Island Inn Diaries: July 2011

Sunday 31 July 2011

IIDD, July 29th

Hi Patrick:

If I were to go I'd definitely want to go to visit Raffles in Singapore. I really enjoyed JC descriptions of HK. Don't know where there heads are at after their whirlwind trip. I know she wasn't impressed with housing. I'm thinking that the government is insisting on their having a full time maid so they can keep an eye on them. Janice doesn't want a maid but may have to get one at least part time to keep officials happy. Keith got a suit made at Sam's. Prince Charles is a customer too.
It would be worthwhile for you to travel around seeing it's a 12 hour flight!

Here is her last long email.

"we had circumvented the eastern/southern half of Hong Kong island and on Friday we did the western half. We drove through the fish market area where there seems to be dozens of open market shops selling fresh seafood and fish, including dried cuttlefish, clams, and scallops. Dried mushrooms are supposed to be fantastic too, once rehydrated. My gastric juices were flowing (as Dad used to say) for some seafood chowder. These shops look like the owners are so poor but apparently they are all very wealthy people being in this market.

One fascinating thing: they have shops that sell things made completely of paper. Anything you can think of: a wok, a toaster, a bicycle, a house, laptop, you name it. The detail was amazing. They are all folded down flat when you buy them and then you open them up to their shape. What the Chinese do is take these to the temple for offerings where they are burned, thus sending the article up to heaven for the deceased person's use.

When someone dies at home, they are sat upright and moved quickly out of the house and taken to the hospital. This is because the Chinese will never buy a property if they know someone has died there. We heard a story about the Milkshake Murder, which evidently was a highly publicized event here in 2005. You can Google it for more details, but an ex pat's wife prepared a strawberry milkshake laced with sedatives and had her daughter serve it to her husband. Then the children were sent out of the home and she burgeoned him to death, rolled his body up in a carpet and had the carpet taken down in their apartment unit's storage room. Anyway, she was finally convicted of the crime, but to this day the apartment stands unoccupied.

In the afternoon Keith and I made our way back to Kowloon by MTR, a highly efficient train service. It is so cheap to use and combined with their buses and Mini bus systems, there is no need to have a car here. Besides, I think I may have already said that there is very little parking, so a car is slower and more costly to use. That said, you can buy a used car for about $80 to $100,000 HKD ($8 to $10000 roughly in CAD). Very low mileage makes it attractive. Keith looked up on Gumtree (like Kijiji) and you can get a 2005 Honda Accord for $9800 with 10,000 km.

We arrived at Sam's to pick up Keith's new suit, jacket and shirt, they checked the fit and we were out of there again in about 5 minutes! Now he wishes he had bought two pairs of pants. Inside the jacket is an embroidered label with Keith's name and invoice number, so we could always email them and ask for them to make a pair. What a great fit everything is on him.

.......something neat if you lived here: local shoemakers custom make shoes for you in any style, tread, padding and colour for about $50.00 CAD. You could easily have a matching handbag made up as well. Now that could be dangerous.

We walked to Hong Kong Garden, not far from our hotel late in the afternoon. The humidity was high yesterday so it was a bit of an effort but we were so happy we did because they have an amazing aviary, both a caged display and a much larger enclosed area. I could have spent hours there, but we arrived only 15 minutes before closing time. I will send photos separately.

Once back at the hotel we had green tea in our room, showered and then went to dinner, as I wrote about last night.

Pat,

Thanks for your recent humorous account.

Sylvia takes the pictures with her camera (Canon Powershot), downloads them into the Ipad II and from there we can weed out and send where appropriate. Evidently, the pictures from the Ipad are inferior in quality. You need to buy a cord from Apple to be able to download.
I'm grateful that you have linked up with Jim and Christine. I think it has helped to make their hoilday memorable and perhaps they will return one day when we are at home. Jim must have done very well with the steaks as that old BBQ has its hot and cold spots. His is a much more sophisticated machine and we have been using it with the local meat and fish. Finding the food in this country very good indeed.
Hope you manage to get Jim out this morning as I 'm sure he would enjoy talking rugby with Rod, although I understand from Peter that Rod has had some illness of late.
Don't think I know John McLean. Probably after my time at the VRC.
160 K is an awful long ride. With the kind of base you have developed in the last year, you should be able to achieve it. I' m wondering if a lightweight bike on rollers for the winter which can then be adjusted for the road once the weather improves is the way to go. You might be able to reduce your time over that distance by an hour or two with a lighter bike.
I know what you mean about distractions whilst on the bike. As we were riding to an old ruins last week, Sylvia looked across to enjoy the view and crashed into a curb. Fortunately, I managed to shout as I saw it happen which reduced the impact and she didn't come off. No riding lately - more walking for us and I' not sure that my fitness levels will be good enough on return. I'll work at it and try and return to former levels ASAP. It least I'll have no work to make excuses for reducing the distance in the first few weeks.
Picked up Jenny and her friend last night right on time at York train station. Erica seems like a lot of fun and she wants to ride into town this morning with me to the butchers and bakers. She works for Blackberry in London, who are undergoing difficulties and 3 of her team of 10 were let go on Friday. Then we are off for the day to the coast; Staithes near Whitby where 3 of my cousins have caravans in a nice, rural area within easy walking distance of both the moors and the beach and North Sea. Always cool there unfortunately. Ray

Hi Charlie,

Here are my thoughts on trip.

Leave for Fiji around the 8 or 9 of March, get to Melbourne by the 16th of March and then to Cairns from Sydney in late April around the 26 or 27 and then to Darwin a few days later and then from Darwin to Japan around the May 7 and then to Hong Kong around the 27 or 28 for 4 or 5 days and then home.

Let us know whats possible or if not what alternatives might be. Thanks Corinne

Hello Patrick,

I have been on the Sunshine Coast until a couple of days ago so I may have missed your friends call. I am in town now until the 23rd of August, when I leave for Europe for a couple of weeks. i would love to have coffee with you if you have the time when in Victoria.

Looking forward to hearing from you. Irene

Hi Irene!

Glad you were enjoying yourself on Sunshine Coast! Chris and Jim didn't have time to call, as it turned out, but thanks anyway. They ended up staying but one night. Unfortunately, looks like we might miss you as we will probably have to delay our trip until the 22nd or 23rd now. Cora Lee has promised to help a friend move week before and it is Chloë's 35th birthday on the 18th. Originally, she had planned to go to Penticton, with friends whose parents have a lovely home overlooking lake, to be away on her actual birthday but a concert here in Vancouver now seems to have changed all that! At any rate, we do plan to visit Victoria at some point so I'll keep in touch.

Had a more than delicious meal with Chris and Jim last evening. Arrived just after 6:00pm and enjoyed wine and appetizers on deck. Gorgeous in the setting sun. Jim quizzed me about many of the nicknames I've given to various people. He had an actual checklist and wanted to know history and origin of each! Quite touched by his interest as first time anyone has ever asked for a Rosetta Stone! (Actually, not quite true as Pat Coffaro, wife of winemaker of one of our favourite wineries in Sonoma, asked for clarification, a year or so ago!) Around 7:30pm we repaired inside to a veritable feast of steak, (done poifectly on bbq by James), roasted potatoes, mixed with carrots, (from back garden), a lovely salad, (with home-grown lettuce), to be followed by a smashing trifle, one of my favourite desserts. (Made this fact known to Chris when she asked what dessert she could bring a few weeks ago!) Returned to deck to savour trifle as it was still warm and quite comfortable without a sweater or wrap. Unusual, as I know I probably needn't remind you, as most evenings have been quite cool after sun goes down, in spite of heat, such as it's been, of the day.

Really a delightful evening. Have so enjoyed meeting them both and sorry that their holiday is almost over. Couldn't persuade Jim to ride to Steveston tomorrow morning. He feels that there is too much to do to get ready to leave on Sunday. I have offered to take them to the airport so will probably pick them up around 4:00pm or so.

If you are going to be in Northeast England, anywhere near Hartlepool, you should look them up! If interested, let me know and I'll send contact information and tell them that you plan to stay for a month! Enjoy your European junket. Cheers, Patrizio!

Dear Minister and UBC Planners:

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

Yours Sincerely,

Patrick Dunn, Librarian, Retired, UBC Library

Hi Cactoosian and Donna Forget-Me-Not!

I am more than happy to let Pat know that you will pick up our stash on 20th. We would certainly love to come south this Fall but whether that will transpire is unclear, at least as of this writing. Have to dovetail proposed trip with Coriandre's foot surgery, among other things/events. How is your shouldare, by the bye?

