Hi Maya!
Thanks for anniversary wishes! We had an eventful evening.
Enjoyed seeing Declan, briefly, when Dave came to collect his vehicle morning after malt tasting. Does he have a paper route yet? He'll be at university soon at the rate he is growing!!! We are around for most of summer so give us a shout and we'll arrange a get-together.
As well, would you mind passing along this message as I gather Dave doesn't have ready access to a computer. Furthermore, ask Paul if he would like to be part of planned tasting below. Didn't see him at Dram this year. Thanks. Cheers, Patrizio!
Hi Dave!
Grand evening at Dram! Lads at Book Club really enjoyed the Bruichladdich PC7 I scored at the Silent Auction. Would have liked to have visited with everyone a bit more but sometimes it's hard to do just that at such an event, as you well know. This being the case, what I have in mind is hosting a malt tasting at our place in mid to late July so that we can include friends Kjell and Jane. Kjell will be arriving in Vancouver around July 17th, I believe. I propose ten bottles, two from each of the following regions: Islay, non-Islay islands, Highlands, Speyside and Lowlands. This will give a bit of an overview of different tastes and styles across the country. I assume you might be interested, if available.
Let me know as soon as you can as I want to start stitching things together. Cheers, Patricio!
Friday, 27 May 2011
IIDD, May 9th
Hi Roma and Leonard!
Lovely to hear from you! Enjoyed hearing about your travels. Sounded wonderful. Sorry to hear about your Mother but glad to learn that she seems to be recovering well with the help and care of your brothers.
For our part, we are staying fairly close to home this summer, if it ever arrives! We will have a number of friends, (Berkeley, Sweden, Japan, so far), so looking forward to seeing them. With Nancy and David, from Berkeley, we will take a trip to the Okanagan to taste wine as we usually do the same with them in Sonoma/Napa when in California. We are currently planning a fairly major trip to Australia, in March 2012, with our friends Michele/Wayne, (aka Flamin'/Sarge), couple we traveled with in France, last September. Have not yet decided when we will fly, (they have booked for March 15th), but will probably leave mid-February to spend two weeks, or so, with Clara and Dusty, Corinne's parents, in Hawaii, en route. Then on to Fiji, perhaps, for at least a few days, as we've only ever stopped for an hour to refuel. Not only do we want to break up the fairly long flight but also want to see more of the islands in the Pacific. If we can manage things, Cora Lee would like to return via Japan/Hong Kong as we have never been to the Orient, other than an overnight stop in Singapore, en route to Perth in 2003. Loads to arrange so will let you know when we are closer to a confirmed itinerary!
Of late, have been quite busy attending a number of literary and musical events, as well as cycling around the city. Really enjoyed listening to Bernhardt Schlink, (The Reader), two Mondays ago, at VIWF Incite Series at VPL Central. (Easy finding street parking as everyone was watching Canucks game on TV somewhere.) He read from his latest, The Weekend, (both in German, one of sponsors was Goethe Institute!), and English, about a terrorist who has just been released from prison. His sister invites a number of old friends to her place to spend the weekend with him. Bit like Peter's Friends with a dash of Molotov, Baader-Meinhof cocktail! (Cora Lee is reading one of VPL's copies as I compose!) He is wonderfully articulate and it was fascinating to hear his take on contemporary German society as well as his answers to many interesting questions about his work from the floor.
Following day went for a pretty grueling ride, all things considered, at least for me. Friend Ray cycled to our place, close to 9:00am, and we took off around Seawall, over Lions Gate and then along 1st Avenue, more or less, through North Van to foot of Lilloet, up past Capilano College to Seymour Demonstration Forest and then back down via Lynn Canyon Headwaters Trail, Lynn Valley Road/Keith Road to Marine and 1st Avenue, over Lions Gate and down through Stanley Park. Returned to Kits over Burrard Bridge as Ray had to be home by noonish. (Although a retired elementary school teacher, he is in constant demand to tutor.) I continued on out to UBC, along Spanish Banks, bucking a reasonably strong headwind, of course, out Marine to Dunbar and back to retrace my steps home. 103K by time I made it to Harbour Terrace and I'll tell you I was pleased as punch that wind was pushing me along on return leg! I now plan to ride to Brantford before the end of the summer!!!
At the end of the week, on Saturday, Flamin' and Sarge had invited us for a wonderful lamb dinner, (Prince Valiant, Nicolina, Sutherlands children, and Marvin, Nicole's boyfriend, were at table as well and we had, among other topics, a heated discussion about "adult" children still at home!), before taking us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th. When we arrived, by cab, we discovered the performance had been cancelled as result of the male lead having suffered a mild stroke earlier in week. Cora Lee had read about this in paper but article mentioned that the stand-in would allow musical to continue. Apparently, replacement was not ready. Seems role is pretty demanding and we suppose individual didn't have enough time to learn part to degree necessary. Only took a minute or so to understand what was happening so we actually piled back into same cab, (I asked him to wait as soon as I overheard, from a number of the people employed by theatre, out on the sidewalk in front of the box office, there to deal with ticket holders), and made our way home again. Poor Sarge had walked, (not enough room for all of us in one cab), and he arrived just after we left, lost to us in the scrum on the other side of the box office. It was really pouring by then but fortunately he had an umbrella!
Back at Harbour Terrace the cabbie pulled in under slight overhang to entrance to garage and as we were paying fare, (He only charged us $5 for trip back. First ride was $7 something and Cora Lee had given him $10), car behind honked to hurry up. We scrambled out, muttering that it was probably somebody in building who was grumpy at us for all the noisy parties we host. When cab pulled away and gate opened we discovered it was Joanne Trueman who lives on 4th floor. I had met her in hallway, a number of years ago, and each subsequent time we bumped into one another I had invited her for a drink, if we were having a gathering, at the time. She had never turned up so when I recognized her after she rolled her window down, I invited her to come for a drink, once again. Found out that she had gotten to know Flamin' not that long ago so it wasn't but a few minutes before she was knocking on our door, supposing that I must not be a freak if I knew Michele. Little did she know! Anyway, Sarge came upstairs after he dried himself off and we had a couple of bottles of wine and got to know Joanne. She is keen to be part of the Block Party we are planning on July 1st, Canada Day. Lovely end to a lovely evening in spite of cancelled show.
Last night Cora Lee and I attended a concert, Michael Kaeshammer and Jill Barber, at the Vogue, downtown. I knew Jill's work more so than Michael's and really wanted to see her in a live performance. Vogue is a terrific venue, not so large that one needs a telescope to see the performers. In fact, quite intimate, just the size for me if I am going to enjoy such an event. Jill opened and she really is a remarkable chanteuse. Trust her career continues to develop as she certainly deserves attention. Her material evokes the torch songs and romantic ballads of the '40's and early '50's. Far, far more appealing to me than the work of today's current slate of stars, at least the ones I've heard, from time to time, more by accident than choice, I must admit. Most seem rather harsh and un-melodic to my ear and I simply can't be bothered to listen to their whining laments! Her back-up band, (piano, violin/oboe or clarinet, I'm not sure, drums, guitar and double bass), were terrific, a pure delight and a perfect accompaniment to her singular voice, never overpowering it, simply supporting and emphasizing her extraordinary phrasing.
Knew very little about Michael Kaeshammer and would not have purchased tickets if he had been on bill alone. However, certainly more than glad that Jill's appearance drew us to concert as he is a truly exciting, amazing performer. First and foremost he is an unbelievable pianist. I don't think I've ever been so taken with the piano before. I gather he is steeped in the New Orleans jazz tradition/scene and his pyrotechnic playing confirms this heritage. His band were just as accomplished and riveting on their individual instruments, (trombone, saxophone, trumpet, bass guitar/double bass, and drums), as he was on piano/electric keyboard. Jill opened and after Michael's set they both returned to stage to do a duet: Moon River. He played and she crooned and it was a simply marvelous way to end the thrilling evening of live music and song. Keep forgetting how exciting it is to see and listen to artists such as these two. As Chloë said, when we returned, "you need to go out more often, Dad!"
With respect to Mom, she seems fine, such as her age and condition allow. I've been putting some Arnica Gel on the bruises on her arms and hands, (her skin is so fragile that she seems to suffer from the slightest knock), for last few weeks and am pleased to say that her recovery is very noticeable. She holds my hand while I apply lotion and yesterday said " You are cute" and "I love you!" We bought her a number of changes of adaptive wear, a month or so ago, that make it easier for staff to dress her now that she is in a wheelchair. They do walk her twice a day but she really requires a wheelchair to be moved around, whether to meals or other activities or to our place. Still, she beams at everyone and seems far more comfortable, psychologically and emotionally than most of the other lonely souls in residence.
Have meant to call Greys in Kenton to hear just how they are faring. I think that both Rivers and Kenton are high enough that the towns and surrounding farms would not flood, but I don't know that for certain. I'll let you know once I've made contact. Don't know where time goes as I've thought about calling ever since flood threat developed! Time to get ready for today's ride so will say goodbye for now! All the best. Cheers, Cora Lee and Patrizio!
Lovely to hear from you! Enjoyed hearing about your travels. Sounded wonderful. Sorry to hear about your Mother but glad to learn that she seems to be recovering well with the help and care of your brothers.
For our part, we are staying fairly close to home this summer, if it ever arrives! We will have a number of friends, (Berkeley, Sweden, Japan, so far), so looking forward to seeing them. With Nancy and David, from Berkeley, we will take a trip to the Okanagan to taste wine as we usually do the same with them in Sonoma/Napa when in California. We are currently planning a fairly major trip to Australia, in March 2012, with our friends Michele/Wayne, (aka Flamin'/Sarge), couple we traveled with in France, last September. Have not yet decided when we will fly, (they have booked for March 15th), but will probably leave mid-February to spend two weeks, or so, with Clara and Dusty, Corinne's parents, in Hawaii, en route. Then on to Fiji, perhaps, for at least a few days, as we've only ever stopped for an hour to refuel. Not only do we want to break up the fairly long flight but also want to see more of the islands in the Pacific. If we can manage things, Cora Lee would like to return via Japan/Hong Kong as we have never been to the Orient, other than an overnight stop in Singapore, en route to Perth in 2003. Loads to arrange so will let you know when we are closer to a confirmed itinerary!
