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Saturday 31 December 2011
IIDD, Dec 31, New Year's Eve!
Friday 30 December 2011
IIDD, Dec 30th
Wandering in a vast forest at night, I
have only a faint light to guide me. A stranger appears and says to me:
'My friend, you should blow out your candle in order to find your way
more clearly.' The stranger is a theologian. -Denis Diderot, philosopher
(1713-1784)
Hi Goils!
Found this in an online newsletter, (Now I Know), that I subscribe to. Cheers, Patrizzio/Dad!
In the 1930s, a certain brand of dinnerware was all the rage — Fiesta ware. Unlike most dishes, which were mostly white, Fiesta’s came in a variety of colors — blue, ivory, green, yellow, and the orangeish-red seen above. The popularity of these dishes was beyond comparison, with Fiesta being able to include famed artist Andy Warhol among its legions of fans. And it was also difficult to copy. Fiesta’s red and, to a lesser extent, ivory dinnerware required a special, expensive ingredient in order to make the colored glaze.
That ingredient? Uranium. Fiesta ware was radioactive.
And of course, the presence of uranium led its manufacturer, the Homer Laughlin China Company, to eventually pull it off the shelves. No, not for health reasons — that is still debatable — but for national security ones. In 1944, the United States, under the Manhattan Project, was trying to develop an atomic bomb, and needed uranium. The government seized any and all uranium it could find, including that owned by Homer Laughlin. The company pulled the red offering from its product line that year.
In 1959, the red Fiesta ware made a comeback, this time using depleted uranium instead of natural uranium, the former being much less radioactive. As for the vintage, much more radioactive stuff, it may be okay to keep as a collectible, but the EPA lists it as emitting “elevated levels” of radiation — so collector (and certainly, everyday-meal-user) beware.
Hello, Pat and Corinne! Hope this finds you both well and Corinne
fully mended from surgery.
No doubt you are getting ready to celebrate the new year - I also
can't remember when you leave for your next round of travels but am
hoping either or both might have a minute for this.
One of the biggest obstacles I face in renting out my guest suite here
at "Shaw Gardens" is the number of scams on the Internet. Just rented
to a young man from Switzerland who took massive assurance that there
really is a house here.
So, I've set up a Facebook page and hope a few prior guests might be
willing to post a quick comment, validating that, yes, there is a
house here and, yes, I do rent rooms. (In your cases, you must not
reference the "special pricing" you get as friends!)
The page is at the following link.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shaw-Gardens-Guest-House/156901557745592
As it's a page, you can only "Like" it, not "friend" it. If you have
trouble accessing it, let me know and I'll see what I need to do to
enable comments. Many thanks! Best wishes for 2012, Deborah
Hi Deborah!
This is what I posted a few minutes ago. Trust this will assure potential clients of the non-virtual reality of Shaw Gardens Guest House!
Great place to stay. Affordable, comfortable and well situated for easy access to public transportation or cycling routes. Every time we've been in Toronto, over last three years, we book into Shaw Gardens Guest House. Deborah is a lovely Landlady. Highly recommended by Patrick Dunn/Corinne Durston, Vancouver!
Cora Lee is doing extremely well, post-operatively speaking! However unrest is growing among her many attendants. Yesterday, I chauffeured Her Majesty downtown to VPL where she was to train a volunteer for Friends of VPL. After I deposited Her Ladyship curbside, I made for Young Brothers on Broadway to buy some ingredients I need for the making of the large plate of Mixed Antipasto I plan to serve at our Open House on New Year's Day. Stopped by Minerva's, close by, in next block, to pick up a large tub of peperoncini, (pickled Tuscan peppers), also one of ingredients. Hurried home to stand by the phone, waiting for Cora Lee Regina to call, summoning me back to fetch her home. Very tough life when one lives with royalty!!!
While I was hovering, I beavered away, catching up on email, sorted through stacks of accumulated paperwork and even read a few snippets of Botany of Desire, our latest Book Club selection. Shortly before 1:00pm Her Majesty called and I picked her up. She was very pleased as young woman she was training is really bright and between them they were able to complete most of the tasks that needed attention.
Once home, I settled Her Highness in her chair, tilted the TV screen in her direction so that she could watch The Young and the Restless, suited up in my cycling togs and then headed out for a quick ride around Stanley Park. Thought that I had waited, (or rather been forced to wait!), too long as there were a few drops as I left Harbour Terrace. Bit of a stiff wind until I rounded Science World and then it was wonderfully smooth sailing. Quite a few people on the Seawall, loads of walkers and perhaps more bikers, on rentals, than I think I've ever seen. Had to use my bell quite regularly, in fact. Fortunately, I'm in practice having been responding to Her Ladyship's constant demands with her dinner bell!!!
Around False Creek the colourful Aquabuses were scudding along, much like Little Toot, and a real treat, around Lighthouse Point, when a massive Hyundai container vessel made its way past, blocking out the mountains, filling the entire space between the Lilliputians on the Seawall and the North Shore, seemingly close enough to touch. Quite a sensation watching the gargantuan ship slide by, in slow motion.
Very, very low tide and the waterway under the small vehicle bridge which connects Deadman Island to Stanley Park was impassable, nothing but jagged rocks, for any of the boats moored in the lagoon there. This Island operates as the HMCS Discovery, Vancouver's Naval Reserve Base, for those of you non-salts out there! As a result of the all the exposed rocks, the crows were having nothing but a field, Or more correctly, a water day with mussels. Closer to home, not far from Olympic Village, the poplars lining the bikeway, just opposite an enormous, crumbling chipboard bulldozer, (not sure how it came into being, in the first place), were filled with raucously cawing birds. Talk about a murder of crows!!! My tires went crunch, crunch, crunch over parts of the shells that had smashed as a result of being dropped for that very purpose. What clever creatures! Even had to dodge a few bravehearted fools who wouldn't budge from the path, worried about losing supper, rather than their lives, I suppose!!!
Back home with 33.33K on the odometer so not much distance but a lovely outing. Sky was actually starting to clear once I was past Second Beach and the temperature was more than pleasant.Zapped a cup of java and thought I'd send along a few massages while I awaited the finish of yet another interminable episode Y&R, (As far as I can tell, they are all the same! I've never watched an entire episode but nothing has changed. Can't any of these people make up their minds. They should all be seconded to university committees!!!), as I was to help Madame Du Barry with her bath. Rather more difficult than it would seem as I am constantly told to avert my eyes, for modesty's sake! Sad to relate, Dear Reader, that during an earlier ablution, turned on the cold tap, (inadvertently, of course!), full force, as a result of not being allowed to gaze upon the Goddess, and Her Highness shrieked like a banshee, definitely "not amused"!
Receiving the Royal Summons, I hied myself to the bathing salon, postehaste, and am pleased to report that I only scalded a small, unmentionable part of the Royal Anatomy. Had to be Johnny on the Spot about drizzling some cold Chaaaaaaaaarrrddddonnaaay over affected area and all was well, although Her Ladyship looked rather indecorous swigging the vino right from the bottle!
That evening, we mirrored the extravagant lifestyle of The Rich and Famous. Friends of friends sent a limo to pick us, (Flamin'/Sarge, Lori/Daniello/Cora Lee and I), up and drove us to their home in North Van! Ergun, (he is Turkish), and Brenda were at an Open House hosted by Lori and Daniello last Thursday, at their place, not far from us off Sitka Square, and that is where all this came together. Ride was a blast, (We brought along nothing but the finest Australian bubbly, Cook's Sparkling, since 1859, according to label!), although rather disorienting. Had great difficulty seeing through the fogged windows so literally didn't have any sense of where we were in city. At one poiint we picked up two other guests, Daniel and Roberto, and I thought they lived in Yaletown, not far from VPL, but discovered, at party, that they lived in West End! Was completely turned around and it wasn't by the plonk either! The entire orientation of the interior is so discombobulating that one's senses, at least mine, spent all their time trying to adjust to this "foreign" environment.), once we settled into our leather seats although I must say I found the seating too, too low for my comfort. Good for Coriandre, however, as she could stretch her booted right foot out without placing much, if any, pressure on it.) Last time we were in a limo was on November 19th, 1991 when we took one to YVR when we were leaving for our first trip trip to Australia with Chloë and Clara/Dusty. Needed a limo with all the bags!
Party was a most pleasant gathering and I enjoyed meeting a number of the neighbours, (One, Daniel, yet another, works for ViTran, freight services, distribution and forwarding, etc., and it was fascinating to hear all the stories about contraband in containers, Hell's Angels involvement with the International Longshore & Warehouse Union at the Port of Vancouver and the seemingly haphazard control most companies, both large and small, have over shipment of orders. In fact, Daniel is in charge of a department which sells unclaimed and/or damaged goods after a three month grace holding period.), as well as chatting with Daniel, chap we picked up en route. He works for Vancouver Coastal Health so is a colleague of both Lori and Flamin'. He is originally from Nebraska and had flown in from there in the afternoon, having spent Christmas with family.
Lovely, lovely spread of food and most of the guests were delighted by the huge platter of fresh Dungeness crab which our generous hosts provided. I say "most" as I'm not a fan of either crab or lobster. I find the work required to extract the flesh, not only dangerous, laborious and unbelievably messy but also hardly worth the effort for meat which is so bland that it must be eaten with copious amounts of drizzled butter and/or piquant sauces, of on sort or another, to make it taste like something it isn't. Why bother? I stayed well back from the skeleton crunchers and enjoyed a number of helpings of the simply wonderful mixed bean dish Brenda served, along with so many other delicious dips, cheeses and delicately fried chicken breasts. Cora Lee and the Newfoundlanders, (Flamin' and Sarge), were in Seventh Heaven however and their plates looked like paleolithic middens after their predations! Dungeness Crab graveyards, mini-mausoleums of broken legs and sundered carpaces, West Coast wampum!
While the crab frenzy was in full force, I chatted with our chauffeur, Ibrahim, a friend of Ergun's, not surprisingly. Turned out that he did his compulsory military service in Cyprus, in 1979, and so we knew places in common on the island. When he lived in Istanbul his family home was not all that far from where we stayed in 2005, but a five minute walk from the Blue Mosque. Spent an interesting time conversing about the city and countryside, hearing his opinions and thoughts about his native land, comparing them to our own experiences there.
Around 10:00pm Her Majesty's foot was tiring so we made the rounds, saying goodbyes and thanking Brenda and Ergun for everything, the limo service, the food and drink, and Ibrahim spirited us home on his magic carpet. Quite an evening!
We are spending New Year's Eve here, with Clara and Dusty and The Millionaires, off next day on an extended cruise of the South Pacific! We were all invited downstairs to celebrate with Clan Sutherland BUT all their offspring and their amores will be there so it will be too, too much for C/D, not to mention Coriandre and I and the Dawes. (See comment below.) Of course, we'll go down for drinks. After their dinner, Sutherland entourage will de-camp to The Granville Island Hotel for dancing until the New Year arrives. (A few years ago, pre-lottery win, Grog and Lurch went home at 10:30pm when the six couples had booked dinner/dancing for NY's Eve at GIH!)
Late breaking news: Kathleen/Steve, friends from Melbourne, called to say that they would be celebrating New Year's Eve with us. Pleased as will probably be one of last times here before we see them in Melbourne in March. Steve rented a mandolin before he went to visit Millioniares in Parkesville for a few days before Christmas. Grogg and Lurch will be coming to town on Saturday to stay at the Granville Island Hotel and Grogg will bring one of his guitars and we'll have our own band.
Have asked the ladsv to practice The Freeloader Blues, (see attached), and we'll have them belt it out when we pop downstairs for a drink tomorrow evening.
We are hosting an Open House On the 1st so look forward to seeing some of the friends we've not seen in some time. Trust you enjoy any festivities you have planned. All the best to you, Deborah, for a Healthy New Year, from The Management and Staff of The Island Inn, Cora Lee, Chloë, Clara, Dusty and Maggie The Devil Cat! Fondestso and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Thanks for this! What time is your Open House? Hope to connect soon, cheers colin
Maplewood with silver-gilt mounts
Photo: Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Found this in an online newsletter, (Now I Know), that I subscribe to. Cheers, Patrizzio/Dad!
In the 1930s, a certain brand of dinnerware was all the rage — Fiesta ware. Unlike most dishes, which were mostly white, Fiesta’s came in a variety of colors — blue, ivory, green, yellow, and the orangeish-red seen above. The popularity of these dishes was beyond comparison, with Fiesta being able to include famed artist Andy Warhol among its legions of fans. And it was also difficult to copy. Fiesta’s red and, to a lesser extent, ivory dinnerware required a special, expensive ingredient in order to make the colored glaze.
That ingredient? Uranium. Fiesta ware was radioactive.
And of course, the presence of uranium led its manufacturer, the Homer Laughlin China Company, to eventually pull it off the shelves. No, not for health reasons — that is still debatable — but for national security ones. In 1944, the United States, under the Manhattan Project, was trying to develop an atomic bomb, and needed uranium. The government seized any and all uranium it could find, including that owned by Homer Laughlin. The company pulled the red offering from its product line that year.
