Hello Patrick,
Annie just keeps on keeping on doesn't she! The celebration for her 98th
sounded grand; I guess we can only hope that somewhere in the depths of her
mind she had an inkling of what the celebration was for - nice thought I
know but probably unlikely.
My Dad is heading the same way; although having said that I took him for his
latest checkup on Tuesday just past and there has been a marked improvement
in his mental abilities - I had suspected the case over the last month or so
but had really discounted the idea as me hoping too much for any signs of
improvement. Anyway the upshot was that he was able to do about 85% of the
neurological tests he failed miserably about 4 months ago! His Gerentologist
was quite surprised to say the least and classes Dad in the 10% of people
that improve significantly with the particular medication he is on - he
thinks it will give Dad 2-3 years of a reasonable (whatever reasonable
means) quality of life.
Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year - it goes without saying that
you will all be staying with us if you get to Adelaide. We can work out the
finer details once your schedule is set.
At this stage I will be going to Sun Peaks in January for 4 weeks; not sure
at this stage whether Tina will be coming - she wants to go to Vietnam for
our sponsored child's high school graduation sometime in the first half of
the year. The only thing that may put the ski trip in doubt is the current
state of the world financial position as it is putting a large hole in our
superannuation savings and looks like continuing to do so for a while yet!
We had a great trip up to the Gulf of Carpentaria/North west Queensland;
even went to two rodeos in Quamby and Cloncurry. Covered 8,500 kms from go
to whoa - bit like our trip up to Exmouth - in 5 weeks or so.
All here are well - hope all are the same over there - please pass on our
fondestos to all and sundry.
No doubt Tina will reply in more detail in the next day or two.
Love to all
Trevor and Tina
Hi TNT!
Wonderful news about your Dad, Trevor! Thanks for invitation to stay when in Adelaide. At this point, I think we'll be driving, at least from Sydney, (with Sarge), to pick up Flamin' in Melbourne and then back to Sydney. Michele is flying on points so that is why they are not arriving/departing together. More details once we have time to work out a more detailed itinerary.
Hope we will have a chance to see you and Tina, if she decides to come skiing, here in Vancouver, before and/or after Sun Peaks. Goes without saying, you are welcome at The Island Inn. At any rate let us know as your plans crystallize.
Speaking of Sun Peaks/Kamloops, have had a few messages from Ariane lately, initially having to do with a fund-raiser for the Montessori preschool which Corben and Damian are attending. No mention of Doug. Are they still together? I know you mentioned, some time ago, that you felt things were not going all that smoothly.
Trip to Gulf of Carpentaria/North west Queensland, including rodeos, sounds terrific. How did you go? Via Darwin or more cross-country?
Very busy time here at The Island Inn. Started on Friday when I went for a good ride in the late afternoon, accomplishing seven UBC Hills for a total of 71.33K by time I was home. Cora Lee had a fund raiser with Robyn at Van Dusen Gardens in the new Visitor Center there. Apparently it is a stunning edifice. I had the place all to myself as Chloë was out as well, so I caught up on email while Maggie slept on our bed. When Coriandre came home she brought Flamin' upstairs and we visited for an hour or so, sipping some tasty white wine Michele brought along. Sarge was at a Skate Canada competition.
On Saturday, Robo Ray and I went out to Iona Beach Park at 8:00am. It was a stunning day, hard to believe it was not the second day of Autumn, felt more like Summer, it was so warm, sky was virtually cloudless and a piercing blue, at least for morning. Ray had to tutor a student at 10:00am so after he left me near Marine and Cypress, I continued on to UBC and managed to log 89.33K by the time I was at Young Brothers. I had to pick up a cabbage and some tomatoes for the salads I was making for dinner latter that evening and on Sunday.
Home to help prepare evening's meal, (Cora Lee did sliced ginger pork loin), and then a quick ride to Ray's place near 23rd and Arbutus as he wanted to give us some vegetables from his lovely back garden. In fact, I used some of the magnificent red cabbage in the Asian noodle salad that we served that night. Around 6:00pm Ray and his wife, Sylvia, came over, together with Sylvia's brother, Allan, and his wife, Lynne, who were visiting from Prince George. Had never met them before so it was lots of fun getting to know them. Had a terrific time over dinner and finished up with preserved apricots in Amaretto, a gift from Zircon, when he was here earlier in July. Didn't have any ice-cream in freezer so Coramandel went downstairs to beg some from Sutherlands!
Heavy rain was forecast for Sunday so I knew I wouldn't be riding. Didn't have time anyway as we had to get ready for another dinner party that evening. Lovely young woman, Chrissy, who works with Chloë at GIB, and her husband, Mark, were coming to dinner, with Chrissy's parents, Gail and Derek, on holiday from Cornwall. We'd met them at Kari's wedding reception as Chrissy and her Dad did the food. Coriandre had decided upon lamb shanks so she spent most of early morning readying twelve joints for the oven and then had to leave for Word On The Street at VPL where she was in charge of the Friends of VPL booth.
