Hello Castefiore and Michelin Man!
Sorry that I've not responded sooner but seems life has been more hectic than usual, of late. With respect to your visit, we literally won't be in town from the 8th-10th of July. Friends Nancy and David, from Berkeley, will be visiting, (arriving on 6th, flying to Bellingham), and along with Flamin' and Sarge, we are going to eat and drink our way through The Naramata and environs! Once back, we are taking them to Squamish for a day and night, to visit with close friends, Ruth/Rick, and then they are off to Parksville to visit with Lurchesca and Grogg, until Thursday, I believe. Cora Lee volunteers at WISH either Tuesday or Wednesday evening, that week, (final schedule not yet posted this early), and we have a dinner, together with D/N, with other mutual friends on Thursday evening. Folk Fest that weekend for all of us but I gather you will be gone by then. Not sure about all your medical/dental appointments but give us a shout, (604-734-9200), or leave a message, (email or voice), and we can see about meeting during day, or even some evening, depending on everyone's schedule.
As I mentioned at the outset, has been a very, very busy time on the social and cycling fronts. Had a more than a full day before Dram Come True, evening of Friday The 13th!. Set off, from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with Ray at his place, (23rd near Arbutus), and then met Peter at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, Cambie Sky Train Bridge and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from Thursday, day before, when I was pelted with hail!
Back home I had a large glass of water and then went about getting place ready for pre-Dram session we were hosting at 5:00pm. Cora Lee had prepared a plethora of dishes, (chicken wings, meatballs, mozzarella/tomatoe skewers), so I acted as scullion and did the dishes that dishwasher was too full to accept. Taking a break to do some of my shoulder exercises and then check my email on desk-top in our bedroom, I heard a voice behind me. It was Andre McKenzie, friend we had stayed with, for a week, in Chabeuil, small village about an hour south of Lyon, last September. His girlfriend, Rosemary Thorne, has a beautiful place there, huge swimming pool, etc. At any rate, Andre has suffered from an irregular heart beat for sometime now and ended up in hospital, in Valence, largest town closest to their village, for a few days, this past March. Once released, he flew back to Vancouver, his home, and underwent some relatively minor heart surgery, (not a bypass or anything of that magnitude), a few weeks before Easter. Rosemary arrived, (from England where she has a flat near Marble Arch in London), around that time and they both popped by a few days before Easter weekend. At that time Andre's condition had improved but he was still being monitored and his medication being calibrated.
Had not seen him since then so was pleased he had dropped in. Rosemary is back in France. Although retired, she sits on a number of boards and makes a regular business trips to various cities in Europe. Unfortunately, Andre is still moving pretty slowly as although his heartbeat has been somewhat regulated, it keeps bouncing around with one medication doing something, another pill doing the opposite. Very frustrating, as you can imagine! We chatted and caught up and before he left I invited him to come by later for the pre-Dram session. [He never returned as i suppose he was simply too tired. He told us that he had parked at Granville Island before he popped by and had had to stop twice to rest, en route!]
By this time is was close to 3:00pm and with guests coming near 5:00pm, I still had plenty to do, what with vacuuming and more kitchen clean-up as Cora Lee kept churning out more dirty dishes, spatulas and bowls. By 4:45pm table was set, a couple of bottle of wine were open and I headed to have my shower. Most of guests, (ten in total but Dave, tenth, was last to arrive, about 6:30pm), were nibbling goodies on the patio, under our spiffy new red umbrella, (The envy of our neighbours, two floors above. Helena called down, a few days, while CL was doing some re-potting and asked where she had bought it, ($39.50 at Canadian Tire!), as she wanted to get one for their deck.), when I was bathed, changed and smelling so devilishly alluring with my Ralph Lauren scent! We had a grand time eating and drinking wine, enjoying being outside for the first time this year. although the wind was coolish, necessitating wraps, light jackets or sweaters, and sudden gusts would sometimes send napkins flying.
Around 7:00ish we repaired indoors and made plans to get to 3802 Angus Drive. Prince Valiant, Flamin's/Sarge's son drove Cora Lee and I, along with his parents, while rest piled into two cabs, arriving at venue just before 7:30pm. Wonderful evening, bag piper piping at entrance. House itself is a gorgeous mansion, very tastefully renovated, modernized. Five separate tasting islands set up throughout main floor and one simply makes a loop going from one table to next, sampling malts available. In total there were sixteen malts, a bourbon, (Think you'd like the Bulleit, available at Edgemont in North Van. May have to take a knapsack on one of our rides to Seymour and stop there on way back), and a vodka, (Xfour Handcrafted, BC's first corn and rye based, rather tasty although I know very little about vodka, in general), as well as three other malts, two from Australia, both Tasmanian, and one from India. I actually have a small bottle of Sullivan's Cove which friends from Adelaide brought a number of years ago, knowing I enjoyed my Scotch whiskey! I didn't particularly care for the Ozzie malts so will have to re taste one I have and see how it compares to these later expressions. However, found the Amrut Fusion to be rather palatable. Was glad I tried it as I didn't last year.
I focused on those malts I had not had before or else had not tried for sometime, only trying some of the one's I knew/possess after I'd sampled the others. While I quite enjoyed a number of the rarer malts, (Caol Ila 29 year old, in particular, even though I feel that 18 years is the upper limit in terms of taste, for me. After that, malt is simply too, too smooth and I like a certain "roughness" in my tipple!), and the cask strengths, (Bruichladdich, (Port Charlotte), PC7, 61%, aged in a combination of sherry and bourbon oak, (I liked it so much, (I have a bottle of the PC6), that I bid and happily, "won", ($150, perhaps worth $135 here but for a good cause), a bottle in Silent Auction), was mildly disappointed/annoyed by the presence of three or so malts that I feel are pure commercial products, "manufactured", in a sense to appeal to a particular market nice, far more blatantly, crassly than most other distilleries. The individual re-bottling companies set up to "produce" Finlaggan, Ileach, Smokehead, for example, purchase production from whichever of the Islay distilleries offers the best deal at the time of the purchase. Almost like listening to The Spice Girls!
Nevertheless, a wonderful time was had by all. Bumped into old friends and past neighbours, met new folks and just generally had fun tasting, nibbling sushi and chocolate dipped strawberries as we looped the tasting circuit. Tables close at 9:15pm and auction closes at 9:30pm. By time I paid for my successful bid and visited with original group before saying goodnight, all the while sipping on a glass of wine to bring the evening to a finish, it was just after 10:00pm and we hailed a cab, with Flamin'/Sarge and returned to Harbour Terrace. Bade goodnight to them once back as everyone was ready for bed. Can't remember brushing my teeth but know that I did as I found my electric toothbrush out of its stand this morning!
Next evening, Saturday, Flamin' and Sarge had invited us for a wonderful lamb dinner, (Prince Valiant, Nicolina and Marvin, Nicole's boyfriend, were at table as well and we had, among other topics, a heated discussion about "adult" children still at home!), before taking us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th. When we arrived, by cab, we discovered the performance had been cancelled as result of the male lead having suffered a mild stroke earlier in week. Cora Lee had read about this in paper but article mentioned that the stand-in would allow musical to continue. Apparently, replacement was not ready. Seems role is pretty demanding and we suppose individual didn't have enough time to learn part to degree necessary. Only took a minute or so to understand what was happening so we actually piled back into same cab, (I asked him to wait as soon as I overheard, from a number of the people employed by theatre, out on the sidewalk in front of the box office, there to deal with ticket holders), and made our way home again. Poor Sarge had walked, (not enough room for all of us in one cab), and he arrived just after we left, lost to us in the scrum on the other side of the box office. It was really pouring by then but fortunately he had an umbrella!
Back at Harbour Terrace the cabbie pulled in under slight overhang to entrance to garage and as we were paying fare, (He only charged us $5 for trip back. First ride was $7 something and Cora Lee had given him $10), car behind honked to hurry up. We scrambled out, muttering that it was probably somebody in building who was grumpy at us for all the noisy parties we host. When cab pulled away and gate opened we discovered it was Joanne Trueman who lives on 4th floor. I had met her in hallway, a number of years ago, and each subsequent time we bumped into one another I had invited her for a drink, if we were having a gathering, at the time. She had never turned up so when I recognized her after she rolled her window down, I invited her to come for a drink, once again. Found out that she had gotten to know Flamin' not that long ago so it wasn't but a few minutes before she was knocking on our door, supposing that I must not be a freak if I knew Michele. Little did she know! Anyway, Sarge came upstairs after he dried himself off and we had a couple of bottles of wine and got to know Joanne. She is keen to be part of the Block Party we are planning on July 1st, Canada Day. Lovely end to a lovely evening in spite of cancelled show.
This past Tuesday morning Raymundo, Whirlygig and I circumnavigated Stanley Park. After lads went back home, MacDonald/Point Grey, I made my way out to UBC and along Marine to Crown and then spent about an hour criss-crossing the Musqueam Reserve as well as the streets south of Marine around Dunbar. Had not really explored that area, although have done much the same for Southlands, and it was most enjoyable, seeing the wide variety of dwellings and the state of repair/disrepair. At the end of one of the cul-de-sacs even came across a number of large, flat-bottomed aluminum fishing craft, on boat trailers, one with a number of large plastic tubs filled to overflowing with what looked like huge rock cod, still gasping! Major construction project underway, not far from this street, a new community centre, very attractive from what one can see of the steel superstructure, roof, etc. 51K to Marine/Crown and then 17K in and around Musqueam so was able to be close to 70K by time I reached lights at entrance to Research Precinct. Road to Wesbrook Village has been very recently and very nicely paved, so I took a spin through there before doing 16th/Blanca Loop and I was laughing with 89K on clock as I sailed down Foreshore Hill, wind finally at my back not howling in my face! With 102K under my belt by the time I returned to Harbour Terrace I was quite pleased and would like to thank my team mates, caustic comments and jibes, about my spiffy new cycling shorts, (35th wedding anniversary present from CL), aside, for the more than helpful, gentle warm-up ride!!!
Did but a paltry 51K Wednesday afternoon, running errands and such, mainly to stretch my legs. Needed to buy 100 kilos of bananas at Young Brothers on Broadway. Had the start of a nasty cramp when I was doing my stretches/crunches on floor after 102K ride. Fortunately, The Arch Matriarch of The Sisterhood took pity on me and pushed my right leg back until the contraction eased enough for me to remove the stopper from the Bruichladdich PC7 which I had placed between my teeth to keep myself from biting off my tongue. Another stop was to be at a medical supply store to purchase some IV drip tubing so that I can hook myself up once home after have taken off the malt filled camel pack!!! Plenty of liquids says the current research, I believe!
That night Cora Lee and I attended a concert, Michael Kaeshammer and Jill Barber, at the Vogue, downtown. I knew Jill's work more so than Michael's and really wanted to see her in a live performance. Vogue is a terrific venue, not so large that one needs a telescope to see the performers. In fact, quite intimate, just the size for me if I am going to enjoy such an event. Jill opened and she really is a remarkable chanteuse. Trust her career continues to develop as she certainly deserves attention. Her material evokes the torch songs and romantic ballads of the '40's and early '50's. Far, far more appealing to me than the work of today's current slate of stars, at least the ones I've heard, from time to time, more by accident than choice, I must admit. Most seem rather harsh and un-melodic to my ear and I simply can't be bothered to listen to their whining laments! Her back-up band, (piano, violin/oboe or clarinet, I'm not sure, drums, guitar and double bass), were terrific, a pure delight and a perfect accompaniment to her singular voice, never overpowering it, simply supporting and emphasizing her extraordinary phrasing.
Knew very little about Michael Kaeshammer and would not have purchased tickets if he had been on bill alone. However, certainly more than glad that Jill's appearance drew us to concert as he is a truly exciting, amazing performer. First and foremost he is an unbelievable pianist. I don't think I've ever been so taken with the piano before. I gather he is steeped in the New Orleans jazz tradition/scene and his pyrotechnic playing confirms this heritage. His band were just as accomplished and riveting on their individual instruments, (trombone, saxophone, trumpet, bass guitar/double bass, and drums), as he was on piano/electric keyboard. Jill opened and after Michael's set they both returned to stage to do a duet: Moon River. He played and she crooned and it was a simply marvelous way to end the thrilling evening of live music and song. Keep forgetting how exciting it is to see and listen to artists such as these two. As Chloë said, when we returned, "you need to go out more often, Dad!"
This week has been full as well. Yesterday took the ill-fated Diesel/Barnacle Cruise to Steveston on the Inside Passage, the boat friend Branko has moored at the co-op marina just down the way from us. He purchased craft about six months ago and has been living on it ever since. Needed to have it taken to dry dock as it hasn't been out of water for over three years. At any rate, Whirlygig and I went along as crew. We took our bikes aboard as we planned to cycle home once boat had reached safe haven! Journey started out, inauspiciously, at 8:30am, as Ragin' had a fair it of difficulty manoeuvering The Inside Passage out of its berth in the marina, in spite of fact that there was more room than usual as a number of other neighbouring moorages were empty. With much bumping and grinding, the nervous skipper, (to give him his due, he hasn't had much opportunity to familiarize himself with how craft handles), made his way into False Creek and under Burrard Bridge and we were soon heading into English Bay, making for Point Grey.
Bit of excitement when it was discovered that engine was not responding when put to full throttle, rpms indicating this to be the case. Rob, Branko's oldest child and a licensed, heavy mechanic, was along, as well, and it was his opinion that prop and rudder were probably so barnacle encrusted, (Boat had not been out of water for three years for any maintenance and this trip, to Steveston and dry dock, was meant to address just such necessary, long overdue work.), that mechanism simply couldn't respond. In neutral, rpms reached expected levels, so we pressed on, delighting in sighting a bald eagle perched on the marker pylon off Point Grey. We used our binos to scan Wreck Beach but sadly, due to coolish, cloudy weather there were no well-endowed, nekid babes frolicking on the beach!
Even though Ragin' did well on the Power Boat Course he was obliged to take, he wasn't all that well prepared for his maiden voyage. Strangely, most surprisingly, he didn't even have a detailed enough chart to make navigation both safe and efficient. One would think that it would be rather easy to find the mouth of the South Arm of the Mighty Fraser but in fact, it isn't, You may well know this), more so when you've never been steaming these particular waters before. I knew how shallow it could be from mud flats one sees so regularly along Spanish Banks and exposed rocks along Seawall. Same pertains to much of shore further south of course. While his sonar depth finder always provided soundings, not having a detailed topographical map prevented us from charting the most efficient course, relevant to incoming tide and numerous breakwaters that protrude a fair way into Gulf. Consequently, we spent more time and fuel than necessary making forays towards shore and then back out to sea again as depth dropped from 12' to 5' to 4' in seconds. The Inside Passage draws 3' but one is obviously leery about getting anywhere near bottom.
At any rate, we finally cleared last breakwater, north side of mouth of South Arm, and found the dredged channel, 45' deep for much of the way. Huge seals adorned the tops of many of the exposed rocks along with a another large eagle. We made our way up river to dock at the Chevron fueling station and Branko filled both his tanks with diesel. $500 later, we set off towards the marina with the boat hoist. While Robert filled the tanks, I suggested Ragin' ask the attendant about the exact whereabouts of the marina in question but he dismissed my concern saying her knew where it was. Famous last words! All this in the context of steering a craft which behaves more like a small tanker than a light aluminum skiff. Took Branymir almost ten minutes to dock at fuel station and all he had to do was come alongside!
Nevertheless, he decided way to marina was on the other side of the channel which is divided from the mainland by a small island/breakwater. So we turned, labouriously, and made our way up stream to find an opening back into channel we had just vacated, only to discover after second foray, (on initial probe depth dropped off so quickly that we pulled back to rethink options and then decided to head back in, very, very slowly), that a log boom blocked the end of channel. Back down to entrance and then up where we should have been in the first instance, only to miss channel we needed to take to gain marina's dock. Branko finally called to ask for directions. So much for knowing where he was going!
More protracted and laborious toing and froing to enter right channel and we were there, only 20 minutes late. Not too, too bad but we could have been there almost an hour earlier. As it was, chap at marina wanted Ragin' to back in but our Captain Ahab wasn't up for the task, given space available. We simply moored head on and unloaded our bikes for a fast getaway! Another squash friend, Peter Cook, had cycled out and was waiting on dock when we pulled alongside. We chatted a bit and his observation, (he has owned boats in the past), was that there was at least a week's worth of scraping and painting. Ragin', of course, had said, at the start of this endeavour, that two or three days, at most, would be all that was needed! Even I knew that was unrealistic and I know nothing about the care and feeding of such expensive toys!
Whirlygig and I said our goodbyes and cycled off for home, via CSTB, Cambie and then Heather to Seawall. Think about 31K by time I was back at Harbour Terrace. I was mildly annoyed as had we docked sooner I would have been able to ride out to UBC in order to add another 20 or so. Cora Lee and I were off to a VIWF reception, (wonderful appetizers as it turned out, most congenial company, etc.), at 5:30pm at GI Hotel so I only had time for a quick shower and change before we had to leave. Still it was fun and quite enjoyable for the most part. If nothing else, bit of a warning for possible outings, aboard The Inside Passage, in the future!!!
I phoned Ragin' later that evening, (He will be living on boat in dry dock until work is completed. He may be there for a year!!!), and he told me he was feeling rather depressed. One of the chaps at marina recognized boat and said that previous owner had done little, if any, regular maintenance, preventative or otherwise! Furthermore, it is remarkable that we even made it as prop, shaft and rudder were so completely encrusted with barnacles that it is a miracle that they worked to the extent that they did! Who knows what else will turn up! Plan to pop by tomorrow when we ride out to UBC and then on to Steveston to see what progress has been made.
Aside from sailing the ocean blue, have been quite pleased with my rides this week. Yesterday, Ray and I rode around Stanley Park in the reasonably steady rain, leaving our place at 8:15am. Knowing forecast, I wore a heavier, quasi rain-proof jacket and it held me in very good stead, as things turned out. By 10:30am Ray was feeling a bit chilled so he opted for home once we had sailed by Granville Island. For my part, I was toasty so I headed out to UBC to tackle my regular 100K route. By time I had climbed Foreshore Hill, sun was peeping out from behind cloud cover and I was starting to dry out. When I reached Marine and Crown, I was feeling great, sun was beaming and even my gloves and runners were no longer sopping. Headed back with 52K on odometer and dipsy-doodled my way through Wesbrook Village, 16th/Imperial/Marine Drive Loop and back home for a grand total of 102K. As I mentioned, I was perfectly dry on return leg until I hit Point Grey Road and then heavens opened, rain came sluicing down and I was drenched, in no time, rivulets streaming through my helmet openings into my eyes and ears, my feet squeaking in my waterlogged sneakers and my water-repellant shorts completely beaded with drops. Fortunately, it wasn't overly chilly, (At one point I thought I felt and saw a bit hail but I think it was only the huge droplets exploding on the road surface like mini-bombs), so while wet, I wasn't really all that uncomfortable and only had about 6K to traverse to reach shelter.