Hi Patrick and thanks for the update!

The dinner in observation of Corinne's 64th birthday sounds fabulous. You must have all been bursting at the seams. It seems that all is well there, as here. We are indeed starting to fret over and get ready for the next harvest season, which will be upon us soon. In the meantime, we are going to host the August pick up party and even though you cannot make it, we hope you will send your emissaries the Berkelites....uppity Californians indeed! We'll look forward to a possible visit in September...you can come help crush grapes and get your feet (and teeth) all purpled up.

Til then, take good care, ~Pat

Hi Pat and David!

Funnily enough, I just sent an email to Cactus and Donna Florida, (The Uppity Californians in question!), now home for the Pacific Northwest, as they plan to attend your bbq on 20th. Do I need to send you some sort of release, either to you or them, for my "emissaries", (The Berkeloids, as opposed to The Berkelites, which sounds more like Bud Lite, than a beefy Petite Sirah!), to pick up wine on our behalf? We trust them, (although perhaps we shouldn't, given their wrankling over the "upppity" appellation!), if you do! Just let me know when you have a moment in your busy, busy schedule.

Hi Legs!

Delighted to learn that you will be joining us! Arrive whenever it suits your busy schedule. Simply glad that you can squeeze us in between golf, squash and soaking in the Jericho pool/hot tub! Do you need directions? Ragin's number is 604-505-5194, in case you have misplaced/deleted earlier emails. Send out an SOS/distress call and we'll dispatch a search and rescue mission if you are lost somewhere along the shores of False Creek!

If you can bring dessert of some kind, that would be ultra fab! However, I should warn you, in advance, be prepared to be grilled about your latest visit to The Big Apple, by Cora Lee, in particulare, as she turned green, (greener than a Granny Smith), when I mentioned that you had been there again!!! Her very words were: "I HATE, (emphasis hers), Legs!" Doesn't take much for The Sisterhood to turn on one another, does it!

L'Chaim, Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!

PS: How is your Dad?

PPS: Your brain has always been frizzed. Don't blame the humidity! Focus! Move-up!!!

Hi Champagne, or should I say, more correctly now, Single Malt Man!

Thanks for great snaps! Just heard from Legs and she will be joining us for bridge so will need even more prizes! Cheers, Patrizio!

Legs!

Great but make sure you don't arrive with frizzed card sense! L'Chaim, Cheers, Il Conduttore

Hi Whirlygig!

Now you will be able to shout "First United" at the Lexus Polizei!

Have a call into Peter and he is going to confirm that ride is on to Steveston domani. However, he wants to meet at Marine/Cypress at 7:00am! Are you up for that? Let me know. Jim feels he cannot ride tomorrow but I'm going to try to twist his arm, nevertheless.

Before I forget, or if I did forget,are you planning to bring a salad tomorrow?

Hi Whirlisimo!

I always suspected, FU too, your "fused" vertebrae compression fracture story was a, FU too, rather unsuccessful, overly elaborate ploy to cover your Tourette, FU too, induced facial tics! Anyone can use make-up putty to fake, FU too, indentations in one's forehead. Look how well Captain, FU too, Barnacle covers up his pointed head! FU too!!!

Haven't heard back from Sneaky Pete yet but will confirm as soon as I know what is on. Thanks for salad but never mind the stinkin' life jackets, don't forget the strait-jacket! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

PS: Almost forgot, FU too!

Hi Brenda Louise!

Really liked your quip about pretending to be rich! Have to get up pretty darn early to put one by that gal Brenda Louise!!! Thanks for further installments of your sister's diary/travelogue. Wonderful to read about Hong Kong, in partiuclar, as think her description will tip us toward stopping over, en route home from Japan, this coming May/June.

Hi Dom Marcellino!

Thank you and Gianna, especially for introduction to trail in Stanley Park. Very, very enjoyable, in spite of numerous stops!!! Let us know about Kersten and Per and possibility of getting together, as well as when you might like to ride again. I am more than prepared to meet you at your place and then continue on to Seymour, per esempio!

Hi Sarge!

At the moment, Steveston is on for 7:00am, rendezvous at Marine/Cypress with Rod/Peter, my new best friends, indeed! Whirlygig is on for then BUT I'm happy to go later, 8:00am or 9:00am if you and Flamin' prefer a more reasonable starting time. Let me know so I can inform rest of peleton! Cheers, Patrizio!

Friday 29 July 2011

IIDD, July 28th

Giggster!

I think this describes what happens after you consume your salsa, not sip Shackleton's malt, as you'd need barn straw and dried moss to clean your damp bike/car seat and remove ordurous odour of wet sheepdog or worse! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi Omar Sharif!

You don't have to apologize for your bidding in the least! I have already put you on Lexus/Howling syllabus for Contract Bridge Bidding, Advance Play! You'll be The Director of Play on Saturday so I'd wear your Kevlar weave vest as once things heat up, who knows what might happen. I think body armour should stop a flare pistol fired at close range but I'd consume about a quart of your salsa, (Thanks very much for recipe. I've already launched it into the ether!), beforehand in case you need to subdue an outrageous bidder, using only semi-deadly force! If you blow, softly, into trouble-maker's face, I suspect you'd only cause 3rd degree burns!

Hi Giggenheimer!

Forgot to send along this ad. Just one example of Big Molly's talent, as I think I mentioned on one of our rides!

Here's the rig that I just finished for Andy, I made the prototype which is essentially the same but he had a company with a cnc, (computer numerical control), machine tool and they removed a bunch of material to lighten it up.

My reply:

Very, very impressed with your Cotton Carrier Steady Cam! Can you adapt one for my bike to hold the malt glass steady on the hills? We'll live like kings off the patent, (your idea, my marketing to cyclistii), especially when it hits The Tour de France!!!

Big Molly's rig and your Whirlisimo salsa and we have it made! Move over Millionaires!!! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi Champagne Charlie!

Perhaps you should wear your best suit as I think, given your outrageous bidding, that you are the prime candidate for the shroud!

Furthermore, any laptops for bridge prizes? Would make it much easier to keep bridge data in one place and readily accessible. A GPS would go well, especially once The Inside Passgae heads out to sea!

Hi Patrick,

Photos from our Transat Holiday travel agent trip to Scotland and England a couple of weeks ago. Thought these might make you drool.

It was early in the a.m. when we visited the Scotch Whiskey Experience at the Heritage Centre in Edinburgh. However, we all tried to have a taste with little to no success. It is certainly an acquired taste - this Scotch product. The tasting rooms were certainly beautiful though with all that coloured glass!

Charlie

Confirmatzione that I have directions and will arrive with dessert, knockage and card sense.
Corinne will stop hating me once she and I kick everyones butts at the bridge table.
Until tomorrow,
Legs

Hi Cactus!

Thanks for word on Coffaro. Not a big deal, as I mentioned. More so for you to attend, if you should like, rather than for question of muleage as that isn't really an issue until next April/May/June or so, or any time before that "hard" date. Can't recall exactly when right now. Anyway, don't worry, one way or another.

I think that you should start to sleep with Naught Nancy's phone placed on your chest! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!

Hi Vinnie!

Let me know if it works. If it does, Maggie will be taking a one-way trip, veddy, veddy soon! Cheers, Patrizio The Meany!

Hi again, Cactoosian!

Is this not what you should have in your signature?

Ubi est felium et vinum et malt, Deus ibi est.

According to Maggie and Whirlygig and Madame Coriandre, at least! Cheers, Patrizio!

Hi Sylvia and Ray!

Lovely snaps indeed! Are you taking them with your iPad II?

Had a more than delicious meal with Chris and Jim last evening. Arrived just after 6:00pm and enjoyed wine and appetizers on deck. Gorgeous in the setting sun. Jim quizzed me about many of the nicknames I've given to various people. He had an actual checklist and wanted to know history and origin of each! Quite touched by his interest as first time anyone has ever asked for a Rosetta Stone! (Actually, not quite true as Pat Coffaro, wife of winemaker of one of our favourite wineries in Sonoma, asked for clarification, a year or so ago!) Around 7:30pm we repaired inside to a veritable feast of steak, (done poifectly on bbq by James), roasted potatoes, mixed with carrots, (from your garden), a lovely salad, (with your lettuce), to be followed by a smashing trifle, one of my favourite desserts. (Made this fact known to Chris when she asked what dessert she could bring a few weeks ago!) Returned to deck to savour trifle as it was still warm and quite comfortable without a sweater or wrap. Unusual, as I know I needn't remind you, as most evenings have been quite cool after sun goes down, in spite of heat, such as it's been, of the day.