In 1959, the red Fiesta ware made a comeback, this time using depleted uranium instead of natural uranium, the former being much less radioactive. As for the vintage, much more radioactive stuff, it may be okay to keep as a collectible, but the EPA lists it as emitting “elevated levels” of radiation — so collector (and certainly, everyday-meal-user) beware.
fully mended from surgery.
No doubt you are getting ready to celebrate the new year - I also
can't remember when you leave for your next round of travels but am
hoping either or both might have a minute for this.
One of the biggest obstacles I face in renting out my guest suite here
at "Shaw Gardens" is the number of scams on the Internet. Just rented
to a young man from Switzerland who took massive assurance that there
really is a house here.
So, I've set up a Facebook page and hope a few prior guests might be
willing to post a quick comment, validating that, yes, there is a
house here and, yes, I do rent rooms. (In your cases, you must not
reference the "special pricing" you get as friends!)
The page is at the following link.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shaw-Gardens-Guest-House/156901557745592
As it's a page, you can only "Like" it, not "friend" it. If you have
trouble accessing it, let me know and I'll see what I need to do to
enable comments. Many thanks! Best wishes for 2012, Deborah
Hi Deborah!
This is what I posted a few minutes ago. Trust this will assure potential clients of the non-virtual reality of Shaw Gardens Guest House!
Great place to stay. Affordable, comfortable and well situated for easy access to public transportation or cycling routes. Every time we've been in Toronto, over last three years, we book into Shaw Gardens Guest House. Deborah is a lovely Landlady. Highly recommended by Patrick Dunn/Corinne Durston, Vancouver!
Cora Lee is doing extremely well, post-operatively speaking! However unrest is growing among her many attendants. Yesterday, I chauffeured Her Majesty downtown to VPL where she was to train a volunteer for Friends of VPL. After I deposited Her Ladyship curbside, I made for Young Brothers on Broadway to buy some ingredients I need for the making of the large plate of Mixed Antipasto I plan to serve at our Open House on New Year's Day. Stopped by Minerva's, close by, in next block, to pick up a large tub of peperoncini, (pickled Tuscan peppers), also one of ingredients. Hurried home to stand by the phone, waiting for Cora Lee Regina to call, summoning me back to fetch her home. Very tough life when one lives with royalty!!!
While I was hovering, I beavered away, catching up on email, sorted through stacks of accumulated paperwork and even read a few snippets of Botany of Desire, our latest Book Club selection. Shortly before 1:00pm Her Majesty called and I picked her up. She was very pleased as young woman she was training is really bright and between them they were able to complete most of the tasks that needed attention.
Once home, I settled Her Highness in her chair, tilted the TV screen in her direction so that she could watch The Young and the Restless, suited up in my cycling togs and then headed out for a quick ride around Stanley Park. Thought that I had waited, (or rather been forced to wait!), too long as there were a few drops as I left Harbour Terrace. Bit of a stiff wind until I rounded Science World and then it was wonderfully smooth sailing. Quite a few people on the Seawall, loads of walkers and perhaps more bikers, on rentals, than I think I've ever seen. Had to use my bell quite regularly, in fact. Fortunately, I'm in practice having been responding to Her Ladyship's constant demands with her dinner bell!!!
Around False Creek the colourful Aquabuses were scudding along, much like Little Toot, and a real treat, around Lighthouse Point, when a massive Hyundai container vessel made its way past, blocking out the mountains, filling the entire space between the Lilliputians on the Seawall and the North Shore, seemingly close enough to touch. Quite a sensation watching the gargantuan ship slide by, in slow motion.
Very, very low tide and the waterway under the small vehicle bridge which connects Deadman Island to Stanley Park was impassable, nothing but jagged rocks, for any of the boats moored in the lagoon there. This Island operates as the HMCS Discovery, Vancouver's Naval Reserve Base, for those of you non-salts out there! As a result of the all the exposed rocks, the crows were having nothing but a field, Or more correctly, a water day with mussels. Closer to home, not far from Olympic Village, the poplars lining the bikeway, just opposite an enormous, crumbling chipboard bulldozer, (not sure how it came into being, in the first place), were filled with raucously cawing birds. Talk about a murder of crows!!! My tires went crunch, crunch, crunch over parts of the shells that had smashed as a result of being dropped for that very purpose. What clever creatures! Even had to dodge a few bravehearted fools who wouldn't budge from the path, worried about losing supper, rather than their lives, I suppose!!!
Back home with 33.33K on the odometer so not much distance but a lovely outing. Sky was actually starting to clear once I was past Second Beach and the temperature was more than pleasant.Zapped a cup of java and thought I'd send along a few massages while I awaited the finish of yet another interminable episode Y&R, (As far as I can tell, they are all the same! I've never watched an entire episode but nothing has changed. Can't any of these people make up their minds. They should all be seconded to university committees!!!), as I was to help Madame Du Barry with her bath. Rather more difficult than it would seem as I am constantly told to avert my eyes, for modesty's sake! Sad to relate, Dear Reader, that during an earlier ablution, turned on the cold tap, (inadvertently, of course!), full force, as a result of not being allowed to gaze upon the Goddess, and Her Highness shrieked like a banshee, definitely "not amused"!
Receiving the Royal Summons, I hied myself to the bathing salon, postehaste, and am pleased to report that I only scalded a small, unmentionable part of the Royal Anatomy. Had to be Johnny on the Spot about drizzling some cold Chaaaaaaaaarrrddddonnaaay over affected area and all was well, although Her Ladyship looked rather indecorous swigging the vino right from the bottle!
That evening, we mirrored the extravagant lifestyle of The Rich and Famous. Friends of friends sent a limo to pick us, (Flamin'/Sarge, Lori/Daniello/Cora Lee and I), up and drove us to their home in North Van! Ergun, (he is Turkish), and Brenda were at an Open House hosted by Lori and Daniello last Thursday, at their place, not far from us off Sitka Square, and that is where all this came together. Ride was a blast, (We brought along nothing but the finest Australian bubbly, Cook's Sparkling, since 1859, according to label!), although rather disorienting. Had great difficulty seeing through the fogged windows so literally didn't have any sense of where we were in city. At one poiint we picked up two other guests, Daniel and Roberto, and I thought they lived in Yaletown, not far from VPL, but discovered, at party, that they lived in West End! Was completely turned around and it wasn't by the plonk either! The entire orientation of the interior is so discombobulating that one's senses, at least mine, spent all their time trying to adjust to this "foreign" environment.), once we settled into our leather seats although I must say I found the seating too, too low for my comfort. Good for Coriandre, however, as she could stretch her booted right foot out without placing much, if any, pressure on it.) Last time we were in a limo was on November 19th, 1991 when we took one to YVR when we were leaving for our first trip trip to Australia with Chloë and Clara/Dusty. Needed a limo with all the bags!
Party was a most pleasant gathering and I enjoyed meeting a number of the neighbours, (One, Daniel, yet another, works for ViTran, freight services, distribution and forwarding, etc., and it was fascinating to hear all the stories about contraband in containers, Hell's Angels involvement with the International Longshore & Warehouse Union at the Port of Vancouver and the seemingly haphazard control most companies, both large and small, have over shipment of orders. In fact, Daniel is in charge of a department which sells unclaimed and/or damaged goods after a three month grace holding period.), as well as chatting with Daniel, chap we picked up en route. He works for Vancouver Coastal Health so is a colleague of both Lori and Flamin'. He is originally from Nebraska and had flown in from there in the afternoon, having spent Christmas with family.
Lovely, lovely spread of food and most of the guests were delighted by the huge platter of fresh Dungeness crab which our generous hosts provided. I say "most" as I'm not a fan of either crab or lobster. I find the work required to extract the flesh, not only dangerous, laborious and unbelievably messy but also hardly worth the effort for meat which is so bland that it must be eaten with copious amounts of drizzled butter and/or piquant sauces, of on sort or another, to make it taste like something it isn't. Why bother? I stayed well back from the skeleton crunchers and enjoyed a number of helpings of the simply wonderful mixed bean dish Brenda served, along with so many other delicious dips, cheeses and delicately fried chicken breasts. Cora Lee and the Newfoundlanders, (Flamin' and Sarge), were in Seventh Heaven however and their plates looked like paleolithic middens after their predations! Dungeness Crab graveyards, mini-mausoleums of broken legs and sundered carpaces, West Coast wampum!
While the crab frenzy was in full force, I chatted with our chauffeur, Ibrahim, a friend of Ergun's, not surprisingly. Turned out that he did his compulsory military service in Cyprus, in 1979, and so we knew places in common on the island. When he lived in Istanbul his family home was not all that far from where we stayed in 2005, but a five minute walk from the Blue Mosque. Spent an interesting time conversing about the city and countryside, hearing his opinions and thoughts about his native land, comparing them to our own experiences there.
Around 10:00pm Her Majesty's foot was tiring so we made the rounds, saying goodbyes and thanking Brenda and Ergun for everything, the limo service, the food and drink, and Ibrahim spirited us home on his magic carpet. Quite an evening!
We are spending New Year's Eve here, with Clara and Dusty and The Millionaires, off next day on an extended cruise of the South Pacific! We were all invited downstairs to celebrate with Clan Sutherland BUT all their offspring and their amores will be there so it will be too, too much for C/D, not to mention Coriandre and I and the Dawes. (See comment below.) Of course, we'll go down for drinks. After their dinner, Sutherland entourage will de-camp to The Granville Island Hotel for dancing until the New Year arrives. (A few years ago, pre-lottery win, Grog and Lurch went home at 10:30pm when the six couples had booked dinner/dancing for NY's Eve at GIH!)
Late breaking news: Kathleen/Steve, friends from Melbourne, called to say that they would be celebrating New Year's Eve with us. Pleased as will probably be one of last times here before we see them in Melbourne in March. Steve rented a mandolin before he went to visit Millioniares in Parkesville for a few days before Christmas. Grogg and Lurch will be coming to town on Saturday to stay at the Granville Island Hotel and Grogg will bring one of his guitars and we'll have our own band.
Have asked the ladsv to practice The Freeloader Blues, (see attached), and we'll have them belt it out when we pop downstairs for a drink tomorrow evening.
We are hosting an Open House On the 1st so look forward to seeing some of the friends we've not seen in some time. Trust you enjoy any festivities you have planned. All the best to you, Deborah, for a Healthy New Year, from The Management and Staff of The Island Inn, Cora Lee, Chloë, Clara, Dusty and Maggie The Devil Cat! Fondestso and Cheers, Patrizzio!
P,
Just back in the big smoke. The rain is so
welcoming…
How was Xmas? How are you and the gals? How
is the swimming, the riding…the tires?
What time is the open house on Sunday?
Check in when you have a minute. W
The Sacred Headwaters is the home of stone
sheep, grizzlies and wolves and the birthplace of three mighty salmon
rivers that flow through terrain steeped in indigenous
culture. It is a place that inspires awe and reverence.
Tucked away in remote northern British Columbia, it remains a prime target for Royal Dutch Shell and the company’s plans to extract coalbed methane by "fracking." But Shell can be stopped.
ForestEthics helped negotiate the original moratorium that the BC government imposed to stop drilling in the Sacred Headwaters. ForestEthics urged Shell to think about alternative solutions to their controversial project. And ForestEthics played a critical role in building public opposition to Shell’s plans by exposing the dangerous, even lethal impacts from fracking.
Now, ForestEthics is poised to deliver a permanent solution for this place and its people. Protecting the Sacred Headwaters matters even if you never go there. It serves to remind us of what we’ve already lost while providing hope that we can save what’s left of our remarkable natural legacy.
The moratorium on fracking ends in less than 12 months. This is your chance to make a difference. I urge you to support ForestEthics with your gift of $25 or more to keep the Headwaters protected forever. (http://forestethics.org/)
Tucked away in remote northern British Columbia, it remains a prime target for Royal Dutch Shell and the company’s plans to extract coalbed methane by "fracking." But Shell can be stopped.
ForestEthics helped negotiate the original moratorium that the BC government imposed to stop drilling in the Sacred Headwaters. ForestEthics urged Shell to think about alternative solutions to their controversial project. And ForestEthics played a critical role in building public opposition to Shell’s plans by exposing the dangerous, even lethal impacts from fracking.
Now, ForestEthics is poised to deliver a permanent solution for this place and its people. Protecting the Sacred Headwaters matters even if you never go there. It serves to remind us of what we’ve already lost while providing hope that we can save what’s left of our remarkable natural legacy.
The moratorium on fracking ends in less than 12 months. This is your chance to make a difference. I urge you to support ForestEthics with your gift of $25 or more to keep the Headwaters protected forever. (http://forestethics.org/)
Thank you, Wade Davis Explorer in Residence, National Geographic
Thea Nesis!
Hi Colin!
Quite a story. I'll be curious to hear more about Thea when next we see you. We are hosting an Open House on the 1st so look forward to seeing some of the friends we've not seen in some time. Please pop by if you are free.
Rain has really put the kibosh on cycling and it doesn't look all that promising for coming week or so, either. I will take advantage of inclement weather to swim so must admit I'm not all that unhappy as I'm really enjoying being back in the water. Hope to see you on the 1st. If not, then a Healthy
New Year to you and Gail. Cheers, Patrizzio!