Of late, have been quite busy attending a number of literary and musical events, as well as cycling around the city. Really enjoyed listening to Bernhardt Schlink, (The Reader), two Mondays ago, at VIWF Incite Series at VPL Central. (Easy finding street parking as everyone was watching Canucks game on TV somewhere.) He read from his latest, The Weekend, (both in German, one of sponsors was Goethe Institute!), and English, about a terrorist who has just been released from prison. His sister invites a number of old friends to her place to spend the weekend with him. Bit like Peter's Friends with a dash of Molotov, Baader-Meinhof cocktail! (Cora Lee is reading one of VPL's copies as I compose!) He is wonderfully articulate and it was fascinating to hear his take on contemporary German society as well as his answers to many interesting questions about his work from the floor.
Following day went for a pretty grueling ride, all things considered, at least for me. Friend Ray cycled to our place, close to 9:00am, and we took off around Seawall, over Lions Gate and then along 1st Avenue, more or less, through North Van to foot of Lilloet, up past Capilano College to Seymour Demonstration Forest and then back down via Lynn Canyon Headwaters Trail, Lynn Valley Road/Keith Road to Marine and 1st Avenue, over Lions Gate and down through Stanley Park. Returned to Kits over Burrard Bridge as Ray had to be home by noonish. (Although a retired elementary school teacher, he is in constant demand to tutor.) I continued on out to UBC, along Spanish Banks, bucking a reasonably strong headwind, of course, out Marine to Dunbar and back to retrace my steps home. 103K by time I made it to Harbour Terrace and I'll tell you I was pleased as punch that wind was pushing me along on return leg! I now plan to ride to Brantford before the end of the summer!!!
At the end of the week, on Saturday, Flamin' and Sarge had invited us for a wonderful lamb dinner, (Prince Valiant, Nicolina, Sutherlands children, and Marvin, Nicole's boyfriend, were at table as well and we had, among other topics, a heated discussion about "adult" children still at home!), before taking us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th. When we arrived, by cab, we discovered the performance had been cancelled as result of the male lead having suffered a mild stroke earlier in week. Cora Lee had read about this in paper but article mentioned that the stand-in would allow musical to continue. Apparently, replacement was not ready. Seems role is pretty demanding and we suppose individual didn't have enough time to learn part to degree necessary. Only took a minute or so to understand what was happening so we actually piled back into same cab, (I asked him to wait as soon as I overheard, from a number of the people employed by theatre, out on the sidewalk in front of the box office, there to deal with ticket holders), and made our way home again. Poor Sarge had walked, (not enough room for all of us in one cab), and he arrived just after we left, lost to us in the scrum on the other side of the box office. It was really pouring by then but fortunately he had an umbrella!
Back at Harbour Terrace the cabbie pulled in under slight overhang to entrance to garage and as we were paying fare, (He only charged us $5 for trip back. First ride was $7 something and Cora Lee had given him $10), car behind honked to hurry up. We scrambled out, muttering that it was probably somebody in building who was grumpy at us for all the noisy parties we host. When cab pulled away and gate opened we discovered it was Joanne Trueman who lives on 4th floor. I had met her in hallway, a number of years ago, and each subsequent time we bumped into one another I had invited her for a drink, if we were having a gathering, at the time. She had never turned up so when I recognized her after she rolled her window down, I invited her to come for a drink, once again. Found out that she had gotten to know Flamin' not that long ago so it wasn't but a few minutes before she was knocking on our door, supposing that I must not be a freak if I knew Michele. Little did she know! Anyway, Sarge came upstairs after he dried himself off and we had a couple of bottles of wine and got to know Joanne. She is keen to be part of the Block Party we are planning on July 1st, Canada Day. Lovely end to a lovely evening in spite of cancelled show.
Last night Cora Lee and I attended a concert, Michael Kaeshammer and Jill Barber, at the Vogue, downtown. I knew Jill's work more so than Michael's and really wanted to see her in a live performance. Vogue is a terrific venue, not so large that one needs a telescope to see the performers. In fact, quite intimate, just the size for me if I am going to enjoy such an event. Jill opened and she really is a remarkable chanteuse. Trust her career continues to develop as she certainly deserves attention. Her material evokes the torch songs and romantic ballads of the '40's and early '50's. Far, far more appealing to me than the work of today's current slate of stars, at least the ones I've heard, from time to time, more by accident than choice, I must admit. Most seem rather harsh and un-melodic to my ear and I simply can't be bothered to listen to their whining laments! Her back-up band, (piano, violin/oboe or clarinet, I'm not sure, drums, guitar and double bass), were terrific, a pure delight and a perfect accompaniment to her singular voice, never overpowering it, simply supporting and emphasizing her extraordinary phrasing.
Knew very little about Michael Kaeshammer and would not have purchased tickets if he had been on bill alone. However, certainly more than glad that Jill's appearance drew us to concert as he is a truly exciting, amazing performer. First and foremost he is an unbelievable pianist. I don't think I've ever been so taken with the piano before. I gather he is steeped in the New Orleans jazz tradition/scene and his pyrotechnic playing confirms this heritage. His band were just as accomplished and riveting on their individual instruments, (trombone, saxophone, trumpet, bass guitar/double bass, and drums), as he was on piano/electric keyboard. Jill opened and after Michael's set they both returned to stage to do a duet: Moon River. He played and she crooned and it was a simply marvelous way to end the thrilling evening of live music and song. Keep forgetting how exciting it is to see and listen to artists such as these two. As Chloë said, when we returned, "you need to go out more often, Dad!"
With respect to Mom, she seems fine, such as her age and condition allow. I've been putting some Arnica Gel on the bruises on her arms and hands, (her skin is so fragile that she seems to suffer from the slightest knock), for last few weeks and am pleased to say that her recovery is very noticeable. She holds my hand while I apply lotion and yesterday said " You are cute" and "I love you!" We bought her a number of changes of adaptive wear, a month or so ago, that make it easier for staff to dress her now that she is in a wheelchair. They do walk her twice a day but she really requires a wheelchair to be moved around, whether to meals or other activities or to our place. Still, she beams at everyone and seems far more comfortable, psychologically and emotionally than most of the other lonely souls in residence.
Have meant to call Greys in Kenton to hear just how they are faring. I think that both Rivers and Kenton are high enough that the towns and surrounding farms would not flood, but I don't know that for certain. I'll let you know once I've made contact. Don't know where time goes as I've thought about calling ever since flood threat developed! Time to get ready for today's ride so will say goodbye for now! All the best. Cheers, Cora Lee and Patrizio!
IIDD, May 8th, Mother's Day!
Hi Tinsel Town!
Sorry to hear about the breach in security! Perhaps another case for Officer Hernandez!!
Had a more than full day on Friday. Set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with Ray at his place and then met Peter at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, CSTB and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from Thursday when I was pelted with hail!
[Ray and I went riding that morning. At one point, given weather forecast earlier in week, we had planned to redo Seymour Falls on Saturday and, by way of training, on Thursday we headed out towards UBC to ascend the Hills of Point Grey: 9th, 4th and Marine Drive, looping around campus first, from Crown/Marine. Once the Hills were conquered I cycled Raymundo back to his house and made for home. En route, I decided to continue around Science World and then as far as Aquatic Centre where I turned around, retracing my steps, or, more correctly, my circles, I suppose! By this time it had started to rain, reasonably heavily, more than the light drizzle which started as I rode under Cambie Bridge on outward bound section. Was pretty well drenched by time I reached Olympic Village and then it started to hail, hailstones bouncing off my helmet like angry bees or hornets, peppering my exposed knees and legs. Didn't really hurt, of course, but since it was such a cold rain I was pretty uncomfortable, (tips of my fingers were numb!), and consequently the ice pellets felt like tiny needles on my chilled skin! As one might expect, sun started to shine just as approached Harbour Terrace! Felt wonderful on my back but I would have appreciated it half an hour earlier! Nonetheless, a wonderful ride on the Hills of Point Grey, to start, so I was really just ambling along afterwards to push odometer to 71K. Mug of hot java and a long shower and all the ice and hard rain were forgotten!]
Back home I had a large glass of water and then went about getting place ready for pre-Dram session we were hosting at 5:00pm. Cora Lee had prepared a plethora of dishes, (chicken wings, meatballs, mozzarella/tomatoe skewers), so I acted as scullion and did the dishes that dishwasher was too full to accept. Taking a break to do some of my shoulder exercises and then check my email on desk-top in our bedroom, I heard a voice behind me. It was Andre McKenzie, friend we had stayed with, for a week, in Chabeuil, small village about an hour south of Lyon, last September. His girlfriend, Rosemary Thorne, has a beautiful place there, huge swimming pool, etc. At any rate, Andre has suffered from an irregular heart beat for sometime now and ended up in hospital, in Valence, largest town closest to their village, for a few days, this past March. Once released, he flew back to Vancouver, his home, and underwent some relatively minor heart surgery, (not a bypass or anything of that magnitude), a few weeks before Easter. Rosemary arrived, (from England where she has a flat near Marble Arch in London), around that time and they both popped by a few days before Easter weekend. At that time Andre's condition had improved but he was still being monitored and his medication being calibrated.
Had not seen him since then so was pleased he had dropped in. Rosemary is back in France. Although retired, she sits on a number of boards and makes a regular business trips to various cities in Europe. Unfortunately, Andre is still moving pretty slowly as although his heartbeat has been somewhat regulated, it keeps bouncing around with one medication doing something, another pill doing the opposite. Very frustrating, as you can imagine! We chatted and caught up and before he left I invited him to come by later for the pre-Dram session. [He didn't show up again so I suppose he was simply too tired. He had parked his truck on Granville Island, before he came to say hello, and mentioned he had had to sit down twice before he made it to our place. Makes my aches and pains seem rather trivial, at least not life threatening!]
