My own experience and development deepen every day my conviction that our moral progress may be measured by the degree in which we sympathize with individual suffering and individual joy. -George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans), novelist (1819-1880)
with Patrick James Dunn, Laura Miller, Jordan Hamlyn and Corinne Durston.
I got dem mean ole' Freeloader Blues, Baby, and you the only one can make 'em go away! Healthy New Year!!!
Brown sugar/chile crusted salmon
Pierre visits in June
Corinne and Pat,
Thanks for a very enjoyable afternoon/evening at you place. Your parents seemed to be having a very good time, Corinne and it was nice to have the age groups form 9 to 80 odd represented. An excellent spread of food was also much appreciated although I'm a little jealous that your cake tasted better than mine. Me of little faith suspected that Pat had admiministerd to much rum but it definitely added to the flavour.
Thanks again for a great evening.Ray and Sylvia
Hi Raymond and Sylvia!
Trust all goes well, so far in 2012! Sorry that I've not been in touch a bit sooner. Not quite sure where all of the time has gone and the new year has only just begun!
Wonderful that you could join us however, Robo Ray, feel a bit badly that you were more than miffed about the Christmas Cake! I have regaled countless friends with the fact that I had taken to anointing it with liberal dousings of spiced rum over the weeks prior to festivities and set it out for dessert at the Open House and that which each of your subsequent helps, (You certainly kept going back for more!), you would whine about how much better it was than the ones at home! Quite enjoyed reminding the Dear Reader about the time I popped by one afternoon, before Christmas, and you took me into their kitchen to show me how to drizzle brandy over cake. You used a teaspoon and doled out liquid from a mickey. I played dumb, as you may recall, as I hadn't the heart to tell you that I simply poured rum straight from the bottle, probably a little less than a third of your bottle, at one time! Must admit, it really is a wonderful cake in spite of the over-abundance of flour!!!
Started of the New Year regimen with a two mile swim at the Aquatic Center on Monday. Shoulder felt pretty good so quite exhilarated to be back, "surging" through the water. More like "plowing" than "surging" but still felt wonderful. Friends from Perth, Yien/Mike and their children Jessica/Olivia and Joshua, in town to ski at Whistler and Big White, were over for dinner that evening and we had a great visit. Flamin' and Sarge came up as well. Turns out that we will meet Famiglia Pether for a few days in Darwin in late April. They are there for a conference. Will spend three days in Kakadu with entire family but we will be there after their outing. They will come for dinner this coming Monday and we hope to grill them for more details about Cairns and Darwin then.
On Tuesday, I decided that I would do an up-and-over. If I'm remembering correctly, forecast was for rain but day turned out to be dry with not too, too much wind. I went as far as Argyle, in West Van, just before steepish hill that leads to Dundarave. Had 22K on my odometer by time I turned around. Since I wanted to log 50K by finish, I had decided I'd do another loop of park once I was back at the playground near Second Beach. Did just that and pulled into the Heartbreak Terrace with 51.33K to show for my efforts. Rather pleased as this was the longest ride I'd managed since before Christmas!
Wednesday I was on Footman's duty with Her Majesty so only exercise I managed was lifting her contraption in and out of car! On Thursday, however, I wanted to hit pool again so decided I'd go for a shorter ride beforehand. Turned right at Seawall junction to head to downtown and followed bike route all the way to Canada Place. One needs to make a slight detour to avoid stairs leading to Convention Center, beside Seaplane Terminal, but an easy one as bicycle accessible ramps allowed me to keep my feet on the pedals! A major concern, as you well know, Dear Reader! Must say that ride along Canada Place deck is quite picturesque, providing a simply glorious view of North Shore and the mountains, together with terrific panorama of harbour and container cranes, etc. About 4K from turnoff, (11K to that point), so I dipsy-doodled a bit heading back to Aquatic Centre to have 24K on odometre, in anticipation of being able to log final tally, magic number 31.33K, by time I was home. Swim went well and I upped distance to 2.5miles, inching my way towards 3 mile goal as a benchmark. I broke that barrier before the 31st but want to make it my "normal" swim distance. Veddy, veddy slow but sure.
Knew forecast held rain to start around noon, yesterday but sky looked promising so I delayed my start until about 10:30am. Discovered that it was much, much cooler than I thought when I headed out, fighting a fairly stiff wind. Thought that temperature would mean that rain would hold off so didn't mind the buffeting. Once I rounded Science World only had the occasional strong gust. Have given up trying to figure out wind direction but I think it was a southeasterly or an eastsoutherly! At any rate, I returned to Canada Place and then over Lions Gate, fighting a reasonably strong cross wind and the beginnings of rain. By the time I had circled under bridge it was coming down fairly steadily and my riding shorts and designer long underwear were soaked. Thighs were not uncomfortable but my feet were blocks of ice, (Where are Robo Ray's Cpsyco-Socks when you really need them?), and my hands were turning into icicles in spite of my attempts to warm them through repeated clenching while grimacing!