New Year to you and Gail. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Pat,
Thanks for this! What time is your Open House? Hope to connect soon, cheers colin
Hi Patrick,
I hope you and your family had a nice holiday.
I have a favour to ask. I know your wife is active with the Vancouver Public Library. I see they are having a singles night for people aged 35-55. Registration is for the morning of January 16th.
However I am unable to make it that morning due to a prior commitment.
Would Coriandre be able to sign me up for the event in advance of the sign-up going public?
Thanks Patrick. I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,..Dave
Hi Jean!
Wonderful to hear from you! Trust you are well. We will be arriving in Japan on May 12th, Narita, leaving on the 31st, again from Narita. It would be simply grand if we could connect. We will be staying near Osaka with a former boarder, Toshi, and her mother but thought we should probably see some of Tokyo before visiting with Toshi. Haven't yet finalized all of the details for our stay but will probably spend a little more than a week with Toshi. We understand day and/or overnight trips, by train, to various other cities, (Kyoto, Hiroshima, etc.), may well be possible. We think we will buy a 21 day rail pass to facilitate such travel. If you have any suggestions for reasonable hotels in Tokyo, situated so that we might make our way, without too, too much difficulty, to various interesting spots within city itself, that would be much appreciated. Any other suggestions are, of course, more than welcome.
Trust you enjoy any festivities you have planned, Jean. All the best to you and your family for a Healthy New Year, from The Management and Staff of The Island Inn, Cora Lee, Chloë, Clara, Dusty and Maggie The Devil Cat! Fondestso and Cheers, Patrizzio!
On this last visit I was able to accompany A.Mary to her doctor's apt where I learned that she has an aeortic stenosis and on a good note was told that her hemeoglobin is keeping stable due to the iron pills she is taking. when I was up in May she had an apt with an enterologist because of low hemeoglobin and after disussion about the pros and cons of having a colonoscopy Aunty Mary decided that she did not want to have any part of it. I felt this was a wise decision on her part and like she said " you can't live forever". She was advised to continue with her iron pills. Now in December I decide that it is a good idea for her to carry a list of meds in her purse and discover that she has not been taking her iron pills because they bother her stomach. I was aware of this but thought she had been given something else to try.
Hi Simone!
Wonderful to hear from you! Trust you are well in spite of all the upset with Michael. How do you ever keep track of all the birthdays and other celebrations??? Please give our fond regards to Aunt Mary. Perhaps we'll try to call when you are there to help interpret! Let me know what might be a good time, when you are in TB, by email, and we'll arrange a mutually convenient time.
As already mentioned, we are hosting our Open House On the 1st so look forward to seeing some of the friends we've not seen in some time. Trust you enjoy any festivities you have planned, Simone. All the best to you and your family for a Healthy New Year, from The Management and Staff of The Island Inn, Cora Lee, Chloë, Clara, Dusty and Maggie The Devil Cat! Fondestso and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Pics: Sausage toe; Chloë with Mom on Christmas morning; Cora Lee, Christmas Day before dinner; Goils with my Rupert Bear Advent Calendar, same evening.
Hi Patrick,
I hope you and your family had a nice holiday.
I have a favour to ask. I know your wife is active with the Vancouver Public Library. I see they are having a singles night for people aged 35-55. Registration is for the morning of January 16th.
However I am unable to make it that morning due to a prior commitment.
Would Coriandre be able to sign me up for the event in advance of the sign-up going public?
Thanks Patrick. I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,..Dave
Hi Dave!
I'm sure we can, between the two of us, sign you up! Not quite sure of the details yet, but if we need anything other than email, perhaps you should send that information along. Don't worry about us using your credit cards and debit card too, too, much. We'll only buy a few bottles of expensive wine and malt!
We are hosting our Open House On the 1st so look forward to seeing some of the friends we've not seen, in some time. Please pop by if free. If not, trust you enjoy any festivities you have planned. All the best to you, Dave, for a Healthy New Year, from The Management and Staff of The Island Inn, Cora Lee, Chloë, Clara, Dusty and Maggie The Devil Cat! Fondestso and Cheers, Patrizzio/Il Conduttore!
Hi Patrice,
Apologies for the slow response, however it took a couple days to be able to
read through your Christmas greetings!.
Glad to hear you had a wonderful time and love the blow by blow accounting
of everything as it makes me practically feel as though I was right there at
the table breaking bread and clinking wine glasses together with you and
yours. All this on top of the fact that our Christmas crackers must have
been the same brand as I also found an led light , pen and jack knife
combination tool, that I suppose could have been written off as coincidental
but to assure it was no such thing, Jesse also received a bag of paperclips
and said magnetic base!.
We love the painting, that was too kind to give this to us but rest assured
it will be well taken care of and appreciated. It is made all the more
interesting and pleasurable to think we were there also and can envision the
little town of Penita with a local artist somewhere nearby working on it
.Not to mention it will conjer up fond memories of our time together down
there which was so much fun!.
I went for a ride down to False creek area yesterday to visit my cousin
Rick,share Christmas greetings and give him some things I had found when
going through our Grandmothers stuff that I thought he would like to have.
He has a business at 5th and Columbia so I rode there and then we went for
lunch at a little place called Lucy's diner which was fabulous. It was just
a tiny hole in the wall on Main st. between 10th and 11th but had a great
50's retro decor complete with old fans , music from that era overstuffed
vynil benches in the booths The menu was really varied with all kinds of
creations like pulled pork and macaroni sandwiches and a plethora of other
original items, Not to mention some very attractive stantion worthy
waitresses ,well worth checking out.
Not sure what we are up to on new years day as I would have to talk with
the social planner who isn't here right now. We'll get in touch soon either
way. Take care, Al
Hi Big Al!
Trust all goes well, so far in 2012!
Sorry that I've not been in touch over last little while. Not quite sure where all of the time has gone!
Glad that painting brings up fond memories of La Peñita. Unfortunately, latest round of news stories, (home invasions, armed robberies and murders of ex-pats/tourists), is rather disturbing. A number of these aweful crimes took place in Ajijic where we stayed with close friends after leaving Guayabitos. I had always felt that if one stayed away from the "drug-zones" one could be relatively sure of a safe holiday. Now, violence seems to be spreading and non-drug dealing/involved people with more supposed, relative wealth are being targeted. Am quite devastated by this development, if it is true, as last time there was simply one of best holidays we've ever experienced. Now, sad to say, I am quite reluctant to repeat the drive, etc. What do Heraldo and Sue think?
On a much more positive note, loved your recounting of similar Christmas "cracker' experience! As well, your description of Lucy's diner was a delight. I suppose the Shape-O-meter was buzzing like crazy when you kept asking for ketchup and then a new napkin and then another order of fries! We missed you on the 1st but understand how busy you probably were. Lovely gathering although Robo Ray was more than miffed about the Christmas Cake he had given me for my birthday. I had taken to annointing it with liberal dousings of spiced rum over the weeks prior to festivities and set it out for dessert at the Open House. With each helping,(He kept going back for more!), he would whine about how much better it was than the ones at home! Reminded him about the time I popped by one afternoon, before Christmas, and he took me into their kitchen to show me how to drizzle brandy over cake. He used a teaspoon and doled out liquid from a mickey. Then, I played dumb as I hadn't the heart to tell him that I simply poured rum straight from the bottle, probably a little less than a third of his bottle, at one time! Must admit, it is a wonderful cake. Told Raymundo to use less flour next time!!!
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. In spite of reasonably inclement weather, over last week, I have managed a few wonderful rides. 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. 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.
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 earlieri 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 Roayl 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, Alice LaPlante's quite remarkable first novel about Dr. Jennifer White, suffering from dementia, the prime suspect in the death of her best friend, 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!!!
This is what I posted a few minutes ago. Trust this will assure potential clients of the non-virtual reality of Shaw Gardens Guest House!
Great place to stay. Affordable, comfortable and well situated for easy access to public transportation or cycling routes. Every time we've been in Toronto, over last three years, we book into Shaw Gardens Guest House. Deborah is a lovely Landlady. Highly recommended by Patrick Dunn/Corinne Durston, Vancouver! All the best to you, Deborah, for a Healthy New Year, from The Management and Staff of The Island Inn, Cora Lee, Chloë, Clara, Dusty and Maggie The Devil Cat! Fondestso and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Patrizio - or may i call you PJ? Thanks so much for post on page, I
did send a thank you earlier but it may not have survived to reach
you.
Feel your comment - and one just posted by my friend Hilary (who has
NEVER set foot in Canada) should do well to allay quite sensible
concerns people have. Hope Corinne will soon be well enough mended
that you can stage a palace coup and throw off your yoke! Enjoy your
travels to the South Seas - when do you next plan to come this way?
Lower Level has been seriously upgraded with mod cons since you were
last here. Deborah
Hi Deborah!
Trust all goes well, so far in 2012! Sorry that I've not been in touch over last little while. Not quite sure where all of the time has gone! Of course you may call me "PJ"! We may well be back to see Lower Level in early September. Not sure yet but Coriandre would like to visit Falcon in late August so we might continue on to Ottawa/Toronto as part of trip. Will depend on financial state of affairs of Royal Treasury after HK/Oz/Japan! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
P,
Sorry I missed your calls today. The first call I was driving -- on my way
to Costco. I did give them a heads up that you would be arriving. Your
second call came when I was out riding with Cobby -- he just broke up with
his gal and was pretty blue -- needed to die it off. We had martinis after
that and then made blintzes.
I am riding to Evergreen in the morning with Carlos for a match so I won't
do another ride tomorrow. We will leave here on the steeds at 9AM if you
care to go that way with us. We would take you on our route thru the park
and over the bridge. Call me if that works for thee.
Fabulous news about the wing and passing the third mile marker.
We are looking forward to seeing you all on New Years Day. Let me know if
there is something you would like us to bring. W
Hi Whirlissimo!
Welcome home! Trust all went well in The Hinterland! We missed you three!
Can't complain here because, by Royal Decree, I'm not allowed to do so. Serfs have no rights!!!
Managed to break the 3 mile barrier on Tuesday, at the Aquatic Centre, so was pretty pleased. Shoulder felt terrific so I think I'll hurl myself into English Bay on the 1st!!!
Cora Lee is doing extremely well, post-operatively speaking! However unrest is growing among her many attendants. Yesterday, I chauffeured Her Majesty downtown to VPL where she was to train a volunteer for Friends of VPL. After I deposited Her Ladyship curbside, I made for Young Brothers on Broadway to buy some ingredients I need for the making of the large plate of Mixed Antipasto, con sasopressata, I plan to serve at our Open House on New Year's Day. (Starts anytime after 3:00pm and don't worry there will be plenty of genetically modified Russet Burbank based potatoe salad for non-salami eaters!) Stopped by Minerva's, close by, in next block, to pick up a large tub of peperoncini, (pickled Tuscan peppers), also one of ingredients. Hurried home to stand by the phone, waiting for Cora Lee Regina to call, summoning me back to fetch her home. Very tough life when one lives with royalty!!!
While I was hovering, I beavered away, catching up on email, sorted through stacks of accumulated paperwork and even read a few snippets of Botany of Desire, our latest Book Club selection. Shortly before 1:00pm Her Majesty called and I picked her up. She was very pleased as young woman she was training is really bright and between them they were able to complete most of the tasks that needed attention.
Once home, I settled Her Highness in her chair, tilted the TV screen in her direction so that she could watch The Young and the Restless, suited up in my cycling togs and then headed out for a quick ride around Stanley Park. Thought that I had waited, (or rather been forced to wait!), too long as there were a few drops as I left Harbour Terrace. Bit of a stiff wind until I rounded Science World and then it was wonderfully smooth sailing. Quite a few people on the Seawall, loads of walkers and perhaps more bikers, on rentals, than I think I've ever seen. Had to use my bell quite regularly, in fact. Fortunately, I'm in practice having been responding to Her Ladyship's constant demands with her dinner bell!!!
Around False Creek the colourful Aquabuses were scudding along, much like Little Toot, and a real treat, around Lighthouse Point, when a massive Hyundai container vessel made its way past, blocking out the mountains, filling the entire space between the Lilliputians on the Seawall and the North Shore, seemingly close enough to touch. Quite a sensation watching the gargantuan ship slide by, in slow motion.
Very, very low tide and the waterway under the small vehicle bridge which connects Deadman Island to Stanley Park was impassable, nothing but jagged rocks, for any of the boats moored in the lagoon there. This Island operates as the HMCS Discovery, Vancouver's Naval Reserve Base, for those of you non-salts out there! As a result of the all the exposed rocks, the crows were having nothing but a field, Or more correctly, a water day with mussels. Closer to home, not far from Olympic Village, the poplars lining the bikeway, just opposite an enormous, crumbling chipboard bulldozer, (not sure how it came into being, in the first place), were filled with raucously cawing birds. Talk about a murder of crows!!! My tires went crunch, crunch, crunch over parts of the shells that had smashed as a result of being dropped for that very purpose. What clever creatures! Even had to dodge a few bravehearted fools who wouldn't budge from the path, worried about losing supper, rather than their lives, I suppose!!!