Really a delightful evening. Have so enjoyed meeting them both and sorry that their holiday is almost over. Couldn't persuade Jim to ride to Steveston tomorrow morning. He feels that there is too much to do to get ready to leave on Sunday. I have offered to take them to the airport so will probably pick them up around 4:00pm or so.

With respect to riding, haven't been out with Rod/Peter since just before you left. Called Peter a few minutes ago and will probably meet the two of them at Marine/Cypress at 7:00am! Whirlygig will probably join us as he needs an early start as well. I'm going to cal Jim later today and see if this early start will enable him to be part of group!

Yesterday, we had quite a peleton, at least for first part of ride. Jim and Whirlygig were at parkade by 8:15am and then we met Ragin' Bull and Johnny The Snoz, (John McLean plays at VRC. Do/did you know him?) I had invited Branacle Branymir to join us, if he wanted, day before, so they were waiting just outside entrance to Spruce Harbour Marina. After introductions, we set off for Stanley Park. Given the "lateness" of the hour, the traffic was heavy with abominable tourists and recreational cyclists, not like our dedicated, hard-core group! Anyway, we had a very pleasant ride, changing positions from time to time to chat with a different person.

Unbeknownst to Ragin and The Snoz, I had arranged to meet my friend Dom Marcellino, (Kjell), at Prospect Point Lookout at 10:00am. He is visiting from Stockholm and is staying with his girlfriend, Gianna, (Jane), on Bowser, a few blocks east of Capilano. I told Branko and John that we were going to ride over Lion's Gate, circle back and meet with DM. Of course, they were both blathering away, whining about not stopping for lattes, and didn't twig to fact of ascent to bridge deck until we made for road leading there. More whining and then they deserted, heading back to the Seawall while we continued on and over bridge. Just as we were on sidewalk opposite Park Royal, I suggested to Jim that he might want to stop, mid-bridge, to enjoy view, so he "raced" ahead, (reminding me of pace you always set on hills, Ray!), leaving Whirlygig and I in the dust! Close to crest of bridge, he was waiting to catch a snap of me as I rode past. He and George spent a few minutes enjoying view but I cycled on as I wasn't sure if Dom Marcello would be at Prospect Point. It was 9:50am by then.

Joined at Lookout, shortly after I arrived by W/J. James took a few shots from observation deck and then a friendly German tourist took one of us all. Five minutes later, Gianna, (I didn't know she was going to join us but very pleased that she came along, of course.), and Dom Marcello. More introductions, although WHirlygig had met them both a malt tasting Friday before, and then we made for Harbour Terrrace. En route, I quizzed various parties about how far they wanted to ride and determined than James and Whirlygig were planning to head for their respective homes, while G/DM wanted to ride out to UBC. Knowing that G/DM would want to stop for coffee, at some point, I suggested we pick-up some cinnamon buns, en route, and "invite" ourselves to your place to enjoy a coffee on deck. I thought that G/DM would enjoy meeting Chris and vice versa. This was agreed upon and after waving goodbye to Georgio, Jim "raced" ahead to warn Chris and put coffee on while ret of stopped at Benny's for cinnamon buns and cinnamon bagels. Later was Dom Marcellino's choice.

Few minutes later we were in your back yard, Gianna most impressed with your garden! Spent almost an hour chatting and enjoying special "filter" java, (not just Nescafe, as Chris pointed out!), while Jim kept remarking that he couldn't believe that I had actually stopped during a ride! Replied by saying that once I had dismounted at Prospect Point, ride was essentially ruined anyway so thought I might just as well wallow in sloth! Loads of fun, of course.

Said thanks and goodbye and then led the lazy bones back to Stanley Park. Gianna wanted to return via Burrard so we crossed bridge and then made our way along Beach to Seawall and then Gianna took over. She knew of a trail, gravel but good surface for road bikes, just opposite Second Beach Pool, which leads up to Prospect Point. Reasonably gradual climb, except for a few, quite short, steeper, but not impossibly steep grades. Advantage, of course, is that one is right in forest so it is both tranquil and stunningly beautiful. Quite like ride to dam at Seymour, but forest is more of a canopy here. At Prospect Point one follows a very, very steep tarmac path down to bridge level and then another even steeper, short path under bridge itself. I had to dismount under bridge, (horror of horrors), as climb up other side is almost vertical. Once all three of us were together, we set off for North Van.

I stayed with G/DM all the way back to Jane's place as I'd never been there by bike before and wanted to scope route. Kjell will be here until early September and he would like to do more rides so wanted to make sure I knew how to find place on two wheels. Waved goodbye, once home, (without stopping!), and proceeded, via Squamish Reserve, back to bridge. Wasn't particularly looking forward to long haul but it went well, in spite of firce side/head wind, much, much stronger than on first return with W/J.

By the time I was back home, (Once past Science World I took to the road as seawall was awash with dogs, kids, mindless pedestrians and rent-a-bike cyclists!), I had almost 75K on odometer, (Actually took a dipsy doodle around our parkade to make exactly 75K by time I headed out of parking area), so knew that I had to ride to UBC to log the 100K I felt I owed myself after sticky bun stoppage and lollygagging on deck! Legs and lungs felt pretty good and had my camel pack to keep me comfortably hydrated. Each grassy knoll along Seawall, each beach, (English Bay, Kits, Spanish Banks), was covered with mostly uncovered sun worshippers so I had to be rather careful not to let my eyes linger too, too long on the many sveltoids that could, Siren-like, distract me for but a critical moment, with ensuing disastrous results! Managed to forge ahead in spite of all the glistening pulchritude and after a short loop atop UBC Hill made for The Island Inn. Of course, still had to do great and glorious battle with headwind, (Seemingly it had dogged me throughout day!), but emerged victorious at just before 4:00m with 103.46K shining up at me from my trusty odometer! Rather pleased, if I do day so myself, as have not broken 100K for a few weeks.

At any rate, weather looks promising over next week or so, so hope to better this distance, bit by bit, extra K by extra K. Working up to the 160K I will need to be able to do if I have any hope of riding in Grand Fondo next year in Pencticton. Will be pleased when you are back home Raymundo as I need your grit and stamina and endurance to keep me going. Weasel riders here, (Whirlygig excepted), are too interested in coffee and cookies and talking about riding to get in shape, rather than actually going the distance! Cheers, Patrizio!

Patrizio, caro,

Thank you so much for a lovely ride yesterday. It was just what I and Gianna had hoped for. And we hope for many more biking adventures with you. Unfortunately I don't think I am going to be able to participate tomorrow.

The reason is that Kerstin and Per have decided to come back tonight, three days early, and we are going to the island tomorrow instead of Monday, so Gianna won't have to cancel her few remaining work shifts next week.

We'll most likely return to Vancouver on Monday evening. They will leave for Sweden on Thursday afternoon. I don't know yet what the beginning of next week will be like, but I certainly would like to go biking with you again as soon as possible.

Mille grazie, salutazioni and buona fortuna,

Kjell

Hi Kids!

Belated birthday greetings, Becksterina!!! For She's a Jolly Good Fellow.. Hip, Hip Hooray!!! Will do it properly, with even more gusto than usual, when next we see you. Fondestos, Patrizio!

Congratulations Prince Valiant! Great news indeed. Perhaps you'll get a gold-plated slide rule! Onward! Fight! Cheers, Patrizio!

Hi Brenda Louise!

I'd hardly call your life of extreme leisure and indolence mundane! However, really did enjoyed reading about Janice's time in Shanghai.

Hi Patrick:

We actually made the news with some localized flooding. Absolutely nothing where we are but a lot of rain downtown.Decided Ito go for lunch at the golf course at Sun Rivers today and pretend we are rich as well as indolent.Have you been to Hong Kong?