Since I was already wet I decided to push on, going all the way to Travers and Marine Drive. A few blocks before that another foolhardy rider passed me and commented on how wet the day had turned out to be. I agreed, wholeheartedly, but didn't realize what was in store until I started the return journey. Now I was heading into the wind, (No surprise there, shades of Stink Island Revisited!), and the rain was pelting down. At times, I just wanted to curl up by the side of the road and expire, cursing myself for not limiting the ride to an up-an-over! Nevertheless, I pushed on, dreaming of a steaming latte and Robo Ray's cake, and made it to the bridge deck with almost 40K on the trusty odometre.
Rain abated, somewhat, on ascent and long haul warmed my frozen extremities, somewhat. My core was quite comfortable but my hands and feet felt like they'd been injected with Novocaine, ironically, however, maddeningly numb yet naggingly painful, at one and the same time!! Finally made it to Prospect Point, the coffee shop luring me with its steamed windows and promises of piping hot bowls of soup and frothy cappuccinos, but I clenched my frozen lips and headed downhill. Back into the wind for the interminable descent, the hyper chilled air raking me with absolute zero fingers!
Originally, after the SP/LG/WV circuit, I intended to make for West Broadway and Young Brothers to buy some vegetables needed for the weekend meals. I planned to clock 61K by the time I stepped onto the sidewalk there but by the time I was out of the park and heading for Science World I knew that I would be hard pressed to ride to Kitsilano. I had ridden 45K by the time I was 10K from Harbour Terrace, (viaduct/playground near Second Beach), so I knew I only had 6K worth of dipsy-doodling to reach my target distance. Rain had stopped by the time I was at Science World but so had the circulation in my fingers and thumbs. Sn even poked its head out although I felt no warmth from its anaemic presence. Nevertheless, I battled on, cursing the turtle slowness with which the distance display ticked over, babbling to myself, (drawing anxious, wary looks from passersby), to keep going before hypothermia finally set in.
Chilled, literally to the bone, I wheeled into our parkade, exulting in the hard won 61.33K. My thrilling flush of victory was sort lived, however, as I literally could not press the button on the clicker to open the garage door. I felt a bit like Jon Krakauer near the top of Everest struggling with his oxygen valve. Finally managed, using a finger knuckle, to depress button and I was home at last! Nevertheless, I knew I couldn't deal with locking my bike or unhitching my panniers so simply left my trusty steed unchained and made for the warmth of the hallway. With lobster claws I opened doors and stumbled into The Island Inn, walking like a man with no toes. Her Majesty was dozing, reclining on the couch so, after taking my sodden sneakers outside, I caressed her exposed throat with my antarctic digits and she screamed so loudly that Maggie achieved vertical liftoff from where she had been sleeping peacefully on the Royal Tummy! Share the pain of your loyal minions 'yer Ladyship!!!
Few minutes after my feet and hands had started to un-thaw, Stefano came by to deliver the gloves and toque he had borrowed earlier in their stay. I offered him a cup of freshly brewed java and we caught up on their recent junket to Edmonton as well as making more plans for our visit with them in March, in Mornington, as well as Hunter Valley, in April. He paid final obeisance to Cora Lee Regina and I dropped him off the Main Street SkyTrain Station to make his own way back to Burnaby, South Slope. Sorry to see them return to Oz, of course, but glad that we will see both Kathleen and Mandolin Man in a little more than two months.
I proceeded to Costco to pick up list the Royal Cook had prepared and then a quick stop at Marquis for two bottles of el Grano, Chile, 13%, 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, one of their WOW, (Wines of the Weekend), offerings. Then to Capers on 4th to purchase rice crumbs for Her Majesty's gluten free diet. After that, popped into Kissilano Wines for a couple of bottles of Aljibes, Spain, 2005 Red, (35% Cabbage, 35% Merlot, 30% Cab Franc, 13.5%), and then raced home. Found The Sutherland Freeloaders already ensconced, pounding a Church & State 2009 Pinot Gris, spicy, with hints of lychee and a fresh, crisp finish, munching on Cambozola and rice crackers, checking out flights, car rentals and accommodation in OZ for coming trip.
Once I unloaded groceries, Her Highness put Sarge to work on dinner, preparing Rosita's orange chicken thigh dish while I concocted a green salad. That done we readied green beans/cherry tomatoes in frying pan and put water on to boil for polenta. Chicken took about 45 minutes to bake and we co-ordinated timing of other two dishes so they were both ready when fowl came out of the oven. Just before we sat down to eat I opened the Aljibes and everyone applauded the choice: deep cherry colour with ripe fruit on the nose, dusty yet spicy, lengthy finish. We toasted one another and enjoyed a delicious meal with wonderful friends, terrific traveling companions.