Back home with 33.33K on the odometer so not much distance but a lovely outing. Sky was actually starting to clear once I was past Second Beach and the temperature was more than pleasant.Zapped a cup of java and thought I'd send along a few massages while I awaited the finish of yet another interminable episode Y&R, (As far as I can tell, they are all the same! I've never watched an entire episode but nothing has changed. Can't any of these people make up their minds. They should all be seconded to university committees!!!), as I was to help Madame Du Barry with her bath. Rather more difficult than it would seem as I am constantly told to avert my eyes, for modesty's sake! Sad to relate, Dear Reader, that during an earlier ablution, turned on the cold tap, (inadvertently, of course!), full force, as a result of not being allowed to gaze upon the Goddess, and Her Highness shrieked like a banshee, definitely "not amused"!
Receiving the Royal Summons, I hied myself to the bathing salon, postehaste, and am pleased to report that I only scalded a small, unmentionable part of the Royal Anatomy. Had to be Johnny on the Spot about drizzling some cold Chaaaaaaaaarrrddddonnaaay over affected area and all was well, although Her Ladyship looked rather indecorous swigging the vino right from the bottle!
That evening, we mirrored the extravagant lifestyle of The Rich and Famous. Friends of friends sent a limo to pick us, (Flamin'/Sarge, Lori/Daniello/Cora Lee and I), up and drove us to their home in North Van! Ergun, (he is Turkish), and Brenda were at an Open House hosted by Lori and Daniello last Thursday, at their place, not far from us off Sitka Square, and that is where all this came together. Ride was a blast, (We brought along nothing but the finest Australian bubbly, Cook's Sparkling, since 1859, according to label!), although rather disorienting. Had great difficulty seeing through the fogged windows so literally didn't have any sense of where we were in city. At one poiint we picked up two other guests, Daniel and Roberto, and I thought they lived in Yaletown, not far from VPL, but discovered, at party, that they lived in West End! Was completely turned around and it wasn't by the plonk either! The entire orientation of the interior is so discombobulating that one's senses, at least mine, spent all their time trying to adjust to this "foreign" environment.), once we settled into our leather seats although I must say I found the seating too, too low for my comfort. Good for Coriandre, however, as she could stretch her booted right foot out without placing much, if any, pressure on it.) Last time we were in a limo was on November 19th, 1991 when we took one to YVR when we were leaving for our first trip trip to Australia with Chloë and Clara/Dusty. Needed a limo with all the bags!
Party was a most pleasant gathering and I enjoyed meeting a number of the neighbours, (One, Daniel, yet another, works for ViTran, freight services, distribution and forwarding, etc., and it was fascinating to hear all the stories about contraband in containers, Hell's Angels involvement with the International Longshore & Warehouse Union at the Port of Vancouver and the seemingly haphazard control most companies, both large and small, have over shipment of orders. In fact, Daniel is in charge of a department which sells unclaimed and/or damaged goods after a three month grace holding period.), as well as chatting with Daniel, chap we picked up en route. He works for Vancouver Coastal Health so is a colleague of both Lori and Flamin'. He is originally from Nebraska and had flown in from there in the afternoon, having spent Christmas with family.
Lovely, lovely spread of food and most of the guests were delighted by the huge platter of fresh Dungeness crab which our generous hosts provided. I say "most" as I'm not a fan of either crab or lobster. I find the work required to extract the flesh, not only dangerous, laborious and unbelievably messy but also hardly worth the effort for meat which is so bland that it must be eaten with copious amounts of drizzled butter and/or piquant sauces, of on sort or another, to make it taste like something it isn't. Why bother? I stayed well back from the skeleton crunchers and enjoyed a number of helpings of the simply wonderful mixed bean dish Brenda served, along with so many other delicious dips, cheeses and delicately fried chicken breasts. Cora Lee and the Newfoundlanders, (Flamin' and Sarge), were in Seventh Heaven however and their plates looked like paleolithic middens after their predations! Dungeness Crab graveyards, mini-mausoleums of broken legs and sundered carpaces, West Coast wampum!
While the crab frenzy was in full force, I chatted with our chauffeur, Ibrahim, a friend of Ergun's, not surprisingly. Turned out that he did his compulsory military service in Cyprus, in 1979, and so we knew places in common on the island. When he lived in Istanbul his family home was not all that far from where we stayed in 2005, but a five minute walk from the Blue Mosque. Spent an interesting time conversing about the city and countryside, hearing his opinions and thoughts about his native land, comparing them to our own experiences there.
Around 10:00pm Her Majesty's foot was tiring so we made the rounds, saying goodbyes and thanking Brenda and Ergun for everything, the limo service, the food and drink, and Ibrahim spirited us home on his magic carpet. Quite an evening!
We are spending New Year's Eve here, with Clara and Dusty and The Millionaires, off next day on an extended cruise of the South Pacific! We were all invited downstairs to celebrate with Clan Sutherland BUT all their offspring and their amores will be there so it will be too, too much for C/D, not to mention Coriandre and I and the Dawes. (See comment below.) Of course, we'll go down for drinks. After their dinner, Sutherland entourage will de-camp to The Granville Island Hotel for dancing until the New Year arrives. (A few years ago, pre-lottery win, Grog and Lurch went home at 10:30pm when the six couples had booked dinner/dancing for NY's Eve at GIH!)
Late breaking news: Kathleen/Steve, friends from Melbourne, called to say that they would be celebrating New Year's Eve with us. Pleased as will probably be one of last times here before we see them in Melbourne in March. Steve rented a mandolin before he went to visit Millioniares in Parkesville for a few days before Christmas. Grogg and Lurch will be coming to town on Saturday to stay at the Granville Island Hotel and Grogg will bring one of his guitars and we'll have our own band.
Have asked the lads to practice The Freeloader Blues, (see attached), and we'll have them belt it out when we pop downstairs for a drink tomorrow evening.
As already mentioned, we are hosting our Open House On the 1st so look forward to seeing some of the friends we've not seen, (meaning you three!), in some time. If not, (you seem to have an uncanny ability not to show!), trust you enjoy any festivities you have planned. All the best to you, Tia Maria, Kerrinska and Giggster, for a Healthy New Year, from The Management and Staff of The Island Inn, Cora Lee, Chloë, Clara, Dusty and Maggie The Devil Cat! Fondestso and Cheers, Patrizzio/Il Conduttore!
I hope you and your family had a nice holiday.
I have a favour to ask. I know your wife is active with the Vancouver Public Library. I see they are having a singles night for people aged 35-55. Registration is for the morning of January 16th.
However I am unable to make it that morning due to a prior commitment.
Would Coriandre be able to sign me up for the event in advance of the sign-up going public?
Thanks Patrick. I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,..Dave
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Hi Jean!
Wonderful to hear from you! Trust you are well. We will be arriving in Japan on May 12th, Narita, leaving on the 31st, again from Narita. It would be simply grand if we could connect. We will be staying near Osaka with a former boarder, Toshi, and her mother but thought we should probably see some of Tokyo before visiting with Toshi. Haven't yet finalized all of the details for our stay but will probably spend a little more than a week with Toshi. We understand day and/or overnight trips, by train, to various other cities, (Kyoto, Hiroshima, etc.), may well be possible. We think we will buy a 21 day rail pass to facilitate such travel. If you have any suggestions for reasonable hotels in Tokyo, situated so that we might make our way, without too, too much difficulty, to various interesting spots within city itself, that would be much appreciated. Any other suggestions are, of course, more than welcome.
Trust you enjoy any festivities you have planned, Jean. All the best to you and your family for a Healthy New Year, from The Management and Staff of The Island Inn, Cora Lee, Chloë, Clara, Dusty and Maggie The Devil Cat! Fondestso and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Patrick and Corinne,
Sounds as though you all survived xmas. It is nice but I am glad it is over for another year. December is just such a busy month for us. It is Cory's (Shanna's husband) birthday on Dec 22, and Shanna's on the 27th. We had 17 people for xmas day supper. It is a good thing that Ken's 2 sons no longer live here as their birthdays are the 17th and also the 22nd. Mine and ken's wedding anniversary is on the 28th. Good thing we do not celebrate now or ever have on this day or perhaps we would be in the poor house by the time the 28th rolls around.
Michael did not show up for xmas. I truly feel that the stress alone was just too great for him to have to cope. He had asked if he could bring a friend with him and I consented as the fellow(whom I met returning from Thunder Bay) seemed like a decent guy but appeared to have multiple problems related to diabetes. Well Mark was sent to hospital on the 23rd which just threw Michael into a depression and what seemed like an inability to function. Michael did call xmas night to wish us a good xmas and to say he was coming for shanna's birthday 2 days later.
Sounds as though you all survived xmas. It is nice but I am glad it is over for another year. December is just such a busy month for us. It is Cory's (Shanna's husband) birthday on Dec 22, and Shanna's on the 27th. We had 17 people for xmas day supper. It is a good thing that Ken's 2 sons no longer live here as their birthdays are the 17th and also the 22nd. Mine and ken's wedding anniversary is on the 28th. Good thing we do not celebrate now or ever have on this day or perhaps we would be in the poor house by the time the 28th rolls around.
Michael did not show up for xmas. I truly feel that the stress alone was just too great for him to have to cope. He had asked if he could bring a friend with him and I consented as the fellow(whom I met returning from Thunder Bay) seemed like a decent guy but appeared to have multiple problems related to diabetes. Well Mark was sent to hospital on the 23rd which just threw Michael into a depression and what seemed like an inability to function. Michael did call xmas night to wish us a good xmas and to say he was coming for shanna's birthday 2 days later.
Michael
did not show for Shanna's birthday as well not did I hear from him
until late last night. Mark is still in the hospital with cellulites
and Michael I think was only calling to remind me that his bank account
is getting low again. I guess I should get a box and mail out his xmas
presents this week.
.
I am going back to thunder bay on the 19th of january. My good friends, Roy and Bea phoned the other day to ask that if they paid for my flight down to the Bay would I consider coming Jan 19-31st. Bea's mom Ursula, is 88 yrs old and lives in a basement apt at their house. she is just a wee biddy thing who broke her hip a few yrs ago and this past aug(while Bea was visiting me) she falls again and breaks her pelvis. She is now home but it was discovered that she is having T.I.A.'s, not taking her meds properly and also not eating as she should be.
Roy and Bea's son from Oshawa is getting married on the 25th of Jan in Mexico and the young couple would not allow either set of parents to invite any guests so that is why I won't be going to Mexico. I get along very well with Ursula and because I always stay with Roy and Bea Ursula would not think twice about my presence there while they are in Mexico. She is also aware that I come frequently to check on aunty Mary. She would be so insulted if they were to hire someone to come and pop by to keep an eye on her so this works out well. I generally do not want to impose upon Roy and Bea so I only stay 7 days but this time it will be for 12days. Most likely I will be able to visit with all my friends during this time instead of selecting only a handful each visit as aunty Mary consumes a good portion of my time there.
.
I am going back to thunder bay on the 19th of january. My good friends, Roy and Bea phoned the other day to ask that if they paid for my flight down to the Bay would I consider coming Jan 19-31st. Bea's mom Ursula, is 88 yrs old and lives in a basement apt at their house. she is just a wee biddy thing who broke her hip a few yrs ago and this past aug(while Bea was visiting me) she falls again and breaks her pelvis. She is now home but it was discovered that she is having T.I.A.'s, not taking her meds properly and also not eating as she should be.
Roy and Bea's son from Oshawa is getting married on the 25th of Jan in Mexico and the young couple would not allow either set of parents to invite any guests so that is why I won't be going to Mexico. I get along very well with Ursula and because I always stay with Roy and Bea Ursula would not think twice about my presence there while they are in Mexico. She is also aware that I come frequently to check on aunty Mary. She would be so insulted if they were to hire someone to come and pop by to keep an eye on her so this works out well. I generally do not want to impose upon Roy and Bea so I only stay 7 days but this time it will be for 12days. Most likely I will be able to visit with all my friends during this time instead of selecting only a handful each visit as aunty Mary consumes a good portion of my time there.
On this last visit I was able to accompany A.Mary to her doctor's apt where I learned that she has an aeortic stenosis and on a good note was told that her hemeoglobin is keeping stable due to the iron pills she is taking. when I was up in May she had an apt with an enterologist because of low hemeoglobin and after disussion about the pros and cons of having a colonoscopy Aunty Mary decided that she did not want to have any part of it. I felt this was a wise decision on her part and like she said " you can't live forever". She was advised to continue with her iron pills. Now in December I decide that it is a good idea for her to carry a list of meds in her purse and discover that she has not been taking her iron pills because they bother her stomach. I was aware of this but thought she had been given something else to try.
It
is so frustrating trying to talk to her on the phone. I am literally
shouting into the phone because she doesn't hear and because she has
lost most of the feeling in her fingertips due to carpal tunnel her
fingers some how slip and she accidentally disconnects the call. One
time I had to call her back 4 times! She also does not listen when you
speak and cuts you off in mid sentence in case you have not experienced
this(haw, haw)!! She was quite surprised when I was being told of her
heart condition saying that no one had told her. The doctor bluntly
said she doesn't listen. I rather suspect that the reason her
hemeoglobin is low is due to her diet. I know for a fact that there are
days that she simply has a coffee and cinnamon bun for supper because
she simply isn't hungry. As part of her xmas present I went out and
bought her a good quality vitamin pill and a naturalpathic iron
supplement. Hopefully this will give her an added boost.