This morning, Flamin' and Whirlygig and I joined Ray, Rod and Peter, at 8:00am, out to Steveston and back, for a mere 51K. Very, very enjoyable, chatting with everyone as we changed pairs en route. Weather was dry so very very pleasant. Once that part is taken care of, rest is gravy! Some errands to do and then to wine tasting at Village Wines, later this afternoon, where Nicolina, (Flamin's daughter), works, part-time. Maybe a quick trip to Legacy, wonderful new private liquor store in Olympic Village. Their selection of single malt is truly marvelous, not to mention wine.
Let us know more details about your daily schedule and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizio!
Pics: Route; Shortly after leaving marina; Nervous crew! Will we make it under Burrard Bridge? Seals on breakwater; Whirlygig watching diesel gauge; Captain Ahab; Peter Cook and Rob, Ragin's eldest son.
Sunday 29 May 2011
Friday 27 May 2011
IIDD, May 27th, Evening
Hello Flaming Neophytes, Desperately Seeking Susan and Marcus Aurelius, et al!
Wonderful that you are going to join us for Bridge 101! However, the Beginners Class is full so I have placed you in the Advanced, Bidding for Slam, Class since you can already differentiate between two of the four suits. I'm sure you will do just fine! Whirlygig, for his part, is not convinced but when have we ever listened to him?
Most of the menu is covered already so if you two are able to bring a dessert that would be grand.
Just to re-confirm rest of items:
Coriandre/Patrizio: bbq'd chicken/kartoffellage/lentil dish
Kamloops Kitten/Whirlygig: ersatz, sustainable picsine flesh of indeterminate origin/saladin, (both to share, with Bridge Masters only, however!)
Mary, Mary Sanctuary/Little Toot: appetizer
Naughty Nancy/Gunpowder Guy, (3rd Battalion): saladin,, (different from one noted above, IF YOU PLEASE!)
Gen. Chiang Kai Shek (2nd Battalion): dessert
The Penguin: appetizer
DSS/MA: dessert
Suggestions taken under advisement. Menu substitutions accepted but please post queries/requests to this list to make it easier to swap/change dishes otherwise we may end up with twelve tofu salads for a Grand Slam in a re-doubled, vulnerable contract! Never mind the free range partridge in the locally grown, 100 mile vetted, organic blueberry, (high in anti-oxidants), bush, or should I say shrub, to be more than politically correct and sensitive to The Sisterhood and the sexist language which The Brotherhood uses to repress and exploit them!!!
First online quiz this coming Monday morning so do your homework, Class!! This is not a polite suggestion but a strict order! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio/Il Conductore!
Go Canucks Go! (Just to make Marcus happy!)
Wonderful that you are going to join us for Bridge 101! However, the Beginners Class is full so I have placed you in the Advanced, Bidding for Slam, Class since you can already differentiate between two of the four suits. I'm sure you will do just fine! Whirlygig, for his part, is not convinced but when have we ever listened to him?
Most of the menu is covered already so if you two are able to bring a dessert that would be grand.
Just to re-confirm rest of items:
Coriandre/Patrizio: bbq'd chicken/kartoffellage/lentil dish
Kamloops Kitten/Whirlygig: ersatz, sustainable picsine flesh of indeterminate origin/saladin, (both to share, with Bridge Masters only, however!)
Mary, Mary Sanctuary/Little Toot: appetizer
Naughty Nancy/Gunpowder Guy, (3rd Battalion): saladin,, (different from one noted above, IF YOU PLEASE!)
Gen. Chiang Kai Shek (2nd Battalion): dessert
The Penguin: appetizer
DSS/MA: dessert
Suggestions taken under advisement. Menu substitutions accepted but please post queries/requests to this list to make it easier to swap/change dishes otherwise we may end up with twelve tofu salads for a Grand Slam in a re-doubled, vulnerable contract! Never mind the free range partridge in the locally grown, 100 mile vetted, organic blueberry, (high in anti-oxidants), bush, or should I say shrub, to be more than politically correct and sensitive to The Sisterhood and the sexist language which The Brotherhood uses to repress and exploit them!!!
First online quiz this coming Monday morning so do your homework, Class!! This is not a polite suggestion but a strict order! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio/Il Conductore!
Go Canucks Go! (Just to make Marcus happy!)
IIDD, May 27th
Hi Big Al!
Have narrowed dates for malt tasting. It will be either Friday, July 22nd or following day, Saturday, July 23rd. Do you have a preference. Let me know as soon as you can as I want to determine which day better suits those who will be attending.
As things turned out, Saturday morning was quite wet so didn't go for a ride until about 2:00pm. Friend, Milt the Stilt, from our Book Club, joined me, (Flamin' said it was to wet even though there was only a slight drizzle when we set out!), and I took him out to UBC/Marine drive and then back to Olympic Village. I wanted to visit the new liquor store there, Legacy, as Cora Lee had raved about it a week or so ago. Very impressive indeed. We should stop by when you are next over. Simply wonderful collection of malt and bourbon. Didn't even have time to look at wine selection but know it must be very interesting, given what I did scan. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly staff so was most impressed.
Managed to put 112K on odometer yesterday. My longest ride to date. Ray and I went over Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver and up to the Seymour Demonstration Forest/Seymour Falls Trail and then back down, over Second Narrows Bridge and then to Granville Island. Ray made for home and I continued along Spanish Banks out to UBC and around Marine Drive to Dunbar and then back home again.
Have narrowed dates for malt tasting. It will be either Friday, July 22nd or following day, Saturday, July 23rd. Do you have a preference. Let me know as soon as you can as I want to determine which day better suits those who will be attending.
As things turned out, Saturday morning was quite wet so didn't go for a ride until about 2:00pm. Friend, Milt the Stilt, from our Book Club, joined me, (Flamin' said it was to wet even though there was only a slight drizzle when we set out!), and I took him out to UBC/Marine drive and then back to Olympic Village. I wanted to visit the new liquor store there, Legacy, as Cora Lee had raved about it a week or so ago. Very impressive indeed. We should stop by when you are next over. Simply wonderful collection of malt and bourbon. Didn't even have time to look at wine selection but know it must be very interesting, given what I did scan. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly staff so was most impressed.
Managed to put 112K on odometer yesterday. My longest ride to date. Ray and I went over Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver and up to the Seymour Demonstration Forest/Seymour Falls Trail and then back down, over Second Narrows Bridge and then to Granville Island. Ray made for home and I continued along Spanish Banks out to UBC and around Marine Drive to Dunbar and then back home again.
IIDD, May 26th
Hello Bridge Students!
It's now official. First lesson will be at The Island Inn. Anytime after 4:00pm, the cards will be ready and waiting. Don't worry about arriving that early if not able to do so as afternoon/evening will be very relaxed. We'll simply start things off as folk arrive and populate more tables as throng grows. I suspect we will eat dinner around 7:00-7:30pm and graze on appetizers and sip hootch until then.
To date, Whirlygig and Kerry, (together with Tia Maria), Moe and Mary, Nancy and Guy and El Generalissimo have signed up for tutorials. With Cora Lee and I, and two other friends, The Penguin and Legs, we will have enough for three tables.This being the case, those bringing appetizers should plan for twelve or so. As I mentioned, Coriandre and I will provide the main bbq course, probably chicken. Since Giorgio and Kerry do not eat meat, (they do eat fish when they can find it sustainably harvested), they plan to bring a substitute for both themselves and others and will also bring a salad for all. Nancy and Guy have offered to bring an appetizer or salad so I suggest the latter. (Perhaps Guy could chat with Whirlygig to make sure salads are different.)
Making an executive decision, I'd like to ask Milt the Stilt to bring a dessert as Mary and Moe have already signed up for an appetizer. Of course, please feel free to alter menu items you will be contributing to the pot luck but do let me know about change so that we can fine tune menu. I plan to ask The Penguin to bring a vegetable dish of some sort and probably another dessert from Legs.
Once you've had a chance to mull over what you'd like to bring please confirm and we'll plan accordingly. For those of you so inclined, there are scads of bridge sites on the web, as I'm sure I need not tell anyone. A fairly basic overview can be found at:
http://home.comcast.net/~kwbridge/
For those who truly know nothing at all about the game, it might be worthwhile to review some of the terminology, etc., here or elsewhere. However, this gathering is really meant to be an enjoyable get-together and as much a party as bridge camp, so please don't fret about swotting up. Looking forward to seeing those we already know and meeting those we don't. Cheers, Patrizio/Il Conductore!
It's now official. First lesson will be at The Island Inn. Anytime after 4:00pm, the cards will be ready and waiting. Don't worry about arriving that early if not able to do so as afternoon/evening will be very relaxed. We'll simply start things off as folk arrive and populate more tables as throng grows. I suspect we will eat dinner around 7:00-7:30pm and graze on appetizers and sip hootch until then.
To date, Whirlygig and Kerry, (together with Tia Maria), Moe and Mary, Nancy and Guy and El Generalissimo have signed up for tutorials. With Cora Lee and I, and two other friends, The Penguin and Legs, we will have enough for three tables.This being the case, those bringing appetizers should plan for twelve or so. As I mentioned, Coriandre and I will provide the main bbq course, probably chicken. Since Giorgio and Kerry do not eat meat, (they do eat fish when they can find it sustainably harvested), they plan to bring a substitute for both themselves and others and will also bring a salad for all. Nancy and Guy have offered to bring an appetizer or salad so I suggest the latter. (Perhaps Guy could chat with Whirlygig to make sure salads are different.)
Making an executive decision, I'd like to ask Milt the Stilt to bring a dessert as Mary and Moe have already signed up for an appetizer. Of course, please feel free to alter menu items you will be contributing to the pot luck but do let me know about change so that we can fine tune menu. I plan to ask The Penguin to bring a vegetable dish of some sort and probably another dessert from Legs.
Once you've had a chance to mull over what you'd like to bring please confirm and we'll plan accordingly. For those of you so inclined, there are scads of bridge sites on the web, as I'm sure I need not tell anyone. A fairly basic overview can be found at:
http://home.comcast.net/~kwbridge/
For those who truly know nothing at all about the game, it might be worthwhile to review some of the terminology, etc., here or elsewhere. However, this gathering is really meant to be an enjoyable get-together and as much a party as bridge camp, so please don't fret about swotting up. Looking forward to seeing those we already know and meeting those we don't. Cheers, Patrizio/Il Conductore!
IIDD, May 25th
Hi Brenda Louise!
Was wondering about you so pleased to have heard from you. Sorry that it has taken me so long to respond but seem to have been rather busy of late. Sounds like a fairly major home improvement undertaking! Do hope you will be pleased with results once you've had a chance to live with new flooring. Cora Lee can hardly wait to come to see it!!!
As I mentioned, has been quite a busy last few weeks. One of the highlights was a concert on Wednesday of last week. Cora Lee and I took in Michael Kaeshammer and Jill Barber, at the Vogue, downtown. I knew Jill's work more so than Michael's and really wanted to see her in a live performance. Vogue is a terrific venue, as you might know, not so large that one needs a telescope to see the performers. In fact, quite intimate, just the size for me if I am going to enjoy such an event. Jill opened and she really is a remarkable chanteuse. Trust her career continues to develop as she certainly deserves attention. Her material evokes the torch songs and romantic ballads of the '40's and early '50's. Far, far more appealing to me than the work of today's current slate of stars, at least the ones I've heard, from time to time, more by accident than choice, I must admit. Most seem rather harsh and un-melodic to my ear and I simply can't be bothered to listen to their whining laments! Her back-up band, (piano, violin/oboe or clarinet, I'm not sure, drums, guitar and double bass), were terrific, a pure delight and a perfect accompaniment to her singular voice, never overpowering it, simply supporting and emphasizing her extraordinary phrasing.
Knew very little about Michael Kaeshammer and would not have purchased tickets if he had been on bill alone. However, certainly more than glad that Jill's appearance drew us to concert as he is a truly exciting, amazing performer. First and foremost he is an unbelievable pianist. I don't think I've ever been so taken with the piano before. I gather he is steeped in the New Orleans jazz tradition/scene and his pyrotechnic playing confirms this heritage. His band were just as accomplished and riveting on their individual instruments, (trombone, saxophone, trumpet, bass guitar/double bass, and drums), as he was on piano/electric keyboard. Jill opened and after Michael's set they both returned to stage to do a duet: Moon River. He played and she crooned and it was a simply marvelous way to end the thrilling evening of live music and song. Keep forgetting how exciting it is to see and listen to artists such as these two. As Chloë said, when we returned, "you need to go out more often, Dad!"
On the cycling front, have been putting in some fairly lengthy rides and am pleased with distances in question. Last Friday set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with friend Ray, at his place, and then met Peter, another cycling chum, at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, Cambie Sky Train Bridge and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from day before when I was literally pelted with hail!
Managed to put 112K on odometer today. My longest ride to date. Ray and I went over Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver and up to the Seymour Demonstration Forest and then back down, over Second Narrows Bridge and then to Granville Island. Ray made for home and I continued along Spanish Banks out to UBC and around Marine Drive to Dunbar and then back home again. Am currently seeing a physio for my right shoulder. Results of MRI indicated I have little if any cartilage in joint and am on a waiting list to see a specialist to determine if some surgery is required. Exercises physio has suggested seem to be helping with both increased range of motion and some pain reduction. Marginal but am optimistic. One baby step at a time!
Fond regards from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizio!
> Hi:
> Congrats on your self-publishing! Great idea!
> Sorry I haven't got back to you but you know how I love my projects! We replaced the flooring on the entire main floor. That entailed moving everything either upstairs or into the garage and moving to a motel for a few days so Pic wouldn't suffer from the glue. I think it's an improvement but don't know whether I'm really thrilled about it. We decided because of wet areas involved (laundry, dishwasher etc) and having to wash around Pic's cage that we'd use Armstrong vinyl plank in a black walnut. Pic would eat cork and because the humidity is so variable here they find flooring manufacturers won't honour their warranties for hardwood and bamboo because they shrink and expand too much. "Rain on a desert's dusty face" (Omar)is great for desert blooms and not too good for flooring.
> What was the outcome of your tests?
> Love
> B
Was wondering about you so pleased to have heard from you. Sorry that it has taken me so long to respond but seem to have been rather busy of late. Sounds like a fairly major home improvement undertaking! Do hope you will be pleased with results once you've had a chance to live with new flooring. Cora Lee can hardly wait to come to see it!!!
As I mentioned, has been quite a busy last few weeks. One of the highlights was a concert on Wednesday of last week. Cora Lee and I took in Michael Kaeshammer and Jill Barber, at the Vogue, downtown. I knew Jill's work more so than Michael's and really wanted to see her in a live performance. Vogue is a terrific venue, as you might know, not so large that one needs a telescope to see the performers. In fact, quite intimate, just the size for me if I am going to enjoy such an event. Jill opened and she really is a remarkable chanteuse. Trust her career continues to develop as she certainly deserves attention. Her material evokes the torch songs and romantic ballads of the '40's and early '50's. Far, far more appealing to me than the work of today's current slate of stars, at least the ones I've heard, from time to time, more by accident than choice, I must admit. Most seem rather harsh and un-melodic to my ear and I simply can't be bothered to listen to their whining laments! Her back-up band, (piano, violin/oboe or clarinet, I'm not sure, drums, guitar and double bass), were terrific, a pure delight and a perfect accompaniment to her singular voice, never overpowering it, simply supporting and emphasizing her extraordinary phrasing.
Knew very little about Michael Kaeshammer and would not have purchased tickets if he had been on bill alone. However, certainly more than glad that Jill's appearance drew us to concert as he is a truly exciting, amazing performer. First and foremost he is an unbelievable pianist. I don't think I've ever been so taken with the piano before. I gather he is steeped in the New Orleans jazz tradition/scene and his pyrotechnic playing confirms this heritage. His band were just as accomplished and riveting on their individual instruments, (trombone, saxophone, trumpet, bass guitar/double bass, and drums), as he was on piano/electric keyboard. Jill opened and after Michael's set they both returned to stage to do a duet: Moon River. He played and she crooned and it was a simply marvelous way to end the thrilling evening of live music and song. Keep forgetting how exciting it is to see and listen to artists such as these two. As Chloë said, when we returned, "you need to go out more often, Dad!"
On the cycling front, have been putting in some fairly lengthy rides and am pleased with distances in question. Last Friday set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with friend Ray, at his place, and then met Peter, another cycling chum, at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, Cambie Sky Train Bridge and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from day before when I was literally pelted with hail!
Managed to put 112K on odometer today. My longest ride to date. Ray and I went over Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver and up to the Seymour Demonstration Forest and then back down, over Second Narrows Bridge and then to Granville Island. Ray made for home and I continued along Spanish Banks out to UBC and around Marine Drive to Dunbar and then back home again. Am currently seeing a physio for my right shoulder. Results of MRI indicated I have little if any cartilage in joint and am on a waiting list to see a specialist to determine if some surgery is required. Exercises physio has suggested seem to be helping with both increased range of motion and some pain reduction. Marginal but am optimistic. One baby step at a time!
Fond regards from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizio!
> Hi:
> Congrats on your self-publishing! Great idea!
> Sorry I haven't got back to you but you know how I love my projects! We replaced the flooring on the entire main floor. That entailed moving everything either upstairs or into the garage and moving to a motel for a few days so Pic wouldn't suffer from the glue. I think it's an improvement but don't know whether I'm really thrilled about it. We decided because of wet areas involved (laundry, dishwasher etc) and having to wash around Pic's cage that we'd use Armstrong vinyl plank in a black walnut. Pic would eat cork and because the humidity is so variable here they find flooring manufacturers won't honour their warranties for hardwood and bamboo because they shrink and expand too much. "Rain on a desert's dusty face" (Omar)is great for desert blooms and not too good for flooring.
> What was the outcome of your tests?
> Love
> B
IIDD, May 24th
Hi Ann!