By this time is was close to 3:00pm and with guests coming near 5:00pm, I still had plenty to do, what with vacuuming and more kitchen clean-up as Cora Lee kept churning out more dirty dishes, spatulas and bowls. By 4:45pm table was set, a couple of bottle of wine were open and I headed to have my shower. Most of guests, (ten in total but Dave, tenth, was last to arrive, about 6:30pm), were nibbling goodies on the patio, under our spiffy new red umbrella, (The envy of our neighbours, two floors above. Helena called down, a few days, while CL was doing some re-potting and asked where she had bought it, ($39.50 at Canadian Tire!), as she wanted to get one for their deck.), when I was bathed, changed and smelling so devilishly alluring with my Ralph Lauren scent! We had a grand time eating and drinking wine, enjoying being outside for the first time this year. although the wind was coolish, necessitating wraps, light jackets or sweaters, and sudden gusts would sometimes send napkins flying.
Around 7:00ish we repaired indoors and made plans to get to 3802 Angus Drive. Prince Valiant, Flamin's/Sarge's son drove Cora Lee and I, along with his parents, while rest piled into two cabs, arriving at venue just before 7:30pm. Wonderful evening, bag piper piping at entrance. House itself is a gorgeous mansion, very tastefully renovated, modernized. Five separate tasting islands set up throughout main floor and one simply makes a loop going from one table to next, sampling malts available. In total there were sixteen malts, a bourbon, (Available at Edgemont in North Van. May have to take a knapsack on one of our rides to Seymour and stop there on way back), and a vodka, (Xfour Handcrafted, BC's first corn and rye based, rather tasty although I know very little about vodka, in general), as well as three other malts, two from Australia, both Tasmanian, and one from India. I actually have a small bottle of Sullivan's Cove which friends, Tina and Trevor, from Adelaide brought a number of years ago, knowing I enjoyed my Scotch whiskey! I didn't particularly care for the Ozzie malts so will have to re taste one I have and see how it compares to these later expressions. However, found the Amrut Fusion to be rather palatable. Was glad I tried it as I didn't last year.
I focused on those malts I had not had before or else had not tried for sometime, only trying some of the one's I knew/possess after I'd sampled the others. While I quite enjoyed a number of the rarer malts, (Caol Ila 29 year old, in particular, even though I feel that 18 years is the upper limit in terms of taste, for me. After that, malt is simply too, too smooth and I like a certain "roughness" in my tipple!), and the cask strengths, (Bruichladdich, (Port Charlotte), PC7, 61%, aged in a combination of sherry and bourbon oak, (I liked it so much, (I have a bottle of the PC6), that I bid and happily, "won", ($150, perhaps worth $135 here but for a good cause), a bottle in Silent Auction), was mildly disappointed/annoyed by the presence of three or so malts that I feel are pure commercial products, "manufactured", in a sense to appeal to a particular market nice, far more blatantly, crassly than most other distilleries. The individual re-bottling companies set up to "produce" Finlaggan, Ileach, Smokehead, for example, purchase production from whichever of the Islay distilleries offers the best deal at the time of the purchase. Almost like listening to The Spice Girls!
Nevertheless, a wonderful time was had by all. Bumped into old friends and past neighbours, met new folks and just generally had fun tasting, nibbling sushi and chocolate dipped strawberries as we looped the tasting circuit. Tables close at 9:15pm and auction closes at 9:30pm. By time I paid for my successful bid and visited with original group before saying goodnight, all the while sipping on a glass of wine to bring the evening to a finish, it was just after 10:00pm and we hailed a cab, with Flamin'/Sarge and returned to Harbour Terrace. Bade goodnight to them once back as everyone was ready for bed. Can't remember brushing my teeth but know that I did as I found my electric toothbrush out of its stand this morning!
Flamin' came upstairs at 8:00am next morning to ask if I wanted to join them for a ride around Stanley park but I deferred, feeling that I should give my aging frame a bit of a break after Friday's ride. I ran a few errands later in the afternoon, by bike, after skies cleared. In any event, was prepared for a bit of drizzle as I was only going to Home Depot on Cambie. Had thought that I might also visit a friend on Alma and 6th. Long story. He is suffering from multiple myeloma, (cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow), and is in considerable pain all the time. I sent him a postcard from Mexico, posted in February, and it just arrived this past week. As you know, my handwriting is difficult, if not impossible to decipher, so I said I would pop by and "unscramble" it for him and his sister, Julia, visiting from Hungary.
Nana may have already mentioned that last evening F/S invited us for a wonderful lamb dinner, (Prince Valiant, Nicolina and Marvin were at table as well and we had, among other topics, a heated discussion about "adult" children still at home!), before taking us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th wedding anniversary. When we arrived, by cab, we discovered the performance had been cancelled as result of the male lead having suffered a mild stroke earlier in week. Nana had read about this in pare but article mentioned that the stand-in would allow musical to continue. Apparently, replacement was not ready. Seems role is pretty demanding and we suppose individual didn't have enough time to learn part to degree necessary. Only took a minute or so to understand what was happening so we actually piled back into same cab, (I asked him to wait as soon as I overheard, from a number of the people employed by theatre, out on the sidewalk in front of the box office, there to deal with ticket holders), and made our way home again. Poor Sarge had walked, (not enough room for all of us in one cab), and he arrived just after we left, lost to us in the scrum on the other side of the box office. It was really pouring by then but fortunately he had an umbrella!
Back at Harbour Terrace the cabbie pulled in under slight overhang to entrance to garage and as we were paying fare, (He only charged us $5 for trip back. First ride was $7 something and Cora Lee had given him $10), car behind honked to hurry up. We scrambled out, muttering that it was probably somebody in building who was grumpy at us for all the noisy parties. When cab pulled away and gate opened we discovered it was Joanne Trueman who lives on 4th floor. I had met her in hallway, a number of years ago, and each subsequent time we bumped into one another I had invited her for a drink, if we were having a gathering, at the time. She had never turned up so when I recognized her after she rolled her window down, I invited her to come for a drink. Found out that she had gotten to know Flamin' not that long ago so it wasn't but a few minutes before she was knocking on our door, supposing that I must not be a freak if I knew Michele. Little did she know! Anyway, Sarge came upstairs after he dried himself off and we had a couple of bottles of wine and got to know Joanne. She is keen to be part of the Block Party we are planning on July 1st, Canada Day. Lovely end to a lovely evening in spite of cancelled show.
Time to start to get ready for brunch with Nancy and David. Hello to Los Horridos and much love to everyone. Cheers, Poppa "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Neighbours Who Complain About Not Meeting People In Building When They Never Accept Invitations Which Would Allow Them To Do Just That" San!
Sorry to hear about the breach in security! Perhaps another case for Officer Hernandez!!
Had a more than full day on Friday. Set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with Ray at his place and then met Peter at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, CSTB and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from Thursday when I was pelted with hail!
[Ray and I went riding that morning. At one point, given weather forecast earlier in week, we had planned to redo Seymour Falls on Saturday and, by way of training, on Thursday we headed out towards UBC to ascend the Hills of Point Grey: 9th, 4th and Marine Drive, looping around campus first, from Crown/Marine. Once the Hills were conquered I cycled Raymundo back to his house and made for home. En route, I decided to continue around Science World and then as far as Aquatic Centre where I turned around, retracing my steps, or, more correctly, my circles, I suppose! By this time it had started to rain, reasonably heavily, more than the light drizzle which started as I rode under Cambie Bridge on outward bound section. Was pretty well drenched by time I reached Olympic Village and then it started to hail, hailstones bouncing off my helmet like angry bees or hornets, peppering my exposed knees and legs. Didn't really hurt, of course, but since it was such a cold rain I was pretty uncomfortable, (tips of my fingers were numb!), and consequently the ice pellets felt like tiny needles on my chilled skin! As one might expect, sun started to shine just as approached Harbour Terrace! Felt wonderful on my back but I would have appreciated it half an hour earlier! Nonetheless, a wonderful ride on the Hills of Point Grey, to start, so I was really just ambling along afterwards to push odometer to 71K. Mug of hot java and a long shower and all the ice and hard rain were forgotten!]
Back home I had a large glass of water and then went about getting place ready for pre-Dram session we were hosting at 5:00pm. Cora Lee had prepared a plethora of dishes, (chicken wings, meatballs, mozzarella/tomatoe skewers), so I acted as scullion and did the dishes that dishwasher was too full to accept. Taking a break to do some of my shoulder exercises and then check my email on desk-top in our bedroom, I heard a voice behind me. It was Andre McKenzie, friend we had stayed with, for a week, in Chabeuil, small village about an hour south of Lyon, last September. His girlfriend, Rosemary Thorne, has a beautiful place there, huge swimming pool, etc. At any rate, Andre has suffered from an irregular heart beat for sometime now and ended up in hospital, in Valence, largest town closest to their village, for a few days, this past March. Once released, he flew back to Vancouver, his home, and underwent some relatively minor heart surgery, (not a bypass or anything of that magnitude), a few weeks before Easter. Rosemary arrived, (from England where she has a flat near Marble Arch in London), around that time and they both popped by a few days before Easter weekend. At that time Andre's condition had improved but he was still being monitored and his medication being calibrated.
Had not seen him since then so was pleased he had dropped in. Rosemary is back in France. Although retired, she sits on a number of boards and makes a regular business trips to various cities in Europe. Unfortunately, Andre is still moving pretty slowly as although his heartbeat has been somewhat regulated, it keeps bouncing around with one medication doing something, another pill doing the opposite. Very frustrating, as you can imagine! We chatted and caught up and before he left I invited him to come by later for the pre-Dram session. [He didn't show up again so I suppose he was simply too tired. He had parked his truck on Granville Island, before he came to say hello, and mentioned he had had to sit down twice before he made it to our place. Makes my aches and pains seem rather trivial, at least not life threatening!]
By this time is was close to 3:00pm and with guests coming near 5:00pm, I still had plenty to do, what with vacuuming and more kitchen clean-up as Cora Lee kept churning out more dirty dishes, spatulas and bowls. By 4:45pm table was set, a couple of bottle of wine were open and I headed to have my shower. Most of guests, (ten in total but Dave, tenth, was last to arrive, about 6:30pm), were nibbling goodies on the patio, under our spiffy new red umbrella, (The envy of our neighbours, two floors above. Helena called down, a few days, while CL was doing some re-potting and asked where she had bought it, ($39.50 at Canadian Tire!), as she wanted to get one for their deck.), when I was bathed, changed and smelling so devilishly alluring with my Ralph Lauren scent! We had a grand time eating and drinking wine, enjoying being outside for the first time this year. although the wind was coolish, necessitating wraps, light jackets or sweaters, and sudden gusts would sometimes send napkins flying.