She
would find it quite entertaining to be in a seniors complex. She would
actually have people to converse with not to mention activities to
attend and peace of mind should she fall etc. It will be a real
challenge for me in january to convince her of this. She is so frugal
with her money and all she is concerned with is leaving every penny to
my brother. This is not going to be an easy sell.
Well have a good time New Year's eve what ever your plans and all the best for 2012. Simon
Hi Simone!
Wonderful to hear from you! Trust you are well in spite of all the upset with Michael. How do you ever keep track of all the birthdays and other celebrations??? Please give our fond regards to Aunt Mary. Perhaps we'll try to call when you are there to help interpret! Let me know what might be a good time, when you are in TB, by email, and we'll arrange a mutually convenient time.
As already mentioned, we are hosting our Open House On the 1st so look forward to seeing some of the friends we've not seen in some time. Trust you enjoy any festivities you have planned, Simone. All the best to you and your family for a Healthy New Year, from The Management and Staff of The Island Inn, Cora Lee, Chloë, Clara, Dusty and Maggie The Devil Cat! Fondestso and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Pics: Sausage toe; Chloë with Mom on Christmas morning; Cora Lee, Christmas Day before dinner; Goils with my Rupert Bear Advent Calendar, same evening.
I hope you and your family had a nice holiday.
I have a favour to ask. I know your wife is active with the Vancouver Public Library. I see they are having a singles night for people aged 35-55. Registration is for the morning of January 16th.
However I am unable to make it that morning due to a prior commitment.
Would Coriandre be able to sign me up for the event in advance of the sign-up going public?
Thanks Patrick. I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,..Dave
Hi Dave!
I'm sure we can, between the two of us, sign you up! Not quite sure of the details yet, but if we need anything other than email, perhaps you should send that information along. Don't worry about us using your credit cards and debit card too, too, much. We'll only buy a few bottles of expensive wine and malt!
We are hosting our Open House On the 1st so look forward to seeing some of the friends we've not seen, in some time. Please pop by if free. If not, trust you enjoy any festivities you have planned. All the best to you, Dave, for a Healthy New Year, from The Management and Staff of The Island Inn, Cora Lee, Chloë, Clara, Dusty and Maggie The Devil Cat! Fondestso and Cheers, Patrizzio/Il Conduttore!
Patrick James Dunn Glad you liked card! Best wishes for a Healthy New Year from The Island Inn! Cheers, Patrizzio!
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Hi Patrice,
Apologies for the slow response, however it took a couple days to be able to
read through your Christmas greetings!.
Glad to hear you had a wonderful time and love the blow by blow accounting
of everything as it makes me practically feel as though I was right there at
the table breaking bread and clinking wine glasses together with you and
yours. All this on top of the fact that our Christmas crackers must have
been the same brand as I also found an led light , pen and jack knife
combination tool, that I suppose could have been written off as coincidental
but to assure it was no such thing, Jesse also received a bag of paperclips
and said magnetic base!.
We love the painting, that was too kind to give this to us but rest assured
it will be well taken care of and appreciated. It is made all the more
interesting and pleasurable to think we were there also and can envision the
little town of Penita with a local artist somewhere nearby working on it
.Not to mention it will conjer up fond memories of our time together down
there which was so much fun!.
I went for a ride down to False creek area yesterday to visit my cousin
Rick,share Christmas greetings and give him some things I had found when
going through our Grandmothers stuff that I thought he would like to have.
He has a business at 5th and Columbia so I rode there and then we went for
lunch at a little place called Lucy's diner which was fabulous. It was just
a tiny hole in the wall on Main st. between 10th and 11th but had a great
50's retro decor complete with old fans , music from that era overstuffed
vynil benches in the booths The menu was really varied with all kinds of
creations like pulled pork and macaroni sandwiches and a plethora of other
original items, Not to mention some very attractive stantion worthy
waitresses ,well worth checking out.
Not sure what we are up to on new years day as I would have to talk with
the social planner who isn't here right now. We'll get in touch soon either
way. Take care, Al
Hi Big Al!
Trust all goes well, so far in 2012!
Sorry that I've not been in touch over last little while. Not quite sure where all of the time has gone!
Glad that painting brings up fond memories of La Peñita. Unfortunately, latest round of news stories, (home invasions, armed robberies and murders of ex-pats/tourists), is rather disturbing. A number of these aweful crimes took place in Ajijic where we stayed with close friends after leaving Guayabitos. I had always felt that if one stayed away from the "drug-zones" one could be relatively sure of a safe holiday. Now, violence seems to be spreading and non-drug dealing/involved people with more supposed, relative wealth are being targeted. Am quite devastated by this development, if it is true, as last time there was simply one of best holidays we've ever experienced. Now, sad to say, I am quite reluctant to repeat the drive, etc. What do Heraldo and Sue think?
On a much more positive note, loved your recounting of similar Christmas "cracker' experience! As well, your description of Lucy's diner was a delight. I suppose the Shape-O-meter was buzzing like crazy when you kept asking for ketchup and then a new napkin and then another order of fries! We missed you on the 1st but understand how busy you probably were. Lovely gathering although Robo Ray was more than miffed about the Christmas Cake he had given me for my birthday. I had taken to annointing it with liberal dousings of spiced rum over the weeks prior to festivities and set it out for dessert at the Open House. With each helping,(He kept going back for more!), he would whine about how much better it was than the ones at home! Reminded him about the time I popped by one afternoon, before Christmas, and he took me into their kitchen to show me how to drizzle brandy over cake. He used a teaspoon and doled out liquid from a mickey. Then, I played dumb as I hadn't the heart to tell him that I simply poured rum straight from the bottle, probably a little less than a third of his bottle, at one time! Must admit, it is a wonderful cake. Told Raymundo to use less flour next time!!!
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. In spite of reasonably inclement weather, over last week, I have managed a few wonderful rides. 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. 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.
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 earlieri 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 Roayl 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, Alice LaPlante's quite remarkable first novel about Dr. Jennifer White, suffering from dementia, the prime suspect in the death of her best friend, 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!!!
Hi Deborah!
This is what I posted a few minutes ago. Trust this will assure potential clients of the non-virtual reality of Shaw Gardens Guest House!
Great place to stay. Affordable, comfortable and well situated for easy access to public transportation or cycling routes. Every time we've been in Toronto, over last three years, we book into Shaw Gardens Guest House. Deborah is a lovely Landlady. Highly recommended by Patrick Dunn/Corinne Durston, Vancouver! All the best to you, Deborah, for a Healthy New Year, from The Management and Staff of The Island Inn, Cora Lee, Chloë, Clara, Dusty and Maggie The Devil Cat! Fondestso and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Patrizio - or may i call you PJ? Thanks so much for post on page, I
did send a thank you earlier but it may not have survived to reach
you.
Feel your comment - and one just posted by my friend Hilary (who has
NEVER set foot in Canada) should do well to allay quite sensible
concerns people have. Hope Corinne will soon be well enough mended
that you can stage a palace coup and throw off your yoke! Enjoy your
travels to the South Seas - when do you next plan to come this way?
Lower Level has been seriously upgraded with mod cons since you were
last here. Deborah
Hi Deborah!
Trust all goes well, so far in 2012! Sorry that I've not been in touch over last little while. Not quite sure where all of the time has gone! Of course you may call me "PJ"! We may well be back to see Lower Level in early September. Not sure yet but Coriandre would like to visit Falcon in late August so we might continue on to Ottawa/Toronto as part of trip. Will depend on financial state of affairs of Royal Treasury after HK/Oz/Japan! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Patrick,
I’m
sure you’re getting excited about Australia, you lucky people. Here’s
the cask update. Happy new Year. Lynne and I are having a quite
celebration tomorrow night with Beef Wellington.
Cheers,
Peter
Subject: Dec 30 Update re cask
Hi all
Thus
far all all but 2 1/2 of the 20 shares have been subscribed and I have
received cash or cheques totalling $ 3,000 of the $ 4,375.00 committed.
I will be picking up cheques from Stuart and Ian later today but would
appreciate Stan Andrews and Ken Wong letting me know via email if they
have mailed their cheques to me already. If not could they please do so.
We
are very close to our objective so if you know of anyone else who is
interested in participating please let me know. It is not necessary that
they be a SOWTS member to purchase a share in the cask.
I
talked to Pat Evans of Shelter Point last week and he has confirmed
their ability to assign a barrel of their new make spirit to our group
as soon as we finalize our purchase and send them the money. Please note
that I have held off cashing your cheques until I have all of them in
hand.
Cheers and all the best in 2012!
Hi Lurking Lynne JDP!
Trust all goes well, so far in 2012! Thanks for latest update on malt cask! Sorry that I've not been in touch over last little while. Not quite sure where all of the time has gone! Fondestos and Cheers to you and Lynne, Patrizzio!
Hi Lurking Lynne JDP!
Trust all goes well, so far in 2012! Thanks for latest update on malt cask! Sorry that I've not been in touch over last little while. Not quite sure where all of the time has gone! Fondestos and Cheers to you and Lynne, Patrizzio!
P,
Sorry I missed your calls today. The first call I was driving -- on my way
to Costco. I did give them a heads up that you would be arriving. Your
second call came when I was out riding with Cobby -- he just broke up with
his gal and was pretty blue -- needed to die it off. We had martinis after
that and then made blintzes.
I am riding to Evergreen in the morning with Carlos for a match so I won't
do another ride tomorrow. We will leave here on the steeds at 9AM if you
care to go that way with us. We would take you on our route thru the park
and over the bridge. Call me if that works for thee.
Fabulous news about the wing and passing the third mile marker.
We are looking forward to seeing you all on New Years Day. Let me know if
there is something you would like us to bring. W
Hi Whirlissimo!
Welcome home! Trust all went well in The Hinterland! We missed you three!
Can't complain here because, by Royal Decree, I'm not allowed to do so. Serfs have no rights!!!
Managed to break the 3 mile barrier on Tuesday, at the Aquatic Centre, so was pretty pleased. Shoulder felt terrific so I think I'll hurl myself into English Bay on the 1st!!!
Cora Lee is doing extremely well, post-operatively speaking! However unrest is growing among her many attendants. Yesterday, I chauffeured Her Majesty downtown to VPL where she was to train a volunteer for Friends of VPL. After I deposited Her Ladyship curbside, I made for Young Brothers on Broadway to buy some ingredients I need for the making of the large plate of Mixed Antipasto, con sasopressata, I plan to serve at our Open House on New Year's Day. (Starts anytime after 3:00pm and don't worry there will be plenty of genetically modified Russet Burbank based potatoe salad for non-salami eaters!) Stopped by Minerva's, close by, in next block, to pick up a large tub of peperoncini, (pickled Tuscan peppers), also one of ingredients. Hurried home to stand by the phone, waiting for Cora Lee Regina to call, summoning me back to fetch her home. Very tough life when one lives with royalty!!!
While I was hovering, I beavered away, catching up on email, sorted through stacks of accumulated paperwork and even read a few snippets of Botany of Desire, our latest Book Club selection. Shortly before 1:00pm Her Majesty called and I picked her up. She was very pleased as young woman she was training is really bright and between them they were able to complete most of the tasks that needed attention.
Once home, I settled Her Highness in her chair, tilted the TV screen in her direction so that she could watch The Young and the Restless, suited up in my cycling togs and then headed out for a quick ride around Stanley Park. Thought that I had waited, (or rather been forced to wait!), too long as there were a few drops as I left Harbour Terrace. Bit of a stiff wind until I rounded Science World and then it was wonderfully smooth sailing. Quite a few people on the Seawall, loads of walkers and perhaps more bikers, on rentals, than I think I've ever seen. Had to use my bell quite regularly, in fact. Fortunately, I'm in practice having been responding to Her Ladyship's constant demands with her dinner bell!!!
Around False Creek the colourful Aquabuses were scudding along, much like Little Toot, and a real treat, around Lighthouse Point, when a massive Hyundai container vessel made its way past, blocking out the mountains, filling the entire space between the Lilliputians on the Seawall and the North Shore, seemingly close enough to touch. Quite a sensation watching the gargantuan ship slide by, in slow motion.
Very, very low tide and the waterway under the small vehicle bridge which connects Deadman Island to Stanley Park was impassable, nothing but jagged rocks, for any of the boats moored in the lagoon there. This Island operates as the HMCS Discovery, Vancouver's Naval Reserve Base, for those of you non-salts out there! As a result of the all the exposed rocks, the crows were having nothing but a field, Or more correctly, a water day with mussels. Closer to home, not far from Olympic Village, the poplars lining the bikeway, just opposite an enormous, crumbling chipboard bulldozer, (not sure how it came into being, in the first place), were filled with raucously cawing birds. Talk about a murder of crows!!! My tires went crunch, crunch, crunch over parts of the shells that had smashed as a result of being dropped for that very purpose. What clever creatures! Even had to dodge a few bravehearted fools who wouldn't budge from the path, worried about losing supper, rather than their lives, I suppose!!!