Lovely to hear from you! Sorry that it has taken me so long to reply. Nothing to do with "availability schedule" but rather seemingly pillar to post social engagements, of late. Would be delighted to see you on Monday, the 30th, for dinner here. Unfortunately, Cora Lee has her last Book Club meeting, of the year, that evening, 6:00pm-9:00pm, but will be back home shortly thereafter. Your son, if he is interested, is more than welcome, as well. We can visit until she returns, catching up since we last saw each other, in July, in Toronto, almost a year ago!
We, (both Corinne and Chloë), certainly enjoyed staying with your Mom and am pleased that she enjoyed our visits as well, of course. Hope we can arrange some bridge if we are fortunate enough to stay again. Have another close friend in Calgary, (Jim actually lives in Cochrane. I believe your Mom met him when he performed memorial service for Ellen, Clara's sister, a number of years ago.), who is a keen player.
Lovely to hear from you! Sorry that it has taken me so long to reply. Nothing to do with "availability schedule" but rather seemingly pillar to post social engagements, of late. Would be delighted to see you on Monday, the 30th, for dinner here. Unfortunately, Cora Lee has her last Book Club meeting, of the year, that evening, 6:00pm-9:00pm, but will be back home shortly thereafter. Your son, if he is interested, is more than welcome, as well. We can visit until she returns, catching up since we last saw each other, in July, in Toronto, almost a year ago!
We, (both Corinne and Chloë), certainly enjoyed staying with your Mom and am pleased that she enjoyed our visits as well, of course. Hope we can arrange some bridge if we are fortunate enough to stay again. Have another close friend in Calgary, (Jim actually lives in Cochrane. I believe your Mom met him when he performed memorial service for Ellen, Clara's sister, a number of years ago.), who is a keen player.
IIDD, May 23rd
Hello Class!
Have finally managed to negotiate, with The Matriarch of The Sisterhood, for start of term for Bridge Class 101. Initial seminar will be on Saturday, June 11th. I suggest we start sometime around/after 4:00-5:00pm, with basics being covered for those entirely new to game and then let the cards fall where they might, so to speak. Coriandre and I will provide the main bbq course, so please advise about any special dietary restrictions/requirements. Chloë, our youngest, long re-nested daughter, is a lapsed Vegan and current ova-lactarian Vegetarian, so we are well versed in soy based products, lentils and organic chick peas, should anyone prefer not to eat highly seasoned, raw cat meat, a False Creek delicacy, courtesy of our aging feline, Maggie!
Menu is open for anything from appetizers to salads to desserts to other esoteric delicacies. Once I have a finally tally of student/teacher enrollment, I will let those coming know numbers and we can finalize other details, such as starting time, dress code and tuition fees! Please register, as soon as possible, so that the planning process may begin. That being said, prospective students, your first homework assignment is to read the title page of Bridge for Dummies and provide a succinct, double-spaced summary! Cheers, Patrizio/Il Conductore!
PS: Don't forget those invaluable, priceless bridge prizes. Sign up and de-clutter in one easy step. Meet friends and influence world affairs, end global warming and bring about world peace in one evening!
Have finally managed to negotiate, with The Matriarch of The Sisterhood, for start of term for Bridge Class 101. Initial seminar will be on Saturday, June 11th. I suggest we start sometime around/after 4:00-5:00pm, with basics being covered for those entirely new to game and then let the cards fall where they might, so to speak. Coriandre and I will provide the main bbq course, so please advise about any special dietary restrictions/requirements. Chloë, our youngest, long re-nested daughter, is a lapsed Vegan and current ova-lactarian Vegetarian, so we are well versed in soy based products, lentils and organic chick peas, should anyone prefer not to eat highly seasoned, raw cat meat, a False Creek delicacy, courtesy of our aging feline, Maggie!
Menu is open for anything from appetizers to salads to desserts to other esoteric delicacies. Once I have a finally tally of student/teacher enrollment, I will let those coming know numbers and we can finalize other details, such as starting time, dress code and tuition fees! Please register, as soon as possible, so that the planning process may begin. That being said, prospective students, your first homework assignment is to read the title page of Bridge for Dummies and provide a succinct, double-spaced summary! Cheers, Patrizio/Il Conductore!
PS: Don't forget those invaluable, priceless bridge prizes. Sign up and de-clutter in one easy step. Meet friends and influence world affairs, end global warming and bring about world peace in one evening!
IIDD, May 22nd
Hi Whirling Dervish!
Sorry that the Gods of Precipitation are attempting to spoil your Garage Sale. Obviously related to the the Wind Gods! Yes, it was a terrific morn: snow-capped mountains, ocean surface almost as smooth as a mirror, freighters seemingly almost near enough to touch. Enough people but not so many that we had to worry about having to play dodge the small child, large dog, or dare I say it, clutches of mindless/oblivious Japanese tourists with howitzer telephoto lenses!
When you deserted me made for home, I continued, ever so resolutely and self-righteously, on out to UBC, doing a variation of the SW Marine/Wesbrook Village/16th Ave loop to clock 107K by time I was back at The Island Inn. Quite pleased with how I felt so seems as if the accumulated K's are building more endurance.
This just in from Ragin', and my response:
May 26th. I will be up early and have the boat disconnected from the dock and ready to sail by 8:00am As this is my first piloting experience with a 47' single screw starship, sedatives will be available. Final details next week.
Whirlygig and I are still on, as of this writing, but the more we cogitate upon crewing for a novice Captain Queeg, we are having increasingly nasty, mutinous thoughts!
Flamin' and I are supposed to cycle at 11:30am, (I begged off going out with Ray and lads earlier as it was coming down fairly steadily at 7:00ish and without P of Z and psswd, I couldn't stand thought of circling dizzily for hours in the rain), from our place. Depending on weather, we may postpone going for a bit if it looks like it will be better in early afternoon, no later than 1:00pm, however. Even if it is drizzling, we will be going out, along with Miltonious. (Or so he claims. Bit like The Bull in the broken promises department. I'm made out of Hong Kong sugar cane sugar. Won't I melt?) I gather you will be huddling under brollies and emptying your wellies, from time to time. Thanks for offer to off-load our junk but we'd need a shipping container! Nevertheless, we may well pop by on way back from ride to pick up some closing out specials. Do you have a table for used cyclists? Not sure how El Generalissimo will fare on the UBC Hill/Marine Drive Loop! In any event, he will be staying for dinner, at least until para-medics arrive, sirens blaring, and if you are free and interested, and not completely exhausted, or simply because you are completely exhausted, you are invited to partake of meal, break bread and sip wine and malt, and perhaps play a few hands of bridge, initiating Milton and Kerriopola, into the arcane, black arts of full contact, contract bidding! Of course, The Mongolian Terrorist is welcome, without plastic explosive, however. Limpet mines for the Inside Out Passage only! Give us a shout to confirm, either tonight's shennanigans and/or tomorrow's ride. Talk later. Cheers, Il Conductore!
PS: "Drunkening Red Water" was how one of our Japanese boarders described wine!
Sorry that the Gods of Precipitation are attempting to spoil your Garage Sale. Obviously related to the the Wind Gods! Yes, it was a terrific morn: snow-capped mountains, ocean surface almost as smooth as a mirror, freighters seemingly almost near enough to touch. Enough people but not so many that we had to worry about having to play dodge the small child, large dog, or dare I say it, clutches of mindless/oblivious Japanese tourists with howitzer telephoto lenses!
When you deserted me made for home, I continued, ever so resolutely and self-righteously, on out to UBC, doing a variation of the SW Marine/Wesbrook Village/16th Ave loop to clock 107K by time I was back at The Island Inn. Quite pleased with how I felt so seems as if the accumulated K's are building more endurance.
This just in from Ragin', and my response:
May 26th. I will be up early and have the boat disconnected from the dock and ready to sail by 8:00am As this is my first piloting experience with a 47' single screw starship, sedatives will be available. Final details next week.
Whirlygig and I are still on, as of this writing, but the more we cogitate upon crewing for a novice Captain Queeg, we are having increasingly nasty, mutinous thoughts!
Flamin' and I are supposed to cycle at 11:30am, (I begged off going out with Ray and lads earlier as it was coming down fairly steadily at 7:00ish and without P of Z and psswd, I couldn't stand thought of circling dizzily for hours in the rain), from our place. Depending on weather, we may postpone going for a bit if it looks like it will be better in early afternoon, no later than 1:00pm, however. Even if it is drizzling, we will be going out, along with Miltonious. (Or so he claims. Bit like The Bull in the broken promises department. I'm made out of Hong Kong sugar cane sugar. Won't I melt?) I gather you will be huddling under brollies and emptying your wellies, from time to time. Thanks for offer to off-load our junk but we'd need a shipping container! Nevertheless, we may well pop by on way back from ride to pick up some closing out specials. Do you have a table for used cyclists? Not sure how El Generalissimo will fare on the UBC Hill/Marine Drive Loop! In any event, he will be staying for dinner, at least until para-medics arrive, sirens blaring, and if you are free and interested, and not completely exhausted, or simply because you are completely exhausted, you are invited to partake of meal, break bread and sip wine and malt, and perhaps play a few hands of bridge, initiating Milton and Kerriopola, into the arcane, black arts of full contact, contract bidding! Of course, The Mongolian Terrorist is welcome, without plastic explosive, however. Limpet mines for the Inside Out Passage only! Give us a shout to confirm, either tonight's shennanigans and/or tomorrow's ride. Talk later. Cheers, Il Conductore!
PS: "Drunkening Red Water" was how one of our Japanese boarders described wine!
IIDD, May 21st
Hi Ragin'!
To answer your questiones:
Did I mention I became a much happier cyclist when I threw the %^&%%&^ speedo/odo/cycocomp away? Happier, yes BUT far, far lazier indeed!!!
Chain cleaner @mec = $5.95 - but the guy was right. A wipe down with a solvent, aided by a toothbrush, works great. Just don't use the toothbrush for its intended purpose again. Tastes awful.
Thanks for price info but I had always planned to use Cora Lee's nifty power brush!
Glad I am the last resort for bridge. Did it happen? Was I missed terribly? In fact you were the partner of first choice, strange as that may well seem! Yes, as Coriandre walked in the door, returning from Water for Elephantos, with Agneta. They had had an argument, over dinner, about wearing helmets while cycling. Rather bizzare, given her yogic propensities and otherwise puritanical life/eating/drinking style, but she is against wearing them! She doesn't like people to disagree with her, especially at bridge. Perhaps you two should be partners next time we have a number of tables! You were not missed at all, inasmuch as there was far more esoteric malt for all!!!
May 26th. I will be up early and have the boat disconnected from the dock and ready to sail by 8:00am As this is my first piloting experience with a 47' single screw starship, sedatives will be available. Final details next week. Whirlygig and I are still on, as of this writing, but the more we cogitate upon crewing for a novice Captain Queeg, we are having increasingly nasty mutinous thoughts!
Rode the RAV line today. Is "Way Out" a grammatically correct sentence? Does this acronym stand for Ragin' Against Vanilla? Isn't it a wall sign rather than a sentence?
Flamin' and I are supposed to cycle at 11:30am, from our place. Depending on weather, we may postpone going for a bit if it looks like it will be better in early afternoon, no later than 1:00pm, however. Even if it is drizzling, we will be going out, along with Miltonious. He will be staying for dinner and if you are free, you are invited to partake of meal, break bread and sip wine and malt, and perhaps play a few hands of bridge, initating Milton into the arcane, black arts of full contact bidding.so you will have to decide whether you are a fair weather rider or not! Give us a shout to confirm. Talk later. Cheers, Il Conductore!
To answer your questiones:
Did I mention I became a much happier cyclist when I threw the %^&%%&^ speedo/odo/cycocomp away? Happier, yes BUT far, far lazier indeed!!!
Chain cleaner @mec = $5.95 - but the guy was right. A wipe down with a solvent, aided by a toothbrush, works great. Just don't use the toothbrush for its intended purpose again. Tastes awful.
Thanks for price info but I had always planned to use Cora Lee's nifty power brush!
Glad I am the last resort for bridge. Did it happen? Was I missed terribly? In fact you were the partner of first choice, strange as that may well seem! Yes, as Coriandre walked in the door, returning from Water for Elephantos, with Agneta. They had had an argument, over dinner, about wearing helmets while cycling. Rather bizzare, given her yogic propensities and otherwise puritanical life/eating/drinking style, but she is against wearing them! She doesn't like people to disagree with her, especially at bridge. Perhaps you two should be partners next time we have a number of tables! You were not missed at all, inasmuch as there was far more esoteric malt for all!!!
May 26th. I will be up early and have the boat disconnected from the dock and ready to sail by 8:00am As this is my first piloting experience with a 47' single screw starship, sedatives will be available. Final details next week. Whirlygig and I are still on, as of this writing, but the more we cogitate upon crewing for a novice Captain Queeg, we are having increasingly nasty mutinous thoughts!
Rode the RAV line today. Is "Way Out" a grammatically correct sentence? Does this acronym stand for Ragin' Against Vanilla? Isn't it a wall sign rather than a sentence?
Flamin' and I are supposed to cycle at 11:30am, from our place. Depending on weather, we may postpone going for a bit if it looks like it will be better in early afternoon, no later than 1:00pm, however. Even if it is drizzling, we will be going out, along with Miltonious. He will be staying for dinner and if you are free, you are invited to partake of meal, break bread and sip wine and malt, and perhaps play a few hands of bridge, initating Milton into the arcane, black arts of full contact bidding.so you will have to decide whether you are a fair weather rider or not! Give us a shout to confirm. Talk later. Cheers, Il Conductore!
IIDD, May 20th
Hi Generalissimo!
Just returned, about an hour ago, from a wonderful ride. Whirlygig and I were to meet outside our place at 7:00am but somehow missed each other. I rode around my place, covering a distance of 5K, total elapsed loop distance, before going inside to call him on his cellulare. He assumed I wasn't coming when I wasn't out front so headed off around Stanley Park. He was near Coal Harbour when I reached him and he agreed to ride back towards Science World. We met close to Cambie Bridge and after I hurled a few vitriolic insults at him, we proceed around Park. It was simply glorious, snow-capped mountains, ocean surface almost as smooth as a mirror, freighters seemingly almost near enough to touch. Not that many people around so it was very pleasant not to have to play dodge the small child or large dog!
Whirlygig made for home at MacDonald/Point Grey and I continued on out to UBC, doing a variation of the SW Marine/Wesbrook Village/16th Ave loop to clock 107K by time I was back at The Island Inn. Quite pleased with how I felt so seems as if the accumulated K's are building more endurance.
With respect to riding together, Flamin' wants to ride at 11:30am tomorrow, probably out to UBC, some variation of ride mentioned above. Whirlygig, as you mentioned, wants to ride on Sunday and I'm up for it as well but need to set off around 9:00am or so, as we are off to Squamish to stay overnight, in early afternoon. Unfortunately, weather looks like it's going to deteriorate as showers are forecast well into next week! One of reasons I wanted to log a lengthy ride today. Kits Beach was filled with Sun Worshippers when I cycled past on way home. Molto Difficile to keep one's eyes on the road with all the female pulchritude on display, now that the sun is out!
Had you wanted to ride on Saturday I was going to invite you to stay for dinner. Sarge left this morning to fly to Halifax, to start his holidays. Flamin' doesn't leave until next week so we have invited her for dinner. I thought we might play some bridge. At any rate, you are welcome to come for dinner even if you don't come riding. If you decide to ride you could bring a change of clothes and have a shower here, if you wanted to do so, other than going home and then coming back. Anyway, let me know what you'd like to do and we'll plan accordingly.
With respect to Il Conductore, name goes back to days when I was the Captain of Team II, (VRC had two teams in Div I Squash Singles League in those halcyon days!), and initiated the levy of a fine for games lost. I bought a small piggy bank and each player had to "Pay The Pig" a dollar for each game lost, plus $1 penalty if the match itself was lost, and an additional $1 if the evening was lost. We used the money to buy steaks and hootch for our annual weekend, with wives and girlfriends, on The Sunshine Coast at Roberts Creek, usually in May or June. Furthermore, if any players were not playing well, I "benched" them and then threatened to send to them to Albuquerque, to the farm team, unless they started to perform according to expectations. One week everybody lost and so the joke was that we needed and entire Team Bus to take everyone to New Mexico. Consequently, I became The Conductor and eventually I italianized it to Il Conductore!
Cheers, Patrizio!
Just returned, about an hour ago, from a wonderful ride. Whirlygig and I were to meet outside our place at 7:00am but somehow missed each other. I rode around my place, covering a distance of 5K, total elapsed loop distance, before going inside to call him on his cellulare. He assumed I wasn't coming when I wasn't out front so headed off around Stanley Park. He was near Coal Harbour when I reached him and he agreed to ride back towards Science World. We met close to Cambie Bridge and after I hurled a few vitriolic insults at him, we proceed around Park. It was simply glorious, snow-capped mountains, ocean surface almost as smooth as a mirror, freighters seemingly almost near enough to touch. Not that many people around so it was very pleasant not to have to play dodge the small child or large dog!
Whirlygig made for home at MacDonald/Point Grey and I continued on out to UBC, doing a variation of the SW Marine/Wesbrook Village/16th Ave loop to clock 107K by time I was back at The Island Inn. Quite pleased with how I felt so seems as if the accumulated K's are building more endurance.
With respect to riding together, Flamin' wants to ride at 11:30am tomorrow, probably out to UBC, some variation of ride mentioned above. Whirlygig, as you mentioned, wants to ride on Sunday and I'm up for it as well but need to set off around 9:00am or so, as we are off to Squamish to stay overnight, in early afternoon. Unfortunately, weather looks like it's going to deteriorate as showers are forecast well into next week! One of reasons I wanted to log a lengthy ride today. Kits Beach was filled with Sun Worshippers when I cycled past on way home. Molto Difficile to keep one's eyes on the road with all the female pulchritude on display, now that the sun is out!
Had you wanted to ride on Saturday I was going to invite you to stay for dinner. Sarge left this morning to fly to Halifax, to start his holidays. Flamin' doesn't leave until next week so we have invited her for dinner. I thought we might play some bridge. At any rate, you are welcome to come for dinner even if you don't come riding. If you decide to ride you could bring a change of clothes and have a shower here, if you wanted to do so, other than going home and then coming back. Anyway, let me know what you'd like to do and we'll plan accordingly.
