the new portrait of H.M. Queen Elizabeth ll created by Vancouver's Susanna Blunt. The new image was created in celebration of the Queen's Jubilee and has been used on all new Canadian coins."

The Movember Wrap-up
Dearest Mo Lover and donor,

Thank you so much for supporting a citizen of Movember on their men’s health journey. Venturing into the wild and growing a moustache for 30 days is something that takes courage, commitment and passion for the hair of the wild. Below you’ll find some information how Movember has grown this year, what happens next and details about what the prostate cancer research and survivorship programs your donation is helping to fund. From our toes to Mo’s thank you so much for supporting your Mo Bros and Mo Sistas. Together we will succeed in truly changing the face of men’s health.
Thanks for Giving




 









we have 2 vhs tapes and were hoping to possibly get it onto 1 dvd?

thanks, Chloe
Notes: hoping we may be able to get by christmas?
 
Dear Chloe,

Thanks for contact Basetwo Media Inc.  Unfortunately, due to workload, we
are unable to insure completion by Christmas but first week in January.  If
you are still interested, please feel free to drop by M-F 09:00 - 17:30 with
your tapes.  We would not be able to fit the 2 x VHS onto one DVD.  Cost
would be $35.00/tape plus tax.

Sincerely Dale Rechner


D, you need to go here transfer the tape onto dvd and get 15 copies made thanks


BTW, figured out why your B.D. didn't pop up. You are listed as dependant!
On file - in Corinne's name. Doesn't show dependants. Seems like it should
be the other way around, especially now!

Don't worry, I have recorded your b.d. in another place. Can't miss the BIG
ONE you young fart. Charlie


Hi Champagne!

The Sisterhood Never Sleeps, especially after pounding Irish Cream!!! Cheers, Patrizio! 


So should I bring over the larger size the next time?

Hi Champagne!

Do you have one that fits onto an IV drip?




Hello again, Duhlink!

Trust all goes well. Have a small favour to ask. As a result of being a a friend of Laphroaig Distillery, I receive a small discount, 10%, as a birthday present. I'm not able to order hootch to be sent to Canada but I believe I can have it delivered in the UK. Just to see how process works, overall cost, etc., I thought I'd order a bottle not available here and have it delivered to your address. Would that be fine with you? Then I'd have a ready stock upon next arrival, pre-supposing it manages to survive house taxes, quality samples, etc! Not a big deal. I'd ask Jamie as Pat is usually home but he reads his email so infrequently that we'll probably be in England before he responds! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Dear Patrick,

Holder of Plot 320708 (I plan to be buried at the distillery!)

Best wishes and many happy returns of the day!

To celebrate your birthday (and your 4 years of being a Friend of Laphroaig!) we would like to offer you a small online present from all of us here at the distillery. The code below will be valid for three months at the Friends of Laphroaig online shop. You can use the code to receive a one-off 10% birthday discount in addition to your usual FOL discount* on any purchases that you make.




Pat, I must confess that Nancy and I thought wed better get ourselves in the RIGHT MOOD to sing happy brithday to you on the phone yesterday, and what better way to start than to crack into a bottle of the copious stocks of David Caffaro reds downstairs. Well, it turned out it was hard to resist a second, indeed, a third bottle, there were so many different varietals to try and they all tasted so darn good. Finally, when we looked up, neither of us could remember WHY we were drinking the wine other than it made a lot of sense.

I was a TAD groggy this morning, but as I was putting together sandwiches and taking care of the cat (different operations, I should make clear) I FINALLY remembered that we had planned to wish you a happy birthday...I know its awfully lame to just say Happy Birthday via Gmail a day late and you didnt even get any of your own wine (true, there are a few bottles left...so far) but well, you know, we Americans, living in this soft climate, we start getting pretty low standards, eh?  So anyway it looks like the best we can do is to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a VERY VERY JOLLY GOOD FELLOW!!!! your formerly favorite Berkloids, Cactus and Donna Florida....-- Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.


Hi Donna Florida and Cactus, former friends and certainly Uppity, Presumptuous Berkloids!