Around 7:00ish we repaired indoors and made plans to get to 3802 Angus Drive. Prince Valiant, Flamin's/Sarge's son drove Cora Lee and I, along with his parents, while rest piled into two cabs, arriving at venue just before 7:30pm. Wonderful evening, bag piper piping at entrance. House itself is a gorgeous mansion, very tastefully renovated, modernized. Five separate tasting islands set up throughout main floor and one simply makes a loop going from one table to next, sampling malts available. In total there were sixteen malts, a bourbon, (Available at Edgemont in North Van. May have to take a knapsack on one of our rides to Seymour and stop there on way back), and a vodka, (Xfour Handcrafted, BC's first corn and rye based, rather tasty although I know very little about vodka, in general), as well as three other malts, two from Australia, both Tasmanian, and one from India. I actually have a small bottle of Sullivan's Cove which friends, Tina and Trevor, from Adelaide brought a number of years ago, knowing I enjoyed my Scotch whiskey! I didn't particularly care for the Ozzie malts so will have to re taste one I have and see how it compares to these later expressions. However, found the Amrut Fusion to be rather palatable. Was glad I tried it as I didn't last year.
I focused on those malts I had not had before or else had not tried for sometime, only trying some of the one's I knew/possess after I'd sampled the others. While I quite enjoyed a number of the rarer malts, (Caol Ila 29 year old, in particular, even though I feel that 18 years is the upper limit in terms of taste, for me. After that, malt is simply too, too smooth and I like a certain "roughness" in my tipple!), and the cask strengths, (Bruichladdich, (Port Charlotte), PC7, 61%, aged in a combination of sherry and bourbon oak, (I liked it so much, (I have a bottle of the PC6), that I bid and happily, "won", ($150, perhaps worth $135 here but for a good cause), a bottle in Silent Auction), was mildly disappointed/annoyed by the presence of three or so malts that I feel are pure commercial products, "manufactured", in a sense to appeal to a particular market nice, far more blatantly, crassly than most other distilleries. The individual re-bottling companies set up to "produce" Finlaggan, Ileach, Smokehead, for example, purchase production from whichever of the Islay distilleries offers the best deal at the time of the purchase. Almost like listening to The Spice Girls!
Nevertheless, a wonderful time was had by all. Bumped into old friends and past neighbours, met new folks and just generally had fun tasting, nibbling sushi and chocolate dipped strawberries as we looped the tasting circuit. Tables close at 9:15pm and auction closes at 9:30pm. By time I paid for my successful bid and visited with original group before saying goodnight, all the while sipping on a glass of wine to bring the evening to a finish, it was just after 10:00pm and we hailed a cab, with Flamin'/Sarge and returned to Harbour Terrace. Bade goodnight to them once back as everyone was ready for bed. Can't remember brushing my teeth but know that I did as I found my electric toothbrush out of its stand this morning!
Flamin' came upstairs at 8:00am next morning to ask if I wanted to join them for a ride around Stanley park but I deferred, feeling that I should give my aging frame a bit of a break after Friday's ride. I ran a few errands later in the afternoon, by bike, after skies cleared. In any event, was prepared for a bit of drizzle as I was only going to Home Depot on Cambie. Had thought that I might also visit a friend on Alma and 6th. Long story. He is suffering from multiple myeloma, (cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow), and is in considerable pain all the time. I sent him a postcard from Mexico, posted in February, and it just arrived this past week. As you know, my handwriting is difficult, if not impossible to decipher, so I said I would pop by and "unscramble" it for him and his sister, Julia, visiting from Hungary.
Nana may have already mentioned that last evening F/S invited us for a wonderful lamb dinner, (Prince Valiant, Nicolina and Marvin were at table as well and we had, among other topics, a heated discussion about "adult" children still at home!), before taking us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th wedding anniversary. When we arrived, by cab, we discovered the performance had been cancelled as result of the male lead having suffered a mild stroke earlier in week. Nana had read about this in pare but article mentioned that the stand-in would allow musical to continue. Apparently, replacement was not ready. Seems role is pretty demanding and we suppose individual didn't have enough time to learn part to degree necessary. Only took a minute or so to understand what was happening so we actually piled back into same cab, (I asked him to wait as soon as I overheard, from a number of the people employed by theatre, out on the sidewalk in front of the box office, there to deal with ticket holders), and made our way home again. Poor Sarge had walked, (not enough room for all of us in one cab), and he arrived just after we left, lost to us in the scrum on the other side of the box office. It was really pouring by then but fortunately he had an umbrella!
Back at Harbour Terrace the cabbie pulled in under slight overhang to entrance to garage and as we were paying fare, (He only charged us $5 for trip back. First ride was $7 something and Cora Lee had given him $10), car behind honked to hurry up. We scrambled out, muttering that it was probably somebody in building who was grumpy at us for all the noisy parties. When cab pulled away and gate opened we discovered it was Joanne Trueman who lives on 4th floor. I had met her in hallway, a number of years ago, and each subsequent time we bumped into one another I had invited her for a drink, if we were having a gathering, at the time. She had never turned up so when I recognized her after she rolled her window down, I invited her to come for a drink. Found out that she had gotten to know Flamin' not that long ago so it wasn't but a few minutes before she was knocking on our door, supposing that I must not be a freak if I knew Michele. Little did she know! Anyway, Sarge came upstairs after he dried himself off and we had a couple of bottles of wine and got to know Joanne. She is keen to be part of the Block Party we are planning on July 1st, Canada Day. Lovely end to a lovely evening in spite of cancelled show.
Time to start to get ready for brunch with Nancy and David. Hello to Los Horridos and much love to everyone. Cheers, Poppa "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Neighbours Who Complain About Not Meeting People In Building When They Never Accept Invitations Which Would Allow Them To Do Just That" San!
IIDD, Regina/Calgary, April 8th-12th
Hi Duhlink!
The wines were exceptional. We began with the citrusy 2010 Perpetuum Torrontes. With crisp tropical fruit on the palate, this white has a clean, mineral-driven finish and a final floral note that lingers. Pablo told the crowd that this is the official summer Sunday family lunch wine for the Gimenez Riilis. The 2008 Perpetuum Merlot has plenty of dried fruit, flower, and black cherry with a pleasant smokiness. This wine was the first star of the bodega, selling more than Malbec in the beginning of the project. The 2008 Vista Flores Reserva Malbec was a lovely melange of black pepper spice, black plum, and violet with a hint of smoked meat. Rich, with spicy tannins, this single-vineyard Malbec earned 89 points from Steven Tanzer.
Finally, the super-star of the night, Riili’s 2008 Altamira Malbec displayed sweet red plum, pepper, and red flower petals on the nose, with bright fresh red fruit and toast on the palate with a rich, chocolaty finish.
2009 Chono Reserva, Carmenère, 65%, Syrah, 34%, Elqui Valley, 14.5%, soft ripe, spicy,
Calgary: Betty's salmon steaks, roasted red spuds, asparagus, green saladin with mandarin , nuts and vinaigrette, fresh strawberries for dessert. 2009 Dona Paula Los Cardos Malbec, Mendoza, 14%,
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe. -John Muir, naturalist, explorer, and writer (1838-1914)
The wines were exceptional. We began with the citrusy 2010 Perpetuum Torrontes. With crisp tropical fruit on the palate, this white has a clean, mineral-driven finish and a final floral note that lingers. Pablo told the crowd that this is the official summer Sunday family lunch wine for the Gimenez Riilis. The 2008 Perpetuum Merlot has plenty of dried fruit, flower, and black cherry with a pleasant smokiness. This wine was the first star of the bodega, selling more than Malbec in the beginning of the project. The 2008 Vista Flores Reserva Malbec was a lovely melange of black pepper spice, black plum, and violet with a hint of smoked meat. Rich, with spicy tannins, this single-vineyard Malbec earned 89 points from Steven Tanzer.
Finally, the super-star of the night, Riili’s 2008 Altamira Malbec displayed sweet red plum, pepper, and red flower petals on the nose, with bright fresh red fruit and toast on the palate with a rich, chocolaty finish.
2009 Chono Reserva, Carmenère, 65%, Syrah, 34%, Elqui Valley, 14.5%, soft ripe, spicy,
Calgary: Betty's salmon steaks, roasted red spuds, asparagus, green saladin with mandarin , nuts and vinaigrette, fresh strawberries for dessert. 2009 Dona Paula Los Cardos Malbec, Mendoza, 14%,
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe. -John Muir, naturalist, explorer, and writer (1838-1914)
IIDD, Saturday, May 14th
Hi Generalissimo!
Had a more than full day yesterday. Set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with Ray at his place and then met Peter at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, CSTB and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from Thursday when I was pelted with hail!
Back home I had a large glass of water and then went about getting place ready for pre-Dram session we were hosting at 5:00pm. Cora Lee had prepared a plethora of dishes, (chicken wings, meatballs, mozzarella/tomatoe skewers), so I acted as scullion and did the dishes that dishwasher was too full to accept. Taking a break to do some of my shoulder exercises and then check my email on desk-top in our bedroom, I heard a voice behind me. It was Andre McKenzie, friend we had stayed with, for a week, in Chabeuil, small village about an hour south of Lyon, last September. His girlfriend, Rosemary Thorne, has a beautiful place there, huge swimming pool, etc. At any rate, Andre has suffered from an irregular heart beat for sometime now and ended up in hospital, in Valence, largest town closest to their village, for a few days, this past March. Once released, he flew back to Vancouver, his home, and underwent some relatively minor heart surgery, (not a bypass or anything of that magnitude), a few weeks before Easter. Rosemary arrived, (from England where she has a flat near Marble Arch in London), around that time and they both popped by a few days before Easter weekend. At that time Andre's condition had improved but he was still being monitored and his medication being calibrated.
Had not seen him since then so was pleased he had dropped in. Rosemary is back in France. Although retired, she sits on a number of boards and makes a regular business trips to various cities in Europe. Unfortunately, Andre is still moving pretty slowly as although his heartbeat has been somewhat regulated, it keeps bouncing around with one medication doing something, another pill doing the opposite. Very frustrating, as you can imagine! We chatted and caught up and before he left I invited him to come by later for the pre-Dram session.