With respect to Il Conductore, name goes back to days when I was the Captain of Team II, (VRC had two teams in Div I Squash Singles League in those halcyon days!), and initiated the levy of a fine for games lost. I bought a small piggy bank and each player had to "Pay The Pig" a dollar for each game lost, plus $1 penalty if the match itself was lost, and an additional $1 if the evening was lost. We used the money to buy steaks and hootch for our annual weekend, with wives and girlfriends, on The Sunshine Coast at Roberts Creek, usually in May or June. Furthermore, if any players were not playing well, I "benched" them and then threatened to send to them to Albuquerque, to the farm team, unless they started to perform according to expectations. One week everybody lost and so the joke was that we needed and entire Team Bus to take everyone to New Mexico. Consequently, I became The Conductor and eventually I italianized it to Il Conductore!
Cheers, Patrizio!
IIDD, May 12th
Hello to our Favourite Naramations!
Foist and foremost, Happy 65th Dom Pedro! Congratiulations! Hip Hip Hooray!!!
Trust you are both well. Time is flashing by, (who knows better than the Boithday Boy!), and as well as wanting to say hello, curious to know if you might be in town sometime in mid-to-late July as we are planning to host a malt tasting at our place so that we can include friends Jane and Kjell. Kjell will be arriving on 18th of July and was at one of last tasting we hosted, a few years ago. I propose ten bottles, two from each of the following regions: Islay, non-Islay islands, Highlands, Speyside and Lowlands. This will give a bit of an overview of different tastes and styles across the country. Anyway, you are most welcome should timing/interest work.
We will be in your neck of the woods from the 8th-10th of July. Friends Nancy and David, from Berkeley, will be visiting, and along with Flamin' and Sarge, we are going to eat and drink our way through The Naramata and environs! As there are six of us, we plan to stay, as of this writing, somewhere in Summerland, (Flamin'/Cora lee are in charge of this aspect of trip), but hope we can connect for both some tasting and at least one meal or so. Anyway, let us know what your schedule looks like and we'll plan for both malt and wine tasting extravaganzas!
Had a more than a full day before Dram last Friday evening. Set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with Ray at his place and then met Peter at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, CSTB and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from Thursday when I was pelted with hail!
Back home I had a large glass of water and then went about getting place ready for pre-Dram session we were hosting at 5:00pm. Cora Lee had prepared a plethora of dishes, (chicken wings, meatballs, mozzarella/tomatoe skewers), so I acted as scullion and did the dishes that dishwasher was too full to accept. Taking a break to do some of my shoulder exercises and then check my email on desk-top in our bedroom, I heard a voice behind me. It was Andre McKenzie, friend we had stayed with, for a week, in Chabeuil, small village about an hour south of Lyon, last September. His girlfriend, Rosemary Thorne, has a beautiful place there, huge swimming pool, etc. At any rate, Andre has suffered from an irregular heart beat for sometime now and ended up in hospital, in Valence, largest town closest to their village, for a few days, this past March. Once released, he flew back to Vancouver, his home, and underwent some relatively minor heart surgery, (not a bypass or anything of that magnitude), a few weeks before Easter. Rosemary arrived, (from England where she has a flat near Marble Arch in London), around that time and they both popped by a few days before Easter weekend. At that time Andre's condition had improved but he was still being monitored and his medication being calibrated.
Had not seen him since then so was pleased he had dropped in. Rosemary is back in France. Although retired, she sits on a number of boards and makes a regular business trips to various cities in Europe. Unfortunately, Andre is still moving pretty slowly as although his heartbeat has been somewhat regulated, it keeps bouncing around with one medication doing something, another pill doing the opposite. Very frustrating, as you can imagine! We chatted and caught up and before he left I invited him to come by later for the pre-Dram session. [
By this time is was close to 3:00pm and with guests coming near 5:00pm, I still had plenty to do, what with vacuuming and more kitchen clean-up as Cora Lee kept churning out more dirty dishes, spatulas and bowls. By 4:45pm table was set, a couple of bottle of wine were open and I headed to have my shower. Most of guests, (ten in total but Dave, tenth, was last to arrive, about 6:30pm), were nibbling goodies on the patio, under our spiffy new red umbrella, (The envy of our neighbours, two floors above. Helena called down, a few days, while CL was doing some re-potting and asked where she had bought it, ($39.50 at Canadian Tire!), as she wanted to get one for their deck.), when I was bathed, changed and smelling so devilishly alluring with my Ralph Lauren scent! We had a grand time eating and drinking wine, enjoying being outside for the first time this year. although the wind was coolish, necessitating wraps, light jackets or sweaters, and sudden gusts would sometimes send napkins flying.
Around 7:00ish we repaired indoors and made plans to get to 3802 Angus Drive. Prince Valiant, Flamin's/Sarge's son drove Cora Lee and I, along with his parents, while rest piled into two cabs, arriving at venue just before 7:30pm. Wonderful evening, bag piper piping at entrance. House itself is a gorgeous mansion, very tastefully renovated, modernized. Five separate tasting islands set up throughout main floor and one simply makes a loop going from one table to next, sampling malts available. In total there were sixteen malts, a bourbon, (Think you'd like the Bulleit, available at Edgemont in North Van. May have to take a knapsack on one of our rides to Seymour and stop there on way back), and a vodka, (Xfour Handcrafted, BC's first corn and rye based, rather tasty although I know very little about vodka, in general), as well as three other malts, two from Australia, both Tasmanian, and one from India. I actually have a small bottle of Sullivan's Cove which friends from Adelaide brought a number of years ago, knowing I enjoyed my Scotch whiskey! I didn't particularly care for the Ozzie malts so will have to re taste one I have and see how it compares to these later expressions. However, found the Amrut Fusion to be rather palatable. Was glad I tried it as I didn't last year.
I focused on those malts I had not had before or else had not tried for sometime, only trying some of the one's I knew/possess after I'd sampled the others. While I quite enjoyed a number of the rarer malts, (Caol Ila 29 year old, in particular, even though I feel that 18 years is the upper limit in terms of taste, for me. After that, malt is simply too, too smooth and I like a certain "roughness" in my tipple!), and the cask strengths, (Bruichladdich, (Port Charlotte), PC7, 61%, aged in a combination of sherry and bourbon oak, (I liked it so much, (I have a bottle of the PC6), that I bid and happily, "won", ($150, perhaps worth $135 here but for a good cause), a bottle in Silent Auction), was mildly disappointed/annoyed by the presence of three or so malts that I feel are pure commercial products, "manufactured", in a sense to appeal to a particular market nice, far more blatantly, crassly than most other distilleries. The individual re-bottling companies set up to "produce" Finlaggan, Ileach, Smokehead, for example, purchase production from whichever of the Islay distilleries offers the best deal at the time of the purchase. Almost like listening to The Spice Girls!
Nevertheless, a wonderful time was had by all. Bumped into old friends and past neighbours, met new folks and just generally had fun tasting, nibbling sushi and chocolate dipped strawberries as we looped the tasting circuit. Tables close at 9:15pm and auction closes at 9:30pm. By time I paid for my successful bid and visited with original group before saying goodnight, all the while sipping on a glass of wine to bring the evening to a finish, it was just after 10:00pm and we hailed a cab, with Flamin'/Sarge and returned to Harbour Terrace. Bade goodnight to them once back as everyone was ready for bed. Can't remember brushing my teeth but know that I did as I found my electric toothbrush out of its stand this morning!
Next evening, Saturday, Flamin' and Sarge had invited us for a wonderful lamb dinner, (Prince Valiant, Nicolina and Marvin, Nicole's boyfriend, were at table as well and we had, among other topics, a heated discussion about "adult" children still at home!), before taking us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th. When we arrived, by cab, we discovered the performance had been cancelled as result of the male lead having suffered a mild stroke earlier in week. Cora Lee had read about this in paper but article mentioned that the stand-in would allow musical to continue. Apparently, replacement was not ready. Seems role is pretty demanding and we suppose individual didn't have enough time to learn part to degree necessary. Only took a minute or so to understand what was happening so we actually piled back into same cab, (I asked him to wait as soon as I overheard, from a number of the people employed by theatre, out on the sidewalk in front of the box office, there to deal with ticket holders), and made our way home again. Poor Sarge had walked, (not enough room for all of us in one cab), and he arrived just after we left, lost to us in the scrum on the other side of the box office. It was really pouring by then but fortunately he had an umbrella!
Back at Harbour Terrace the cabbie pulled in under slight overhang to entrance to garage and as we were paying fare, (He only charged us $5 for trip back. First ride was $7 something and Cora Lee had given him $10), car behind honked to hurry up. We scrambled out, muttering that it was probably somebody in building who was grumpy at us for all the noisy parties we host. When cab pulled away and gate opened we discovered it was Joanne Trueman who lives on 4th floor. I had met her in hallway, a number of years ago, and each subsequent time we bumped into one another I had invited her for a drink, if we were having a gathering, at the time. She had never turned up so when I recognized her after she rolled her window down, I invited her to come for a drink, once again. Found out that she had gotten to know Flamin' not that long ago so it wasn't but a few minutes before she was knocking on our door, supposing that I must not be a freak if I knew Michele. Little did she know! Anyway, Sarge came upstairs after he dried himself off and we had a couple of bottles of wine and got to know Joanne. She is keen to be part of the Block Party we are planning on July 1st, Canada Day. Lovely end to a lovely evening in spite of cancelled show. Off course, you are more than welcome, once again, should you happen to be holidaying on the Coast!
This past Tuesday morning Raymundo, Whirlygig and I circumnavigated Stanley Park. After lads went back home, MacDonald/Point Grey, I made my way out to UBC and along Marine to Crown and then spent about an hour criss-crossing the Musqueam Reserve as well as the streets south of Marine around Dunbar. Had not really explored that area, although have done much the same for Southlands, and it was most enjoyable, seeing the wide variety of dwellings and the state of repair/disrepair. At the end of one of the cul-de-sacs even came across a number of large, flat-bottomed aluminum fishing craft, on boat trailers, one with a number of large plastic tubs filled to overflowing with what looked like huge rock cod, still gasping! Major construction project underway, not far from this street, a new community centre, very attractive from what one can see of the steel superstructure, roof, etc. 51K to Marine/Crown and then 17K in and around Musqueam so was able to be close to 70K by time I reached lights at entrance to Research Precinct. Road to Wesbrook Village has been very recently and very nicely paved, so I took a spin through there before doing 16th/Blanca Loop and I was laughing with 89K on clock as I sailed down Foreshore Hill, wind finally at my back not howling in my face! With 102K under my belt by the time I returned to Harbour Terrace I was quite pleased and would like to thank my team mates, caustic comments and jibes, about my spiffy new cycling shorts, (35th wedding anniversary present from CL), aside, for the more than helpful, gentle warm-up ride!!!
Did but a paltry 51K yesterday afternoon, running errands and such, mainly to stretch my legs. Needed to buy 100 kilos of bananas at Young Brothers on Broadway. Had the start of a nasty cramp when I was doing my stretches/crunches on floor after 102K ride. Fortunately, The Arch Matriarch of The Sisterhood took pity on me and pushed my right leg back until the contraction eased enough for me to remove the stopper from the Bruichladdich PC7 which I had placed between my teeth to keep myself from biting off my tongue. Another stop was to be at a medical supply store to purchase some IV drip tubing so that I can hook myself up once home after have taken off the malt filled camel pack!!! Plenty of liquids says the current research, I believe!
Last night Cora Lee and I attended a concert, Michael Kaeshammer and Jill Barber, at the Vogue, downtown. I knew Jill's work more so than Michael's and really wanted to see her in a live performance. Vogue is a terrific venue, not so large that one needs a telescope to see the performers. In fact, quite intimate, just the size for me if I am going to enjoy such an event. Jill opened and she really is a remarkable chanteuse. Trust her career continues to develop as she certainly deserves attention. Her material evokes the torch songs and romantic ballads of the '40's and early '50's. Far, far more appealing to me than the work of today's current slate of stars, at least the ones I've heard, from time to time, more by accident than choice, I must admit. Most seem rather harsh and un-melodic to my ear and I simply can't be bothered to listen to their whining laments! Her back-up band, (piano, violin/oboe or clarinet, I'm not sure, drums, guitar and double bass), were terrific, a pure delight and a perfect accompaniment to her singular voice, never overpowering it, simply supporting and emphasizing her extraordinary phrasing.
Knew very little about Michael Kaeshammer and would not have purchased tickets if he had been on bill alone. However, certainly more than glad that Jill's appearance drew us to concert as he is a truly exciting, amazing performer. First and foremost he is an unbelievable pianist. I don't think I've ever been so taken with the piano before. I gather he is steeped in the New Orleans jazz tradition/scene and his pyrotechnic playing confirms this heritage. His band were just as accomplished and riveting on their individual instruments, (trombone, saxophone, trumpet, bass guitar/double bass, and drums), as he was on piano/electric keyboard. Jill opened and after Michael's set they both returned to stage to do a duet: Moon River. He played and she crooned and it was a simply marvelous way to end the thrilling evening of live music and song. Keep forgetting how exciting it is to see and listen to artists such as these two. As Chloë said, when we returned, "you need to go out more often, Dad!"
So dear friends, let us know your thoughts about Canada Day, coming visit to Okanagan and timing for malt tasting and/or any other gala social gatherings or events! Fondestos, Bestestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
Foist and foremost, Happy 65th Dom Pedro! Congratiulations! Hip Hip Hooray!!!
Trust you are both well. Time is flashing by, (who knows better than the Boithday Boy!), and as well as wanting to say hello, curious to know if you might be in town sometime in mid-to-late July as we are planning to host a malt tasting at our place so that we can include friends Jane and Kjell. Kjell will be arriving on 18th of July and was at one of last tasting we hosted, a few years ago. I propose ten bottles, two from each of the following regions: Islay, non-Islay islands, Highlands, Speyside and Lowlands. This will give a bit of an overview of different tastes and styles across the country. Anyway, you are most welcome should timing/interest work.
We will be in your neck of the woods from the 8th-10th of July. Friends Nancy and David, from Berkeley, will be visiting, and along with Flamin' and Sarge, we are going to eat and drink our way through The Naramata and environs! As there are six of us, we plan to stay, as of this writing, somewhere in Summerland, (Flamin'/Cora lee are in charge of this aspect of trip), but hope we can connect for both some tasting and at least one meal or so. Anyway, let us know what your schedule looks like and we'll plan for both malt and wine tasting extravaganzas!
Had a more than a full day before Dram last Friday evening. Set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with Ray at his place and then met Peter at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, CSTB and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from Thursday when I was pelted with hail!
Back home I had a large glass of water and then went about getting place ready for pre-Dram session we were hosting at 5:00pm. Cora Lee had prepared a plethora of dishes, (chicken wings, meatballs, mozzarella/tomatoe skewers), so I acted as scullion and did the dishes that dishwasher was too full to accept. Taking a break to do some of my shoulder exercises and then check my email on desk-top in our bedroom, I heard a voice behind me. It was Andre McKenzie, friend we had stayed with, for a week, in Chabeuil, small village about an hour south of Lyon, last September. His girlfriend, Rosemary Thorne, has a beautiful place there, huge swimming pool, etc. At any rate, Andre has suffered from an irregular heart beat for sometime now and ended up in hospital, in Valence, largest town closest to their village, for a few days, this past March. Once released, he flew back to Vancouver, his home, and underwent some relatively minor heart surgery, (not a bypass or anything of that magnitude), a few weeks before Easter. Rosemary arrived, (from England where she has a flat near Marble Arch in London), around that time and they both popped by a few days before Easter weekend. At that time Andre's condition had improved but he was still being monitored and his medication being calibrated.
Had not seen him since then so was pleased he had dropped in. Rosemary is back in France. Although retired, she sits on a number of boards and makes a regular business trips to various cities in Europe. Unfortunately, Andre is still moving pretty slowly as although his heartbeat has been somewhat regulated, it keeps bouncing around with one medication doing something, another pill doing the opposite. Very frustrating, as you can imagine! We chatted and caught up and before he left I invited him to come by later for the pre-Dram session. [
By this time is was close to 3:00pm and with guests coming near 5:00pm, I still had plenty to do, what with vacuuming and more kitchen clean-up as Cora Lee kept churning out more dirty dishes, spatulas and bowls. By 4:45pm table was set, a couple of bottle of wine were open and I headed to have my shower. Most of guests, (ten in total but Dave, tenth, was last to arrive, about 6:30pm), were nibbling goodies on the patio, under our spiffy new red umbrella, (The envy of our neighbours, two floors above. Helena called down, a few days, while CL was doing some re-potting and asked where she had bought it, ($39.50 at Canadian Tire!), as she wanted to get one for their deck.), when I was bathed, changed and smelling so devilishly alluring with my Ralph Lauren scent! We had a grand time eating and drinking wine, enjoying being outside for the first time this year. although the wind was coolish, necessitating wraps, light jackets or sweaters, and sudden gusts would sometimes send napkins flying.
Around 7:00ish we repaired indoors and made plans to get to 3802 Angus Drive. Prince Valiant, Flamin's/Sarge's son drove Cora Lee and I, along with his parents, while rest piled into two cabs, arriving at venue just before 7:30pm. Wonderful evening, bag piper piping at entrance. House itself is a gorgeous mansion, very tastefully renovated, modernized. Five separate tasting islands set up throughout main floor and one simply makes a loop going from one table to next, sampling malts available. In total there were sixteen malts, a bourbon, (Think you'd like the Bulleit, available at Edgemont in North Van. May have to take a knapsack on one of our rides to Seymour and stop there on way back), and a vodka, (Xfour Handcrafted, BC's first corn and rye based, rather tasty although I know very little about vodka, in general), as well as three other malts, two from Australia, both Tasmanian, and one from India. I actually have a small bottle of Sullivan's Cove which friends from Adelaide brought a number of years ago, knowing I enjoyed my Scotch whiskey! I didn't particularly care for the Ozzie malts so will have to re taste one I have and see how it compares to these later expressions. However, found the Amrut Fusion to be rather palatable. Was glad I tried it as I didn't last year.
I focused on those malts I had not had before or else had not tried for sometime, only trying some of the one's I knew/possess after I'd sampled the others. While I quite enjoyed a number of the rarer malts, (Caol Ila 29 year old, in particular, even though I feel that 18 years is the upper limit in terms of taste, for me. After that, malt is simply too, too smooth and I like a certain "roughness" in my tipple!), and the cask strengths, (Bruichladdich, (Port Charlotte), PC7, 61%, aged in a combination of sherry and bourbon oak, (I liked it so much, (I have a bottle of the PC6), that I bid and happily, "won", ($150, perhaps worth $135 here but for a good cause), a bottle in Silent Auction), was mildly disappointed/annoyed by the presence of three or so malts that I feel are pure commercial products, "manufactured", in a sense to appeal to a particular market nice, far more blatantly, crassly than most other distilleries. The individual re-bottling companies set up to "produce" Finlaggan, Ileach, Smokehead, for example, purchase production from whichever of the Islay distilleries offers the best deal at the time of the purchase. Almost like listening to The Spice Girls!