I was kept quite busy clearing up from night before, vacuuming and basting the lamb every 30 minutes, for next three, almost four hours. Cora Lee phoned at one point to see how dish was doing and told me that wind was so strong it had blown over a number of tents/booths on sidewalk around library and organizers had to move most of the activities inside Such a shame as it was so glorious on Saturday. At any rate, shanks were deemed done to poifection by Corinne when she came home shortly before 5:00pm.
I had peeled the potatoes which Ray had so generously given us day before and we served them mashed, as well as green beans with roasted cherry tomatoes and feta and a finely sliced/chopped asparagus/rice vinegar salad. Had served fried haloumi, (Cypriot goat cheese), with tomatoes and cucumber slices for an appetizer before Flamin' and Sarge joined us for main course. They had been in Seattle at a Seahawks afternoon game so we knew that they wouldn't be back until 7:30pm at earliest. Very few overlefts, let me tell you. For dessert, Derek had made an unbelievable, flourless, almond flavoured layer cake, topped with a crown of fresh raspberries. Simply divine!!!
Gail and Derek are a delightful couple, recently retired themselves. They are keen to do a house exchange so we think we might work towards something in 2012. Their part of Cornwall is stunning from the few pictures Mark had on his iPhone. They also enjoy cycling so hope to take them around Stanley Park, at some point, weather permitting, before they return to England this coming Sunday. Grand night indeed!
Monday CL had her shift at First United so I went to see a number of so-called Media Screenings for VIFF at Pacific Cinémathèque, at 1131 Howe. AS a volunteer I am entitled to attend. I took the Aquabus over as it was raining quite heavily when I set out, just after 11:00am. First film was at 12:00 pm: Waking the Green Tiger (78mins., Canada, dir. Gary Marcuse) From the program:
"By declaring that nature must be conquered in the name of progress, Chairman Mao ushered in an era of environmental degradation for China. Now, passionate activists strive to preserve their natural wonders, educate their compatriots and encourage public debate. Gary Marcuse's stirring documentary celebrates the brave souls at the forefront of China's new revolution."
A remarkable film and a more than remarkable story, given the politics of China, in Mao's time and today. Met Gary and his partner, Betsy Carson, film's producer, in the lobby and thanked them for their compelling, certainly needed work, not just for China but for the world.
Next screening was at 1:30 pm: West Wind: The Vision of Tom Thomson (90mins., Canada, dir. Michèle Hozer, Peter Raymont) From the program:
"If there is one iconic image in Canadian art, it must be Tom Thomson, pipe in mouth, daubing paint on a board in the stern of a canoe. Directors Peter Raymont and Michèle Hozer have created a visually stunning and thoughtful reflection on the painter's life and work."
I thought that I knew a little about Thomson's life but the film did a masterful job of following his emerging talent from working as a graphic designer in Seattle to his early attempts at painting in Toronto. Another riveting film.
Left cinema at just after 3:00pm and as rain had stopped, I walked home over Granville Bridge. The vista, the city and False Creek and the Burrard Bridge with English Bay and the edge of Stanley Park and mountains behind, was magnificent. (I now see landscapes through Thomson's eyes!!!) Everything washed clean by the earlier, torrential downpourings, the dark clouds, now lightening a bit, scudding overhead, a line of blue over Point Grey, promising a respite. Wonderfully warm as well. Once home, (took only about 20 minutes), I changed into my cycling garb as I needed to pick up some milk. Thought I'd ride to Safeway on 4th but by the time I was on the road the air felt so invigorating, with no sign of following showers, that I decided to ride all the way to UBC. Continued up Foreshore Hill and along Marine Drive to Crown and then made my way back, stopping at Safeway at just before 7:00pm with 41.33K on my odometer.
After picking up milk for my java, zipped home to find myself with just Maggie once more. Chloë had gone to class and Cora Lee to her Book Club at Agneta's with rest of The Sisterhood! I beavered away at email until The Goils returned and then was banished to our bedroom, as they watched Pan Am!
Full day of more screenings today so I packed a lunch! Saw the following three films. From program:
10:00 am: Inside Lara Roxx (77mins., Canada, dir. Mia Donovan)
"Lara Roxx was 21 and relatively inexperienced when she went to L.A. to make big money in porn. After only a few short weeks, she contracted HIV while working. Director Mia Donovan documents Lara's emotional journey, while exposing the failings of a billion-dollar industry."
Very difficult film to watch, in so many ways, as Lara seemed bent on self-destruction for most of her adolescent/young adult life. Still, some enlightening, heartening moments of insight.