By this time is was close to 3:00pm and with guests coming near 5:00pm, I still had plenty to do, what with vacuuming and more kitchen clean-up as Cora Lee kept churning out more dirty dishes, spatulas and bowls. By 4:45pm table was set, a couple of bottle of wine were open and I headed to have my shower. Most of guests, (ten in total but Dave, tenth, was last to arrive, about 6:30pm), were nibbling goodies on the patio, under our spiffy new red umbrella, (The envy of our neighbours, two floors above. Helena called down, a few days, while CL was doing some re-potting and asked where she had bought it, ($39.50 at Canadian Tire!), as she wanted to get one for their deck.), when I was bathed, changed and smelling so devilishly alluring with my Ralph Lauren scent! We had a grand time eating and drinking wine, enjoying being outside for the first time this year. although the wind was coolish, necessitating wraps, light jackets or sweaters, and sudden gusts would sometimes send napkins flying.
Around 7:00ish we repaired indoors and made plans to get to 3802 Angus Drive. Prince Valiant, Flamin's/Sarge's son drove Cora Lee and I, along with his parents, while rest piled into two cabs, arriving at venue just before 7:30pm. Wonderful evening, bag piper piping at entrance. House itself is a gorgeous mansion, very tastefully renovated, modernized. Five separate tasting islands set up throughout main floor and one simply makes a loop going from one table to next, sampling malts available. In total there were sixteen malts, a bourbon, (Think you'd like the Bulleit, available at Edgemont in North Van. May have to take a knapsack on one of our rides to Seymour and stop there on way back), and a vodka, (Xfour Handcrafted, BC's first corn and rye based, rather tasty although I know very little about vodka, in general), as well as three other malts, two from Australia, both Tasmanian, and one from India. I actually have a small bottle of Sullivan's Cove which friends from Adelaide brought a number of years ago, knowing I enjoyed my Scotch whiskey! I didn't particularly care for the Ozzie malts so will have to re taste one I have and see how it compares to these later expressions. However, found the Amrut Fusion to be rather palatable. Was glad I tried it as I didn't last year.
I focused on those malts I had not had before or else had not tried for sometime, only trying some of the one's I knew/possess after I'd sampled the others. While I quite enjoyed a number of the rarer malts, (Caol Ila 29 year old, in particular, even though I feel that 18 years is the upper limit in terms of taste, for me. After that, malt is simply too, too smooth and I like a certain "roughness" in my tipple!), and the cask strengths, (Bruichladdich, (Port Charlotte), PC7, 61%, aged in a combination of sherry and bourbon oak, (I liked it so much, (I have a bottle of the PC6), that I bid and happily, "won", ($150, perhaps worth $135 here but for a good cause), a bottle in Silent Auction), was mildly disappointed/annoyed by the presence of three or so malts that I feel are pure commercial products, "manufactured", in a sense to appeal to a particular market nice, far more blatantly, crassly than most other distilleries. The individual re-bottling companies set up to "produce" Finlaggan, Ileach, Smokehead, for example, purchase production from whichever of the Islay distilleries offers the best deal at the time of the purchase. Almost like listening to The Spice Girls!
Nevertheless, a wonderful time was had by all. Bumped into old friends and past neighbours, met new folks and just generally had fun tasting, nibbling sushi and chocolate dipped strawberries as we looped the tasting circuit. Tables close at 9:15pm and auction closes at 9:30pm. By time I paid for my successful bid and visited with original group before saying goodnight, all the while sipping on a glass of wine to bring the evening to a finish, it was just after 10:00pm and we hailed a cab, with Flamin'/Sarge and returned to Harbour Terrace. Bade goodnight to them once back as everyone was ready for bed. Can't remember brushing my teeth but know that I did as I found my electric toothbrush out of its stand this morning!
Flamin' came upstairs at 8:00am to ask if I wanted to join them for a ride around Stanley park but I deferred, feeling that I should give my aging frame a bit of a break after yesterday's ride. I might run a few errands later this afternoon, by bike, if skies clear. Don't mind a bit of drizzle as I'm only going to Home Depot on Cambie and perhaps to visit a friend on Alma and 6th, if he is well enough for a visit. Long story. He is suffering from multiple myeloma, (cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow), and is in considerable pain all the time. I sent him a postcard from Mexico, posted in February, and it just arrived this past week. My handwriting is difficult, if not impossible to decipher, so I said I would pop by and "unscramble" it for him and his sister, Julia, visiting from Hungary.
This evening F/S have invited us for a lamb dinner before they take us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th wedding anniversary. So better sign off of for now as clock is ticking! Anyway, that is some of what I've been up to these last few days. Look forward to seeing you and rest of gang tomorrow. Cheers, Il Conductore!
Had a more than full day yesterday. Set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with Ray at his place and then met Peter at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, CSTB and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from Thursday when I was pelted with hail!
Back home I had a large glass of water and then went about getting place ready for pre-Dram session we were hosting at 5:00pm. Cora Lee had prepared a plethora of dishes, (chicken wings, meatballs, mozzarella/tomatoe skewers), so I acted as scullion and did the dishes that dishwasher was too full to accept. Taking a break to do some of my shoulder exercises and then check my email on desk-top in our bedroom, I heard a voice behind me. It was Andre McKenzie, friend we had stayed with, for a week, in Chabeuil, small village about an hour south of Lyon, last September. His girlfriend, Rosemary Thorne, has a beautiful place there, huge swimming pool, etc. At any rate, Andre has suffered from an irregular heart beat for sometime now and ended up in hospital, in Valence, largest town closest to their village, for a few days, this past March. Once released, he flew back to Vancouver, his home, and underwent some relatively minor heart surgery, (not a bypass or anything of that magnitude), a few weeks before Easter. Rosemary arrived, (from England where she has a flat near Marble Arch in London), around that time and they both popped by a few days before Easter weekend. At that time Andre's condition had improved but he was still being monitored and his medication being calibrated.
Had not seen him since then so was pleased he had dropped in. Rosemary is back in France. Although retired, she sits on a number of boards and makes a regular business trips to various cities in Europe. Unfortunately, Andre is still moving pretty slowly as although his heartbeat has been somewhat regulated, it keeps bouncing around with one medication doing something, another pill doing the opposite. Very frustrating, as you can imagine! We chatted and caught up and before he left I invited him to come by later for the pre-Dram session.
By this time is was close to 3:00pm and with guests coming near 5:00pm, I still had plenty to do, what with vacuuming and more kitchen clean-up as Cora Lee kept churning out more dirty dishes, spatulas and bowls. By 4:45pm table was set, a couple of bottle of wine were open and I headed to have my shower. Most of guests, (ten in total but Dave, tenth, was last to arrive, about 6:30pm), were nibbling goodies on the patio, under our spiffy new red umbrella, (The envy of our neighbours, two floors above. Helena called down, a few days, while CL was doing some re-potting and asked where she had bought it, ($39.50 at Canadian Tire!), as she wanted to get one for their deck.), when I was bathed, changed and smelling so devilishly alluring with my Ralph Lauren scent! We had a grand time eating and drinking wine, enjoying being outside for the first time this year. although the wind was coolish, necessitating wraps, light jackets or sweaters, and sudden gusts would sometimes send napkins flying.
Around 7:00ish we repaired indoors and made plans to get to 3802 Angus Drive. Prince Valiant, Flamin's/Sarge's son drove Cora Lee and I, along with his parents, while rest piled into two cabs, arriving at venue just before 7:30pm. Wonderful evening, bag piper piping at entrance. House itself is a gorgeous mansion, very tastefully renovated, modernized. Five separate tasting islands set up throughout main floor and one simply makes a loop going from one table to next, sampling malts available. In total there were sixteen malts, a bourbon, (Think you'd like the Bulleit, available at Edgemont in North Van. May have to take a knapsack on one of our rides to Seymour and stop there on way back), and a vodka, (Xfour Handcrafted, BC's first corn and rye based, rather tasty although I know very little about vodka, in general), as well as three other malts, two from Australia, both Tasmanian, and one from India. I actually have a small bottle of Sullivan's Cove which friends from Adelaide brought a number of years ago, knowing I enjoyed my Scotch whiskey! I didn't particularly care for the Ozzie malts so will have to re taste one I have and see how it compares to these later expressions. However, found the Amrut Fusion to be rather palatable. Was glad I tried it as I didn't last year.
I focused on those malts I had not had before or else had not tried for sometime, only trying some of the one's I knew/possess after I'd sampled the others. While I quite enjoyed a number of the rarer malts, (Caol Ila 29 year old, in particular, even though I feel that 18 years is the upper limit in terms of taste, for me. After that, malt is simply too, too smooth and I like a certain "roughness" in my tipple!), and the cask strengths, (Bruichladdich, (Port Charlotte), PC7, 61%, aged in a combination of sherry and bourbon oak, (I liked it so much, (I have a bottle of the PC6), that I bid and happily, "won", ($150, perhaps worth $135 here but for a good cause), a bottle in Silent Auction), was mildly disappointed/annoyed by the presence of three or so malts that I feel are pure commercial products, "manufactured", in a sense to appeal to a particular market nice, far more blatantly, crassly than most other distilleries. The individual re-bottling companies set up to "produce" Finlaggan, Ileach, Smokehead, for example, purchase production from whichever of the Islay distilleries offers the best deal at the time of the purchase. Almost like listening to The Spice Girls!
Nevertheless, a wonderful time was had by all. Bumped into old friends and past neighbours, met new folks and just generally had fun tasting, nibbling sushi and chocolate dipped strawberries as we looped the tasting circuit. Tables close at 9:15pm and auction closes at 9:30pm. By time I paid for my successful bid and visited with original group before saying goodnight, all the while sipping on a glass of wine to bring the evening to a finish, it was just after 10:00pm and we hailed a cab, with Flamin'/Sarge and returned to Harbour Terrace. Bade goodnight to them once back as everyone was ready for bed. Can't remember brushing my teeth but know that I did as I found my electric toothbrush out of its stand this morning!