Bitter dregs indeed! It's quite obvious that I'm going to have to find another bonded warehouse in the new year! I can hardly wait to be at Villa Vicente when Vincenzo is pulling an early shift at the bakery and Donna Florida is planting indigenous species, somewhere in the Berkeley Hills, giving me the opportunity to despoil your wine cellar!!! Thanks anyway for the insulting rendition of For He's A Jolly Good Sucker...I can only hope you overhangs were 10+ on the Richter Scale!
Onward! Fight!! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!



Pat,

    Are you up for ride on Sunday? Ray



Hi Raymond!

Just returned from The Igloo with The Penguin and Gladys Knight and the Pips. Had a wonderful evening, in spite of not having any cards. Dusty and I were players with lowest scores, 8 and 7 on totem pole, respectively. Penguin was Numero Uno, followed by Leggage, Rosie-the-Riveter, Franny, GKP and then Coriandre. Wonderful food, (even came away with Janet's scrumptious vegetarian chili overlefts), and company so not many complaints.

Assembled crew could not believe their eyes at fantabulous bridge prizes so I believe my tarnished reputation has undergone a significant re-evaluation, for the better!!! They now spit on beachballs, luggage tags, Corona bottle openers and the like. As Legs stated: "You have raised the bar instead of siddling up to it!" Penguin even had gift bags of yummy chocs for everyone so even the sore losers were mollified.

Nevertheless, think I'll drown my bridge sorrows in with what little is left of the Irish Cream, even if it means rinsing out the bottle with malt! Cheers, Patrizzio! 


Hi Favourite Naramtains!

Trust all goes well with you folk. Thanks for update on Shelter Point JDP! Must really apologize for having taken so long to reply but life has been a veritable whirlwind of social activity over last week and more. As you might know, I celebrated my 64th birthday just a week or so ago, last Tuesday, December 6th, (I received some wonderful presents, among which, from Flamin' and Sarge, a super malt, Arran, The Amarone Cask Finish, 50%, spice and warmth in the mouth, extremely well balanced with a most satisfying Amarone finish, so we needed a couple of snorts to make sure it was as good as we thought it was!), and Cora Lee underwent corrective foot surgery, week ago this past Friday. Those two events alone have kept us hopping, (literally, in Corinne's case), so to speak!
Nor sure if you have heard from K/S but give us a shout if there is a chance we can connect when you are passing through Vancouver. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Agneta!

Trust you are well. Lovely stained glass picture with your Christmas message. Done by Matthew? Had a lovely chat with Lynne about a week ago now. He mentioned you have a goodly number of people attending yoga.
Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Scrooge!

Cora Lee sends her thanks for your sympathy since she says she receives little if any here! Must really apologize, once again, for having taken so long to reply but life has been a veritable whirlwind of social activity over last week and more, what iwth visitors and post-op blues!. These two events alone have kept us hopping, (literally, in Corinne's case), so to speak!
Onward! Fight!! Cheers, Fagin! 

  


Hi Raymond!

Just returned from The Igloo with The Penguin and Gladys Knight and the Pips, her Mother. Had a wonderful evening, in spite of not having any cards. Dusty and I were players with lowest scores, 8 and 7 on totem pole, respectively. Penguin was Numero Uno, followed by Leggage, Rosie-the-Riveter, Franny, (friend of Janet's),GKP and then Coriandre. Wonderful food, (even came away with Janet's scrumptious vegetarian chili overlefts), and company so not many complaints. Everyone quite liked the Asian noodle salad I contributed. I used about a quarter of the red cabbage, (along with green), you left last Sunday. They insisted on knowing my source for former but I refused to give out your address knowing that they intended to mount midnight raids next summer/fall!

Assembled crew could not believe their eyes at fantabulous bridge prizes, (Didn't have the heart to tell them I found them near the recylcing bins at our place!), so I believe my tarnished reputation has undergone a significant re-evaluation, for the better!!! They now spit on beachballs, luggage tags, Corona bottle openers and the like, prizes from O Susannah and Champagne Charlie, our long suffering travel agents. As Legs, (Karen Levine), stated: "You have raised the bar instead of siddling up to it!" Penguin even had gift bags of yummy chocs for everyone so even the sore losers were mollified. Nevertheless, think I'll drown my bridge sorrows in with what little is left of the Irish Cream, (left by Charlie and Susan yesterday for Les Invalides), even if it means rinsing out the bottle with malt!