Day 4 - Hong KongYou must wonder what the heck I am writing about sometimes, as I read back these emails and find all sorts of substitute words the iPad has interpreted and inserted due to my keyboarding errors.Anyway, Forget what I said about Shanghai's skyline, as impressive as it is. Hong Kong's is so much more condensed, not to mention famous and is truly magnificent.We are staying at The Mandarin Oriental, another very beautiful hotel. The decor is very contemporary eastern with classical and traditional elements. What decorating ideas I can steal! The room is so inviting, half and half marble and carpet flooring, separate toilet, separate bathing/shower room and washing area equipped with lovely toiletries. There is so much storage I really could live in this one! Quite a classy joint! We have our choice of white terry robes or black silk kimonos and slippers. We had lunch in one of the ten restaurants in the hotel. I took pictures of the artistic cakes they have on display and I will try sending these later on.In the afternoon we walked through some shops connected to the hotel and beyond (there are lots of skywalks connecting buildings) en route to the Star Ferry which we took across to Kowloon. This is a must-do when you are here because of the tremendous views of the Hong Kong skyline,which I would like to share as I write but I think we got ripped off yesterday. We bought an adapter that allows you to upload pictures from the camera memory card into an iPad, but it doesn't work. Thank goodness we didn't also buy the external battery the guy was pushing!Over in Kowloon the streets are busy with locals and shopping, shopping and shopping. Did I mention shopping? There are so many jewelry stores, you can find exactly the same shop across the street and then another one of the same chain on the next block up. So far I found a diamond ring I adore but it is $180000 ($18,000 CAD) so I can't say there are cheap deals. It goes from the extremes of high end to street vendor junk, it seems. The highlight of the afternoon was finding Sam's, which is the most famous and best quality of tailors where you can have a suit custom made in a day! Keith was measured for a suit, a shirt and a blazer at 6:00 p.m. and we were told to come back for a fitting at 7:00. The suit is mohair and silk. All together everything cost only $750.00!!! We pick up his new duds on Friday afternoon. It is a tiny little store, no bigger than our kitchen, with about 8 people working on the floor. Sam has retired but his son runs it now and what a talent! He is on top of absolutely everything happening all at once yet you feel like you are the only customer. Obviously from what I observed of his interaction with other customers in the store, he has much repeat business. I enjoyed picking out all the celebrities' photos on the wall from over the past 60 years, including Jimmy Carter, Michael Jackson, Pavarotti and julia Roberts. There are 56 people working upstairs so when he gets an order on short notice, he calls up to one of the team leaders (he knows who he has given work to throughout the day) to see if there is a pair of hands available to take it on right away. Meanwhile we are offered a beer because we have to wait 90 seconds! It reminded me of Shannon's Relance clothing business, but to the level of detail where you select the lining, lapels, cut, collars, buttons, flaps, fronts, and so on. They keep everything recorded in a book including cuttings of the fabrics and there are piles of these books all over the store. It looks like total chaos but it works, obviously.At first we found all the street hawkers and people trying to draw you in to their stores a bit unnerving, but you soon get used to it and carry on. So far Hong Kong is by far the destination place for a holiday. This place is buzzing. Shanghai will grow in sophistication eventually, but it is going to take a long time. I recall Annie (the woman who met us the first night) saying you think they are children, but they are not. They are very shrewd and are using the west to their great advantage. But in terms of them being world class, they are still teenagers. LoveMom/Janice

P,

Early morning ride is great by me - the earlier the better. Let me know
where the starting gate is, here or at the Harbinger Tourette garage.

We are bringing a salad tomorrow. We can bring other stuff as well if need
be -- along with requisite life jackets, hooch, charts, bullhorn, barnacle
glue...

W

Hello Patrick, I have been on the Sunshine Coast until a couple of days ago so I may have missed your friend's call . I am in town now until the 23rd of August, when I leave for Europe for a couple of weeks. i would love to have coffee with you if you have the time when in Victoria.

Looking forward to hearing from you, Irene

Hi Patrick and thanks for the update! The dinner in observation of Corinne's 64th birthday sounds fabulous. You must have all been bursting at the seams. It seems that all is well there, as here. We are indeed starting to fret over and get ready for the next harvest season, which will be upon us soon. In the meantime, we are going to host the August pick up party and even though you cannot make it, we hope you will send your emissaries the Berkelites....uppity Californians indeed!

We'll look forward to a possible visit in September...you can come help crush grapes and get your feet (and teeth) all purpled up.

Til then, take good care,
~Pat

Thursday 28 July 2011

IIDD, July 27th

Hi Malt Lovers!

To date, nobody has been able to identify distillery. However, Dom Marcellino was close with:

... and the distillery is, of course, the Tairnchoshlochcharnon production unit number eleven, just outside Glendalochphroaighvulintosh, in the Hebrides. But I suppose you got that answer right away!

In fact, distillery is Ardbeg! Guess this means I'm still in charge for next gathering and "my rules" will be rigidly enforced, let me remind everyone, particularly The Sisterhood and those other grislers, whingers and back-biters around the tasting table! Enjoy your laissez-faire tasting until then! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Wednesday 27 July 2011

IIDD, July 26th

Hi Big Molly!

What about scheduling a ride? Today, abandoned, all alone, (all my regular riders had one excuse or another!), I decided to head out to UBC. It was a most pleasant morning, tide way out along Spanish Banks and since I left at 7:30am, traffic was light. Usual route out along Marine, into Musqueam, etc., dodging huge semis, (dismantling CO I presume), instead of usual fleet of Lexus/Mercedes, etc., at Shaughnessy and then back along Marine to complete Westbrook Loop/16th and then back to UBC and home. Thought that I'd only have time for 51K as I needed to collect my friend Imre at 11:00am, to take him to various medical appointments, but was pleased to be able to squeeze in 61K by time I was home. Weather looks pretty good for next week so hoping to up my distance over next few days. Anyway, give me a shout whenever you are free and interested in hitting the road! Cheers, Patrizio!

Hi Patrice,

I would love to do that soon and although the next week and a half is busy,
actually who am I kidding the rest of our so called summer is busy!. We are
heading out to Osoyoos for our annual trek to the" lovely" Richter pass" or
as I refer to it "the Rectum pass'' motel where some of our friends have
been going for more than 25 years. They have a ski boat and the motel has a
nice sandy beach and we'll have a game of golf or two. We're back on Monday
next and I have some work on my friend Paul's Precision camera car fleet to
finish up. August 5th we're heading up to Sakinaw lake for the weekend where
another friend (the one I built the Cotton Carrier for) is having a shindig.
We are back for a week and then head to Shuswap lake for 5 days ...phew!.
Anyway I would still love to do a ride with you and will try and fit
something in between work commitments and vacation stuff. over the next
month. Sorry you had to go it alone! I thought of you on Sunday morning as I
went for a ride down to the Fraser river and back ....well rode part way
back but eventually had to call it quits because my tire went flat and had
to call Colleen to come grab me. Kind of pissed of with that situation as I
just sent my bike into the shop to have it tuned up and a new tube put in
the back tire! As usual I tried to get somebody else to do something for me
and they didn't come through. I guess I'll deal with it myself next time.
Keep me posted on your adventures as I enjoy hearing about them.

Here's the rig that I just finished for Andy, I made the prototype which is
essentially the same but he had a company with a cnc, (computer numerical control), machine tool and they removed a bunch of material to lighten it up.

Take care, Al

Pat,

I've told Sylvia that this was my last castle! Castle Howard to be precise and very interesting inside. Some fire damage in 1940 which has been restored with money from the filming of the TV series Brideshead Revisited in 1981 starring Jeremy Irons and Sir John Gielgud. The film at the same location in 2008 was nowhere near as successful. Site spoiled somewhat with the inclusion of gift stores and the like but probably impossible to pay for the upkeep otherwise.
Poor Imre! The medical profession and their associates can be the best and worst. At a time like this some measure of compassion and kindness would be helpful.
Pleased that Christine and Jim are experiencing some decent weather for their final week.Not too good here, unfortunately, but we are enjoying our time in a very nice part of the country. Met up with friends of theirs today and have arranged to visit Harrogate with them on Thursday. Sylvia and Pat will go backstage at the theatre while Brian and I spend our time at his gym.
Haven't heard of Branko in recent correspondence. Busy with his boat I suppose and not able to ride.
Ray

Hi Sylvia and Ray!

Thanks very much for latest round of wonderful pictures. Cora Lee is beside herself with envy, if only because she was devoted, along with Rosie-the-Riveter, her Mother, to Brideshead Revisted! We were too busy playing squash in those days, Ray, to have time for such things! Guess I'm making up for it now with Downtown Abbey and Foyle's War!! Trust you are cycling on picturesque country lanes instead of driving on congested Motorways now!

Still fairly busy here, for us as spare bedroom has been in use, almost ever since The Uppity Californians left! Dom Pedro stayed over last Friday night, after malt tasting, and was back, from Naramata, yesterday. He had a business meeting all day and asked if he could host a bridge gathering at The Island Inn that evening. (Before he and Lynne moved to the Okanagan he played with a number of other chaps most of whom lived in West Vancouver. Sarge and I even played with the same group for a while.) Given that he was tied up for most of the day, I volunteered to do the shopping for food and hootch he wished to provide. Ended up with me deciding upon both so I bought haloumi, goat cheese from Cyprus, at Minerva's deli on Broadway, along with some dolmades, as well as a Greek dessert, baklava-like but with shredded-wheat-like pastry instead of phyllo pastry, at Greek bakery a few doors away.

