Hello Pat,
My probable date of arrival will now more than likely be around the 20th
January so my chances of connecting with Yien and Mike have in all
likelihood taken a bit of a nose dive! I think Tina will still be heading to
Vietnam but she is also coming to Canada but not until after the 10th
February (Mya's 7th birthday); she's also talking about spending a few days
with Ayn in LA on the way over - I think they've been arranging things via
Facebook. The upshot of all of the foregoing is that I'll probably have
about 6 weeks skiing as we won't head home until late Feb early March!
Glad to hear that you are getting plenty of cycling in - I guess that means
that your hip is ok?
Despite the weather (which is just now starting to turn warm although rain
is forecast for tomorrow) our replacement air conditioner went in last
Friday; at one stage we had 6 blokes here to lift the old one off the roof
and manhandle the new one into position! All went well and considering the
small roof space that they had to work in the only damage was a down light
that must have been trodden on and pushed out of the ceiling which ripped a
small piece of gyprock - no big deal. The new unit should be a lot quieter
and cheaper to run even though it is much more powerful; also needs
considerably less maintenance.
We had the little girls for a sleep over on Sunday and Monday night; we try
and do something different with them whenever they come up so this time
decided to take them to the Butterfly House at Murray Bridge (about 70kms
from The Seldom Inn); alas when we got there the bloody place had been
converted into a cheap bar and restaurant catering to pensioners. It smelt
of fried food and cheap booze so we didn't hang around! We decided to head
on to Tailem Bend, a small town on the Murray River some 20kms east (towards
Melbourne) from Murray Bridge where we knew there was a pioneer village that
we must have driven past 100's of times on our many trips eastward.
What a little gem; it is called Old Tailem Town and consists of old
buildings and houses rescued from towns all over Australia, transported to
Tailem Bend, restored, furnished and set out as a pioneer town. There are
over 100 buildings - all the work of one man and a small band of volunteers!
We spent over 3 hours there without a whimper of boredom from the two girls;
in fact I think they would have been happy to stay even longer except there
was nowhere to get anything to eat (a real pity really as they could make
quite a killing but I guess the hassle of dealing with local government to
get the ok to sell food was just too great) and we were all starving - we
had hoped to have lunch at the Butterfly House but that idea was scuppered!
Rather than try and find a snack bar in Tailem bend we went back to Murray
Bridge to a nice little coffee shop in the main street; by the time we got
there it was mid afternoon so we just had a quick snack of cake, cookies and
drinks before driving home - a great day was had by all including the
grandparents!
Tina and I are currently in the throes of redecorating the inside of the
house - we are completely changing the colour scheme; I hummed and harred
about getting somebody in to do the painting but decided that it was
something we could do ourselves - now wish I hadn't! Tina is doing all the
wood work and I'm doing the walls etc - not fun!
She's going off bike riding tomorrow and leaving me to carry on - think I
might have to go over and have drink with Don!
How is your itinerary shaping up?
I'm off to have a shower and try and get some of the paint off my arms and
face - more on me than on the walls!
Ooroo for now - fondestos to all Trevor
Hi Trev!
Really enjoyed hearing about your air conditioner installation woes as well as outing to Murray Bridge/Old Tailem Town! Buona Fortuna with painting! You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din! Thanks for sending along your probable arrival date. As you say, it is unlikely that you will connect with Yien and Mike, at least in Vancouver. Pleased that Teens will be following you and that we should see both of you, although perhaps at different times, before we leave for Hong Kong on March 5th. We may be back in Oz before you. Shades of 2000 when we first met, if I remember correctly. Ayn will be delighted to have Tina stay, especially since there is more room now that Los Horridos are away from the nest!
Can't complain, at all, about my hip and am seeing the specialist for my shoulder on November 9th. Looking forward to hearing what he has to say. With respect to riding, was a bit damp yesterday morning but by about noon sky started to clear. Pleased as I made my last round of program deliveries on Granville Island for the VIWF. (Cora Lee was too, too busy with Friends of VPL to help!) Very pleasant for the few hours I was pulling my cart around. After finishing my route I went back home and changed into cycling gear and then took a spin out to UBC. Had taken my sunglasses along, just in case sun decided to peek through the heavy cloud cover. By the time I was at UBC it was quite sunny so I needed the shades!
Home with 41.33k on my odometer and just in time to walk over to GI with Cora Lee to the VIWF Volunteer Orientation Session. We both picked up our Volunteer Kits before chatting with fellow volunteers in the lobby of the Waterfront Theatre, venue where session is usually held, just across from GI Brewery. Delicious cookies to be had so I feasted! Didn't bother staying for session as we met with our manager in lobby and we sorted out coming shifts and duties. We've both tended bar at the Festival before so not really much to know. Orientation Session is really for first time volunteers.