Back home with 33.33K on the odometer so not much distance but a lovely outing. Sky was actually starting to clear once I was past Second Beach and the temperature was more than pleasant.Zapped a cup of java and thought I'd send along a few massages while I awaited the finish of yet another interminable episode Y&R, (As far as I can tell, they are all the same! I've never watched an entire episode but nothing has changed. Can't any of these people make up their minds. They should all be seconded to university committees!!!), as I was to help Madame Du Barry with her bath. Rather more difficult than it would seem as I am constantly told to avert my eyes, for modesty's sake! Sad to relate, Dear Reader, that during an earlier ablution, turned on the cold tap, (inadvertently, of course!), full force, as a result of not being allowed to gaze upon the Goddess, and Her Highness shrieked like a banshee, definitely "not amused"!
Receiving the Royal Summons, I hied myself to the bathing salon, postehaste, and am pleased to report that I only scalded a small, unmentionable part of the Royal Anatomy. Had to be Johnny on the Spot about drizzling some cold Chaaaaaaaaarrrddddonnaaay over affected area and all was well, although Her Ladyship looked rather indecorous swigging the vino right from the bottle!
That evening, we mirrored the extravagant lifestyle of The Rich and Famous. Friends of friends sent a limo to pick us, (Flamin'/Sarge, Lori/Daniello/Cora Lee and I), up and drove us to their home in North Van! Ergun, (he is Turkish), and Brenda were at an Open House hosted by Lori and Daniello last Thursday, at their place, not far from us off Sitka Square, and that is where all this came together. Ride was a blast, (We brought along nothing but the finest Australian bubbly, Cook's Sparkling, since 1859, according to label!), although rather disorienting. Had great difficulty seeing through the fogged windows so literally didn't have any sense of where we were in city. At one poiint we picked up two other guests, Daniel and Roberto, and I thought they lived in Yaletown, not far from VPL, but discovered, at party, that they lived in West End! Was completely turned around and it wasn't by the plonk either! The entire orientation of the interior is so discombobulating that one's senses, at least mine, spent all their time trying to adjust to this "foreign" environment.), once we settled into our leather seats although I must say I found the seating too, too low for my comfort. Good for Coriandre, however, as she could stretch her booted right foot out without placing much, if any, pressure on it.) Last time we were in a limo was on November 19th, 1991 when we took one to YVR when we were leaving for our first trip trip to Australia with Chloë and Clara/Dusty. Needed a limo with all the bags!
Party was a most pleasant gathering and I enjoyed meeting a number of the neighbours, (One, Daniel, yet another, works for ViTran, freight services, distribution and forwarding, etc., and it was fascinating to hear all the stories about contraband in containers, Hell's Angels involvement with the International Longshore & Warehouse Union at the Port of Vancouver and the seemingly haphazard control most companies, both large and small, have over shipment of orders. In fact, Daniel is in charge of a department which sells unclaimed and/or damaged goods after a three month grace holding period.), as well as chatting with Daniel, chap we picked up en route. He works for Vancouver Coastal Health so is a colleague of both Lori and Flamin'. He is originally from Nebraska and had flown in from there in the afternoon, having spent Christmas with family.
Lovely, lovely spread of food and most of the guests were delighted by the huge platter of fresh Dungeness crab which our generous hosts provided. I say "most" as I'm not a fan of either crab or lobster. I find the work required to extract the flesh, not only dangerous, laborious and unbelievably messy but also hardly worth the effort for meat which is so bland that it must be eaten with copious amounts of drizzled butter and/or piquant sauces, of on sort or another, to make it taste like something it isn't. Why bother? I stayed well back from the skeleton crunchers and enjoyed a number of helpings of the simply wonderful mixed bean dish Brenda served, along with so many other delicious dips, cheeses and delicately fried chicken breasts. Cora Lee and the Newfoundlanders, (Flamin' and Sarge), were in Seventh Heaven however and their plates looked like paleolithic middens after their predations! Dungeness Crab graveyards, mini-mausoleums of broken legs and sundered carpaces, West Coast wampum!
While the crab frenzy was in full force, I chatted with our chauffeur, Ibrahim, a friend of Ergun's, not surprisingly. Turned out that he did his compulsory military service in Cyprus, in 1979, and so we knew places in common on the island. When he lived in Istanbul his family home was not all that far from where we stayed in 2005, but a five minute walk from the Blue Mosque. Spent an interesting time conversing about the city and countryside, hearing his opinions and thoughts about his native land, comparing them to our own experiences there.
Around 10:00pm Her Majesty's foot was tiring so we made the rounds, saying goodbyes and thanking Brenda and Ergun for everything, the limo service, the food and drink, and Ibrahim spirited us home on his magic carpet. Quite an evening!
We are spending New Year's Eve here, with Clara and Dusty and The Millionaires, off next day on an extended cruise of the South Pacific! We were all invited downstairs to celebrate with Clan Sutherland BUT all their offspring and their amores will be there so it will be too, too much for C/D, not to mention Coriandre and I and the Dawes. (See comment below.) Of course, we'll go down for drinks. After their dinner, Sutherland entourage will de-camp to The Granville Island Hotel for dancing until the New Year arrives. (A few years ago, pre-lottery win, Grog and Lurch went home at 10:30pm when the six couples had booked dinner/dancing for NY's Eve at GIH!)
Late breaking news: Kathleen/Steve, friends from Melbourne, called to say that they would be celebrating New Year's Eve with us. Pleased as will probably be one of last times here before we see them in Melbourne in March. Steve rented a mandolin before he went to visit Millioniares in Parkesville for a few days before Christmas. Grogg and Lurch will be coming to town on Saturday to stay at the Granville Island Hotel and Grogg will bring one of his guitars and we'll have our own band.
Have asked the lads to practice The Freeloader Blues, (see attached), and we'll have them belt it out when we pop downstairs for a drink tomorrow evening.
As already mentioned, we are hosting our Open House On the 1st so look forward to seeing some of the friends we've not seen, (meaning you three!), in some time. If not, (you seem to have an uncanny ability not to show!), trust you enjoy any festivities you have planned. All the best to you, Tia Maria, Kerrinska and Giggster, for a Healthy New Year, from The Management and Staff of The Island Inn, Cora Lee, Chloë, Clara, Dusty and Maggie The Devil Cat! Fondestso and Cheers, Patrizzio/Il Conduttore!
Thursday 29 December 2011
IIDD, Dec 29th
A poet should be of the /
old-fashioned meaningless brand: / obscure, esoteric, symbolic, -- / the
critics demand it; / so if there's a poem of mine / that you do
understand / I'll gladly explain what it means / till you don't
understand it. -Piet Hein, poet and scientist (1905-1996)
Hi Pat:
Hi Pat:
I love you rambling email, I feel like I have had a visit with you and all the gang.
We
sat around our cottage tonight with a roaring fire watching the World
Jrs and then a neighbour/slash colleague of Ron's (Palliative care
Doctor) dropped by for a glass of wine. We are planning to cross
country ski New Year's Eve day in Ingonish, not sure if you visited this
part of the Cabot Trail. We have a few friends who have places there
and they are organizing a day of skiing or snow shoeing. New Year's Eve
will find us at a country hall in Englishtown where Leon and Beth
(Ron's sister) are playing music for the New Year's Eve dance. (You met
Leon and Beth when you visited.) This is a very fun evening with lots of
dancing, drinking and eating.
Tomorrow
we give blood, our gift to society, and then we will listen to some up
and coming young musicians at a local restaurant in Sydney. There are
many venues where musicians both young and old play music. On Dec 23rd
we went to the Victorian Inn in Antigonish and listened to a jazz band
play christmas carols. It was a BYOB, but the host provided cheese etc
and charged $20 giving it all to the band (one of the band members was
her son) The house parties are becoming more and more popular here and
it is a great opportunity for the young musicians to play and earn some
cash.
Maggie's boyfriend Tom
Terrell made a blue grass Christmas cd. We were going to try to get a
venue for him but he was too busy to organize the venue with me in
Sydney.
It is pouring rain here
tonight, but unlike your weather in Vancouver, the weather will turn and
the snow will fall in the very near future.
Did
I mention in the last email we are off to St Martins Jan 14th until the
8th of April. I am really looking forward to the trip.
I will keep you posted.
Take care- Happy New Year.
Love Rhoda
Hi Ski!
Your life of music and concerts and cross-country skiing and world travel sounds almost like a page or a screen out of The Lives of the Rich and Famous! I'm going to have to start calling you the Cape Breton Millionaires!!!
Just returned from taking Her Majesty downtown to VPL where she is training a volunteer for Friends of VPL. After I deposited Her Ladyship curbside, I made for Young Brothers on Broadway to buy some ingredients I need for making a large plate of Mixed Antipasto I plan to serve at our Open House on New Year's Day. Stopped by Minerva's, close by, in next block, to pick up a large tub of peperoncini, (pickled Tuscan peppers0, also one of ingredients. Hurried home to stand by the phone, waiting for Cora Lee Regina to call, summoning me back to fetch her home. Very tough life when one lives with royalty!!!
Tonight, we are mirroring your extravagant lifestyle. Friends of friends are sending a limo to pick us, (Flamin'/Sarge, Lori/Daniello/Cora Lee and I), up and take us to their home in North Van! Ergun, (he is Turkish), and Brenda were at an Open House hosted by Lori and Daniello last Thursday, at their place, not far from us off Sitka Square, and that is where all this came together. Should be fun as the last time I was in a limo was in November of 1991 when we took one to YVR when we were leaving for our first trip trip to Australia with Chloë and Clara/Dusty. Needed a limo will all the bags!
Phone rang a few minutes ago and it was Kathleen/Steve, friends from Melbourne, who called to say that they would be celebrating New Year's Eve with us. Pleased as will probably be one of last times here before we see them In Melbourne in March. Steve rented a mandolin before he went to visit Millioniares in Parkesville for a few days before Christmas. Grogg and Lurch will be coming to town on Saturday to stay at the Granville Island Hotel so they will be part of crowd here on New Year's Eve. They leave on the 1st for an extended South Pacific cruise. Anyway Grogg will bring one of his guitars and we'll have our own band. We spit on the country hall in Englishtown! However, do say hello to Beth and Leon and wish them all the best for 2012!)
Plan to have Stefano and Grogg sing The Freeloader Blues, (lyrics by Patrizzio!), when we go down for a drink at Sutherland's, at some point in the evening, so should be fun.
Well, time to vacuum until such time as the Royal Personage commands my presence! All the best to you and Ron, Ski, and your brood, Diano, Maggie and Sam and extended families. Healthy New Year from the Management and Staff at The Island Inn!!! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
Your life of music and concerts and cross-country skiing and world travel sounds almost like a page or a screen out of The Lives of the Rich and Famous! I'm going to have to start calling you the Cape Breton Millionaires!!!
Just returned from taking Her Majesty downtown to VPL where she is training a volunteer for Friends of VPL. After I deposited Her Ladyship curbside, I made for Young Brothers on Broadway to buy some ingredients I need for making a large plate of Mixed Antipasto I plan to serve at our Open House on New Year's Day. Stopped by Minerva's, close by, in next block, to pick up a large tub of peperoncini, (pickled Tuscan peppers0, also one of ingredients. Hurried home to stand by the phone, waiting for Cora Lee Regina to call, summoning me back to fetch her home. Very tough life when one lives with royalty!!!
Tonight, we are mirroring your extravagant lifestyle. Friends of friends are sending a limo to pick us, (Flamin'/Sarge, Lori/Daniello/Cora Lee and I), up and take us to their home in North Van! Ergun, (he is Turkish), and Brenda were at an Open House hosted by Lori and Daniello last Thursday, at their place, not far from us off Sitka Square, and that is where all this came together. Should be fun as the last time I was in a limo was in November of 1991 when we took one to YVR when we were leaving for our first trip trip to Australia with Chloë and Clara/Dusty. Needed a limo will all the bags!
Phone rang a few minutes ago and it was Kathleen/Steve, friends from Melbourne, who called to say that they would be celebrating New Year's Eve with us. Pleased as will probably be one of last times here before we see them In Melbourne in March. Steve rented a mandolin before he went to visit Millioniares in Parkesville for a few days before Christmas. Grogg and Lurch will be coming to town on Saturday to stay at the Granville Island Hotel so they will be part of crowd here on New Year's Eve. They leave on the 1st for an extended South Pacific cruise. Anyway Grogg will bring one of his guitars and we'll have our own band. We spit on the country hall in Englishtown! However, do say hello to Beth and Leon and wish them all the best for 2012!)
Plan to have Stefano and Grogg sing The Freeloader Blues, (lyrics by Patrizzio!), when we go down for a drink at Sutherland's, at some point in the evening, so should be fun.