Cora Lee and Flamin' went to a movie at Fifth Avenue, just after 7:00pm, Sarge was playing ball, so it was to be just The Brotherhood elite for bridge. Whirlygig arrived around 6:30pm, Dom Pedros with a beautiful bouquet for Coriandre, earlier at 6:00pm so we started to play with Cora Lee filling in until Flamin' arrived. As it turned out, Clive of Inja turned up just as first hand was dealt, by Coramandle herself, coinciding with Molly Mop's Mum's dramatic, I-am-the centre-of attention, if not the Universe, then at least Mae Westish, entrance, so goils flounced off and the bidding commenced!

We enjoyed a delicious Santa Ana, Casa de Campo, Argentina, 2010 Torrontes, 13.5%, pleasingly floral yet crisp with a balanced mineral finish, to start, moving to a Graffigna, San Juan, Argentina, 2010 Pinot Grigio, 2010, (a varietal I've not come across from Argentina before), showing terrific fruit and lime peel acidity, overall much more full-bodied than many offerings of this same grape. Whirlygig had brought a dynamite salsa, (see attached recipe), which went poifectly with whites, needed to cool the fiery concoction! When Robertitio arrived, I "rotated out", after four hands, usual procedure if five or more players are present, of an evening, to fry up haloumi, served with sliced, beef-steak BC tomatoes, small pickled peppers and lemon wedges. Sarge arrived about 10:00ish and he played for me as I tidied up and then served the dessert and the obligatory few drams of malt! Great evening indeed and rather fun to catch up with Clive and Robert as we had not seen them in a couple of years.

I was up at 6:60am to drop Jugos Dom Pedro at the Olympic Village Sky Train Station as he was flying back to Penticton at 8:30am. He and Lynne will pop by in a few weeks, (en route to Vancouver Island), to drop off the wine coolers we ordered from 8th Generation when there a few weeks ago. Not sure if they will stay the night or not as they have a busy schedule. Peter thought that they might leave a day earlier than originally planned if they can "squeeze" us in!

Had a good start to the day as that morning, at 7:00am. Whirlygig and I left The Island Inn, intending to circumcycle Stanley Park. However, when we were about a kilometre from riding under Lion's Gate, a police cruiser and two burly officers blocked the way! The seawall had been closed, for some reason. When Whirlygig asked what had happened he received but grunts, in reply, appropriately it seems, from the "pigs"! Thwarted, we decided to ride over bridge instead of under it and did just that, simply circling around, under bridge, once in West Vancouver, [noting, in passing, brand-spanking new bike lane, wonderfully marked and surfaced, at north end of bridge which takes one away from Marine Drive and all its heavy traffic], to retrace our steps, (or should that be "wheels"), home. By time we neared Whirlygig's place, had almost 40K on odometer so decided I'd head out to UBC. Wanted to log 71K as had done 61K day before and needed to up my distances, having become sloth-like during the burdensome, not to say tiresome stay of The Uppity Californians! As ride unfolded I added, without too, too much extra effort, a number of dipsy-doodles on to the regular Marine Drive/Musqueam/16th Avenue Loop/route to clock in at 87K by time I was back at The Island Inn. I would have gone for 100K had not my bladder been bursting ! Plus the fact that I needed to be home around noon to await call from Imre. I had told him I would be pleased to ferry him home from VGH after his appointment there with his haematologist. As it turned out, due to timing, he was able to take advantage of the shuttle service provided by the Free Masons to find his own way back. Chatting with him later, over phone, was pleased to learn that the infection which has so inflamed his face has begun to abate, significantly, and he is feeling, relatively speaking, of course, much, much better.

Cora Lee is working at First United until about 3:30pm and then off to a wine tasting event with Robyn this evening. Maggie and I have been left with a long list of household chores and half a dried crust to see us through! I'll really need tomorrow's meal with Chris and Jim! Ragin' Bull is alive and well and he is hosting a bridge evening this coming Saturday. Hope to persuade him to join Jim, Whirlgig and I tomorrow morning around Stanley Park. Speaking of rides, did you suggest Jim take bikes to Seymour Demonstration Forest and ride from there? Still have to call Mike. Cheers, Patrizio!

Hi Chris and Jim!

Glad to hear that you enjoyed Whistler. Unfortunately, Imre's day wasn't quite as pleasant as your outing. I took him to a number of medical appointments around 11:00am this morning. Firstt o lab and then to VGH. On top of everything else, as you know, he is suffering from a very painful infection which has caused his nose and sinus area to become extremely inflamed. His immune system is so compromised that who knows what he contracted or where he picked up this latest bug. Too add to his frustration and discomfort, (just getting in and out of a vehicle is taxing as his skeleton is literally collapsing upon itself), he was told that he could not obtain the blood test he required, at the lab on Broadway and Arbutus, when he presented himself there. At some point there was a frustrating misunderstanding, (Whether on his part of that of the health care worker at VGH who dealt with him last week is not completely clear to me but he was told today that since he is hard of hearing he probably didn't understand directions! Blame the patient who is consumed with unbelievable pain, suffering terrible agony every moment of the last days of his life.), about where he was to go for his test. He, himself, was quite surprised to learn that he could have his blood drawn at the lab closer to where he lives as the blood work, necessary before each transfusion, apparently, had always been done, in the past, at VGH. When so informed about this change of venue, he asked, a number of times, for confirmation, just to make sure he understood where he was now to go, having been given the bureaucratic run-around quite a few times before! On a slightly more positive note, the infection seems to have been controlled by the antibiotics he has been given over last few days and the swelling on his face has diminished and become less sensitive.

I will probably be collecting him from VGH tomorrow afternoon, after his blood transfusion and I will ask him for Ray's book of footballer cards when I drop him off. I'm more than happy to go to Seymour but it is a very good ride, probably 60K round trip. First over Lion's Gate Bridge which entails a good huff to get to start of bridge, a good climb up from ocean level. Bridge itself is not a particularly difficult grade, going north, slightly more strenuous coming back, however. Then a fair hike through North Vancouver to ride up Lilloet, about three times the distance of the UBC hill. Steep to begin with but levels off after your first lung pops! Once at Seymour Demonstration Forest, another 9K of exceedingly pleasant forest cycling on a wonderful paved surface, with a few small hills thrown in along the way, just for good measure. Mostly downhill on way back until Second Narrows Bridge, a fairly long, steady climb, although I prefer returning via Lion's Gate as it is quieter and has a wider cycling path. Flamin' does this ride so I suspect you would find it nothing but a walk in the park! Seriously, if one takes it slowly, (Ray always pushes the pace on the various grades, believe me!), it is certainly challenging but not exhausting. When do you leave? Weekends are quieter as far as traffic on North Shore so Saturday would be a good day. Anyway, let me know what you think. Cheers, Patrizio!

Hi Whirlygig!

What with Introduction to Lexus Paranoia and Howling 101 we just have about enough course material on the calendar to be accredited as a Junior College. If we can persuade Barnacle Branymir to teach Raging: A basic grammar and Chart Making on the Fly, I think we will qualify for government funding for post-secondary education initiatives. Not quite sure how your Language Lab expletives will work with the Japanese ESl students, however! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

PS: I'll put you down for a salad on Saturday, one sprinkled with expletives, I assume!

Hi Dusty, (He cannot stand the smell of lamb, let alone eat it!):

Perhaps I'll bring along some cat burgers. I trust your don't have an aversion to Minced Maggie. Should be quite a tasty dish, given the expensive food we are forced to buy for her, with a dash or oregano and some hot sauce! You're happy not having to have lamb and we're happy that we don't have a feral cat whining at 5:30am each morning! Only losers will be the local raccoons who have been circling for weeks, hoping for a snatch and run scenario!

There will be eight for bridge, confoimed, not counting Legs. Haven't heard back from her so not sure if she will making an appearance or not. I'd bring a prize for her and I'll be sure to pass it along, or swap it for mine if I like hers better or not even give it to her at all! So many prizes, so little time! In fact, bring surplus prizes if you are really trying to clean out your closets. Why not clutter up someone else's place?

O Susannah's Mediterranean appetizer tray sounds more than wonderful. I'll have to make sure Ragin' has plenty of Ouzo on board. Let me know if you plan to park, following Ragin''s suggestions/instructions, near marina or would prefer to park closer to us and stroll over. Depending on what you'd like to do, we'll make necessary arrangements.