Cora Lee stayed as she was waiting for a young woman, Stefania, who is on the Board of Friends of VPL, (Coriandre is the Chair, in case I've not already mentioned this), and is a first time volunteer herself. Funnily enough, a friend of mine, Mark, knocked on one of the lobby windows I was standing near, shortly after we arrived. He was wearing cycling gear and I was a bit disoriented, initially. He and a number of other friends and I had arranged to go riding following day. Before I left for my own ride I had sent an email arranging time and meeting place and my first, confused reaction was that I had forgotten to meet them! As it turned out, Mark had signed up as a VIWF volunteer as well and so he was here for orientation in question. Anyway, we had a good laugh. Corinne knows him from my Book Club so she joined us for a few minutes before I waved goodbye to them both.
Weather forecast for rest of week and weekend looks sunny and dry so am hoping to log a few long rides, probably Saturday and Sunday. Have my last VIFF shift on Friday so won't be able to ride, other than downtown to theatre.
Ride today was terrific. Met Robo Ray and Whirlygig at 2nd and Macdonald at 8:10am and we headed out to UBC and along Marine Drive all the way to Kent. We had arranged to meet Marcus Aurelius and Big Molly at Kent and Kerr at 9:45am but they didn't show until closer to 10:00am. We had decided that we'd let Big Molly show us some of the bike trails in Burnaby, (he lives there so is more familiar with routes), so we followed him into Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park where we enjoyed the well-packed gravel paths along the Fraser River, past Boundary. City is working on paving some of the paths and when we came to a construction zone at the east end of the bike route, I turned around as it looked as if there was no egress, heading back the way we had just cycled. Big Al had mentioned, earlier, that we were only going as far as we had so that we could have a look at that part of park but that we would have to retrace our steps in order to follow the route we had expressed an interest in wanting to explore.
I assumed everyone was following me but by the time I had cycled about 500m, I looked back and path was deserted! Headed for a side street and made my way back, via surface streets, to point where construction barrier blocked the way. No sign of fellow riders so I continued in an easterly direction, following another gravel path along river. I assumed, incorrectly as it turned out, that peleton had continued on, following this path. Very pleasant cycling through woods but no riders. By this time, I knew it was highly unlikely that we would meet up again so I decided to explore by following my nose. Kept going on path, passing a number of people walking their dogs, until I came to a dead end, a pump station on the edge of river, and turned around, (feet never touching the ground, Dear Reader!), making for surface streets that I intuited would be off to my right.
After a few minutes I found myself back in an industrial park made made my way eastward as far as Trapp. Here, or thereabouts, I could see Marine Way and a bridge that I assumed was the Quensborough, one we use to cross over onto Lulu Island, Richmond, from New Westminster. Had gone about as far as I could without making for very busy Marine Way so I dipsy-doodled back towards Boundary, exploring as I went, cycling past Lululemon athletica. Thought I should stop and pick up some "in" cycling garb but didn't have my panniers so pushed on. Had I been with the lads, I'm sure they would have insisted we stop for lattes while shopping for spandex!!!
By the time I had turned around and was heading west, I had 50K on my odometer so I decided, once back on Kent, that I would go to Iona. It was such a glorious morning and I wanted to log 100K so it seemed like the poifect opportunity, unencumbered by whiners complaining about numb hands and sore necks and the like. Scootted over the CSTB and had 65K on the clock when I hit River Road. Past River Rock Casino, taking Valet Parking Lane in order to avoid some fairly heavy road construction. Was about 11:45am when I fighting a reasonably stiff head wind, the new Post Office site off to my left. Closer to sewage treatment plant I noticed a crew putting loops of razor wire atop high fence which surrounds YVR runways.
By noon I was circling in the parking lot at Iona and had exactly 75K on the odometer. Decided not to ride to the end of spit carrying huge cement outflow pipe as I had calculated that I wouldn't need the extra 7K, (round trip), to meet my goal. With the wind at my back, now, I literally sailed along, enjoying 3rd gear and watching a number of aeroliners and prop planes land, imitating graceful Canada Geese on their approach and landing. Really quite remarkable how much these "human" birds looked like the magnificent golden eagles I'd seen in Flirting with Heights, the flaps on the wing tips, in the up position, almost identical to the ones used with such remarkable effect to allow these wonderful creatures to soar above the Alps.