Nevertheless, a wonderful time was had by all. Bumped into old friends and past neighbours, met new folks and just generally had fun tasting, nibbling sushi and chocolate dipped strawberries as we looped the tasting circuit. Tables close at 9:15pm and auction closes at 9:30pm. By time I paid for my successful bid and visited with original group before saying goodnight, all the while sipping on a glass of wine to bring the evening to a finish, it was just after 10:00pm and we hailed a cab, with Flamin'/Sarge and returned to Harbour Terrace. Bade goodnight to them once back as everyone was ready for bed. Can't remember brushing my teeth but know that I did as I found my electric toothbrush out of its stand this morning!
Next evening, Saturday, Flamin' and Sarge had invited us for a wonderful lamb dinner, (Prince Valiant, Nicolina and Marvin, Nicole's boyfriend, were at table as well and we had, among other topics, a heated discussion about "adult" children still at home!), before taking us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th. When we arrived, by cab, we discovered the performance had been cancelled as result of the male lead having suffered a mild stroke earlier in week. Cora Lee had read about this in paper but article mentioned that the stand-in would allow musical to continue. Apparently, replacement was not ready. Seems role is pretty demanding and we suppose individual didn't have enough time to learn part to degree necessary. Only took a minute or so to understand what was happening so we actually piled back into same cab, (I asked him to wait as soon as I overheard, from a number of the people employed by theatre, out on the sidewalk in front of the box office, there to deal with ticket holders), and made our way home again. Poor Sarge had walked, (not enough room for all of us in one cab), and he arrived just after we left, lost to us in the scrum on the other side of the box office. It was really pouring by then but fortunately he had an umbrella!
Back at Harbour Terrace the cabbie pulled in under slight overhang to entrance to garage and as we were paying fare, (He only charged us $5 for trip back. First ride was $7 something and Cora Lee had given him $10), car behind honked to hurry up. We scrambled out, muttering that it was probably somebody in building who was grumpy at us for all the noisy parties we host. When cab pulled away and gate opened we discovered it was Joanne Trueman who lives on 4th floor. I had met her in hallway, a number of years ago, and each subsequent time we bumped into one another I had invited her for a drink, if we were having a gathering, at the time. She had never turned up so when I recognized her after she rolled her window down, I invited her to come for a drink, once again. Found out that she had gotten to know Flamin' not that long ago so it wasn't but a few minutes before she was knocking on our door, supposing that I must not be a freak if I knew Michele. Little did she know! Anyway, Sarge came upstairs after he dried himself off and we had a couple of bottles of wine and got to know Joanne. She is keen to be part of the Block Party we are planning on July 1st, Canada Day. Lovely end to a lovely evening in spite of cancelled show. Off course, you are more than welcome, once again, should you happen to be holidaying on the Coast!
This past Tuesday morning Raymundo, Whirlygig and I circumnavigated Stanley Park. After lads went back home, MacDonald/Point Grey, I made my way out to UBC and along Marine to Crown and then spent about an hour criss-crossing the Musqueam Reserve as well as the streets south of Marine around Dunbar. Had not really explored that area, although have done much the same for Southlands, and it was most enjoyable, seeing the wide variety of dwellings and the state of repair/disrepair. At the end of one of the cul-de-sacs even came across a number of large, flat-bottomed aluminum fishing craft, on boat trailers, one with a number of large plastic tubs filled to overflowing with what looked like huge rock cod, still gasping! Major construction project underway, not far from this street, a new community centre, very attractive from what one can see of the steel superstructure, roof, etc. 51K to Marine/Crown and then 17K in and around Musqueam so was able to be close to 70K by time I reached lights at entrance to Research Precinct. Road to Wesbrook Village has been very recently and very nicely paved, so I took a spin through there before doing 16th/Blanca Loop and I was laughing with 89K on clock as I sailed down Foreshore Hill, wind finally at my back not howling in my face! With 102K under my belt by the time I returned to Harbour Terrace I was quite pleased and would like to thank my team mates, caustic comments and jibes, about my spiffy new cycling shorts, (35th wedding anniversary present from CL), aside, for the more than helpful, gentle warm-up ride!!!
Did but a paltry 51K yesterday afternoon, running errands and such, mainly to stretch my legs. Needed to buy 100 kilos of bananas at Young Brothers on Broadway. Had the start of a nasty cramp when I was doing my stretches/crunches on floor after 102K ride. Fortunately, The Arch Matriarch of The Sisterhood took pity on me and pushed my right leg back until the contraction eased enough for me to remove the stopper from the Bruichladdich PC7 which I had placed between my teeth to keep myself from biting off my tongue. Another stop was to be at a medical supply store to purchase some IV drip tubing so that I can hook myself up once home after have taken off the malt filled camel pack!!! Plenty of liquids says the current research, I believe!
Last night Cora Lee and I attended a concert, Michael Kaeshammer and Jill Barber, at the Vogue, downtown. I knew Jill's work more so than Michael's and really wanted to see her in a live performance. Vogue is a terrific venue, not so large that one needs a telescope to see the performers. In fact, quite intimate, just the size for me if I am going to enjoy such an event. Jill opened and she really is a remarkable chanteuse. Trust her career continues to develop as she certainly deserves attention. Her material evokes the torch songs and romantic ballads of the '40's and early '50's. Far, far more appealing to me than the work of today's current slate of stars, at least the ones I've heard, from time to time, more by accident than choice, I must admit. Most seem rather harsh and un-melodic to my ear and I simply can't be bothered to listen to their whining laments! Her back-up band, (piano, violin/oboe or clarinet, I'm not sure, drums, guitar and double bass), were terrific, a pure delight and a perfect accompaniment to her singular voice, never overpowering it, simply supporting and emphasizing her extraordinary phrasing.
Knew very little about Michael Kaeshammer and would not have purchased tickets if he had been on bill alone. However, certainly more than glad that Jill's appearance drew us to concert as he is a truly exciting, amazing performer. First and foremost he is an unbelievable pianist. I don't think I've ever been so taken with the piano before. I gather he is steeped in the New Orleans jazz tradition/scene and his pyrotechnic playing confirms this heritage. His band were just as accomplished and riveting on their individual instruments, (trombone, saxophone, trumpet, bass guitar/double bass, and drums), as he was on piano/electric keyboard. Jill opened and after Michael's set they both returned to stage to do a duet: Moon River. He played and she crooned and it was a simply marvelous way to end the thrilling evening of live music and song. Keep forgetting how exciting it is to see and listen to artists such as these two. As Chloë said, when we returned, "you need to go out more often, Dad!"
So dear friends, let us know your thoughts about Canada Day, coming visit to Okanagan and timing for malt tasting and/or any other gala social gatherings or events! Fondestos, Bestestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
IIDD, May 10th
Hi Maya!
Thanks for anniversary wishes! We had an eventful evening.
Enjoyed seeing Declan, briefly, when Dave came to collect his vehicle morning after malt tasting. Does he have a paper route yet? He'll be at university soon at the rate he is growing!!! We are around for most of summer so give us a shout and we'll arrange a get-together.
As well, would you mind passing along this message as I gather Dave doesn't have ready access to a computer. Furthermore, ask Paul if he would like to be part of planned tasting below. Didn't see him at Dram this year. Thanks. Cheers, Patrizio!
Hi Dave!
Grand evening at Dram! Lads at Book Club really enjoyed the Bruichladdich PC7 I scored at the Silent Auction. Would have liked to have visited with everyone a bit more but sometimes it's hard to do just that at such an event, as you well know. This being the case, what I have in mind is hosting a malt tasting at our place in mid to late July so that we can include friends Kjell and Jane. Kjell will be arriving in Vancouver around July 17th, I believe. I propose ten bottles, two from each of the following regions: Islay, non-Islay islands, Highlands, Speyside and Lowlands. This will give a bit of an overview of different tastes and styles across the country. I assume you might be interested, if available.
Let me know as soon as you can as I want to start stitching things together. Cheers, Patricio!
Thanks for anniversary wishes! We had an eventful evening.
Enjoyed seeing Declan, briefly, when Dave came to collect his vehicle morning after malt tasting. Does he have a paper route yet? He'll be at university soon at the rate he is growing!!! We are around for most of summer so give us a shout and we'll arrange a get-together.
As well, would you mind passing along this message as I gather Dave doesn't have ready access to a computer. Furthermore, ask Paul if he would like to be part of planned tasting below. Didn't see him at Dram this year. Thanks. Cheers, Patrizio!
Hi Dave!
Grand evening at Dram! Lads at Book Club really enjoyed the Bruichladdich PC7 I scored at the Silent Auction. Would have liked to have visited with everyone a bit more but sometimes it's hard to do just that at such an event, as you well know. This being the case, what I have in mind is hosting a malt tasting at our place in mid to late July so that we can include friends Kjell and Jane. Kjell will be arriving in Vancouver around July 17th, I believe. I propose ten bottles, two from each of the following regions: Islay, non-Islay islands, Highlands, Speyside and Lowlands. This will give a bit of an overview of different tastes and styles across the country. I assume you might be interested, if available.
Let me know as soon as you can as I want to start stitching things together. Cheers, Patricio!
IIDD, May 9th
Hi Roma and Leonard!
Lovely to hear from you! Enjoyed hearing about your travels. Sounded wonderful. Sorry to hear about your Mother but glad to learn that she seems to be recovering well with the help and care of your brothers.
For our part, we are staying fairly close to home this summer, if it ever arrives! We will have a number of friends, (Berkeley, Sweden, Japan, so far), so looking forward to seeing them. With Nancy and David, from Berkeley, we will take a trip to the Okanagan to taste wine as we usually do the same with them in Sonoma/Napa when in California. We are currently planning a fairly major trip to Australia, in March 2012, with our friends Michele/Wayne, (aka Flamin'/Sarge), couple we traveled with in France, last September. Have not yet decided when we will fly, (they have booked for March 15th), but will probably leave mid-February to spend two weeks, or so, with Clara and Dusty, Corinne's parents, in Hawaii, en route. Then on to Fiji, perhaps, for at least a few days, as we've only ever stopped for an hour to refuel. Not only do we want to break up the fairly long flight but also want to see more of the islands in the Pacific. If we can manage things, Cora Lee would like to return via Japan/Hong Kong as we have never been to the Orient, other than an overnight stop in Singapore, en route to Perth in 2003. Loads to arrange so will let you know when we are closer to a confirmed itinerary!
Of late, have been quite busy attending a number of literary and musical events, as well as cycling around the city. Really enjoyed listening to Bernhardt Schlink, (The Reader), two Mondays ago, at VIWF Incite Series at VPL Central. (Easy finding street parking as everyone was watching Canucks game on TV somewhere.) He read from his latest, The Weekend, (both in German, one of sponsors was Goethe Institute!), and English, about a terrorist who has just been released from prison. His sister invites a number of old friends to her place to spend the weekend with him. Bit like Peter's Friends with a dash of Molotov, Baader-Meinhof cocktail! (Cora Lee is reading one of VPL's copies as I compose!) He is wonderfully articulate and it was fascinating to hear his take on contemporary German society as well as his answers to many interesting questions about his work from the floor.
Following day went for a pretty grueling ride, all things considered, at least for me. Friend Ray cycled to our place, close to 9:00am, and we took off around Seawall, over Lions Gate and then along 1st Avenue, more or less, through North Van to foot of Lilloet, up past Capilano College to Seymour Demonstration Forest and then back down via Lynn Canyon Headwaters Trail, Lynn Valley Road/Keith Road to Marine and 1st Avenue, over Lions Gate and down through Stanley Park. Returned to Kits over Burrard Bridge as Ray had to be home by noonish. (Although a retired elementary school teacher, he is in constant demand to tutor.) I continued on out to UBC, along Spanish Banks, bucking a reasonably strong headwind, of course, out Marine to Dunbar and back to retrace my steps home. 103K by time I made it to Harbour Terrace and I'll tell you I was pleased as punch that wind was pushing me along on return leg! I now plan to ride to Brantford before the end of the summer!!!
At the end of the week, on Saturday, Flamin' and Sarge had invited us for a wonderful lamb dinner, (Prince Valiant, Nicolina, Sutherlands children, and Marvin, Nicole's boyfriend, were at table as well and we had, among other topics, a heated discussion about "adult" children still at home!), before taking us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th. When we arrived, by cab, we discovered the performance had been cancelled as result of the male lead having suffered a mild stroke earlier in week. Cora Lee had read about this in paper but article mentioned that the stand-in would allow musical to continue. Apparently, replacement was not ready. Seems role is pretty demanding and we suppose individual didn't have enough time to learn part to degree necessary. Only took a minute or so to understand what was happening so we actually piled back into same cab, (I asked him to wait as soon as I overheard, from a number of the people employed by theatre, out on the sidewalk in front of the box office, there to deal with ticket holders), and made our way home again. Poor Sarge had walked, (not enough room for all of us in one cab), and he arrived just after we left, lost to us in the scrum on the other side of the box office. It was really pouring by then but fortunately he had an umbrella!
Back at Harbour Terrace the cabbie pulled in under slight overhang to entrance to garage and as we were paying fare, (He only charged us $5 for trip back. First ride was $7 something and Cora Lee had given him $10), car behind honked to hurry up. We scrambled out, muttering that it was probably somebody in building who was grumpy at us for all the noisy parties we host. When cab pulled away and gate opened we discovered it was Joanne Trueman who lives on 4th floor. I had met her in hallway, a number of years ago, and each subsequent time we bumped into one another I had invited her for a drink, if we were having a gathering, at the time. She had never turned up so when I recognized her after she rolled her window down, I invited her to come for a drink, once again. Found out that she had gotten to know Flamin' not that long ago so it wasn't but a few minutes before she was knocking on our door, supposing that I must not be a freak if I knew Michele. Little did she know! Anyway, Sarge came upstairs after he dried himself off and we had a couple of bottles of wine and got to know Joanne. She is keen to be part of the Block Party we are planning on July 1st, Canada Day. Lovely end to a lovely evening in spite of cancelled show.
Last night Cora Lee and I attended a concert, Michael Kaeshammer and Jill Barber, at the Vogue, downtown. I knew Jill's work more so than Michael's and really wanted to see her in a live performance. Vogue is a terrific venue, not so large that one needs a telescope to see the performers. In fact, quite intimate, just the size for me if I am going to enjoy such an event. Jill opened and she really is a remarkable chanteuse. Trust her career continues to develop as she certainly deserves attention. Her material evokes the torch songs and romantic ballads of the '40's and early '50's. Far, far more appealing to me than the work of today's current slate of stars, at least the ones I've heard, from time to time, more by accident than choice, I must admit. Most seem rather harsh and un-melodic to my ear and I simply can't be bothered to listen to their whining laments! Her back-up band, (piano, violin/oboe or clarinet, I'm not sure, drums, guitar and double bass), were terrific, a pure delight and a perfect accompaniment to her singular voice, never overpowering it, simply supporting and emphasizing her extraordinary phrasing.
Knew very little about Michael Kaeshammer and would not have purchased tickets if he had been on bill alone. However, certainly more than glad that Jill's appearance drew us to concert as he is a truly exciting, amazing performer. First and foremost he is an unbelievable pianist. I don't think I've ever been so taken with the piano before. I gather he is steeped in the New Orleans jazz tradition/scene and his pyrotechnic playing confirms this heritage. His band were just as accomplished and riveting on their individual instruments, (trombone, saxophone, trumpet, bass guitar/double bass, and drums), as he was on piano/electric keyboard. Jill opened and after Michael's set they both returned to stage to do a duet: Moon River. He played and she crooned and it was a simply marvelous way to end the thrilling evening of live music and song. Keep forgetting how exciting it is to see and listen to artists such as these two. As Chloë said, when we returned, "you need to go out more often, Dad!"
With respect to Mom, she seems fine, such as her age and condition allow. I've been putting some Arnica Gel on the bruises on her arms and hands, (her skin is so fragile that she seems to suffer from the slightest knock), for last few weeks and am pleased to say that her recovery is very noticeable. She holds my hand while I apply lotion and yesterday said " You are cute" and "I love you!" We bought her a number of changes of adaptive wear, a month or so ago, that make it easier for staff to dress her now that she is in a wheelchair. They do walk her twice a day but she really requires a wheelchair to be moved around, whether to meals or other activities or to our place. Still, she beams at everyone and seems far more comfortable, psychologically and emotionally than most of the other lonely souls in residence.
Have meant to call Greys in Kenton to hear just how they are faring. I think that both Rivers and Kenton are high enough that the towns and surrounding farms would not flood, but I don't know that for certain. I'll let you know once I've made contact. Don't know where time goes as I've thought about calling ever since flood threat developed! Time to get ready for today's ride so will say goodbye for now! All the best. Cheers, Cora Lee and Patrizio!
Lovely to hear from you! Enjoyed hearing about your travels. Sounded wonderful. Sorry to hear about your Mother but glad to learn that she seems to be recovering well with the help and care of your brothers.
For our part, we are staying fairly close to home this summer, if it ever arrives! We will have a number of friends, (Berkeley, Sweden, Japan, so far), so looking forward to seeing them. With Nancy and David, from Berkeley, we will take a trip to the Okanagan to taste wine as we usually do the same with them in Sonoma/Napa when in California. We are currently planning a fairly major trip to Australia, in March 2012, with our friends Michele/Wayne, (aka Flamin'/Sarge), couple we traveled with in France, last September. Have not yet decided when we will fly, (they have booked for March 15th), but will probably leave mid-February to spend two weeks, or so, with Clara and Dusty, Corinne's parents, in Hawaii, en route. Then on to Fiji, perhaps, for at least a few days, as we've only ever stopped for an hour to refuel. Not only do we want to break up the fairly long flight but also want to see more of the islands in the Pacific. If we can manage things, Cora Lee would like to return via Japan/Hong Kong as we have never been to the Orient, other than an overnight stop in Singapore, en route to Perth in 2003. Loads to arrange so will let you know when we are closer to a confirmed itinerary!