Should be fun, especially watching over-bidders walk the plank! Cheers, Patrizio!

Always fun to read you! Perhaps we can even have a "burial at sea" for the
one who is low score.

For sure I will bring plenty of "prizes" as we don't want anyone to go home
empty-handed.

As always, thanks for the updates. I am now at folder level with all the
maps, emails, instructions, etc.

BTW, no need to bring my trunks I suppose, as I intend to not come in last
re: points. CC

Intrepid Bridge Affectionates,

Please note parking options in the immediate vicinity.

1) Sitka Square - free but usually you have to get a bit lucky.
2) Area in front of the access to the school, just above the "Green" where it says "School Green". Usually some room there if there is not a soccer pick-up game happening on the adjacent field.
3) Worst case - pay parking at the lot by the 3-way stop between School Green and Charleston Rd.

The marina is 100m due North of Sitka Square. Those of you bringing substantial fare, such as cases of wine or barrels of single malt, can drive to the end of Sitka Square, turn right onto Scantlings and follow the street down to the seawall where there is a 20 minute loading zone. Ignore all "Do Not Enter" signs and watch out for kids playing street hockey.

At the Marina, buzz number 81. If I don't hear it, call my cell - I will be around somewhere. Once inside, walk straight down to the building at the center, hang a sharp right, walk down E dock, look for the "Bridge" sign.

Hi Pat

Thanks for your considered judgement on Seymour. I wondered after I read it whether Ray had in mind my taking the bike on the back of the car to the start?

We leave on Sunday so I probably will refrain from committing to a long ride the day before-not least because I would like to return Ray's bike to its pristine condition in addition to Sylvia's car.

Sorry to hear Imre, and hence you, have been put to so much aggravation but pleased that somehow the infection may have eased.

I am trying to pay my fine today and Ray had suggested a local walk to Shaunnesy. I would like to get to Lynn Canyon using public transport and/or Deep Cove before we leave.

We trust you are OK to eat with us on Thursday around 6.30 and are looking forward to seeing you both.

Regards, Jim

Patrizio, caro,

First of all, thank you so much to you and your spouse for a really vitalizing evening. Nothing missing. Good whisky, good food, good company, and finally some good old howling.

We not only made it safely home but all the way to the cabin on the Saturday, and to Whistler the day after, in the company of the tourists from Sweden.

About the malt, I left it intentionally, but if Cora Lee insists I had better not disobey her. I hope there will be plenty of opportunities to meet over the next eight weeks (cabin, biking, pub, concerts, movies, etc.). I'll call you and we'll talk sensibly about it.

Again, thank you, fondestos, and bestestos, Marcello (and Gianna)

FYI - Great Scotch article in the July 24th New York Times Magazine: Charles McGrath, "Spirits of the South Pole".

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/24/magazine/drinking-ernest-shackletons-whisky.html?pagewanted=all

Cheers...Paul

Hello, again, Malt Drinkers and Unaccredited Observers!

Trust everyone made it home safely! Just a quick note to thank everyone for all the wonderful food and marvelous company. Three "official" tasters, (Dom Marcellino, Big Molly and Whirlygig), left their malts behind. Cora Lee "insists" you claim them when convenient. Perhaps I could arrange for Howling 101: An Introductory Course in Call and Response, when you pop by to repatriate your hootch!

A special thank you to The Sisterhood for the terrific job of pouring and serving, under rather trying and difficult circumstances, as well as to Per for introducing us to one of Sweden's finest malts. I know that a number of you, Dom Marcellino, in particulare, were fussed about not ranking the malts, the blind tasting protocols, and the like. Rest assured, I will call for a Royal Commission to investigate the evening and hope to table the report before the next gathering! One trusts that the findings will inform the manner and order of tasting and suggest an approach which does not rely upon the whimsy, idiosyncrasy and obvious lack of knowledge, (as evidenced by failing grade on identification exam), on the part of the principal organizer!

Once again, thank you all for coming and making the evening as enjoyable as it was. Onward! Fight!! Cheers, Patrizio!

PS: First person to correctly identify distillery in attached photo wins the right to determine which malts will be tasted in next go around!

... and the distillery is, of course, the Tairnchoshlochcharnon production unit number eleven, just outside Glendalochphroaighvulintosh, in the Hebrides. But I suppose you got that answer right away.

Thanks for hosting the bridge last night and for all the great food. I am also grateful to all who generously shared their knowledge of the game with the novice. Fortunately you were too deep into the anaemic maltage to notice my errors in playing the last hand.

Please pass along the attached salsa recipe to those in the group who might want it especially Corinne.

Let me know what you plan to do for riding with Jim tomorrow.

This is just one of the missives
My life is mundane in comparison but thought you might find some interest in my sister's travelogue.
Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

There are so many unique skyscrapers in Shanghai all throughout the city, it makes the Manhattan skyline seem insignificant. I can't even guess how many stories there are in some of them. And as I said before, at night each one of them is lit in multiple-colored lights with changing displays.

Along all the Roads and highways are thousands of flower boxes. With so little rain, it must be employment for many people to keep them watered and trimmed. Everywhere you look they have tried to beautify the city, at least the areas that you see. Can you imagine driving underneath the Gardner Expressway in Toronto and seeing it all bright and freshly painted, in two colours at that! There is so little land left yet they squeeze in green spaces and they are beautifully maintained. Sometimes I could see groundskeepers dressed in loose fitting uniforms and wearing the traditional cone-shaped straw hats, the name of which escapes me at the moment. We saw some residential renovation going on near a very exclusive golf course and the workers seem to arrive with only hand trucks. Keith remarked that they must be very well organized with bringing only the tools they will need for the day's job.

I think I have figured out the driving. First of all, you wouldn't. It is far too dangerous and that is why they have so many drivers for people. Besides, there is no parking! I wrote before that you only worry about what us going on in front of you. If you are only slightly ahead and need to cut someone off to change lanes, you just do that. Usually the other car will give way, bUt on occasion you may get a warning sound from their horn. If someone ahead of you is going too slowly, you lean on the horn. They probably won't move though, as it's your problem, not theirs. So then what you do is lean on the horn to let them know you are going to pass (very closely alongside) and then cut them off. Turning left across multiple lanes is an art, but you just do it. The oncoming traffic will adjust if there is just barely enough time to do so. Bikes, cars and pedestrians are going every which way and turning, u-turning, backing up, dodging, and I never saw one collision! You can imagine all you hear are horns blasting. If the light is green and your lanes are not moving, everyone leans on their horns.

Then there is the issue of safety. We read an interesting editorial in the newspaper about China needing to make safety part of their manufacturing and building processes, following western examples. No one wears seat belts. Children ares in front seats of cars. There are staircases without handrails and steps not indicated. One of their high speed trains crashed into another and derailed it right off a bridge, killing 40 people -- unofficially -- it seems there is some controversy about covering up the crash recovery details in the papers but the unofficial input by users into the Internet seems to collaborate that number.

Speaking of trains, there is a train that runs between the airport and downtown called the Maglev. It travels at almost 500 km/hr and makes the trip in about 7 minutes.

A young girl we spoke with said the students now use something the same as Twitter for protection, to post pictures if a teacher beats a student.

Today the young woman Tai Chi Master was doing Tai Chi Sword at 5:15 a.m. outside in the park. It was wonderful to watch. I would love to find an instructor and take that again. Then at 6a.m. she began the daily lesson with her two male students. All the while there are others exercising and doing Tai Chi in the same area.

We went to an area of the city yesterday that consists of old factories built in 1933 and they have been converted into art galleries. I think the area is called 1933. We were getting very tired at this point so we didn't stay long, but what we saw was incredible. They are really encouraging people to express themselves through art forms. A few years ago many of the pieces wouldn't have beebread allowed, I am quite sure, as they were very political.

We are close to landing in Hong Kong now. I just enjoyed a Dim Sum breakfast on board Dragon Air, which is affiliated with Cathay Pacific. The fruit beforehand was so fresh and juicy. I am really emoting all the different teas, all herbal of course, or green.

Time to sign off as we are descending. It sounds like a nice day, scattered cloud, 32 degrees and light breeze. The climate is a bit more temperate than that of Shanghai, mind you we visited at the worst time of year.

Love, Janice/Mom

Tuesday 26 July 2011

IIDD, July 25th

Hi Ragin'!

Pleased to learn that all your home improvements are moving along quite nicely. Menu is coming together as well. I plan to ride with Jim on Thursday morning, probably around Stanley Park so you are more than welcome to join us then. We could do chairs and tables sometime after that. Let me know what you think. Cheers, Patrizio!