Flamin' and Sarge and Molly left shortly after 9:00pm and I cleaned up while Cora Lee and Chloë watched an episode of Revenge. Then to bed and but a few pages of Turn of Mind, (really enjoying it), as ride over the frozen tundra finally took its toll. I drifted off imagining my hands clasped around a hefty splash of Bruichladdich Port Charlotte PC7, 61%. However, rather than sipping the Sin An Doigh Ileach, I would dip one finger after another into the warming nectar and lick it, slowly, off my fingertips! Sláinte!!!
Tuesday looks like first day for a ride so am wondering if you are interested. Let me know about time, if so. Cheers, Patrizzio!
P,
Great party! Thanks to you and the Cs (also Dusty & Clair) for inviting us
over and for indulging the Mongolian -- she felt pretty special. I meant to
tell you that when we were at Costco the other day she blurted out, in a
loud voice: Attensione, Attensione, Attensione Shoppers...
We wish you had informed us of the potluck nature of the gathering so we
could have contributed. By the by, the food was fantastic - especially the
pies. I enjoyed talking to Glasgow, Dusty (What is the name of the hockey
Dusty played for in Trail) and Ray who I had never seen without a helmet.
Re: the image attached. You thought that my notions of the underwater riding
were far fetched. This article in the Dec 19th and 26th New Yorker is really
wonderful. It is about what is called guinnesssport - trying to attain
Guinness sanctioned records and the guy who has the most. Being with without
a record, like most of us makes us - guinnless...
Not sure about riding over the next few days. Weather looks dubious and I
have squash three days in a row. Let me know when you are getting out. W
Guinnesssport - trying to attain Guinness sanctioned records and the guy who has the most. Being without a record, like most of us makes us - guinnless...Hi Whirlissimo!
Trust all goes well, so far in 2012! Sorry that I've not been in touch a bit sooner. Not quite sure where all of the time has gone and the new year has only just begun!
Wonderful that you three "greens" could join us and pleased that the Mongolian is taking me seriously, inasmuch as she is emulating my "Attenzziones!" Great work!!! However, I notice she neglected to split the take on the coat checking fees! Might need to recall a few frogs! Dusty played for the Trail Smoke Eaters! How could you, of Stink Island fame, not know?Started of the New Year regimen with a two mile swim at the Aquatic Center on Monday. Shoulder felt pretty good so quite exhilarated to be back, "surging" through the water. More like "plowing" than "surging" but still felt wonderful. (Don't think it had much to do with cycling on the bottom of the pool but I may well be mistaken!)Wednesday I went back to Aquatic Centre to hit the pool again.. Swim went well although I had to sign numerous autographs after I broke surface in the shallow end. Applause was more than deafening and I was toweled off by stanchion worthy pretties in very skimpy bikinis before being massaged by two Swedish masseuses, with scented oils and aphrodisiacal unguents in the sauna! I upped distance to 2.5miles, inching my way towards 3 mile goal as a benchmark, as I used a new and improved Übersnorkel! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!Riders,Happy New Year.
Re: the image attached. You thought that my notions of the Conductor and his
underwater riding were far fetched. This article in the Dec 19th and 26th
New Yorker is really wonderful. It is about what is called guinnesssport -
trying to attain Guinness sanctioned world records and the guy who has the most. Being with
without a record, like most of us, makes us - guinnless...
Not sure about riding over the next few days. Weather looks dubious. Let me
know when you are getting out.
Patrice,
The Salisbury hotel is in one of the best locations possible in Kowloon right behind the famous Peninsular Hotel (Where the Bond movies are made). It is also about 500 metres to the Start Ferry for trips across the Harbour and off to Macau and a 2 minute walk to TST (Tsim Sha Tsui) MTR railway station.
On the Kowloon side (where you are staying) it is mainly the Shopping districts, where as the Hong Island is the commercial hub with great food and Bars. You will definitely like the bars of Lan Kwai Fong.
If you have already not done so, have a look at the hkta website.
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/login.html
I trust you all had a great Christmas and NYE and look forward to seeing you down here really soon. Kind Regards, Tim Kelly
Hi Tiptoe!
Trust all goes well, so far in 2012! Sorry that I've not been in touch a bit sooner. Not quite sure where all of the time has gone and the new year has only just begun! Thanks for tips on Honk Kong. I'll be asking more questions once we've had time to look at website. Much appreciated.
Fondestos and Cheers, Patrice!
Poppa makes P look like a GIANT!!!- Patrick James Dunn Without the stool, I'm as tall as Xavierino!
- Patrick James Dunn We could hear you cheering, Angelino, as I took Clarisse and Dusty to Costco! Cheers, Patrizzio!
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