Of late, have been quite busy attending a number of literary and musical events, as well as cycling around the city. Really enjoyed listening to Bernhardt Schlink, (The Reader), two Mondays ago, at VIWF Incite Series at VPL Central. (Easy finding street parking as everyone was watching Canucks game on TV somewhere.) He read from his latest, The Weekend, (both in German, one of sponsors was Goethe Institute!), and English, about a terrorist who has just been released from prison. His sister invites a number of old friends to her place to spend the weekend with him. Bit like Peter's Friends with a dash of Molotov, Baader-Meinhof cocktail! (Cora Lee is reading one of VPL's copies as I compose!) He is wonderfully articulate and it was fascinating to hear his take on contemporary German society as well as his answers to many interesting questions about his work from the floor.
Following day went for a pretty grueling ride, all things considered, at least for me. Friend Ray cycled to our place, close to 9:00am, and we took off around Seawall, over Lions Gate and then along 1st Avenue, more or less, through North Van to foot of Lilloet, up past Capilano College to Seymour Demonstration Forest and then back down via Lynn Canyon Headwaters Trail, Lynn Valley Road/Keith Road to Marine and 1st Avenue, over Lions Gate and down through Stanley Park. Returned to Kits over Burrard Bridge as Ray had to be home by noonish. (Although a retired elementary school teacher, he is in constant demand to tutor.) I continued on out to UBC, along Spanish Banks, bucking a reasonably strong headwind, of course, out Marine to Dunbar and back to retrace my steps home. 103K by time I made it to Harbour Terrace and I'll tell you I was pleased as punch that wind was pushing me along on return leg! I now plan to ride to Brantford before the end of the summer!!!
At the end of the week, on Saturday, Flamin' and Sarge had invited us for a wonderful lamb dinner, (Prince Valiant, Nicolina, Sutherlands children, and Marvin, Nicole's boyfriend, were at table as well and we had, among other topics, a heated discussion about "adult" children still at home!), before taking us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th. When we arrived, by cab, we discovered the performance had been cancelled as result of the male lead having suffered a mild stroke earlier in week. Cora Lee had read about this in paper but article mentioned that the stand-in would allow musical to continue. Apparently, replacement was not ready. Seems role is pretty demanding and we suppose individual didn't have enough time to learn part to degree necessary. Only took a minute or so to understand what was happening so we actually piled back into same cab, (I asked him to wait as soon as I overheard, from a number of the people employed by theatre, out on the sidewalk in front of the box office, there to deal with ticket holders), and made our way home again. Poor Sarge had walked, (not enough room for all of us in one cab), and he arrived just after we left, lost to us in the scrum on the other side of the box office. It was really pouring by then but fortunately he had an umbrella!
Back at Harbour Terrace the cabbie pulled in under slight overhang to entrance to garage and as we were paying fare, (He only charged us $5 for trip back. First ride was $7 something and Cora Lee had given him $10), car behind honked to hurry up. We scrambled out, muttering that it was probably somebody in building who was grumpy at us for all the noisy parties we host. When cab pulled away and gate opened we discovered it was Joanne Trueman who lives on 4th floor. I had met her in hallway, a number of years ago, and each subsequent time we bumped into one another I had invited her for a drink, if we were having a gathering, at the time. She had never turned up so when I recognized her after she rolled her window down, I invited her to come for a drink, once again. Found out that she had gotten to know Flamin' not that long ago so it wasn't but a few minutes before she was knocking on our door, supposing that I must not be a freak if I knew Michele. Little did she know! Anyway, Sarge came upstairs after he dried himself off and we had a couple of bottles of wine and got to know Joanne. She is keen to be part of the Block Party we are planning on July 1st, Canada Day. Lovely end to a lovely evening in spite of cancelled show.
Last night Cora Lee and I attended a concert, Michael Kaeshammer and Jill Barber, at the Vogue, downtown. I knew Jill's work more so than Michael's and really wanted to see her in a live performance. Vogue is a terrific venue, not so large that one needs a telescope to see the performers. In fact, quite intimate, just the size for me if I am going to enjoy such an event. Jill opened and she really is a remarkable chanteuse. Trust her career continues to develop as she certainly deserves attention. Her material evokes the torch songs and romantic ballads of the '40's and early '50's. Far, far more appealing to me than the work of today's current slate of stars, at least the ones I've heard, from time to time, more by accident than choice, I must admit. Most seem rather harsh and un-melodic to my ear and I simply can't be bothered to listen to their whining laments! Her back-up band, (piano, violin/oboe or clarinet, I'm not sure, drums, guitar and double bass), were terrific, a pure delight and a perfect accompaniment to her singular voice, never overpowering it, simply supporting and emphasizing her extraordinary phrasing.
Knew very little about Michael Kaeshammer and would not have purchased tickets if he had been on bill alone. However, certainly more than glad that Jill's appearance drew us to concert as he is a truly exciting, amazing performer. First and foremost he is an unbelievable pianist. I don't think I've ever been so taken with the piano before. I gather he is steeped in the New Orleans jazz tradition/scene and his pyrotechnic playing confirms this heritage. His band were just as accomplished and riveting on their individual instruments, (trombone, saxophone, trumpet, bass guitar/double bass, and drums), as he was on piano/electric keyboard. Jill opened and after Michael's set they both returned to stage to do a duet: Moon River. He played and she crooned and it was a simply marvelous way to end the thrilling evening of live music and song. Keep forgetting how exciting it is to see and listen to artists such as these two. As Chloë said, when we returned, "you need to go out more often, Dad!"
With respect to Mom, she seems fine, such as her age and condition allow. I've been putting some Arnica Gel on the bruises on her arms and hands, (her skin is so fragile that she seems to suffer from the slightest knock), for last few weeks and am pleased to say that her recovery is very noticeable. She holds my hand while I apply lotion and yesterday said " You are cute" and "I love you!" We bought her a number of changes of adaptive wear, a month or so ago, that make it easier for staff to dress her now that she is in a wheelchair. They do walk her twice a day but she really requires a wheelchair to be moved around, whether to meals or other activities or to our place. Still, she beams at everyone and seems far more comfortable, psychologically and emotionally than most of the other lonely souls in residence.
Have meant to call Greys in Kenton to hear just how they are faring. I think that both Rivers and Kenton are high enough that the towns and surrounding farms would not flood, but I don't know that for certain. I'll let you know once I've made contact. Don't know where time goes as I've thought about calling ever since flood threat developed! Time to get ready for today's ride so will say goodbye for now! All the best. Cheers, Cora Lee and Patrizio!
IIDD, May 8th, Mother's Day!
Hi Tinsel Town!
Sorry to hear about the breach in security! Perhaps another case for Officer Hernandez!!
Had a more than full day on Friday. Set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with Ray at his place and then met Peter at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, CSTB and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from Thursday when I was pelted with hail!
[Ray and I went riding that morning. At one point, given weather forecast earlier in week, we had planned to redo Seymour Falls on Saturday and, by way of training, on Thursday we headed out towards UBC to ascend the Hills of Point Grey: 9th, 4th and Marine Drive, looping around campus first, from Crown/Marine. Once the Hills were conquered I cycled Raymundo back to his house and made for home. En route, I decided to continue around Science World and then as far as Aquatic Centre where I turned around, retracing my steps, or, more correctly, my circles, I suppose! By this time it had started to rain, reasonably heavily, more than the light drizzle which started as I rode under Cambie Bridge on outward bound section. Was pretty well drenched by time I reached Olympic Village and then it started to hail, hailstones bouncing off my helmet like angry bees or hornets, peppering my exposed knees and legs. Didn't really hurt, of course, but since it was such a cold rain I was pretty uncomfortable, (tips of my fingers were numb!), and consequently the ice pellets felt like tiny needles on my chilled skin! As one might expect, sun started to shine just as approached Harbour Terrace! Felt wonderful on my back but I would have appreciated it half an hour earlier! Nonetheless, a wonderful ride on the Hills of Point Grey, to start, so I was really just ambling along afterwards to push odometer to 71K. Mug of hot java and a long shower and all the ice and hard rain were forgotten!]
Back home I had a large glass of water and then went about getting place ready for pre-Dram session we were hosting at 5:00pm. Cora Lee had prepared a plethora of dishes, (chicken wings, meatballs, mozzarella/tomatoe skewers), so I acted as scullion and did the dishes that dishwasher was too full to accept. Taking a break to do some of my shoulder exercises and then check my email on desk-top in our bedroom, I heard a voice behind me. It was Andre McKenzie, friend we had stayed with, for a week, in Chabeuil, small village about an hour south of Lyon, last September. His girlfriend, Rosemary Thorne, has a beautiful place there, huge swimming pool, etc. At any rate, Andre has suffered from an irregular heart beat for sometime now and ended up in hospital, in Valence, largest town closest to their village, for a few days, this past March. Once released, he flew back to Vancouver, his home, and underwent some relatively minor heart surgery, (not a bypass or anything of that magnitude), a few weeks before Easter. Rosemary arrived, (from England where she has a flat near Marble Arch in London), around that time and they both popped by a few days before Easter weekend. At that time Andre's condition had improved but he was still being monitored and his medication being calibrated.
Had not seen him since then so was pleased he had dropped in. Rosemary is back in France. Although retired, she sits on a number of boards and makes a regular business trips to various cities in Europe. Unfortunately, Andre is still moving pretty slowly as although his heartbeat has been somewhat regulated, it keeps bouncing around with one medication doing something, another pill doing the opposite. Very frustrating, as you can imagine! We chatted and caught up and before he left I invited him to come by later for the pre-Dram session. [He didn't show up again so I suppose he was simply too tired. He had parked his truck on Granville Island, before he came to say hello, and mentioned he had had to sit down twice before he made it to our place. Makes my aches and pains seem rather trivial, at least not life threatening!]
By this time is was close to 3:00pm and with guests coming near 5:00pm, I still had plenty to do, what with vacuuming and more kitchen clean-up as Cora Lee kept churning out more dirty dishes, spatulas and bowls. By 4:45pm table was set, a couple of bottle of wine were open and I headed to have my shower. Most of guests, (ten in total but Dave, tenth, was last to arrive, about 6:30pm), were nibbling goodies on the patio, under our spiffy new red umbrella, (The envy of our neighbours, two floors above. Helena called down, a few days, while CL was doing some re-potting and asked where she had bought it, ($39.50 at Canadian Tire!), as she wanted to get one for their deck.), when I was bathed, changed and smelling so devilishly alluring with my Ralph Lauren scent! We had a grand time eating and drinking wine, enjoying being outside for the first time this year. although the wind was coolish, necessitating wraps, light jackets or sweaters, and sudden gusts would sometimes send napkins flying.
Around 7:00ish we repaired indoors and made plans to get to 3802 Angus Drive. Prince Valiant, Flamin's/Sarge's son drove Cora Lee and I, along with his parents, while rest piled into two cabs, arriving at venue just before 7:30pm. Wonderful evening, bag piper piping at entrance. House itself is a gorgeous mansion, very tastefully renovated, modernized. Five separate tasting islands set up throughout main floor and one simply makes a loop going from one table to next, sampling malts available. In total there were sixteen malts, a bourbon, (Available at Edgemont in North Van. May have to take a knapsack on one of our rides to Seymour and stop there on way back), and a vodka, (Xfour Handcrafted, BC's first corn and rye based, rather tasty although I know very little about vodka, in general), as well as three other malts, two from Australia, both Tasmanian, and one from India. I actually have a small bottle of Sullivan's Cove which friends, Tina and Trevor, from Adelaide brought a number of years ago, knowing I enjoyed my Scotch whiskey! I didn't particularly care for the Ozzie malts so will have to re taste one I have and see how it compares to these later expressions. However, found the Amrut Fusion to be rather palatable. Was glad I tried it as I didn't last year.
I focused on those malts I had not had before or else had not tried for sometime, only trying some of the one's I knew/possess after I'd sampled the others. While I quite enjoyed a number of the rarer malts, (Caol Ila 29 year old, in particular, even though I feel that 18 years is the upper limit in terms of taste, for me. After that, malt is simply too, too smooth and I like a certain "roughness" in my tipple!), and the cask strengths, (Bruichladdich, (Port Charlotte), PC7, 61%, aged in a combination of sherry and bourbon oak, (I liked it so much, (I have a bottle of the PC6), that I bid and happily, "won", ($150, perhaps worth $135 here but for a good cause), a bottle in Silent Auction), was mildly disappointed/annoyed by the presence of three or so malts that I feel are pure commercial products, "manufactured", in a sense to appeal to a particular market nice, far more blatantly, crassly than most other distilleries. The individual re-bottling companies set up to "produce" Finlaggan, Ileach, Smokehead, for example, purchase production from whichever of the Islay distilleries offers the best deal at the time of the purchase. Almost like listening to The Spice Girls!
Nevertheless, a wonderful time was had by all. Bumped into old friends and past neighbours, met new folks and just generally had fun tasting, nibbling sushi and chocolate dipped strawberries as we looped the tasting circuit. Tables close at 9:15pm and auction closes at 9:30pm. By time I paid for my successful bid and visited with original group before saying goodnight, all the while sipping on a glass of wine to bring the evening to a finish, it was just after 10:00pm and we hailed a cab, with Flamin'/Sarge and returned to Harbour Terrace. Bade goodnight to them once back as everyone was ready for bed. Can't remember brushing my teeth but know that I did as I found my electric toothbrush out of its stand this morning!
Flamin' came upstairs at 8:00am next morning to ask if I wanted to join them for a ride around Stanley park but I deferred, feeling that I should give my aging frame a bit of a break after Friday's ride. I ran a few errands later in the afternoon, by bike, after skies cleared. In any event, was prepared for a bit of drizzle as I was only going to Home Depot on Cambie. Had thought that I might also visit a friend on Alma and 6th. Long story. He is suffering from multiple myeloma, (cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow), and is in considerable pain all the time. I sent him a postcard from Mexico, posted in February, and it just arrived this past week. As you know, my handwriting is difficult, if not impossible to decipher, so I said I would pop by and "unscramble" it for him and his sister, Julia, visiting from Hungary.
Nana may have already mentioned that last evening F/S invited us for a wonderful lamb dinner, (Prince Valiant, Nicolina and Marvin were at table as well and we had, among other topics, a heated discussion about "adult" children still at home!), before taking us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th wedding anniversary. When we arrived, by cab, we discovered the performance had been cancelled as result of the male lead having suffered a mild stroke earlier in week. Nana had read about this in pare but article mentioned that the stand-in would allow musical to continue. Apparently, replacement was not ready. Seems role is pretty demanding and we suppose individual didn't have enough time to learn part to degree necessary. Only took a minute or so to understand what was happening so we actually piled back into same cab, (I asked him to wait as soon as I overheard, from a number of the people employed by theatre, out on the sidewalk in front of the box office, there to deal with ticket holders), and made our way home again. Poor Sarge had walked, (not enough room for all of us in one cab), and he arrived just after we left, lost to us in the scrum on the other side of the box office. It was really pouring by then but fortunately he had an umbrella!
Back at Harbour Terrace the cabbie pulled in under slight overhang to entrance to garage and as we were paying fare, (He only charged us $5 for trip back. First ride was $7 something and Cora Lee had given him $10), car behind honked to hurry up. We scrambled out, muttering that it was probably somebody in building who was grumpy at us for all the noisy parties. When cab pulled away and gate opened we discovered it was Joanne Trueman who lives on 4th floor. I had met her in hallway, a number of years ago, and each subsequent time we bumped into one another I had invited her for a drink, if we were having a gathering, at the time. She had never turned up so when I recognized her after she rolled her window down, I invited her to come for a drink. Found out that she had gotten to know Flamin' not that long ago so it wasn't but a few minutes before she was knocking on our door, supposing that I must not be a freak if I knew Michele. Little did she know! Anyway, Sarge came upstairs after he dried himself off and we had a couple of bottles of wine and got to know Joanne. She is keen to be part of the Block Party we are planning on July 1st, Canada Day. Lovely end to a lovely evening in spite of cancelled show.
Time to start to get ready for brunch with Nancy and David. Hello to Los Horridos and much love to everyone. Cheers, Poppa "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Neighbours Who Complain About Not Meeting People In Building When They Never Accept Invitations Which Would Allow Them To Do Just That" San!
Sorry to hear about the breach in security! Perhaps another case for Officer Hernandez!!
Had a more than full day on Friday. Set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with Ray at his place and then met Peter at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, CSTB and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from Thursday when I was pelted with hail!
[Ray and I went riding that morning. At one point, given weather forecast earlier in week, we had planned to redo Seymour Falls on Saturday and, by way of training, on Thursday we headed out towards UBC to ascend the Hills of Point Grey: 9th, 4th and Marine Drive, looping around campus first, from Crown/Marine. Once the Hills were conquered I cycled Raymundo back to his house and made for home. En route, I decided to continue around Science World and then as far as Aquatic Centre where I turned around, retracing my steps, or, more correctly, my circles, I suppose! By this time it had started to rain, reasonably heavily, more than the light drizzle which started as I rode under Cambie Bridge on outward bound section. Was pretty well drenched by time I reached Olympic Village and then it started to hail, hailstones bouncing off my helmet like angry bees or hornets, peppering my exposed knees and legs. Didn't really hurt, of course, but since it was such a cold rain I was pretty uncomfortable, (tips of my fingers were numb!), and consequently the ice pellets felt like tiny needles on my chilled skin! As one might expect, sun started to shine just as approached Harbour Terrace! Felt wonderful on my back but I would have appreciated it half an hour earlier! Nonetheless, a wonderful ride on the Hills of Point Grey, to start, so I was really just ambling along afterwards to push odometer to 71K. Mug of hot java and a long shower and all the ice and hard rain were forgotten!]
Back home I had a large glass of water and then went about getting place ready for pre-Dram session we were hosting at 5:00pm. Cora Lee had prepared a plethora of dishes, (chicken wings, meatballs, mozzarella/tomatoe skewers), so I acted as scullion and did the dishes that dishwasher was too full to accept. Taking a break to do some of my shoulder exercises and then check my email on desk-top in our bedroom, I heard a voice behind me. It was Andre McKenzie, friend we had stayed with, for a week, in Chabeuil, small village about an hour south of Lyon, last September. His girlfriend, Rosemary Thorne, has a beautiful place there, huge swimming pool, etc. At any rate, Andre has suffered from an irregular heart beat for sometime now and ended up in hospital, in Valence, largest town closest to their village, for a few days, this past March. Once released, he flew back to Vancouver, his home, and underwent some relatively minor heart surgery, (not a bypass or anything of that magnitude), a few weeks before Easter. Rosemary arrived, (from England where she has a flat near Marble Arch in London), around that time and they both popped by a few days before Easter weekend. At that time Andre's condition had improved but he was still being monitored and his medication being calibrated.