Ciao Elizabetta and Thoroughly Rotten!

Veramente contento che tu sia lungo e felice vi sia piaciuto soggiorno sull'isola! Enjoy the rest of the summer! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!

Hi Donna Florida and Cactoosian!

Trust life goes well in Seattle and on Bainbridge Island. Popped your charger in mail on Thursday, I think, Donna Forget-Me-Not. (Perhaps it is still in the spare bedroom!)

For our part, we had a terrific malt tasting party on Friday night with about twenty people in all. Wonderful selection of Scotch and marvelous food. Everyone contributed various dishes. Up at 8:00am on Saturday to have a delicious breakfast with Dom Pedro and Electric Avenue, two of the lads who stayed overnight! Cora Lee whipped up more than scrumptious scrambled egg dish and we augmented cackleberries with over-lefts, (Swiss boarder translation for "leftovers"), sustainably harvested, (dig at Whirlygig who doesn't eat red meat!), sausages. Spent rest of morning putting Island Inn back in order, (took three trips to recycling bins to get rid of incriminating evidence), and returning tasting glasses. En route to rental place I felt like I was inside the empty Bunnahabhain, (one of malts we tried after "official" tasting was over), bottle and Breakfast Club, (various friendly street people I've come to have a nodding acquaintance with, over the last few years, who are already tippling by 10:00am), at Go Green kept milling around Titanium Green as I unloaded recyclables afterwards!

Back home for a quick shower and then Flamin' joined us to walk up to 4th to take in Kits Days. Great timing for street event, perhaps one of best so far. A real summer day!!! We had arranged to meet Donna Maria and Herardo, as you might recall, at some point. As soon as we crossed Burrard, I knew that we might not bump into them as crowd was pretty thick. I suggested they walk down from their place near 2nd and Vine, keeping to the north side of street. We would do the same, walking uphill. At any rate, we did find each other and spent the next hour or so popping into stores, tasting food samples, etc. Once we reached Safeway, had seen most of what there was to see. From there, west to MacDonald was more of a flea market, I believe.

Famiglia Martini invited us back to their place for wine and cheese and we had a lovely time visiting and enjoying the simply spectacular view from their very, very comfortable 17th floor apartment. Stacee, their daughter, and Sean, her boyfriend, were along as well and after they left, we suggested that DM/H join us for dinner. They were delighted to do so but insisted on contributing to meal. Flamin' and I set out ahead of rest of gang as there was a line-up for bathroom and I was prepared to water the rosebushes in front of their building!

Flamin' had phoned Sarge, who was just back from Canadian Open, and he had come upstairs to take some steaks out of our freezer, and then come to collect us. We bumped into us near Yew, I think, but since DM/H/CL were nowhere in sight behind us, we clambered aboard and made for Harbour Terrace. By the time I had meat defrosted latecomers arrived, bearing fresh corn, mushrooms and blueberries scored at GI Market. We made our way downstairs and had a lovely time on their patio, sipping more wine and nibbling on more hors d'oeuvres.

At some point, Molly Mop was frolicking on the grass beyond the embankment which hides your deck from view and Flamin' went to bring her back as she refused to answer the repeated calls to come home. Two Italian tourists were playing with Molly when Flamin' went to collect her and she invited Micol and Valerio to join us for a drink. He, (V), is here studying to become a sommelier, she and her boyfriend, (he was working), are here visiting. Everyone friends from Milano so that was original connection. Great time quizzing them until they had to leave. Hope to see them again as they were lots of fun.

Sarge did a stellar job on steaks, I had made a green salad, corn was more than delicous and Flamin's roasted spuds were divine. For dessert we poured some very good ice-wine, (a birthday present to CL from her friend Agneta), over the fresh blueberries. Another wonderful meal indeed! Everyone was tired by about 9:30pm so we thanked one another and said goodnight to make for home. Another full day!

Bit of an update on Imre, as of today. I took him to a number of medical appointments around 11:00am this morning. On top of everything else, he is suffering from a very painful infection which has caused his nose and sinus area to become extremely inflamed. His immune system is so compromised that who knows what he contracted or where he picked up this latest bug. Too add to his frustration and discomfort, (just getting in and out of a vehicle is taxing as his skeleton is literally collapsing upon itself), he was told that he could not obtain the blood test he required, at the lab on Broadway and Arbutus, when he presented himself there. At some point there was some sort of misunderstanding, (Whether on his part of that of the health care worker at VGH who dealt with him last week is not completely clear to me but he was told today that since he is hard of hearing he probably didn't understand directions! Blame the patient who is consumed with unbelievable pain, suffering terrible agony every moment of the last days of his life.), about where he was to go for his test. He, himself, was quite surprised to learn that he could have his blood drawn at the lab closer to where he lives as the blood work, necessary before each transfusion, apparently, had always been done, in the past, at VGH. When so informed about this change of venue, he asked, a number of times, for confirmation, just to make sure he understood where he was now to go, having been given the bureaucratic run-around quite a few times before! On a slightly more positive note, the infection seems to have been controlled by the antibiotics he has been given over last few days and the swelling on his face has diminished and become less sensitive.

As well, I have troubles of my own, even though finally rid of The Uppity Californians! Today, abandoned, (all my regular riding companions had lame excuses!), I decided to head out to UBC. It was a most pleasant morning, tide way out along Spanish Banks and since I left at 7:30am, traffic was light. Usual route out along Marine, into Musqueam, etc., dodging huge semis, (dismantling CO I presume), instead of Lexus Polizei at Shaughnessy, (the hoi aristoi), and then back along Marine to complete Westbrook Loop/16th and then back to UBC and home. Thought that I'd only have time for 51K as I needed to collect Imre at 11:00am but was pleased to be able to squeeze in 61K by time I was home. Weather looks pretty good for next week so hoping to up my distance over next few days. Hope to ride with Jim on Thursday so perhaps I can persuade both Weasel Whirlygig and Mike to join us. Cheers, Patrizio!

The tax which will be paid for the purpose of education is not more than the thousandth part of what will be paid to kings, priests, and nobles who will rise up among us if we leave the people in ignorance. -Thomas Jefferson, third US president, architect and author (1743-1826)

Pat,

Visited an old friend in Stoke-on-Trent yesterday who had a serious stroke some years ago. Drove with two other friends on motorways sometimes at 100 mph. Unbelievable traffic even into the evening. Driving of this kind wouldn't be my cup of tea on a regular basis.

In the meantime, Sylvia travelled a shorter distance to Harewood House (as seen in photo below) with the wives of my friends. The old stately home is owned by a cousin of the queen. It sounded as though the three of them had a very pleasant day - better than 4.5 hours on the motorway for sure. Nevertheless, a valuable trip to see Ivor who I might never see again.

Relaxing this morning other than a light workout with Jim's weights and exercise bike. Deciding which area to visit this afternoon.

Hope you are enjoying the bike and recent good weather. Have a pleasant evening on Tuesday. Has Mike Carter started to ride again? Ray

Hi Sylvia and Ray!

When did Sylvia buy her castle? Has she employed you to be both Groundskeeper and Gardener, Ray?

On a sadder note, feel a bit like you, Ray, and your friend Ivor, with respect to my friend, Imre. Today, had thought that I would ride with Giorgio but he was unavailable. Originally, anticipated we'd start out around Stanley Park but since I was alone decided to head out to UBC. It was a most pleasant morning, tide way out along Spanish Banks and since I left at 7:30am traffic was light. Usual route out along Marine/Musqueam and then along 16th and then back to UBC and home. Imagined I'd only have time for 51K as I needed to collect Imre at 11:00am but was pleased to be able to squeeze in 61K by time I was home. Weather looks pretty good for next week so hoping to up my distance over next few days. Must give Mike a shout. Hope to ride with Jim on Thursday so perhaps I can persuade Mike to join us, unless he has the excuse of golf!

Slight change of schedule as we are now going for dinner on Thursday instead of tomorrow. Chris and Ray had planned a day trip to Whistler today when I talked to Jim on Sunday. Should be almost picture perfect as far as weather is concerned. All the best. Cheers, Patrizio!

Hi Gen. Petreros!

Sorry that combat missions won't allow you to join us. Keep in touch when you expect your next furlough. Legs, what is happening in your jet-set life? Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi Ragin'!

I'll consult with rest of gang and see what time suits everyone. Will let you know as soon as I know. If we ride around Stanley Park it is best to be on road by 7:30am at latest, however. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi again, Jugos Dom Pedro!