Flamin' came upstairs at 8:00am to ask if I wanted to join them for a ride around Stanley park but I deferred, feeling that I should give my aging frame a bit of a break after yesterday's ride. I might run a few errands later this afternoon, by bike, if skies clear. Don't mind a bit of drizzle as I'm only going to Home Depot on Cambie and perhaps to visit a friend on Alma and 6th, if he is well enough for a visit. Long story. He is suffering from multiple myeloma, (cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow), and is in considerable pain all the time. I sent him a postcard from Mexico, posted in February, and it just arrived this past week. My handwriting is difficult, if not impossible to decipher, so I said I would pop by and "unscramble" it for him and his sister, Julia, visiting from Hungary.
This evening F/S have invited us for a lamb dinner before they take us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th wedding anniversary. So better sign off of for now as clock is ticking! Anyway, that is some of what I've been up to these last few days. Look forward to seeing you and rest of gang tomorrow. Cheers, Il Conductore!
IIDD, Easter Weekend, April 22nd-24th
Hello Andrew!
Trust you are both well and that your respective Easter weekends went well. Ours was busy. I had an incredible ride on Saturday, simply gorgeous day, perhaps the best of the entire weekend, as it turned out. Left Harbour Terrace shortly after 9:20am and made our way to Main via Seawall and Olympic Village and then to East Van, taking Lakewood north somewhere after Commercial. Then Adanac to Hastiings and over Second Narrows, Sarge in lead, followed by me, than Flamin' and then Ray. About half way across, some dope wanted to pass. He had already passed other two behind me and it is not without difficulty that one can stop, as I'm sure you know. Since I was close behind Sarge, he had to do same with him and just as he was about to do this, we came upon a chap coming the other way so it was a bit of traffic jam to say the least! Idiot, discourteous rider said that he wanted to pass as he felt he was "Too heavy and wanted to get up to 80K." His very words. Sarge thought it was me who wanted to pass and he couldn't figure out what I was all about. He had taken off his jacket just as we started up Lakewood, as it was wonderfully warm, and so scraped his bare left arm on railing as he slowed down and wobbled while other rider scraped by. Absolutely no need for that sort of thing, ridiculously selfish and possibly dangerous, probably not life-threatening but a nasty gash, cut or bump, quite easily.
At any rate, made it over the bridge without further incident and wound our way up to Demonstration Forest area where we headed out to Seymour Falls Dam on the wonderful bikeway. Ray had been before but none of the rest of has ridden through the magnificent forest, the cliffs of the mountains looming majestically above us whenever we came to a bit of a clearing. At about the 6K mark Ray and I went ahead and Sarge stayed behind with Flamin', to coax her along. This was already at 30K or more so she knew it was going to be at least 65-70K by time we were back home and she had never ridden that far before. On Friday, with Flamin' and Sarge, out to Steveston, much the same route as I had taken Saturday before, with other friends, except we didn't turn off dike quite as early, following it along to point where it connected with a paved road that allowed us to follow Rice Road over Highway 99. We stopped at this point as Flamin' didn't want ride to turn into more of an endurance test than it already was shaping up to be. Found No. 5 Road and took it all the way to River Road, (crossing over 99 at Steveston Highway, I think), coming to it just past Vulcan Way, just before stretch from our ride of day before, out to New Westminister and over Queensboro Bridge. Would like to explore where RR would take us, further east of Steveston, at some point. Back over new Cambie Sky Train Bridge, up Cambie and home for 61K.
Ray and I pedaled on ahead and before we knew it, 9K mark on this part of ride, we came to a rest stop with a biffy or two and a few benches, plus a metal screen barrier to service road. Couple sitting on one of the benches told us that path straight ahead lead to base of dam and I walked over rise to look at track. Asked a rider coming up grade if it was paved all the way and he said it was but only about a K in distance. Service road, north and south, were posted with signs informing one that roadway was off limits for recreational users. We chatted with couple for a few minutes and then both went into a separate outhouse before heading back. We assumed F/S would be waiting at one of picnic areas or had simply decided to go home. Waved goodbye to fellow cyclists and started our return. At each rest area we scanned seats but no sigh of the the Sutherlands so we kept going. Thought that they might be at FD area but no sign there either so we made our way on, choosing to follow path to Lynn Valley Headwaters. Last time Ray and I were on it, early December, it was very icy but very good surface this time, if a bit rocky/bumpy at times.
Soon on Lynn Canyon, I think, and took it all the way to Esplanade, down Grand Boulevard. Really gorgeous view of Vancouver and could hardly believe how high we had climbed as we just kept going down, down, down! Bit of backing and forthing until we connected with Marine Drive, near Keith Road, I think, and then over to 3rd and then 1st and we were away to Lions Gate. Bit of a grind for me on way up as I could really feel my legs. Shifted into low gear and enjoyed view! Once out of Park we took street as Seawall was awash with people as you can imagine. Took Beach and wound around some of the streets just back from water to hit Pacific all the way to Science World and then behind Olympic Village for an easy run to Lamey's Mill. Just as we approached Harbour Terrace Ray mentioned that we could call it an 85K outing, as odometer read 80K at that point. I said that I didn't think it was 5K to his place but he reminded me that he had ridden to GI! I acknowledged my oversight but once I left him at 1st and Cypress I headed for Kits Point and decided to put 87K on odometer just for good measure, not competition, you understand. Probably a subconscious way to get back at him for leaving me in the dust on all those hills in North Van and on Lions Gate! Thought fleetingly about going out to UBC, (Just to bottom of hill, mind you, as I'd had more than enough of hills by then. Even thinking about Ray and his homeward bound Cypress Street climb tired me out!), but didn't have the steam or desire to go that far so just dipsy-doodled around on the streets of Kits Point and then on the flat near our place, enjoying the sun as the K's clicked over.
When I was back, (roughly five and a half hours later!), popped downstairs to see what happened to our companions and we pieced things together. It seems that they went by us while we were in the toilettes! They rode up to the dam, ignoring signs, and I guess we left before they returned. They made their way back down Lilloet and even stopped for a beer and nachos at a pub somewhere along the way, before returning over Second Narrows. Sarge said he found grade pretty long and tiring by then as well. Suppose beer didn't help matters!! They made their way along your old street, I suppose, coming out at Wall and Powell, Powell to Main and then back via Science World, etc.
Really enjoyed listening to Bernhardt Schlink. He read from his latest, The Weekend, (both in German, one of sponsors was Goethe Institute!), and English, about a terrorist who has just been released from prison. His sister invites a number of old friends to her place to spend the weekend with him. Bit like Peter's Friends with a dash of Molotov, Baader-Meinhof cocktail! Cora Lee is reading one of VPL's copies as I compose! He is wonderfully articulate and it was fascinating to hear his take on contemporary German society as well as his answers to many interesting questions about his work from the floor.
Today's outing was a pretty grueling ride, all things considered, at least for me. Ray cycled to our place, close to 9:00am, and we took off around Seawall, over Lions Gate and then along 1st Avenue, more or less, through North Van to foot of Lilloet, up past Capilano College to Seymour Demonstration Forest and then back down via Lynn Canyon Headwaters Trail, Lynn Valley Road/Keith Road to Marine and 1st Avenue, over Lions Gate and down through Stanley Park. Returned to Kits over Burrard as Ray had to be home by noonish. I continued on out to UBC, along Spanish Banks, bucking a reasonably strong headwind, of course, out Marine to Dunbar and back to retrace my steps home. 103K by time I made it to Harbour Terrace and I'll tell you I was pleased as punch that wind was pushing me along on return leg!
I plan to go for a much shorter ride tomorrow, probably out to UBC, given today's distance,
Plan to redo Seymour Falls and by way of training, tomorrow morning Ray and I plan to head out towards UBC to ascend the Hills of Point Grey, 9th, 4th and Marine Drive, looping around campus first, from Crown/Marine. Cheers, Patrizio!
Ragin' Bull's Diesel Cruise has been delayed for a week or so, next Monday or Tuesday. Let me know if you would like to join us. I think Lost Paridiso is interested in coming along so Branymir will have three able bodied seamen to swab the decks if you are still willing to risk life and limb!
Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity. -Christopher Morley, writer (1890-1957)
Trust you are both well and that your respective Easter weekends went well. Ours was busy. I had an incredible ride on Saturday, simply gorgeous day, perhaps the best of the entire weekend, as it turned out. Left Harbour Terrace shortly after 9:20am and made our way to Main via Seawall and Olympic Village and then to East Van, taking Lakewood north somewhere after Commercial. Then Adanac to Hastiings and over Second Narrows, Sarge in lead, followed by me, than Flamin' and then Ray. About half way across, some dope wanted to pass. He had already passed other two behind me and it is not without difficulty that one can stop, as I'm sure you know. Since I was close behind Sarge, he had to do same with him and just as he was about to do this, we came upon a chap coming the other way so it was a bit of traffic jam to say the least! Idiot, discourteous rider said that he wanted to pass as he felt he was "Too heavy and wanted to get up to 80K." His very words. Sarge thought it was me who wanted to pass and he couldn't figure out what I was all about. He had taken off his jacket just as we started up Lakewood, as it was wonderfully warm, and so scraped his bare left arm on railing as he slowed down and wobbled while other rider scraped by. Absolutely no need for that sort of thing, ridiculously selfish and possibly dangerous, probably not life-threatening but a nasty gash, cut or bump, quite easily.
At any rate, made it over the bridge without further incident and wound our way up to Demonstration Forest area where we headed out to Seymour Falls Dam on the wonderful bikeway. Ray had been before but none of the rest of has ridden through the magnificent forest, the cliffs of the mountains looming majestically above us whenever we came to a bit of a clearing. At about the 6K mark Ray and I went ahead and Sarge stayed behind with Flamin', to coax her along. This was already at 30K or more so she knew it was going to be at least 65-70K by time we were back home and she had never ridden that far before. On Friday, with Flamin' and Sarge, out to Steveston, much the same route as I had taken Saturday before, with other friends, except we didn't turn off dike quite as early, following it along to point where it connected with a paved road that allowed us to follow Rice Road over Highway 99. We stopped at this point as Flamin' didn't want ride to turn into more of an endurance test than it already was shaping up to be. Found No. 5 Road and took it all the way to River Road, (crossing over 99 at Steveston Highway, I think), coming to it just past Vulcan Way, just before stretch from our ride of day before, out to New Westminister and over Queensboro Bridge. Would like to explore where RR would take us, further east of Steveston, at some point. Back over new Cambie Sky Train Bridge, up Cambie and home for 61K.