Well, time to vacuum until such time as the Royal Personage commands my presence! All the best to you and Ron, Ski, and your brood, Diano, Maggie and Sam and extended families. Healthy New Year from the Management and Staff at The Island Inn!!! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
Freeloader Blues
Woke up
this morning, Moma, got a bad case of Freeloader Blues,
Woke up
this morning, got a bad, bad case of them Freeloader Blues!
I used to
have whiskey,
And I used
to have wine,
Now I got
nothin’
Them mean
Freeloaders drank all of mine!
Them
thirsty, thirsty Freeloaders drank all of mine!
I used to
have grub in the fridge,
Meat on the
table, coffee in the pot,
Now I got
nothin’
Them mean
Freeloaders ate all I got!
Them
ravenous Freeloaders ate all I got!
I used to
have money, cash in the bank,
A roll in
my pocket, a stud in my ear,
Now I got
nothing, can’t buy a beer!
Here come
the landlord, can’t pay the rent.
Them greedy
ole’ Freeloaders spent my last cent!
Them greedy
ole’ Freeloaders wasted my last cent!
Now I’m
down on my luck, down on the row,
No-one to
hep me, no-one to care,
Fleas in my
jacket, lice in my hair,
Begging for
nickels, begging for dimes,
Wonderin’
where went all them good times!
Morale of
the story, Mama, if you care to hear,
Morale of
the story, Good Folks, is this I fear,
When you
see them Freeloaders, don’t let ‘em git near!
When you
see them nasty Freeloaders a comin’, don’t let ‘em git near!
Yeah, Woke
up this morning, with a bad case of Freeloader Blues,
Woke up
this morning, with a bad, bad case of them crazy Freeloader Blues!
Hi Old Oakites!
Great that you are coming for New Year's! Your room is in the process of being readied!!! As I write, Maggie is tugging the sheets off the bed!
After we chatted, Her Majesty called and I picked her up. She was very pleased as young woman she was training is really bright and between them they were able to complete most of the tasks that needed attention.
Once home, I settled Her Highness in her chair, tilted the TV screen in her direction so that she could watch The Young and the Restless, suited up in my cycling togs and then headed out for a quick ride around Stanley Park. Thought that I had waited, (or rather been forced to wait!), too long as there were a few drops as I left Harbour Terrace. Bit of a stiff wind until I rounded Science World and then it was wonderfully smooth sailing. Quite a few people on the Seawall, loads of walkers and perhaps more bikers, on rentals, than I think I've ever seen. Had to use my bell quite regularly, in fact. Fortunately, I'm in practice having been responding to Her Ladyship's constant demands with her dinner bell!!!
Around False Creek the colourful Aquabuses were scudding along, much like Little Toot, and a real treat, around Lighthouse Point, when a massive Hyundai container vessel made its way past, blocking out the mountains, filling the entire space between the Lilliputians on the Seawall and the North Shore, seemingly close enough to touch. Quite a sensation watching the gargantuan ship slide by, in slow motion.
Very, very low tide and the waterway under the small vehicle bridge which connects Deadman Island to Stanley Park was impassable, nothing but jagged rocks, for any of the boats moored in the lagoon there. This Island operates as the HMCS Discovery, Vancouver's Naval Reserve Base, for those of you non-salts out there! As a result of the all the exposed rocks, the crows were having nothing but a field, Or more correctly, a water day with mussels. Closer to home, not far from Olympic Village, the poplars lining the bikeway, just opposite an enormous, crumbling chipboard bulldozer, (not sure how it came into being, in the first place), were filled with raucously cawing birds. Talk about a murder of crows!!! My tires went crunch, crunch, crunch over parts of the shells that had smashed as a result of being dropped for that very purpose. What clever creatures! Even had to dodge a few bravehearted fools who wouldn't budge from the path, worried about losing supper, rather than their lives, I suppose!!!
Back home with 33.33K on the odometer so not much distance but a lovely outing. Sky was actually starting to clear once I was past Second Beach and the temperature was more than pleasant.
Zapped a cup of java and thought I'd send along this message while I await the finish of another interminable episode Y&R, (As far as I can tell, they are all the same! I've never watched an entire episode but nothing has changed. Can't any of these people make up their minds. They should all be seconded to uni committees!!!), as I am to help Madame Du Barry with her bath. Rather more difficult than it would seem as I am constantly told to avert my eyes, for modesty's sake! Sad to relate, Dear Reader, that during an earlier ablution, turned on the cold tap, (inadvertently, of course!), full force, as a result of not being allowed to gaze upon the Goddess, and Her Highness shrieked like a banshee, definitely "not amused"!
Just received the Royal Summons so I must to the bathing salon haste, forthwith! Bqack again and pleased to report that I only scalded a small, unmentionable part of the Royal Anatomy. Had to be Johnny on the Spot about drizzling some cold Chaaaaaaaaarrrddddonnaaay over affected area and all was well, although Her Ladyship looked rather indecourous swigging the vino right from the bottle! Chat soon. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hello all our friends and family,
SPANISH:
Nuestros
mejores deseos desde estas gélidas tierras canadienses. Click en el
link para disfrutar y alegrar tu corazón y pensamientos.
John y Mary Carmen (MC)
Great that you are coming for New Year's! Your room is in the process of being readied!!! As I write, Maggie is tugging the sheets off the bed!
After we chatted, Her Majesty called and I picked her up. She was very pleased as young woman she was training is really bright and between them they were able to complete most of the tasks that needed attention.
Once home, I settled Her Highness in her chair, tilted the TV screen in her direction so that she could watch The Young and the Restless, suited up in my cycling togs and then headed out for a quick ride around Stanley Park. Thought that I had waited, (or rather been forced to wait!), too long as there were a few drops as I left Harbour Terrace. Bit of a stiff wind until I rounded Science World and then it was wonderfully smooth sailing. Quite a few people on the Seawall, loads of walkers and perhaps more bikers, on rentals, than I think I've ever seen. Had to use my bell quite regularly, in fact. Fortunately, I'm in practice having been responding to Her Ladyship's constant demands with her dinner bell!!!
Around False Creek the colourful Aquabuses were scudding along, much like Little Toot, and a real treat, around Lighthouse Point, when a massive Hyundai container vessel made its way past, blocking out the mountains, filling the entire space between the Lilliputians on the Seawall and the North Shore, seemingly close enough to touch. Quite a sensation watching the gargantuan ship slide by, in slow motion.
Very, very low tide and the waterway under the small vehicle bridge which connects Deadman Island to Stanley Park was impassable, nothing but jagged rocks, for any of the boats moored in the lagoon there. This Island operates as the HMCS Discovery, Vancouver's Naval Reserve Base, for those of you non-salts out there! As a result of the all the exposed rocks, the crows were having nothing but a field, Or more correctly, a water day with mussels. Closer to home, not far from Olympic Village, the poplars lining the bikeway, just opposite an enormous, crumbling chipboard bulldozer, (not sure how it came into being, in the first place), were filled with raucously cawing birds. Talk about a murder of crows!!! My tires went crunch, crunch, crunch over parts of the shells that had smashed as a result of being dropped for that very purpose. What clever creatures! Even had to dodge a few bravehearted fools who wouldn't budge from the path, worried about losing supper, rather than their lives, I suppose!!!
Back home with 33.33K on the odometer so not much distance but a lovely outing. Sky was actually starting to clear once I was past Second Beach and the temperature was more than pleasant.
Zapped a cup of java and thought I'd send along this message while I await the finish of another interminable episode Y&R, (As far as I can tell, they are all the same! I've never watched an entire episode but nothing has changed. Can't any of these people make up their minds. They should all be seconded to uni committees!!!), as I am to help Madame Du Barry with her bath. Rather more difficult than it would seem as I am constantly told to avert my eyes, for modesty's sake! Sad to relate, Dear Reader, that during an earlier ablution, turned on the cold tap, (inadvertently, of course!), full force, as a result of not being allowed to gaze upon the Goddess, and Her Highness shrieked like a banshee, definitely "not amused"!
Just received the Royal Summons so I must to the bathing salon haste, forthwith! Bqack again and pleased to report that I only scalded a small, unmentionable part of the Royal Anatomy. Had to be Johnny on the Spot about drizzling some cold Chaaaaaaaaarrrddddonnaaay over affected area and all was well, although Her Ladyship looked rather indecourous swigging the vino right from the bottle! Chat soon. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hello all our friends and family,
Our best wishes from this cold land! Please click on the link to delight your heart and thoughts.
Happy New Year to all of you and your family!
John and MC
Hola amigos y familia,
Feliz Año Nuevo para todos ustedes y su familia!
Hi Carmen Miranda and Southside Johnny!
Thank you both for the lovely card and best wishes. Same to you, of course. We had a very pleasant New Year's Eve. Relatively quiet, compared to that of Clan Sutherland. Grogg and Lurch were over, staying at the Granville Island Hotel, as they left next day to start their South Pacific holiday/cruise. Grogg brought his guitar and Steve, our friend from Melbourne, rented a mandolin, so we went downstairs before dinner to have a drink. I wrote The Freeloader Blues and lads performed it. Quite a hit!
Surtherlands all went dancing at the Granville Island Hotel after their dinner. We ate upstairs with Clara/Dusty, Steve/Kathleen and Kathleen's sister Lorraine, G/L, and another friend of ours, Branko. G/L left at 11:00am, C/D a bit earlier, and Steve lay down just before midnight, so it was only the five of us to ring in 2012!
Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Thank you both for the lovely card and best wishes. Same to you, of course. We had a very pleasant New Year's Eve. Relatively quiet, compared to that of Clan Sutherland. Grogg and Lurch were over, staying at the Granville Island Hotel, as they left next day to start their South Pacific holiday/cruise. Grogg brought his guitar and Steve, our friend from Melbourne, rented a mandolin, so we went downstairs before dinner to have a drink. I wrote The Freeloader Blues and lads performed it. Quite a hit!
Surtherlands all went dancing at the Granville Island Hotel after their dinner. We ate upstairs with Clara/Dusty, Steve/Kathleen and Kathleen's sister Lorraine, G/L, and another friend of ours, Branko. G/L left at 11:00am, C/D a bit earlier, and Steve lay down just before midnight, so it was only the five of us to ring in 2012!
Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Wednesday 28 December 2011
IIDD, Dec 28th
Men shout to avoid listening to one another. -Miguel de Unamuno, writer and philosopher (1864-1936)
HI Wow what a day you had, sounds fun, but I don't know if I could open a book and even see the words let alone read!
Pics: Prince Valiant and Megan; latest 'Royal Jewels", literally, from her foot servant!
Hi Connor!
Great to hear from you. Hope you and your brother and Mom and family enjoyed a wonderful Christmas. We did, along with Clan Sutherland.
I was responsible for mashed potatoes, one of our contributions to Christmas dinner which was held downstairs this year as we take turns. Clara and Dusty, my in-laws, did a turkey, (as Durstons are very particular about how the bird is to be done and wanted leftovers anyway), and turnip puff and Chloë, our youngest daughter, helped take those plates downstairs. By the time I was showered and changed, Sarge was just finishing carving their bird. Table was set and looked lovely, adorned with crackers and large paper, origami cranes, courtesy of Akiko, Aaron's fiancée. You probably know that Aaron is Sarge's nephew and he asked Akiko for her hand in marriage, on Christmas Eve, at Stanley Park. He produced the engagement ring near the Miniature Railway and it is rumoured that he was there for the Christmas Train ride and the proposal was an afterthought! Wedding is to take place this coming July, on lawn outside Sutherland's patio, so planning for that has already started!
Due to sheer number of guests, everyone, (except Her Imperious Royal Personage, [Cora Lee, my wife, had foot surgery three weeks ago], Chloë pulling Lady-in-Waiting duty), helped themselves to sumptuous, steaming platters, (Flamin's mouth-watering, pecan encrusted squash and three different types of dressing joined the groaning serving counter), and we sat down to have food blessed by Cora Lee, now wearing her Earth Mother/Matriarch hat, and dinner began. We snapped crackers with those beside us and traded prizes with those around table if we didn't particularly like our own. Hard to believe some of the loot that the colourful crackers contained. Marvinator, 9Nicole's boyfriend), per esempio, had the great good fortune to land a mini-Swiss knife look alike, complete with blade, bottle opener, pen-light and pen with automatically retractable nib. Device was good enough to qualify for a space mission while I was simply delighted to find a small bag of paper clips in the bowels of my cracker. Okay, so there was a small black magnetised base to hold them but Paper Clips! I'm retired already! What do I need from paper clips. Oy Vey!! And I don't even celebrate Hanukkah! Swapped for a pen with Kid Chelene, (Corey), and even forget to take that home!
We had an uproarious time with plenty of hootch and more food and more wine and on and on and on until we could barely move or laugh or breath, for that matter. Consequently, dessert, (Clarisse's Christmas pudding!), for most of us, was simply out of the question so the tables, (needed an extension to seat tall twelve of us), were cleared and dining room table pushed back against one wal to make room for The Battle of the Sexes, the new Christmas Game. As the name implies, The Sisterhood faced off against The Brotherhood. Each team asks questions, of the other, from the Female or Male point of view. The women ask questions that, supposedly, men would not know, (What are the call numbers on the plane in Lost?), while the men ask questions that are so general that even the pets in the house were able to answer. More often than not thess came with either or clues: Who wrote Heart of Darkness? Joseph Conrad or Ernest Hemmingway?