Just leave a voice message or send an email if I'm not in. Cora Lee has a shift at WISH tonight and I might go for another ride if there isn't a thunder shower later. Earlier today, abandoned by my regular riding companions, I decided to head out to UBC. It was a most pleasant morning, tide way out along Spanish Banks and since I left at 7:30am, traffic was light. Usual route out along Marine, into Musqueam, etc., dodging huge semis, (dismantling CO I presume), instead of usual fleet of Mercedes and the odd Lexus at Shaughnessy and then back along Marine to complete Westbrook Loop/16th and then back to UBC and home. Thought that I'd only have time for 51K as I needed to collect Imre at 11:00am but was pleased to be able to squeeze in 61K by time I was home. Weather looks pretty good for next week so hoping to up my distance over next few days. Cheers, Patrizio!

Hi Donna Florida and Cactoosian!

Trust life goes well in Seattle and on Bainbridge Island. Popped your charger in mail on Thursday, I think, Donna Forget-Me-Not. (Perhaps it is still in the spare bedroom!)

Hootch consumed on Thursday, July 14th:

Howling Bluff, 2009 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, 13.5%, wonderful acidity

Young and Wyse, 2010 Amber, 47% Viognier, 38% Pinot Gris, 15% Gewurtzraminer, 14%, Patrizio

Poplar Grove, 2009 Pinot Gris, 14.2%, Cactus

Black Widow, 2008 Pinot Gris, 13.3%, Patrizio

Ogio, 2010, Pinot Grigio, Belle Venezie, IGT, 12%, Herardo

Fox Creek, 2002 Short Row Shiraz,15%, Patrizio

Zenaida Celalrs,2008 Knucklehead, 100% Petite Sirah, 15.2%, Patrizio

Sister's Run, 2008 Shiraz, God's Hill, Barossa, 14.5%, Herardo

Escudo Rojo, 2008, Baron Phillipe De Rothschild, Maipo, blendage: Cabbage, Carmenere, Syrah and Cab Franc, 14%, Patrizio

Glen Garioch, Highland, 21 yr old, Patriziio

Monday 25 July 2011

IIDD, July 24th

Hi Whirlygig!

Quite pleased, in fact, with how I felt on Saturday morning! Up at 8:00am to have a delicious breakfast with Dom Pedro and Electric Avenue. Cora Lee whipped up more than scrumptious scrambled egg dish and we augmented cackleberries with over-left, sustainably harvested sausages. Spent rest of morning putting Island Inn back in order, (took three trips to recycling bins to get rid of incriminating evidence), and returning tasting glasses. En route to rental place I felt like I was inside the empty Bunnahabhain bottle and Breakfast Club at Go Green kept milling around Titanium Green as I unloaded recyclables afterwards!

Back home for a quick shower and then Flamin' joined us to walk up to 4th to take in Kits Days. Great day for street event, as I'm sure you know. We had arranged to meet our friends, Donna Maria and Herardo, in from Terrace, at some point. As soon as we crossed Burrard, I knew that we might not bump into them as crowd was pretty thick. I suggested they walk down from their place near 2nd and Vine, keeping to the northside of street. We would do the same, walking uphill. At any rate, we did find each other and spent the next hour or so popping into stores, tasting food samples, etc. Once we reached Safeway, had seen most of what there was to see. From there, west to MacDonald was more of a flea market, I believe.

Famiglia Martini invited us back to their place for wine and cheese and we had a lovely time visiting and enjoying the simply spectacular view from their very, very comfortable 17th floor apartment. Stacee, their daughter, and Sean, her boyfriend, were along as well and after they left, we suggested that DM/H join us for dinner. They were delighted to do so but insisted on contributing to meal. Flamin' and I set out ahead of rest of gang as there was a line-up for bathroom and I was prepared to water the rosebushes in front of their building!

Flamin' had phoned Sarge, who was just back from Canadian Open, and he had come upstairs to take some steaks out of our freezer, and then come to collect us. We bumped into us near Yew, I think, but since DM/H/CL were nowhere in sight behind us, we clambered aboard and made for Harbour Terrace. By the time I had meat defrosted latecomers arrived, bearing fresh corn, mushrooms and blueberries scored at GI Market. We made our way downstairs and had a lovely time on their patio, sipping more wine and nibbling on more hors d'oeuvres.

At some point, Molly Mop was frolicking on the grass beyond the embankment which hides their deck from view and Flamin' went to bring her back as she refused to answer the repeated calls to come home. Two Italian tourists were playing with Molly when Flamin' went to collect her and she invited Micol and Valerio to join us for a drink. He, (V), is here studying to become a sommelier, she and her boyfriend, (he was working), are here visiting. Everyone friends from Milano so that was original connection. Great time quizzing them until they had to leave. Hope to see them again as they were lots of fun.

Sarge did a stellar job on steaks, I had made a green salad, corn was more than delicous and Flamin's roasted spuds were divine. For dessert we poured some very good ice-wine, (a birthday present to CL from her friend Agneta), over the fresh blueberries. Another wonderful meal indeed!
Everyone was tired by about 9:30pm so we thanked one another and said goodnight to make for home. Another full day!

Plan to go for a ride later this afternoon after I run a few errands. Want to visit both my Mom and friend Imre. I'm up for a ride tomorrow. Jim is busy with one thing and another, (off to Whistler tomorrow, Deep Cove, and elsewhere, at some point later in week), so Thursday is first day he will be free. Plan on an early ride then, probably around Stanley Park, so please join us if that works for you. Let me know about tomorrow. Cheers, Patrizio!

Hello, again, Malt Drinkers and Unaccredited Observers!

Trust everyone made it home safely! Just a quick note to thank everyone for all the wonderful food and marvelous company. Three "official" tasters, (Dom Marcellino, Big Molly and Whirlygig), left their malts behind. Cora Lee "insists" you claim them when convenient. Perhaps I could arrange for Howling 101: An Introductory Course in Call and Response, when you pop by to repatriate your hootch!

A special thank you to The Sisterhood for the terrific job of pouring and serving, under rather trying and difficult circumstances, as well as to Per for introducing us to one of Sweden's finest malts. I know that a number of you, Dom Marcellino, in particulare, were fussed about not ranking the malts, the blind tasting protocols, and the like. Rest assured, I will call for a Royal Commission to investigate the evening and hope to table the report before the next gathering! One trusts that the findings will inform the manner and order of tasting and suggest an approach which does not rely upon the whimsy, idiosyncrasy and obvious lack of knowledge, (as evidenced by failing grade on identification exam), on the part of the principal organizer!

Once again, thank you all for coming and making the evening as enjoyable as it was. Onward! Fight!! Cheers, Patrizio!

PS: First person to correctly identify distillery in attached photo wins the right to determine which malts will be tasted in next go around!

Hello Jugos Dom Pedro et al!

Glad you found your passport, Dom Pedro. I suspected, when I listened to your first phone message that it was, as you eventually discovered, nestled up against the Tullibardine in your bag!

Bridge is on for Tuesday at 6:30pm. Unfortunately, for the bridge wizards, Sarge has a regular summer league ball game on Tuesday so he won't be able to join us for most of evening, I suspect. Depending on weather, when game finishes, post-game analysis in pub, etc., he may well pop by to say hello. Not sure what Coriandre has planned for evening but if home perhaps she can be persuaded to play until Robert arrives. If not, then we can play three-handed bridge, à la Guayabitos with Ragin' Bull/Barnacle Branymir!

With respect to parking, it shouldn't be too, too difficult to find on-street space. However, if either Cora Lee or Chloë will be out then we will have a space available inside. Furthermore, I can always move my vehicle outside at just before 6:00pm and/or ask Sarge if we can use his space while he is out chasing fly balls! Not to worry, either way as we'll work something out. Further to this, I'll send another email once I know about everyone's likely schedule, etc.

Looking forward to seeing you both, Clive and Robert, after not connecting for a number of years. Not so sure about Dom Pedro, however, as I thought we just rid ourselves of him a few days ago! Cheers, Patrizio!

Hi again, Dimentico Jugos!

Received same message from Robertito. Are you two twins? If you are so inclined, I'd catch the Aquabus and take it across to Granville Island. You can catch it at Plaza of Nations, probably the closest stop to Arena. Let me know if there is anything I can do for evening, (shopping, etc.), if you are going to be pressed for time or otherwise busy/delayed. Furthermore, I'm happy to pop you at Olympic Village on Wednesday morning, whenever you'd like to leave, if you want to take Sky Train. We can chat about that on Tuesday.

Sorry, no sign of iPod in your room. Probably with your passport!!!

Hello to Lynne Lurking in the Shadows! Cheers, Patrizio!