I am certainly interested in a ride tomorrow but I have to chauffeur Cora Lee and her Mom to church at 10:30am and then collect them about 12:30pm. I'd be interested in a loop around Stanley Park around 1:00pm or so, but not sure how that might fit with your scheduled. I would like to do a swim as well so would probably wave goodbye to you at the Aquatic Centre, on return leg, should we do the ride as outlined. Let me know what you think, either by email or a call in the morning. Cheers, Patrizzio!




    • Patrick James Dunn Terrific photo! Taken before or after using the "present" we gave you last March? Youse a Viper! 

      Hi!

      Glad to hear that Corinne's operation went well. Give her my best wishes. Hard thing to put up with over Christmas but better than disrupting travelling plans! A few more invalids and you'll have a quiet Christmas.
      Dana and Dan have moved in for awhile and we are all going through the inevitable adjustment period etc etc. Things always work out etc etc.
      We have a few inches of snow but it's melting so hard to say whether there'll be any left for Christmas.
      Except for deciding on meals for that week, we're ready here. That's a good thing as Dana and Dan will need to use our vehicle a lot. The bus schedule is ridiculous up here in Batch.
      Dana has a take home exam to write this week. She has been given 10 case studies for which to prescribe herbal remedies. She then will be able to hang a Master Herbalist shingle. 



      Hi Brenda Louise!

      Now all you have to do is ENJOY!!!

      Quiet evening on Friday night as together with Rosie and Dusty we watched Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Everyone, except Dusty, had seen it when it came out so we wanted him to see it before going to sequel. Think I even enjoyed it more the second time as I could appreciate what was going to happen and concentrate on how events unfolded.

      Rode to the Aquatic Center, yesterday afternoon, (Just a short swim of 2.5K), after I had run Her Ladyship's shower. Molto difficile to aid in the bathing process when Mistress Nibs insists I am to be blindfolded while she annoints herself with unguents and scented oils. Bit like the Blind Leading the Lame and Halt! Onward! Fight!!

      That night we played two tables of bridge at The Igloo, The Penguin's abode on Maple and Broadway. Used to play doubles with Janet Scott. Her Mom, Gladys Knight and the Pipps, is in town for hols and we have played with her on a number of occasions. Had a wonderful evening, in spite of not having any cards. Dusty and I were players with lowest scores, 8 and 7 on totem pole, respectively. Penguin was Numero Uno, followed by Leggage, Rosie-the-Riveter, Franny, (friend of Janet's), GKP and then Coriandre. Wonderful food, (even came away with Janet's scrumptious vegetarian chili overlefts), and company so not many complaints. Everyone quite liked the Asian noodle salad I contributed. I used about a quarter of the red cabbage, (along with green), Ray left last Sunday. They insisted on knowing my source for former but I refused to give out his address knowing that they intended to mount midnight raids next summer/fall!

      Assembled crew could not believe their eyes at fantabulous bridge prizes, (Didn't have the heart to tell them I found them near the recylcing bins at our place!), so I believe my tarnished reputation has undergone a significant re-evaluation, for the better!!! They now spit on beachballs, luggage tags, Corona bottle openers and the like, prizes from O Susannah and Champagne Charlie, our long suffering travel agents. As Legs, (Karen Levine), stated: "You have raised the bar instead of siddling up to it!" Penguin even had gift bags of yummy chocs for everyone so even the sore losers were mollified. When we were back at The Island Inn I drowned my bridge sorrows with what little was left of the Irish Cream, (left by Charlie and Susan yesterday for Les Invalides), even if it meant rinsing out the bottle with malt!

      Cheers, Patrizzio!

      Pics: Chloë with Steve; Cora Lee with Flamin'; Jake, Nicole's Bichon



      You are sooooooo funny...when are you going to...
      Ginette Bertrand 17 December 12:28
      You are sooooooo funny...when are you going to put a book out!



      Hi Ginette!

      I'm certainly flattered with praise from one artist to another!!! However, I really have no illusions about my writing. I simply enjoy observing and recording. If some others enjoy my silly scribblings, so much the better. However, thanks. I love positive reinforcement, especially from Babes!!! Cheers, Patrizio!

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