Had not seen him since then so was pleased he had dropped in. Rosemary is back in France. Although retired, she sits on a number of boards and makes a regular business trips to various cities in Europe. Unfortunately, Andre is still moving pretty slowly as although his heartbeat has been somewhat regulated, it keeps bouncing around with one medication doing something, another pill doing the opposite. Very frustrating, as you can imagine! We chatted and caught up and before he left I invited him to come by later for the pre-Dram session. [He didn't show up again so I suppose he was simply too tired. He had parked his truck on Granville Island, before he came to say hello, and mentioned he had had to sit down twice before he made it to our place. Makes my aches and pains seem rather trivial, at least not life threatening!]
By this time is was close to 3:00pm and with guests coming near 5:00pm, I still had plenty to do, what with vacuuming and more kitchen clean-up as Cora Lee kept churning out more dirty dishes, spatulas and bowls. By 4:45pm table was set, a couple of bottle of wine were open and I headed to have my shower. Most of guests, (ten in total but Dave, tenth, was last to arrive, about 6:30pm), were nibbling goodies on the patio, under our spiffy new red umbrella, (The envy of our neighbours, two floors above. Helena called down, a few days, while CL was doing some re-potting and asked where she had bought it, ($39.50 at Canadian Tire!), as she wanted to get one for their deck.), when I was bathed, changed and smelling so devilishly alluring with my Ralph Lauren scent! We had a grand time eating and drinking wine, enjoying being outside for the first time this year. although the wind was coolish, necessitating wraps, light jackets or sweaters, and sudden gusts would sometimes send napkins flying.
Around 7:00ish we repaired indoors and made plans to get to 3802 Angus Drive. Prince Valiant, Flamin's/Sarge's son drove Cora Lee and I, along with his parents, while rest piled into two cabs, arriving at venue just before 7:30pm. Wonderful evening, bag piper piping at entrance. House itself is a gorgeous mansion, very tastefully renovated, modernized. Five separate tasting islands set up throughout main floor and one simply makes a loop going from one table to next, sampling malts available. In total there were sixteen malts, a bourbon, (Available at Edgemont in North Van. May have to take a knapsack on one of our rides to Seymour and stop there on way back), and a vodka, (Xfour Handcrafted, BC's first corn and rye based, rather tasty although I know very little about vodka, in general), as well as three other malts, two from Australia, both Tasmanian, and one from India. I actually have a small bottle of Sullivan's Cove which friends, Tina and Trevor, from Adelaide brought a number of years ago, knowing I enjoyed my Scotch whiskey! I didn't particularly care for the Ozzie malts so will have to re taste one I have and see how it compares to these later expressions. However, found the Amrut Fusion to be rather palatable. Was glad I tried it as I didn't last year.
I focused on those malts I had not had before or else had not tried for sometime, only trying some of the one's I knew/possess after I'd sampled the others. While I quite enjoyed a number of the rarer malts, (Caol Ila 29 year old, in particular, even though I feel that 18 years is the upper limit in terms of taste, for me. After that, malt is simply too, too smooth and I like a certain "roughness" in my tipple!), and the cask strengths, (Bruichladdich, (Port Charlotte), PC7, 61%, aged in a combination of sherry and bourbon oak, (I liked it so much, (I have a bottle of the PC6), that I bid and happily, "won", ($150, perhaps worth $135 here but for a good cause), a bottle in Silent Auction), was mildly disappointed/annoyed by the presence of three or so malts that I feel are pure commercial products, "manufactured", in a sense to appeal to a particular market nice, far more blatantly, crassly than most other distilleries. The individual re-bottling companies set up to "produce" Finlaggan, Ileach, Smokehead, for example, purchase production from whichever of the Islay distilleries offers the best deal at the time of the purchase. Almost like listening to The Spice Girls!
Nevertheless, a wonderful time was had by all. Bumped into old friends and past neighbours, met new folks and just generally had fun tasting, nibbling sushi and chocolate dipped strawberries as we looped the tasting circuit. Tables close at 9:15pm and auction closes at 9:30pm. By time I paid for my successful bid and visited with original group before saying goodnight, all the while sipping on a glass of wine to bring the evening to a finish, it was just after 10:00pm and we hailed a cab, with Flamin'/Sarge and returned to Harbour Terrace. Bade goodnight to them once back as everyone was ready for bed. Can't remember brushing my teeth but know that I did as I found my electric toothbrush out of its stand this morning!
Flamin' came upstairs at 8:00am next morning to ask if I wanted to join them for a ride around Stanley park but I deferred, feeling that I should give my aging frame a bit of a break after Friday's ride. I ran a few errands later in the afternoon, by bike, after skies cleared. In any event, was prepared for a bit of drizzle as I was only going to Home Depot on Cambie. Had thought that I might also visit a friend on Alma and 6th. Long story. He is suffering from multiple myeloma, (cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow), and is in considerable pain all the time. I sent him a postcard from Mexico, posted in February, and it just arrived this past week. As you know, my handwriting is difficult, if not impossible to decipher, so I said I would pop by and "unscramble" it for him and his sister, Julia, visiting from Hungary.
Nana may have already mentioned that last evening F/S invited us for a wonderful lamb dinner, (Prince Valiant, Nicolina and Marvin were at table as well and we had, among other topics, a heated discussion about "adult" children still at home!), before taking us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th wedding anniversary. When we arrived, by cab, we discovered the performance had been cancelled as result of the male lead having suffered a mild stroke earlier in week. Nana had read about this in pare but article mentioned that the stand-in would allow musical to continue. Apparently, replacement was not ready. Seems role is pretty demanding and we suppose individual didn't have enough time to learn part to degree necessary. Only took a minute or so to understand what was happening so we actually piled back into same cab, (I asked him to wait as soon as I overheard, from a number of the people employed by theatre, out on the sidewalk in front of the box office, there to deal with ticket holders), and made our way home again. Poor Sarge had walked, (not enough room for all of us in one cab), and he arrived just after we left, lost to us in the scrum on the other side of the box office. It was really pouring by then but fortunately he had an umbrella!
Back at Harbour Terrace the cabbie pulled in under slight overhang to entrance to garage and as we were paying fare, (He only charged us $5 for trip back. First ride was $7 something and Cora Lee had given him $10), car behind honked to hurry up. We scrambled out, muttering that it was probably somebody in building who was grumpy at us for all the noisy parties. When cab pulled away and gate opened we discovered it was Joanne Trueman who lives on 4th floor. I had met her in hallway, a number of years ago, and each subsequent time we bumped into one another I had invited her for a drink, if we were having a gathering, at the time. She had never turned up so when I recognized her after she rolled her window down, I invited her to come for a drink. Found out that she had gotten to know Flamin' not that long ago so it wasn't but a few minutes before she was knocking on our door, supposing that I must not be a freak if I knew Michele. Little did she know! Anyway, Sarge came upstairs after he dried himself off and we had a couple of bottles of wine and got to know Joanne. She is keen to be part of the Block Party we are planning on July 1st, Canada Day. Lovely end to a lovely evening in spite of cancelled show.
Time to start to get ready for brunch with Nancy and David. Hello to Los Horridos and much love to everyone. Cheers, Poppa "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Neighbours Who Complain About Not Meeting People In Building When They Never Accept Invitations Which Would Allow Them To Do Just That" San!
IIDD, Regina/Calgary, April 8th-12th
Hi Duhlink!
The wines were exceptional. We began with the citrusy 2010 Perpetuum Torrontes. With crisp tropical fruit on the palate, this white has a clean, mineral-driven finish and a final floral note that lingers. Pablo told the crowd that this is the official summer Sunday family lunch wine for the Gimenez Riilis. The 2008 Perpetuum Merlot has plenty of dried fruit, flower, and black cherry with a pleasant smokiness. This wine was the first star of the bodega, selling more than Malbec in the beginning of the project. The 2008 Vista Flores Reserva Malbec was a lovely melange of black pepper spice, black plum, and violet with a hint of smoked meat. Rich, with spicy tannins, this single-vineyard Malbec earned 89 points from Steven Tanzer.
Finally, the super-star of the night, Riili’s 2008 Altamira Malbec displayed sweet red plum, pepper, and red flower petals on the nose, with bright fresh red fruit and toast on the palate with a rich, chocolaty finish.
2009 Chono Reserva, Carmenère, 65%, Syrah, 34%, Elqui Valley, 14.5%, soft ripe, spicy,
Calgary: Betty's salmon steaks, roasted red spuds, asparagus, green saladin with mandarin , nuts and vinaigrette, fresh strawberries for dessert. 2009 Dona Paula Los Cardos Malbec, Mendoza, 14%,
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe. -John Muir, naturalist, explorer, and writer (1838-1914)
The wines were exceptional. We began with the citrusy 2010 Perpetuum Torrontes. With crisp tropical fruit on the palate, this white has a clean, mineral-driven finish and a final floral note that lingers. Pablo told the crowd that this is the official summer Sunday family lunch wine for the Gimenez Riilis. The 2008 Perpetuum Merlot has plenty of dried fruit, flower, and black cherry with a pleasant smokiness. This wine was the first star of the bodega, selling more than Malbec in the beginning of the project. The 2008 Vista Flores Reserva Malbec was a lovely melange of black pepper spice, black plum, and violet with a hint of smoked meat. Rich, with spicy tannins, this single-vineyard Malbec earned 89 points from Steven Tanzer.
Finally, the super-star of the night, Riili’s 2008 Altamira Malbec displayed sweet red plum, pepper, and red flower petals on the nose, with bright fresh red fruit and toast on the palate with a rich, chocolaty finish.
2009 Chono Reserva, Carmenère, 65%, Syrah, 34%, Elqui Valley, 14.5%, soft ripe, spicy,
Calgary: Betty's salmon steaks, roasted red spuds, asparagus, green saladin with mandarin , nuts and vinaigrette, fresh strawberries for dessert. 2009 Dona Paula Los Cardos Malbec, Mendoza, 14%,
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe. -John Muir, naturalist, explorer, and writer (1838-1914)
IIDD, Saturday, May 14th
Hi Generalissimo!
Had a more than full day yesterday. Set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with Ray at his place and then met Peter at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, CSTB and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from Thursday when I was pelted with hail!
Back home I had a large glass of water and then went about getting place ready for pre-Dram session we were hosting at 5:00pm. Cora Lee had prepared a plethora of dishes, (chicken wings, meatballs, mozzarella/tomatoe skewers), so I acted as scullion and did the dishes that dishwasher was too full to accept. Taking a break to do some of my shoulder exercises and then check my email on desk-top in our bedroom, I heard a voice behind me. It was Andre McKenzie, friend we had stayed with, for a week, in Chabeuil, small village about an hour south of Lyon, last September. His girlfriend, Rosemary Thorne, has a beautiful place there, huge swimming pool, etc. At any rate, Andre has suffered from an irregular heart beat for sometime now and ended up in hospital, in Valence, largest town closest to their village, for a few days, this past March. Once released, he flew back to Vancouver, his home, and underwent some relatively minor heart surgery, (not a bypass or anything of that magnitude), a few weeks before Easter. Rosemary arrived, (from England where she has a flat near Marble Arch in London), around that time and they both popped by a few days before Easter weekend. At that time Andre's condition had improved but he was still being monitored and his medication being calibrated.
Had not seen him since then so was pleased he had dropped in. Rosemary is back in France. Although retired, she sits on a number of boards and makes a regular business trips to various cities in Europe. Unfortunately, Andre is still moving pretty slowly as although his heartbeat has been somewhat regulated, it keeps bouncing around with one medication doing something, another pill doing the opposite. Very frustrating, as you can imagine! We chatted and caught up and before he left I invited him to come by later for the pre-Dram session.
By this time is was close to 3:00pm and with guests coming near 5:00pm, I still had plenty to do, what with vacuuming and more kitchen clean-up as Cora Lee kept churning out more dirty dishes, spatulas and bowls. By 4:45pm table was set, a couple of bottle of wine were open and I headed to have my shower. Most of guests, (ten in total but Dave, tenth, was last to arrive, about 6:30pm), were nibbling goodies on the patio, under our spiffy new red umbrella, (The envy of our neighbours, two floors above. Helena called down, a few days, while CL was doing some re-potting and asked where she had bought it, ($39.50 at Canadian Tire!), as she wanted to get one for their deck.), when I was bathed, changed and smelling so devilishly alluring with my Ralph Lauren scent! We had a grand time eating and drinking wine, enjoying being outside for the first time this year. although the wind was coolish, necessitating wraps, light jackets or sweaters, and sudden gusts would sometimes send napkins flying.
Around 7:00ish we repaired indoors and made plans to get to 3802 Angus Drive. Prince Valiant, Flamin's/Sarge's son drove Cora Lee and I, along with his parents, while rest piled into two cabs, arriving at venue just before 7:30pm. Wonderful evening, bag piper piping at entrance. House itself is a gorgeous mansion, very tastefully renovated, modernized. Five separate tasting islands set up throughout main floor and one simply makes a loop going from one table to next, sampling malts available. In total there were sixteen malts, a bourbon, (Think you'd like the Bulleit, available at Edgemont in North Van. May have to take a knapsack on one of our rides to Seymour and stop there on way back), and a vodka, (Xfour Handcrafted, BC's first corn and rye based, rather tasty although I know very little about vodka, in general), as well as three other malts, two from Australia, both Tasmanian, and one from India. I actually have a small bottle of Sullivan's Cove which friends from Adelaide brought a number of years ago, knowing I enjoyed my Scotch whiskey! I didn't particularly care for the Ozzie malts so will have to re taste one I have and see how it compares to these later expressions. However, found the Amrut Fusion to be rather palatable. Was glad I tried it as I didn't last year.
I focused on those malts I had not had before or else had not tried for sometime, only trying some of the one's I knew/possess after I'd sampled the others. While I quite enjoyed a number of the rarer malts, (Caol Ila 29 year old, in particular, even though I feel that 18 years is the upper limit in terms of taste, for me. After that, malt is simply too, too smooth and I like a certain "roughness" in my tipple!), and the cask strengths, (Bruichladdich, (Port Charlotte), PC7, 61%, aged in a combination of sherry and bourbon oak, (I liked it so much, (I have a bottle of the PC6), that I bid and happily, "won", ($150, perhaps worth $135 here but for a good cause), a bottle in Silent Auction), was mildly disappointed/annoyed by the presence of three or so malts that I feel are pure commercial products, "manufactured", in a sense to appeal to a particular market nice, far more blatantly, crassly than most other distilleries. The individual re-bottling companies set up to "produce" Finlaggan, Ileach, Smokehead, for example, purchase production from whichever of the Islay distilleries offers the best deal at the time of the purchase. Almost like listening to The Spice Girls!
Nevertheless, a wonderful time was had by all. Bumped into old friends and past neighbours, met new folks and just generally had fun tasting, nibbling sushi and chocolate dipped strawberries as we looped the tasting circuit. Tables close at 9:15pm and auction closes at 9:30pm. By time I paid for my successful bid and visited with original group before saying goodnight, all the while sipping on a glass of wine to bring the evening to a finish, it was just after 10:00pm and we hailed a cab, with Flamin'/Sarge and returned to Harbour Terrace. Bade goodnight to them once back as everyone was ready for bed. Can't remember brushing my teeth but know that I did as I found my electric toothbrush out of its stand this morning!
Flamin' came upstairs at 8:00am to ask if I wanted to join them for a ride around Stanley park but I deferred, feeling that I should give my aging frame a bit of a break after yesterday's ride. I might run a few errands later this afternoon, by bike, if skies clear. Don't mind a bit of drizzle as I'm only going to Home Depot on Cambie and perhaps to visit a friend on Alma and 6th, if he is well enough for a visit. Long story. He is suffering from multiple myeloma, (cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow), and is in considerable pain all the time. I sent him a postcard from Mexico, posted in February, and it just arrived this past week. My handwriting is difficult, if not impossible to decipher, so I said I would pop by and "unscramble" it for him and his sister, Julia, visiting from Hungary.
This evening F/S have invited us for a lamb dinner before they take us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th wedding anniversary. So better sign off of for now as clock is ticking! Anyway, that is some of what I've been up to these last few days. Look forward to seeing you and rest of gang tomorrow. Cheers, Il Conductore!
Had a more than full day yesterday. Set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with Ray at his place and then met Peter at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, CSTB and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from Thursday when I was pelted with hail!
Back home I had a large glass of water and then went about getting place ready for pre-Dram session we were hosting at 5:00pm. Cora Lee had prepared a plethora of dishes, (chicken wings, meatballs, mozzarella/tomatoe skewers), so I acted as scullion and did the dishes that dishwasher was too full to accept. Taking a break to do some of my shoulder exercises and then check my email on desk-top in our bedroom, I heard a voice behind me. It was Andre McKenzie, friend we had stayed with, for a week, in Chabeuil, small village about an hour south of Lyon, last September. His girlfriend, Rosemary Thorne, has a beautiful place there, huge swimming pool, etc. At any rate, Andre has suffered from an irregular heart beat for sometime now and ended up in hospital, in Valence, largest town closest to their village, for a few days, this past March. Once released, he flew back to Vancouver, his home, and underwent some relatively minor heart surgery, (not a bypass or anything of that magnitude), a few weeks before Easter. Rosemary arrived, (from England where she has a flat near Marble Arch in London), around that time and they both popped by a few days before Easter weekend. At that time Andre's condition had improved but he was still being monitored and his medication being calibrated.
Had not seen him since then so was pleased he had dropped in. Rosemary is back in France. Although retired, she sits on a number of boards and makes a regular business trips to various cities in Europe. Unfortunately, Andre is still moving pretty slowly as although his heartbeat has been somewhat regulated, it keeps bouncing around with one medication doing something, another pill doing the opposite. Very frustrating, as you can imagine! We chatted and caught up and before he left I invited him to come by later for the pre-Dram session.