11:45 am: Wind & Fog (74mins., Iran, dir. Mohammad-Ali Talebi)
"Captivatingly beautiful images from the north of Iran serve as a backdrop for Mohammad Ali-Talebi's enchanting tale of a boy who went deaf and dumb after losing his mother in the Iran-Iraq war. His journey back to reality, aided by a loving father and sister, is humanist film making at its most affecting."
Quite a shift from LA/Vegas/Montreal to village life in the unbelievably beautiful mountains and valleys of a part of the country, I for one, never even imagined existed! When film opens I thought that the road was winding through parts of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon/Washington or BC. A fascinating glimpse into a far, far simpler, far far less materialistic way of life but by no means an unsophisticated one in terms of essential, defining human emotions and the individual's relation to others in one's community.
1:15 pm: Journey on the Wild Coast (90mins., USA, dir. Greg Chaney)
"The antithesis of a boring vacation video! Using only a hand-held video camera, two newlyweds document their ambitious bid to hike, paddle and ski from Seattle to Alaska's Aleutian Islands. Their life-altering odyssey immerses them in Pacific Coast's unparalleled beauty, but also leaves them at the mercy of nature's sometimes cruel whims."
Aside from the breath-taking scenery and wonderful, wonderful wild life, the quest, for one can only call this epic journey a quest, is refreshingly understated. Both Erin and Hig take setbacks, (ice floes, sand storms, blizzards, to name but a few), with equanimity and gentle, self-deprecating humour. Probably why they survived the year and about nineteen days in conditions that boggle the mind, much of the time. (Thought of Cora Lee when they are wading through a glacial stream, barefoot, to keep their boots dry!)
All in all, the three films celebrate something truly remarkable in the human condition, in the human spirit.
Time to get ready to curl this evening with Flamin' and Sarge. My version of dealing with ice, as opposed to paddling a so called one person, "pack-rat", inflatable dinghy/snub nosed kayak near a calving glacier in Alaska!!!
Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
Glad to receive pics and hear what you are doing. I remember you really liked Australia. Give us a short report when you get back. May--------That is there fall. Is that a good time? Of course you lucky stiffs don't have to be here for yard work. Are you still enjoying the condo?
Jack is already sawing logs so better catch up. Gail
Hi Gail!
I relish in condo life, let me tell you! More time to read, cycle and volunteer for festivals that interest me. Full day of more VIFF screenings today so I packed a lunch! Saw three films but thought of you and Jack when watching the last one. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
P,
Sorry I missed your call last night.
Sounds to me like subversive cinema is corrupting your thought patterns.
Let's ride on Wednesday. I may be driving my sister to the airport in the
morning so will need to confirm her schedule. My only other restriction is
that I need to pick up the Tia-nista at 3PM.
Will confirm this evening.
W
Hi Patrice,
Only had time to skim over for now but will scrutinize later. Bike ride sounds great. Where shall we meet? I could ride out kent or ???.
Cheers, Al
Hi Big Al!
I think meeting on Kent might work for everyone who is interested in riding tomorrow. Just need to figure out time and exact location. Whirlygig has to drop his sister at airport tomorrow so not sure yet what time that will be. Tentatively, we could meet at Kent and Boundary Road at 10:00am. Will talk to Whirlissimo and then call you or send an email. Cheers, Patrizio!
Hi Lads!
Big Al would like to join us for a ride tomorrow I think meeting on Kent might work for everyone who is interested in riding tomorrow. Just need to figure out time and exact location. Whirlygig has to drop his sister at airport tomorrow so not sure yet what time that will be. Tentatively, we could meet at Kent and Boundary Road at some point. Let me know if this will work. I'll be in touch after 9:00pm, once back from rink. Cheers, Patrizio!
Hi Patrice,
10:00 would be fIne but I need to be done by 12:00 ish as I do need to get some work done tomorrow afternoon. But as I'm not at the same level as the rest of the pack ,the kent ride plus a stint with you guys will be far more than I'm accustomed to anyway!.
Let me know, thanks, Al
Hi Laddage!
I'm meeting Big Al at Kent and Boundary at 10:00am. I plan to ride out to UBC and MD and thence to Kent. I will check my email before leaving, around 8:30am or so, in case either of you respond and wish to connect. Cheers, Il Conductore!
Hi Patrick,
I've attached the spreadsheet for the Granville Island distribution. Feel
free to have a go at it.
However, remove the Kids Market building from the list entirely. They called
to let me know the racks are for paid clients only and they've tossed most
of the guides you left there yesterday. Sigh. Sandra
Hey Patrick,
I was just looking at the weather and was thinking that tomorrow or Thursday
might be good days to do a quick run through the island and top up
locations. It shouldn't take too long just to check in on the spots. Of
course, only if that fits into your schedule and inclinations...
Let me know! Sandra
Hi Sandra!
Cora Lee will be making the quick run tomorrow, sometime after 10:00am. I'm still working on the spreadsheet and I'll pop by to chat about it in next day or so. Cheers, Patrizio!
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