Ray and I pedaled on ahead and before we knew it, 9K mark on this part of ride, we came to a rest stop with a biffy or two and a few benches, plus a metal screen barrier to service road. Couple sitting on one of the benches told us that path straight ahead lead to base of dam and I walked over rise to look at track. Asked a rider coming up grade if it was paved all the way and he said it was but only about a K in distance. Service road, north and south, were posted with signs informing one that roadway was off limits for recreational users. We chatted with couple for a few minutes and then both went into a separate outhouse before heading back. We assumed F/S would be waiting at one of picnic areas or had simply decided to go home. Waved goodbye to fellow cyclists and started our return. At each rest area we scanned seats but no sigh of the the Sutherlands so we kept going. Thought that they might be at FD area but no sign there either so we made our way on, choosing to follow path to Lynn Valley Headwaters. Last time Ray and I were on it, early December, it was very icy but very good surface this time, if a bit rocky/bumpy at times.
Soon on Lynn Canyon, I think, and took it all the way to Esplanade, down Grand Boulevard. Really gorgeous view of Vancouver and could hardly believe how high we had climbed as we just kept going down, down, down! Bit of backing and forthing until we connected with Marine Drive, near Keith Road, I think, and then over to 3rd and then 1st and we were away to Lions Gate. Bit of a grind for me on way up as I could really feel my legs. Shifted into low gear and enjoyed view! Once out of Park we took street as Seawall was awash with people as you can imagine. Took Beach and wound around some of the streets just back from water to hit Pacific all the way to Science World and then behind Olympic Village for an easy run to Lamey's Mill. Just as we approached Harbour Terrace Ray mentioned that we could call it an 85K outing, as odometer read 80K at that point. I said that I didn't think it was 5K to his place but he reminded me that he had ridden to GI! I acknowledged my oversight but once I left him at 1st and Cypress I headed for Kits Point and decided to put 87K on odometer just for good measure, not competition, you understand. Probably a subconscious way to get back at him for leaving me in the dust on all those hills in North Van and on Lions Gate! Thought fleetingly about going out to UBC, (Just to bottom of hill, mind you, as I'd had more than enough of hills by then. Even thinking about Ray and his homeward bound Cypress Street climb tired me out!), but didn't have the steam or desire to go that far so just dipsy-doodled around on the streets of Kits Point and then on the flat near our place, enjoying the sun as the K's clicked over.
When I was back, (roughly five and a half hours later!), popped downstairs to see what happened to our companions and we pieced things together. It seems that they went by us while we were in the toilettes! They rode up to the dam, ignoring signs, and I guess we left before they returned. They made their way back down Lilloet and even stopped for a beer and nachos at a pub somewhere along the way, before returning over Second Narrows. Sarge said he found grade pretty long and tiring by then as well. Suppose beer didn't help matters!! They made their way along your old street, I suppose, coming out at Wall and Powell, Powell to Main and then back via Science World, etc.
Really enjoyed listening to Bernhardt Schlink. He read from his latest, The Weekend, (both in German, one of sponsors was Goethe Institute!), and English, about a terrorist who has just been released from prison. His sister invites a number of old friends to her place to spend the weekend with him. Bit like Peter's Friends with a dash of Molotov, Baader-Meinhof cocktail! Cora Lee is reading one of VPL's copies as I compose! He is wonderfully articulate and it was fascinating to hear his take on contemporary German society as well as his answers to many interesting questions about his work from the floor.
Today's outing was a pretty grueling ride, all things considered, at least for me. Ray cycled to our place, close to 9:00am, and we took off around Seawall, over Lions Gate and then along 1st Avenue, more or less, through North Van to foot of Lilloet, up past Capilano College to Seymour Demonstration Forest and then back down via Lynn Canyon Headwaters Trail, Lynn Valley Road/Keith Road to Marine and 1st Avenue, over Lions Gate and down through Stanley Park. Returned to Kits over Burrard as Ray had to be home by noonish. I continued on out to UBC, along Spanish Banks, bucking a reasonably strong headwind, of course, out Marine to Dunbar and back to retrace my steps home. 103K by time I made it to Harbour Terrace and I'll tell you I was pleased as punch that wind was pushing me along on return leg!
I plan to go for a much shorter ride tomorrow, probably out to UBC, given today's distance,
Plan to redo Seymour Falls and by way of training, tomorrow morning Ray and I plan to head out towards UBC to ascend the Hills of Point Grey, 9th, 4th and Marine Drive, looping around campus first, from Crown/Marine. Cheers, Patrizio!
Ragin' Bull's Diesel Cruise has been delayed for a week or so, next Monday or Tuesday. Let me know if you would like to join us. I think Lost Paridiso is interested in coming along so Branymir will have three able bodied seamen to swab the decks if you are still willing to risk life and limb!
Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity. -Christopher Morley, writer (1890-1957)
The Island Inn Daily Diaries
Hi Sweetheart of Sigma Chi and Riptide!
Happy New Year and trust all goes well. Great to see you both at our Open House!
In case you are interested in some more blow-by-blow details, have included a few entries for the Tequila Diaries, on my blog, The Island Inn Diaries, literally just created this past Saturday. Of course, I've known such templates have existed for quite some time but I decided to give it a try once I'd looked at a friend's blog, address sent is a recent email. Easy as pie and I even figured out how to load pictures from my computer/iPhoto albums! Cora Lee and others have been after me, for quite a while, to start one but probably out of sheer stubborness, dang orneriness, I've always resisted notion, basically because I write, primarily, for myself. However, I certainly understand that this is a way to continue to do just that and share result with those interested enough to look at blog:
http://islandinndiaries.blogspot.com/
Complete, finally edited version, available at better email addresses everywhere, to be released later this Spring!
Busy time here, once back, as you can probably imagine. Only fairly recently did we have time to go through much of our accumulated mail. Having finally done so, I wanted to send along an email to thank you for your Christmas card and wishes. Have just managed to put house back in some semblance of order, (what with unpacking and changes Chloë made while she exercized suzerainty at The Island Inn!), but Cora Lee and I are still embroiled in on-going, sometimes rather nasty, (on her part, alone, particularly with respect to my beloved coconut devil souvenirs!), debates over which souvenirs should/must go where. Again, all a one-way, Cora Lee, "You have no colour/design sense Patrick, so just shut up and put the nail where I tell you, street!
Aside from this trifling domestic discord, all goes well. Had a wonderful meal with Flamin' and Sarge, last Wednesday night, along with Jane and Kjell, our host in Sweden this past August. (He has been in Vancouver, visiting Jane, his long-distance girlfriend, for past two months and will return to Stockholm on April 5th. This being the case, we wanted to see him as much as possible before he leaves. We will see them again tonight at the home of Paul and Joan Whitney. Paul just retired as Chief Librarian for Vancouver Public Library. We all stayed at Kjell's cabin, north of Stockholm, for a few nights.) Cora Lee prepared a wonderful pork vindaloo, Basmati rice and roasted cauliflower. Had some interesting whites with appetizers, English cukes, quartered, dusted with Tajin Clasico, a lime/chile concoction we discovered in Guayabitos, sesame crackers with a gorgeous, semi-soft cheese Flamin' contributed. Started with a 2007, Mareny, Spain, Sauvignon Blanc/Muscat de Alexandria, 12.5%, which was delicious without being sweet as I had thought it might be, having Muscat as part of blend. Next a 2009 Salutem Pluram, Spain, Verdejo/Viura blend, the latter a varietal I'd never even heard of before! Liked both very much and they certainly went exceedingly well with the hors d'oeuvres.
Reds were literal gang-busters, or at least ones from California were: 2007 Perrin & Fils, Côtes du Rhone, (50% Syrah, 50% Grenache), 13%; 2007 Zichichi, Dry Creek Valley, Estate Petite Sirah, 15.1%, (one of three bottles I had Chloë mule home from LA at Christmas!), and a 2008 Zenaida Cellars, Paso Robles, Knucklehead, 100% Petite Sirah, 15.2%, (one of two bottles we bought, while tasting, en route from LA to Berkeley). I much preferred both Petites, finding the CdR delightfully spicy but a tad thin, (not the 14+% we found when in this region when there this past August/September), compared to its Yankee cousins with their amazing, amazing jammy fruit. Finished with a Silverside Farm Blueberry Dessert Wine, NV, Cobble Hill, Vancouver Island, 18% and a couple of snorts of malt, (Bunnahabhaim Daruch Ur, Islay, 46.3% and Stronachoie, Highland, 12 years old, 43%), for the non-faint of heart!
When weather permitted, this past week, I managed two pretty good rides, a 70K and 60K outing, with shorter rides in between. Went to Fort Langley, a Parks Canada National Historic Site, as you probably know, last Friday, with Gianna and Dom Marvcellino, (Jane/Kjell). They live in North Van so they drove to Island Inn and we put our bikes on my rack and then drove over Port Mann Bridge to park not far from a trail which takes one along the Fraser to the site itself, "the exact location where, a century and a half ago, the Hudson's Bay Company established a small post to trade with the First Nations of the West Coast. The enterprise grew, evolved, and influenced history, leading to the creation of the colony of British Columbia." Unfortunately, weather did not cooperate at all as it drizzled steadily entire time. Nonetheless, it wasn't all that unpleasant and as I'd never ridden there before, I was more than pleased to explore that part of the Lower Mainland. Would be a simply wonderful area to picnic in on a nice day. We warmed up/dried off browsing in a wonderful antique/second-hand store, one of the many such establishments in quaint/interesting village which has grown up outside/around Fort itself and then with java and sandwiches at Wendel's Bookstore & Cafė, a cosy spot across the street. Back to car for a total of 32K, soggy but pleased as punch with outing.