Needless to say, The Brotherhood struggled against the unfair odds and made slow progress until Sarge realized that the rules were not being applied correctly, and we then mounted a splendid dash to the finish line only to lose in a photo-finish. Gracious losers, as ever, we congratulated the winning team while grumbling into our glasses of Auchentoshen Three Wood, (matured in American Bourbon, Oloroso and Pedro Ximinez sherry casks), Kid Chelene's gift to his Dad for Christmas! Almost worth losing as we needed a couple of snorts to dilute the shame of defeat!
Thanking Clan Sutherland for wonderful meal and evening, we collected our now empty plates and bowls and made for upstairs. Thanked Clara and Dusty for the lovely turkey and turnip and they repaired to their place. Goils changed into their jams and we watched a recorded episode of the American Prime Suspect before saying goodnight and heading to bed to read for a bit before turning out our bedside lamps. A full and wonderful, wonderful day and we felt magnificently blessed to share such time and such munificence with close family and friends. A Happy, Happy Christmas indeed.
Healthy, Happy New Year to you Connor. Please pass along same wishes to your mother and brother. Cheers, from Vancouver, Patrizzio!
LOVE IT!!!!!
and now think 6am and add this sentiment!!!! xx
Hello Villa Vicente!
Trust your Christmas/Hanukkah celebrations/visit went well. All the best and a Healthy New Year to you, Donna Florida and Vincenzo! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Ginette!
Trust you enjoyed a wonderful, if muted, Christmas.
Winding down a bit, ourselves. We watched The Help on Boxing Day night and it is very well done. Jackson, Mississippi, in the early '60's, in case you don't know it. Wonderful period piece, (cars, clothing, hair styles, etc.), aside from racial issues, the core of the book/film. Certainly worth reading/seeing, as far as I'm concerned.
Yesterday afternoon took in the just released, second Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Sequel is even better than first. Both are terrific fun. Flamin' and Prince Valiant and his squeeze, Megan, were along, as well as Rosita, so we had a blast. (Cora Lee and Chloë "insisted" on seeing it on Boxing Day!)
Rain has really put the kibosh on cycling and it doesn't look all that promising for coming week or so, either. I will take advantage of inclement weather to swim so must admit I'm not all that unhappy as I'm really enjoying being back in the water.
Open House will probably start anytime after 3:00pm and go until last guest leaves. If your schedule or "overhangs" won't allow you to pop by, however, then a Healthy New Year to you and Bruce! Cheers, Patrizzio!
reechy
MEANING:
adjective: Smoky, dirty, or rancid.
ETYMOLOGY:
From Old English rec (smoke). Earliest documented use: 1660.
HI Wow what a day you had, sounds fun, but I don't know if I could open a book and even see the words let alone read!
We
spent our day in Dartmough and it was filled with visiting household
around Metro Halifax. We had a delicious dinner at Ron's sister's Anne
Marie's with 8 grand neices and nephews. They were so cute and full of
life.
We are now back in Cape
Breton in a winter wonderland, but rain is due today. It is a lot like a
Vancouver winter, but different!
I am sorry about the virus, it is such a pain. Take care, Happy New Year! Rhoda /Ski
Hi Ski!
Your Christmas Day sounded busy as well. On Monday night we watched The Help. Very well done. Jackson, Mississippi, in the early '60's. Wonderful period piece, (cars, clothing, hair styles, etc.), aside from racial issues, the core of the book/film. Certainly worth seeing, as far as I'm concerned.
Yesterday afternoon took in the just released, second Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Sequel is even better than first. Both are terrific fun. Flamin' and Prince Valiant and his squeeze, Megan, were along, as well as Rosita, so we had a blast. All the best and a Healthy New Year to you and Ronaldo and family. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Your Christmas Day sounded busy as well. On Monday night we watched The Help. Very well done. Jackson, Mississippi, in the early '60's. Wonderful period piece, (cars, clothing, hair styles, etc.), aside from racial issues, the core of the book/film. Certainly worth seeing, as far as I'm concerned.
Yesterday afternoon took in the just released, second Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Sequel is even better than first. Both are terrific fun. Flamin' and Prince Valiant and his squeeze, Megan, were along, as well as Rosita, so we had a blast. All the best and a Healthy New Year to you and Ronaldo and family. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Pics: Prince Valiant and Megan; latest 'Royal Jewels", literally, from her foot servant!
Hi Connor!
Great to hear from you. Hope you and your brother and Mom and family enjoyed a wonderful Christmas. We did, along with Clan Sutherland.
I was responsible for mashed potatoes, one of our contributions to Christmas dinner which was held downstairs this year as we take turns. Clara and Dusty, my in-laws, did a turkey, (as Durstons are very particular about how the bird is to be done and wanted leftovers anyway), and turnip puff and Chloë, our youngest daughter, helped take those plates downstairs. By the time I was showered and changed, Sarge was just finishing carving their bird. Table was set and looked lovely, adorned with crackers and large paper, origami cranes, courtesy of Akiko, Aaron's fiancée. You probably know that Aaron is Sarge's nephew and he asked Akiko for her hand in marriage, on Christmas Eve, at Stanley Park. He produced the engagement ring near the Miniature Railway and it is rumoured that he was there for the Christmas Train ride and the proposal was an afterthought! Wedding is to take place this coming July, on lawn outside Sutherland's patio, so planning for that has already started!
Due to sheer number of guests, everyone, (except Her Imperious Royal Personage, [Cora Lee, my wife, had foot surgery three weeks ago], Chloë pulling Lady-in-Waiting duty), helped themselves to sumptuous, steaming platters, (Flamin's mouth-watering, pecan encrusted squash and three different types of dressing joined the groaning serving counter), and we sat down to have food blessed by Cora Lee, now wearing her Earth Mother/Matriarch hat, and dinner began. We snapped crackers with those beside us and traded prizes with those around table if we didn't particularly like our own. Hard to believe some of the loot that the colourful crackers contained. Marvinator, 9Nicole's boyfriend), per esempio, had the great good fortune to land a mini-Swiss knife look alike, complete with blade, bottle opener, pen-light and pen with automatically retractable nib. Device was good enough to qualify for a space mission while I was simply delighted to find a small bag of paper clips in the bowels of my cracker. Okay, so there was a small black magnetised base to hold them but Paper Clips! I'm retired already! What do I need from paper clips. Oy Vey!! And I don't even celebrate Hanukkah! Swapped for a pen with Kid Chelene, (Corey), and even forget to take that home!
We had an uproarious time with plenty of hootch and more food and more wine and on and on and on until we could barely move or laugh or breath, for that matter. Consequently, dessert, (Clarisse's Christmas pudding!), for most of us, was simply out of the question so the tables, (needed an extension to seat tall twelve of us), were cleared and dining room table pushed back against one wal to make room for The Battle of the Sexes, the new Christmas Game. As the name implies, The Sisterhood faced off against The Brotherhood. Each team asks questions, of the other, from the Female or Male point of view. The women ask questions that, supposedly, men would not know, (What are the call numbers on the plane in Lost?), while the men ask questions that are so general that even the pets in the house were able to answer. More often than not thess came with either or clues: Who wrote Heart of Darkness? Joseph Conrad or Ernest Hemmingway?
Needless to say, The Brotherhood struggled against the unfair odds and made slow progress until Sarge realized that the rules were not being applied correctly, and we then mounted a splendid dash to the finish line only to lose in a photo-finish. Gracious losers, as ever, we congratulated the winning team while grumbling into our glasses of Auchentoshen Three Wood, (matured in American Bourbon, Oloroso and Pedro Ximinez sherry casks), Kid Chelene's gift to his Dad for Christmas! Almost worth losing as we needed a couple of snorts to dilute the shame of defeat!
Thanking Clan Sutherland for wonderful meal and evening, we collected our now empty plates and bowls and made for upstairs. Thanked Clara and Dusty for the lovely turkey and turnip and they repaired to their place. Goils changed into their jams and we watched a recorded episode of the American Prime Suspect before saying goodnight and heading to bed to read for a bit before turning out our bedside lamps. A full and wonderful, wonderful day and we felt magnificently blessed to share such time and such munificence with close family and friends. A Happy, Happy Christmas indeed.
Healthy, Happy New Year to you Connor. Please pass along same wishes to your mother and brother. Cheers, from Vancouver, Patrizzio!
LOVE IT!!!!!
and now think 6am and add this sentiment!!!! xx
Hello Villa Vicente!
Trust your Christmas/Hanukkah celebrations/visit went well. All the best and a Healthy New Year to you, Donna Florida and Vincenzo! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
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What time is the open house on Jan. 1? We are out that evening and if we do not imbibe too mcuh champagne and are able to lift our heads from our pillow we will try to drop by but not a sure thing until that morning |
Trust you enjoyed a wonderful, if muted, Christmas.
Winding down a bit, ourselves. We watched The Help on Boxing Day night and it is very well done. Jackson, Mississippi, in the early '60's, in case you don't know it. Wonderful period piece, (cars, clothing, hair styles, etc.), aside from racial issues, the core of the book/film. Certainly worth reading/seeing, as far as I'm concerned.
Yesterday afternoon took in the just released, second Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Sequel is even better than first. Both are terrific fun. Flamin' and Prince Valiant and his squeeze, Megan, were along, as well as Rosita, so we had a blast. (Cora Lee and Chloë "insisted" on seeing it on Boxing Day!)
Rain has really put the kibosh on cycling and it doesn't look all that promising for coming week or so, either. I will take advantage of inclement weather to swim so must admit I'm not all that unhappy as I'm really enjoying being back in the water.
Open House will probably start anytime after 3:00pm and go until last guest leaves. If your schedule or "overhangs" won't allow you to pop by, however, then a Healthy New Year to you and Bruce! Cheers, Patrizzio!
Michael Pollan, The Omnivore's Dilemma, Penguin
Hello Hamish!
Trust you are well! You may not remember me but we met in Hobart, in August/September 2006, at a wine store/tasting bar near the Salamanca Market. Your daughter stayed with us for a few days a number of years later. I apologize but I can't, for the life of me, remember her name!
At any rate, we are making our way back to Australia, leaving Vancouver on March 5th, for five nights in Hong Kong, and then to Sydney. We are meeting our close friends, Flamin' and Sarge, in Melbourne on March 17th. We plan to stay for three nights before heading to stay with other close friends, (Kathleen and Steve, here at the moment for Christmas with Kathleen's family), in Harcourt North, a tiny hamlet just north of Castlemaine. Not sure if you know former, or not.
At any rate, I think you mentioned that you were working on a B&B when we chatted, in Hobart, but perhaps I misremember. Nevertheless, if you are a landlord, just wondering about rates, availability, location, etc. If you are not a hotelier, would you have any suggestions regarding reasonably priced places, (we don't mind sharing a room with two queen or king beds), within fairly easy walking or tram distance to downtown. We stayed at the Victoria in 2006 but don't seem to be able to book online for some reason. Of course, we will quiz our friends K/S but just wanted to say hello anyway. It would be fun to have a drink or a meal while we are in Melbourne, should that be a possibility.
As you can appreciate, I don't even know if this email address is still valid! Of course, if it isn't you won't be reading these absurd lines!
However, if you do read this let me know your thoughts and we'll take things from there! Best wishes for a Healthy New Year. Cheers, Corinne and Patrick!
Pics: Airport delivery; Flamin', Sarge, Cora Lee and I night of our 40th anniversary of meeting, Halloween!
Hello Hamish!
Trust you are well! You may not remember me but we met in Hobart, in August/September 2006, at a wine store/tasting bar near the Salamanca Market. Your daughter stayed with us for a few days a number of years later. I apologize but I can't, for the life of me, remember her name!
At any rate, we are making our way back to Australia, leaving Vancouver on March 5th, for five nights in Hong Kong, and then to Sydney. We are meeting our close friends, Flamin' and Sarge, in Melbourne on March 17th. We plan to stay for three nights before heading to stay with other close friends, (Kathleen and Steve, here at the moment for Christmas with Kathleen's family), in Harcourt North, a tiny hamlet just north of Castlemaine. Not sure if you know former, or not.
At any rate, I think you mentioned that you were working on a B&B when we chatted, in Hobart, but perhaps I misremember. Nevertheless, if you are a landlord, just wondering about rates, availability, location, etc. If you are not a hotelier, would you have any suggestions regarding reasonably priced places, (we don't mind sharing a room with two queen or king beds), within fairly easy walking or tram distance to downtown. We stayed at the Victoria in 2006 but don't seem to be able to book online for some reason. Of course, we will quiz our friends K/S but just wanted to say hello anyway. It would be fun to have a drink or a meal while we are in Melbourne, should that be a possibility.
As you can appreciate, I don't even know if this email address is still valid! Of course, if it isn't you won't be reading these absurd lines!
However, if you do read this let me know your thoughts and we'll take things from there! Best wishes for a Healthy New Year. Cheers, Corinne and Patrick!
Pics: Airport delivery; Flamin', Sarge, Cora Lee and I night of our 40th anniversary of meeting, Halloween!
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