Made my way back to River Rock, earning a few disapproving looks from the uniformed doormen fro going the wrong way, and then over the CSTB to Cambie. All the way up and then down, near 33rd, to 18th where I turned east again, to Ontario, a designated bike route, and thence to the Seawall at Olympic Village. Here I turned west to ride along 1st, making a few dipsy doodles onto Spyglass Place and then Moberly Road, to kick up the klicks, followed by a quick turn around Sitka Square before making for Harbour Terrace. Home by 1;45pm with 101.33K on the clock! Quite pleased as my legs felt pretty loose. However, my heart was down, me heart was turning around/Had to leave the little whingers in Burnaby Town! (Thanks, Harry!)
Had a quick cup of java and then took TG to Go Green to recycle a car load of beer/wine bottles and assorted other plastic drink containers. Richer by $23 I drove home and went to see Mom. She was pretty drowsy when I arrived at about 3:50pm. I put lotion on her arms and a few places on her forehead and held her hand and talked to her about one thing and another. Didn't have much response and after a few minutes I decided that she might be thirsty. Turned out to be very much the case as I helped her sip almost a full glass of water. Much like a poor plant that hasn't been watered in ages, she seemed to come alive after finishing the drink. She opened her eyes and smiled at me, gripping my hands with an incredibly strong grip. Hard to believe that she still has such strength in her hands. I stayed with her until it was time for dinner and then kissed her goodbye.
Back home I lay down on the living room floor and did my back stretches and tummy crunches. Was almost finished my routine when Cora Lee returned form a full day at the volunteer office. She flopped down in an armchair to watch The Young and the Resless with Maggie happily purring on her lap. I repaired to the bedroom to answer email. A few minutes later, Flamin' came upstairs and The SIsterhood decided to go to a movie at 7:10pm: The Guard, playing at Fifth Avenue. Corinne whipped up a scrumptios turkey curry with brown rice and Michele joined us for dinner. Chloë came home from work just as we were finishing our meal and she offered to drive us to cinema.
Found seat we wanted and chatted for a few minutes before movie started:
"Sergeant Gerry Boyle, a salty village cop in Ireland, has a subversive sense of humor, a caustic wit, and an uncanny knack for keeping people at arm's length. When a straitlaced FBI agent chasing an international drug-smuggling ring hits town, Boyle has no intention of letting the arrival disrupt his routine of hookers and wisecracks. Initially, he relishes offending and ridiculing the agent, but a murder and a series of peculiar events draw the reluctant sergeant into the investigation."
This synopsis is fine, as far as it goes, but certainly doesn't due justice to this wonderfully uproarious film. It is so politically incorrect that is it more than refreshing, absolutely liberating. That isn't to say that there aren't moments of deep and difficult emotion, (Boyle's mother is terminally ill, his new, youthful partner's wife must deal with his disappearance), for the Sergeant is far from being insensitive or callous. Irreverent country bumpkin on the outside, both caring as a Samaritan and cunning as a fox, on the inside, he is a quixotic force for good against some very, very nasty, albeit howlingly funny, villains. Don't miss this film. It's full of surprises and twists and turns yet doesn't stretch one's willing suspension of disbelief. I'll pay for your pint of Guinness if you don't like The Guard!
On the VIFF film front, I forgot to mention that I saw Here I Am, earlier this week. From program:
Karen (the striking Shai Pittman), newly out of prison, tries to get her life together in inner-city Adelaide in Beck Cole's debut drama. Cole--a woman--fashions a powerful tale about the strength and resilience she finds in Karen and her fellow Aboriginal women, all looking for a break and a fresh start. "A deeply felt first feature from both actor and director."--Screen
"Beginning with the work of Ivan Sen and following on from Warwick Thornton's Samson and Delilah (which won the Camera d'Or at Cannes, to give it extra cachet,) Australia's indigenous filmmakers have continued to break new ground in exploring the very basics of life for Australia's Aboriginal community. The new voices are completely unafraid of contemplating subjects that until recently nobody wanted to discuss. Beck Cole's moving Here I Am focuses on a young woman's efforts to get her life together after being released from prison for drug charges. A former user, her efforts to keep clean, re-bond with her child and reconcile with her mother are not without slips but you can't help but be moved by the prodigious effort involved in getting off the bottom. Beck Cole is an authenticate Aboriginal voice putting her own people's lives on screen with poignant honesty."--Geoff Gardner
This is quite a film as well. Much different in tone, and perhaps more difficult than The Guard, of course, but similar in that it really brings to life the lives of the people portrayed. Since it was filmed in Adelaide, I recognized quite a few of the locations around the city. Not that that this necessarily made it any better but I liked the fact that it was anchored so completely in the streets and pubs and
cheap motels of the city that it could just as easily have been Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Canada's Aboriginal communities, in all the inner-cities across the country, are dealing or trying to deal with the very same social and racial problems. In some ways, a relatively quiet, unassuming film but the pain and frustration and marginalization of Karen and the other Aboriginal women speak eloquently of the hurt white culture has visited upon them, as well as the mistakes that they themselves have made. Not an easy film as it depicts a a truly difficult life. Yet, with love, grudgingly given in some instances, freely offered in others, hope remains that change can occur.