Saturday, Flamin' and Cora Lee left for a day of Sisterhood bonding/shopping in Bellingham. Sarge was in Ottawa for weekend. I headed out to the Olympic Village in the afternoon to attend a New Democratic Party Leadership debate centered around environmental/sustainability issues. Was very impressed with all the candidates but think that John Horgan, (he is my pick), and Milke Farnworth are top two runners. Others, (Adrian Dix, Dana Larsen and Nicholas Simons), would certainly be cabinet material and are probably running with that in mind. Dana was the most outspoken candidate and it would be wonderful if he could be elected, both as Leader of NDP and to legislature. Unfortunately, his ideas are probably to progressive/radical to allow former, although not necessarily the latter. He endorses bringing light rail to the Fraser Valley and other major centres and would make the entire BC Transit system fare-free! Furthermore, as former head of BC Marijuana Party, he advocates large scale planting of hemp as a renewable energy source and for other industrial/commercial purposes and as a carbon sink. Makes very good sense to me but I don't think broader electorate will endorse such a a scheme, primarily due to drug aspect. However, legalized use of marijuana is becoming more and more prevalent so who knows! Nevertheless, I am quietly confident, some would say naive or overly optimistic, that the party will be able to defeat the Liberals when the next provincial election is announced. Stay tuned!
For my part, I felt a bit like the woman, in attachment, (PRAISE THE LORD!!! IT"S A MIRACLE IN THE ALCOHOL AISLE!), after an NMRI last Monday evening. Quite an experience! I had had my left knee done back in early 90's and thought nothing of it. This time, as my right shoulder had to be examined, I was literally inserted into the "stomach" of the scanner. For my knee, I was only trundled in as far as my waist so no big deal. Not sure how those patients suffering from claustrophobia would handle the 30-40 minutes inside "the belly of the beast"! The surface of the machine is just inches away from one's face and rest of your body is strapped in place to prevent as much movement as possible. Fortunately, technician gives you a set of earphones and a choice of music to listen to during your ordeal. (Scanner makes a fair bit of noise as it goes about doing whatever it does with its powerful magnets and one can barely hear music at times!) I choose Stan Getz and the Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto to while away my insertion time and tried to focus on the Girl from Ipanema instead of thoughts of being buried alive or having to scratch the itch on my nose, breathing from my diaphram to minimize chest expansion/contraction, as per operator's instructions! In the final analysis, not really all that uncomfortable but I certainly wasn't unhappy to exit the polished metal cave. Much more of an ordeal for any patients suffering from pain of one sort or another as you cannot really, or should not, change position to try to relieve ache or other discomfort.
Nevertheless, I survived and certainly enjoyed the brisk walk home over Burrard Bridge. It had been raining heavily when Cora Lee dropped me off at just before 7:00pm but by 8:30Pm it was clear and crisp. Felt like an eagle as I gazed down upon Granville Island, as I made my way over False Creek, the lights twinkling in the freshly scrubbed nightscape.
Fondestos, Bestestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
Happy New Year and trust all goes well. Great to see you both at our Open House!
In case you are interested in some more blow-by-blow details, have included a few entries for the Tequila Diaries, on my blog, The Island Inn Diaries, literally just created this past Saturday. Of course, I've known such templates have existed for quite some time but I decided to give it a try once I'd looked at a friend's blog, address sent is a recent email. Easy as pie and I even figured out how to load pictures from my computer/iPhoto albums! Cora Lee and others have been after me, for quite a while, to start one but probably out of sheer stubborness, dang orneriness, I've always resisted notion, basically because I write, primarily, for myself. However, I certainly understand that this is a way to continue to do just that and share result with those interested enough to look at blog:
http://islandinndiaries.blogspot.com/
Complete, finally edited version, available at better email addresses everywhere, to be released later this Spring!
Busy time here, once back, as you can probably imagine. Only fairly recently did we have time to go through much of our accumulated mail. Having finally done so, I wanted to send along an email to thank you for your Christmas card and wishes. Have just managed to put house back in some semblance of order, (what with unpacking and changes Chloë made while she exercized suzerainty at The Island Inn!), but Cora Lee and I are still embroiled in on-going, sometimes rather nasty, (on her part, alone, particularly with respect to my beloved coconut devil souvenirs!), debates over which souvenirs should/must go where. Again, all a one-way, Cora Lee, "You have no colour/design sense Patrick, so just shut up and put the nail where I tell you, street!
Aside from this trifling domestic discord, all goes well. Had a wonderful meal with Flamin' and Sarge, last Wednesday night, along with Jane and Kjell, our host in Sweden this past August. (He has been in Vancouver, visiting Jane, his long-distance girlfriend, for past two months and will return to Stockholm on April 5th. This being the case, we wanted to see him as much as possible before he leaves. We will see them again tonight at the home of Paul and Joan Whitney. Paul just retired as Chief Librarian for Vancouver Public Library. We all stayed at Kjell's cabin, north of Stockholm, for a few nights.) Cora Lee prepared a wonderful pork vindaloo, Basmati rice and roasted cauliflower. Had some interesting whites with appetizers, English cukes, quartered, dusted with Tajin Clasico, a lime/chile concoction we discovered in Guayabitos, sesame crackers with a gorgeous, semi-soft cheese Flamin' contributed. Started with a 2007, Mareny, Spain, Sauvignon Blanc/Muscat de Alexandria, 12.5%, which was delicious without being sweet as I had thought it might be, having Muscat as part of blend. Next a 2009 Salutem Pluram, Spain, Verdejo/Viura blend, the latter a varietal I'd never even heard of before! Liked both very much and they certainly went exceedingly well with the hors d'oeuvres.
Reds were literal gang-busters, or at least ones from California were: 2007 Perrin & Fils, Côtes du Rhone, (50% Syrah, 50% Grenache), 13%; 2007 Zichichi, Dry Creek Valley, Estate Petite Sirah, 15.1%, (one of three bottles I had Chloë mule home from LA at Christmas!), and a 2008 Zenaida Cellars, Paso Robles, Knucklehead, 100% Petite Sirah, 15.2%, (one of two bottles we bought, while tasting, en route from LA to Berkeley). I much preferred both Petites, finding the CdR delightfully spicy but a tad thin, (not the 14+% we found when in this region when there this past August/September), compared to its Yankee cousins with their amazing, amazing jammy fruit. Finished with a Silverside Farm Blueberry Dessert Wine, NV, Cobble Hill, Vancouver Island, 18% and a couple of snorts of malt, (Bunnahabhaim Daruch Ur, Islay, 46.3% and Stronachoie, Highland, 12 years old, 43%), for the non-faint of heart!
When weather permitted, this past week, I managed two pretty good rides, a 70K and 60K outing, with shorter rides in between. Went to Fort Langley, a Parks Canada National Historic Site, as you probably know, last Friday, with Gianna and Dom Marvcellino, (Jane/Kjell). They live in North Van so they drove to Island Inn and we put our bikes on my rack and then drove over Port Mann Bridge to park not far from a trail which takes one along the Fraser to the site itself, "the exact location where, a century and a half ago, the Hudson's Bay Company established a small post to trade with the First Nations of the West Coast. The enterprise grew, evolved, and influenced history, leading to the creation of the colony of British Columbia." Unfortunately, weather did not cooperate at all as it drizzled steadily entire time. Nonetheless, it wasn't all that unpleasant and as I'd never ridden there before, I was more than pleased to explore that part of the Lower Mainland. Would be a simply wonderful area to picnic in on a nice day. We warmed up/dried off browsing in a wonderful antique/second-hand store, one of the many such establishments in quaint/interesting village which has grown up outside/around Fort itself and then with java and sandwiches at Wendel's Bookstore & Cafė, a cosy spot across the street. Back to car for a total of 32K, soggy but pleased as punch with outing.
Saturday, Flamin' and Cora Lee left for a day of Sisterhood bonding/shopping in Bellingham. Sarge was in Ottawa for weekend. I headed out to the Olympic Village in the afternoon to attend a New Democratic Party Leadership debate centered around environmental/sustainability issues. Was very impressed with all the candidates but think that John Horgan, (he is my pick), and Milke Farnworth are top two runners. Others, (Adrian Dix, Dana Larsen and Nicholas Simons), would certainly be cabinet material and are probably running with that in mind. Dana was the most outspoken candidate and it would be wonderful if he could be elected, both as Leader of NDP and to legislature. Unfortunately, his ideas are probably to progressive/radical to allow former, although not necessarily the latter. He endorses bringing light rail to the Fraser Valley and other major centres and would make the entire BC Transit system fare-free! Furthermore, as former head of BC Marijuana Party, he advocates large scale planting of hemp as a renewable energy source and for other industrial/commercial purposes and as a carbon sink. Makes very good sense to me but I don't think broader electorate will endorse such a a scheme, primarily due to drug aspect. However, legalized use of marijuana is becoming more and more prevalent so who knows! Nevertheless, I am quietly confident, some would say naive or overly optimistic, that the party will be able to defeat the Liberals when the next provincial election is announced. Stay tuned!
For my part, I felt a bit like the woman, in attachment, (PRAISE THE LORD!!! IT"S A MIRACLE IN THE ALCOHOL AISLE!), after an NMRI last Monday evening. Quite an experience! I had had my left knee done back in early 90's and thought nothing of it. This time, as my right shoulder had to be examined, I was literally inserted into the "stomach" of the scanner. For my knee, I was only trundled in as far as my waist so no big deal. Not sure how those patients suffering from claustrophobia would handle the 30-40 minutes inside "the belly of the beast"! The surface of the machine is just inches away from one's face and rest of your body is strapped in place to prevent as much movement as possible. Fortunately, technician gives you a set of earphones and a choice of music to listen to during your ordeal. (Scanner makes a fair bit of noise as it goes about doing whatever it does with its powerful magnets and one can barely hear music at times!) I choose Stan Getz and the Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto to while away my insertion time and tried to focus on the Girl from Ipanema instead of thoughts of being buried alive or having to scratch the itch on my nose, breathing from my diaphram to minimize chest expansion/contraction, as per operator's instructions! In the final analysis, not really all that uncomfortable but I certainly wasn't unhappy to exit the polished metal cave. Much more of an ordeal for any patients suffering from pain of one sort or another as you cannot really, or should not, change position to try to relieve ache or other discomfort.
Nevertheless, I survived and certainly enjoyed the brisk walk home over Burrard Bridge. It had been raining heavily when Cora Lee dropped me off at just before 7:00pm but by 8:30Pm it was clear and crisp. Felt like an eagle as I gazed down upon Granville Island, as I made my way over False Creek, the lights twinkling in the freshly scrubbed nightscape.
Fondestos, Bestestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
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