By this time is was close to 3:00pm and with guests coming near 5:00pm, I still had plenty to do, what with vacuuming and more kitchen clean-up as Cora Lee kept churning out more dirty dishes, spatulas and bowls. By 4:45pm table was set, a couple of bottle of wine were open and I headed to have my shower. Most of guests, (ten in total but Dave, tenth, was last to arrive, about 6:30pm), were nibbling goodies on the patio, under our spiffy new red umbrella, (The envy of our neighbours, two floors above. Helena called down, a few days, while CL was doing some re-potting and asked where she had bought it, ($39.50 at Canadian Tire!), as she wanted to get one for their deck.), when I was bathed, changed and smelling so devilishly alluring with my Ralph Lauren scent! We had a grand time eating and drinking wine, enjoying being outside for the first time this year. although the wind was coolish, necessitating wraps, light jackets or sweaters, and sudden gusts would sometimes send napkins flying.
Around 7:00ish we repaired indoors and made plans to get to 3802 Angus Drive. Prince Valiant, Flamin's/Sarge's son drove Cora Lee and I, along with his parents, while rest piled into two cabs, arriving at venue just before 7:30pm. Wonderful evening, bag piper piping at entrance. House itself is a gorgeous mansion, very tastefully renovated, modernized. Five separate tasting islands set up throughout main floor and one simply makes a loop going from one table to next, sampling malts available. In total there were sixteen malts, a bourbon, (Think you'd like the Bulleit, available at Edgemont in North Van. May have to take a knapsack on one of our rides to Seymour and stop there on way back), and a vodka, (Xfour Handcrafted, BC's first corn and rye based, rather tasty although I know very little about vodka, in general), as well as three other malts, two from Australia, both Tasmanian, and one from India. I actually have a small bottle of Sullivan's Cove which friends from Adelaide brought a number of years ago, knowing I enjoyed my Scotch whiskey! I didn't particularly care for the Ozzie malts so will have to re taste one I have and see how it compares to these later expressions. However, found the Amrut Fusion to be rather palatable. Was glad I tried it as I didn't last year.
I focused on those malts I had not had before or else had not tried for sometime, only trying some of the one's I knew/possess after I'd sampled the others. While I quite enjoyed a number of the rarer malts, (Caol Ila 29 year old, in particular, even though I feel that 18 years is the upper limit in terms of taste, for me. After that, malt is simply too, too smooth and I like a certain "roughness" in my tipple!), and the cask strengths, (Bruichladdich, (Port Charlotte), PC7, 61%, aged in a combination of sherry and bourbon oak, (I liked it so much, (I have a bottle of the PC6), that I bid and happily, "won", ($150, perhaps worth $135 here but for a good cause), a bottle in Silent Auction), was mildly disappointed/annoyed by the presence of three or so malts that I feel are pure commercial products, "manufactured", in a sense to appeal to a particular market nice, far more blatantly, crassly than most other distilleries. The individual re-bottling companies set up to "produce" Finlaggan, Ileach, Smokehead, for example, purchase production from whichever of the Islay distilleries offers the best deal at the time of the purchase. Almost like listening to The Spice Girls!
Nevertheless, a wonderful time was had by all. Bumped into old friends and past neighbours, met new folks and just generally had fun tasting, nibbling sushi and chocolate dipped strawberries as we looped the tasting circuit. Tables close at 9:15pm and auction closes at 9:30pm. By time I paid for my successful bid and visited with original group before saying goodnight, all the while sipping on a glass of wine to bring the evening to a finish, it was just after 10:00pm and we hailed a cab, with Flamin'/Sarge and returned to Harbour Terrace. Bade goodnight to them once back as everyone was ready for bed. Can't remember brushing my teeth but know that I did as I found my electric toothbrush out of its stand this morning!
Flamin' came upstairs at 8:00am to ask if I wanted to join them for a ride around Stanley park but I deferred, feeling that I should give my aging frame a bit of a break after yesterday's ride. I might run a few errands later this afternoon, by bike, if skies clear. Don't mind a bit of drizzle as I'm only going to Home Depot on Cambie and perhaps to visit a friend on Alma and 6th, if he is well enough for a visit. Long story. He is suffering from multiple myeloma, (cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow), and is in considerable pain all the time. I sent him a postcard from Mexico, posted in February, and it just arrived this past week. My handwriting is difficult, if not impossible to decipher, so I said I would pop by and "unscramble" it for him and his sister, Julia, visiting from Hungary.
This evening F/S have invited us for a lamb dinner before they take us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th wedding anniversary. So better sign off of for now as clock is ticking! Anyway, that is some of what I've been up to these last few days. Look forward to seeing you and rest of gang tomorrow. Cheers, Il Conductore!
IIDD, Easter Weekend, April 22nd-24th
Hello Andrew!
Trust you are both well and that your respective Easter weekends went well. Ours was busy. I had an incredible ride on Saturday, simply gorgeous day, perhaps the best of the entire weekend, as it turned out. Left Harbour Terrace shortly after 9:20am and made our way to Main via Seawall and Olympic Village and then to East Van, taking Lakewood north somewhere after Commercial. Then Adanac to Hastiings and over Second Narrows, Sarge in lead, followed by me, than Flamin' and then Ray. About half way across, some dope wanted to pass. He had already passed other two behind me and it is not without difficulty that one can stop, as I'm sure you know. Since I was close behind Sarge, he had to do same with him and just as he was about to do this, we came upon a chap coming the other way so it was a bit of traffic jam to say the least! Idiot, discourteous rider said that he wanted to pass as he felt he was "Too heavy and wanted to get up to 80K." His very words. Sarge thought it was me who wanted to pass and he couldn't figure out what I was all about. He had taken off his jacket just as we started up Lakewood, as it was wonderfully warm, and so scraped his bare left arm on railing as he slowed down and wobbled while other rider scraped by. Absolutely no need for that sort of thing, ridiculously selfish and possibly dangerous, probably not life-threatening but a nasty gash, cut or bump, quite easily.
At any rate, made it over the bridge without further incident and wound our way up to Demonstration Forest area where we headed out to Seymour Falls Dam on the wonderful bikeway. Ray had been before but none of the rest of has ridden through the magnificent forest, the cliffs of the mountains looming majestically above us whenever we came to a bit of a clearing. At about the 6K mark Ray and I went ahead and Sarge stayed behind with Flamin', to coax her along. This was already at 30K or more so she knew it was going to be at least 65-70K by time we were back home and she had never ridden that far before. On Friday, with Flamin' and Sarge, out to Steveston, much the same route as I had taken Saturday before, with other friends, except we didn't turn off dike quite as early, following it along to point where it connected with a paved road that allowed us to follow Rice Road over Highway 99. We stopped at this point as Flamin' didn't want ride to turn into more of an endurance test than it already was shaping up to be. Found No. 5 Road and took it all the way to River Road, (crossing over 99 at Steveston Highway, I think), coming to it just past Vulcan Way, just before stretch from our ride of day before, out to New Westminister and over Queensboro Bridge. Would like to explore where RR would take us, further east of Steveston, at some point. Back over new Cambie Sky Train Bridge, up Cambie and home for 61K.
Ray and I pedaled on ahead and before we knew it, 9K mark on this part of ride, we came to a rest stop with a biffy or two and a few benches, plus a metal screen barrier to service road. Couple sitting on one of the benches told us that path straight ahead lead to base of dam and I walked over rise to look at track. Asked a rider coming up grade if it was paved all the way and he said it was but only about a K in distance. Service road, north and south, were posted with signs informing one that roadway was off limits for recreational users. We chatted with couple for a few minutes and then both went into a separate outhouse before heading back. We assumed F/S would be waiting at one of picnic areas or had simply decided to go home. Waved goodbye to fellow cyclists and started our return. At each rest area we scanned seats but no sigh of the the Sutherlands so we kept going. Thought that they might be at FD area but no sign there either so we made our way on, choosing to follow path to Lynn Valley Headwaters. Last time Ray and I were on it, early December, it was very icy but very good surface this time, if a bit rocky/bumpy at times.
Soon on Lynn Canyon, I think, and took it all the way to Esplanade, down Grand Boulevard. Really gorgeous view of Vancouver and could hardly believe how high we had climbed as we just kept going down, down, down! Bit of backing and forthing until we connected with Marine Drive, near Keith Road, I think, and then over to 3rd and then 1st and we were away to Lions Gate. Bit of a grind for me on way up as I could really feel my legs. Shifted into low gear and enjoyed view! Once out of Park we took street as Seawall was awash with people as you can imagine. Took Beach and wound around some of the streets just back from water to hit Pacific all the way to Science World and then behind Olympic Village for an easy run to Lamey's Mill. Just as we approached Harbour Terrace Ray mentioned that we could call it an 85K outing, as odometer read 80K at that point. I said that I didn't think it was 5K to his place but he reminded me that he had ridden to GI! I acknowledged my oversight but once I left him at 1st and Cypress I headed for Kits Point and decided to put 87K on odometer just for good measure, not competition, you understand. Probably a subconscious way to get back at him for leaving me in the dust on all those hills in North Van and on Lions Gate! Thought fleetingly about going out to UBC, (Just to bottom of hill, mind you, as I'd had more than enough of hills by then. Even thinking about Ray and his homeward bound Cypress Street climb tired me out!), but didn't have the steam or desire to go that far so just dipsy-doodled around on the streets of Kits Point and then on the flat near our place, enjoying the sun as the K's clicked over.
When I was back, (roughly five and a half hours later!), popped downstairs to see what happened to our companions and we pieced things together. It seems that they went by us while we were in the toilettes! They rode up to the dam, ignoring signs, and I guess we left before they returned. They made their way back down Lilloet and even stopped for a beer and nachos at a pub somewhere along the way, before returning over Second Narrows. Sarge said he found grade pretty long and tiring by then as well. Suppose beer didn't help matters!! They made their way along your old street, I suppose, coming out at Wall and Powell, Powell to Main and then back via Science World, etc.
Really enjoyed listening to Bernhardt Schlink. He read from his latest, The Weekend, (both in German, one of sponsors was Goethe Institute!), and English, about a terrorist who has just been released from prison. His sister invites a number of old friends to her place to spend the weekend with him. Bit like Peter's Friends with a dash of Molotov, Baader-Meinhof cocktail! Cora Lee is reading one of VPL's copies as I compose! He is wonderfully articulate and it was fascinating to hear his take on contemporary German society as well as his answers to many interesting questions about his work from the floor.
Today's outing was a pretty grueling ride, all things considered, at least for me. Ray cycled to our place, close to 9:00am, and we took off around Seawall, over Lions Gate and then along 1st Avenue, more or less, through North Van to foot of Lilloet, up past Capilano College to Seymour Demonstration Forest and then back down via Lynn Canyon Headwaters Trail, Lynn Valley Road/Keith Road to Marine and 1st Avenue, over Lions Gate and down through Stanley Park. Returned to Kits over Burrard as Ray had to be home by noonish. I continued on out to UBC, along Spanish Banks, bucking a reasonably strong headwind, of course, out Marine to Dunbar and back to retrace my steps home. 103K by time I made it to Harbour Terrace and I'll tell you I was pleased as punch that wind was pushing me along on return leg!
I plan to go for a much shorter ride tomorrow, probably out to UBC, given today's distance,
Plan to redo Seymour Falls and by way of training, tomorrow morning Ray and I plan to head out towards UBC to ascend the Hills of Point Grey, 9th, 4th and Marine Drive, looping around campus first, from Crown/Marine. Cheers, Patrizio!
Ragin' Bull's Diesel Cruise has been delayed for a week or so, next Monday or Tuesday. Let me know if you would like to join us. I think Lost Paridiso is interested in coming along so Branymir will have three able bodied seamen to swab the decks if you are still willing to risk life and limb!
Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity. -Christopher Morley, writer (1890-1957)
Trust you are both well and that your respective Easter weekends went well. Ours was busy. I had an incredible ride on Saturday, simply gorgeous day, perhaps the best of the entire weekend, as it turned out. Left Harbour Terrace shortly after 9:20am and made our way to Main via Seawall and Olympic Village and then to East Van, taking Lakewood north somewhere after Commercial. Then Adanac to Hastiings and over Second Narrows, Sarge in lead, followed by me, than Flamin' and then Ray. About half way across, some dope wanted to pass. He had already passed other two behind me and it is not without difficulty that one can stop, as I'm sure you know. Since I was close behind Sarge, he had to do same with him and just as he was about to do this, we came upon a chap coming the other way so it was a bit of traffic jam to say the least! Idiot, discourteous rider said that he wanted to pass as he felt he was "Too heavy and wanted to get up to 80K." His very words. Sarge thought it was me who wanted to pass and he couldn't figure out what I was all about. He had taken off his jacket just as we started up Lakewood, as it was wonderfully warm, and so scraped his bare left arm on railing as he slowed down and wobbled while other rider scraped by. Absolutely no need for that sort of thing, ridiculously selfish and possibly dangerous, probably not life-threatening but a nasty gash, cut or bump, quite easily.
At any rate, made it over the bridge without further incident and wound our way up to Demonstration Forest area where we headed out to Seymour Falls Dam on the wonderful bikeway. Ray had been before but none of the rest of has ridden through the magnificent forest, the cliffs of the mountains looming majestically above us whenever we came to a bit of a clearing. At about the 6K mark Ray and I went ahead and Sarge stayed behind with Flamin', to coax her along. This was already at 30K or more so she knew it was going to be at least 65-70K by time we were back home and she had never ridden that far before. On Friday, with Flamin' and Sarge, out to Steveston, much the same route as I had taken Saturday before, with other friends, except we didn't turn off dike quite as early, following it along to point where it connected with a paved road that allowed us to follow Rice Road over Highway 99. We stopped at this point as Flamin' didn't want ride to turn into more of an endurance test than it already was shaping up to be. Found No. 5 Road and took it all the way to River Road, (crossing over 99 at Steveston Highway, I think), coming to it just past Vulcan Way, just before stretch from our ride of day before, out to New Westminister and over Queensboro Bridge. Would like to explore where RR would take us, further east of Steveston, at some point. Back over new Cambie Sky Train Bridge, up Cambie and home for 61K.
Ray and I pedaled on ahead and before we knew it, 9K mark on this part of ride, we came to a rest stop with a biffy or two and a few benches, plus a metal screen barrier to service road. Couple sitting on one of the benches told us that path straight ahead lead to base of dam and I walked over rise to look at track. Asked a rider coming up grade if it was paved all the way and he said it was but only about a K in distance. Service road, north and south, were posted with signs informing one that roadway was off limits for recreational users. We chatted with couple for a few minutes and then both went into a separate outhouse before heading back. We assumed F/S would be waiting at one of picnic areas or had simply decided to go home. Waved goodbye to fellow cyclists and started our return. At each rest area we scanned seats but no sigh of the the Sutherlands so we kept going. Thought that they might be at FD area but no sign there either so we made our way on, choosing to follow path to Lynn Valley Headwaters. Last time Ray and I were on it, early December, it was very icy but very good surface this time, if a bit rocky/bumpy at times.
Soon on Lynn Canyon, I think, and took it all the way to Esplanade, down Grand Boulevard. Really gorgeous view of Vancouver and could hardly believe how high we had climbed as we just kept going down, down, down! Bit of backing and forthing until we connected with Marine Drive, near Keith Road, I think, and then over to 3rd and then 1st and we were away to Lions Gate. Bit of a grind for me on way up as I could really feel my legs. Shifted into low gear and enjoyed view! Once out of Park we took street as Seawall was awash with people as you can imagine. Took Beach and wound around some of the streets just back from water to hit Pacific all the way to Science World and then behind Olympic Village for an easy run to Lamey's Mill. Just as we approached Harbour Terrace Ray mentioned that we could call it an 85K outing, as odometer read 80K at that point. I said that I didn't think it was 5K to his place but he reminded me that he had ridden to GI! I acknowledged my oversight but once I left him at 1st and Cypress I headed for Kits Point and decided to put 87K on odometer just for good measure, not competition, you understand. Probably a subconscious way to get back at him for leaving me in the dust on all those hills in North Van and on Lions Gate! Thought fleetingly about going out to UBC, (Just to bottom of hill, mind you, as I'd had more than enough of hills by then. Even thinking about Ray and his homeward bound Cypress Street climb tired me out!), but didn't have the steam or desire to go that far so just dipsy-doodled around on the streets of Kits Point and then on the flat near our place, enjoying the sun as the K's clicked over.
When I was back, (roughly five and a half hours later!), popped downstairs to see what happened to our companions and we pieced things together. It seems that they went by us while we were in the toilettes! They rode up to the dam, ignoring signs, and I guess we left before they returned. They made their way back down Lilloet and even stopped for a beer and nachos at a pub somewhere along the way, before returning over Second Narrows. Sarge said he found grade pretty long and tiring by then as well. Suppose beer didn't help matters!! They made their way along your old street, I suppose, coming out at Wall and Powell, Powell to Main and then back via Science World, etc.
Really enjoyed listening to Bernhardt Schlink. He read from his latest, The Weekend, (both in German, one of sponsors was Goethe Institute!), and English, about a terrorist who has just been released from prison. His sister invites a number of old friends to her place to spend the weekend with him. Bit like Peter's Friends with a dash of Molotov, Baader-Meinhof cocktail! Cora Lee is reading one of VPL's copies as I compose! He is wonderfully articulate and it was fascinating to hear his take on contemporary German society as well as his answers to many interesting questions about his work from the floor.
Today's outing was a pretty grueling ride, all things considered, at least for me. Ray cycled to our place, close to 9:00am, and we took off around Seawall, over Lions Gate and then along 1st Avenue, more or less, through North Van to foot of Lilloet, up past Capilano College to Seymour Demonstration Forest and then back down via Lynn Canyon Headwaters Trail, Lynn Valley Road/Keith Road to Marine and 1st Avenue, over Lions Gate and down through Stanley Park. Returned to Kits over Burrard as Ray had to be home by noonish. I continued on out to UBC, along Spanish Banks, bucking a reasonably strong headwind, of course, out Marine to Dunbar and back to retrace my steps home. 103K by time I made it to Harbour Terrace and I'll tell you I was pleased as punch that wind was pushing me along on return leg!
I plan to go for a much shorter ride tomorrow, probably out to UBC, given today's distance,
Plan to redo Seymour Falls and by way of training, tomorrow morning Ray and I plan to head out towards UBC to ascend the Hills of Point Grey, 9th, 4th and Marine Drive, looping around campus first, from Crown/Marine. Cheers, Patrizio!
Ragin' Bull's Diesel Cruise has been delayed for a week or so, next Monday or Tuesday. Let me know if you would like to join us. I think Lost Paridiso is interested in coming along so Branymir will have three able bodied seamen to swab the decks if you are still willing to risk life and limb!
Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity. -Christopher Morley, writer (1890-1957)
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