Hello to one and all. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
I will Patrick. That is fantastic. Thank you mucho mucho.
Love your reports too. You guys are so full of energy. I love it:)
Big hugs! Laura :)
Hi Laura!
Glad bottles will be fine. Guess we'll just have to drink more wine!!!
P & R,
See you and hear you at 08:10 hours -- 2nd & MacDonald -- Tatlow Park by the
tennis courts. Feet must remain on pedals... W
Psychos !!!!
Hello dark riders,
Just wanted to give everyone a big Pat on the back for the resounding success of todays mission
"Operation Lost Boy" .
Who could have imagined how easily and precisely it could be pulled off, And how sweet the reward! No inccessant nattering about film festivals,wine,scotch or fabricated and far fetched stories of supposed recent riding accomplishments!.
I'm proud to have been a part of this outstanding historic adventure. I'll keep in touch about future expeditions. Adieu!
Couldn't have put it better myself!
(I'm thinking o designing a commemorative medallion and wonder if your shop has bronze-casting capabilities?) 8^ cheers, Mark
Great Idea ! I'll make it happen .
Apparently, having lost the peloton, the lone rider, dizzy from incessant circling, inadvertently rode into the muddy Fraser River. Being unwilling to take his feet off the pedals, he determinedly crossed the river pedalling along the bottom emerging on the south shore with a few small fish protruding from his helmet. Witnesses said they could hear him talking before he emerged from the water.
Dear Riders of the Lost and Found Boy!
Please read the following account of my cruel abandonment. Your callous, mean-spirited jests rub but more designer sea-salt into my already grievous emotional wounds and I need the succour of malt to banish thoughts of my banishment this morning! I remain, in spite of your spite, your loyal, concentric Dipsy Doodler Extraordinaire, yet I care not a fig for your cheap medallion or your underhanded, tawdry, poltroonish jibes. In fact, I spit on your guffaws and beseech the God of Inner Tubes to bring down the curse of the Critter from the Black Lagoon upon your pock-marked, dunce-like bicycle helmets, to visit shards of the sharpest glass on your tires so that you yourselves may feel the deep cuts you have inflicted on your blameless cycling companion! Read On, Dear Readers, and prepare to weep for your smirking, villainous falseness!
Ride today was terrific, at least at the outset.Vitriolically yours. Cheers, Il Conduttore!
Hey Grand Patrizio!Please read the following account of my cruel abandonment. Your callous, mean-spirited jests rub but more designer sea-salt into my already grievous emotional wounds and I need the succour of malt to banish thoughts of my banishment this morning! I remain, in spite of your spite, your loyal, concentric Dipsy Doodler Extraordinaire, yet I care not a fig for your cheap medallion or your underhanded, tawdry, poltroonish jibes. In fact, I spit on your guffaws and beseech the God of Inner Tubes to bring down the curse of the Critter from the Black Lagoon upon your pock-marked, dunce-like bicycle helmets, to visit shards of the sharpest glass on your tires so that you yourselves may feel the deep cuts you have inflicted on your blameless cycling companion! Read On, Dear Readers, and prepare to weep for your smirking, villainous falseness!
Ride today was terrific, at least at the outset.Vitriolically yours. Cheers, Il Conduttore!
Apologize for the confusion in my last email. I misunderstood that you
understood you could not leave the province/country under penalty of death
without proper medical coverage. Will wait to hear from you further.
Once Susannah and I retire fully !!(hah and never) you will have to orient
us with the VIFF and VIWF, as this is something we would surely like to do.
Haven't even started to pack yet for the big journey, but did pick up the No
Jet Lag at a store in Metrotown. Funny, after all these long haul trips
we've made, we used this product for the first time on our trip to England
and it seemed to work wonders.
Take care and don't work too hard at the bar! CC
Hi CC Rider!
What is the % alcohol on the No Jet Lag! Just another name for malt, probably!
Ride today was terrific, although I took my life in my hands, venturing into Burnaby! Happy Packing! Cheers, Patrizio!
PS: Legs wants to play bridge so hurry back from Bali!!!
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