Hi Brenda Louise!
Was wondering about you so pleased to have heard from you. Sorry that it has taken me so long to respond but seem to have been rather busy of late. Sounds like a fairly major home improvement undertaking! Do hope you will be pleased with results once you've had a chance to live with new flooring. Cora Lee can hardly wait to come to see it!!!
As I mentioned, has been quite a busy last few weeks. One of the highlights was a concert on Wednesday of last week. Cora Lee and I took in Michael Kaeshammer and Jill Barber, at the Vogue, downtown. I knew Jill's work more so than Michael's and really wanted to see her in a live performance. Vogue is a terrific venue, as you might know, not so large that one needs a telescope to see the performers. In fact, quite intimate, just the size for me if I am going to enjoy such an event. Jill opened and she really is a remarkable chanteuse. Trust her career continues to develop as she certainly deserves attention. Her material evokes the torch songs and romantic ballads of the '40's and early '50's. Far, far more appealing to me than the work of today's current slate of stars, at least the ones I've heard, from time to time, more by accident than choice, I must admit. Most seem rather harsh and un-melodic to my ear and I simply can't be bothered to listen to their whining laments! Her back-up band, (piano, violin/oboe or clarinet, I'm not sure, drums, guitar and double bass), were terrific, a pure delight and a perfect accompaniment to her singular voice, never overpowering it, simply supporting and emphasizing her extraordinary phrasing.
Knew very little about Michael Kaeshammer and would not have purchased tickets if he had been on bill alone. However, certainly more than glad that Jill's appearance drew us to concert as he is a truly exciting, amazing performer. First and foremost he is an unbelievable pianist. I don't think I've ever been so taken with the piano before. I gather he is steeped in the New Orleans jazz tradition/scene and his pyrotechnic playing confirms this heritage. His band were just as accomplished and riveting on their individual instruments, (trombone, saxophone, trumpet, bass guitar/double bass, and drums), as he was on piano/electric keyboard. Jill opened and after Michael's set they both returned to stage to do a duet: Moon River. He played and she crooned and it was a simply marvelous way to end the thrilling evening of live music and song. Keep forgetting how exciting it is to see and listen to artists such as these two. As Chloë said, when we returned, "you need to go out more often, Dad!"
On the cycling front, have been putting in some fairly lengthy rides and am pleased with distances in question. Last Friday set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with friend Ray, at his place, and then met Peter, another cycling chum, at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, Cambie Sky Train Bridge and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from day before when I was literally pelted with hail!
Managed to put 112K on odometer today. My longest ride to date. Ray and I went over Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver and up to the Seymour Demonstration Forest and then back down, over Second Narrows Bridge and then to Granville Island. Ray made for home and I continued along Spanish Banks out to UBC and around Marine Drive to Dunbar and then back home again. Am currently seeing a physio for my right shoulder. Results of MRI indicated I have little if any cartilage in joint and am on a waiting list to see a specialist to determine if some surgery is required. Exercises physio has suggested seem to be helping with both increased range of motion and some pain reduction. Marginal but am optimistic. One baby step at a time!
Fond regards from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizio!
> Hi:
> Congrats on your self-publishing! Great idea!
> Sorry I haven't got back to you but you know how I love my projects! We replaced the flooring on the entire main floor. That entailed moving everything either upstairs or into the garage and moving to a motel for a few days so Pic wouldn't suffer from the glue. I think it's an improvement but don't know whether I'm really thrilled about it. We decided because of wet areas involved (laundry, dishwasher etc) and having to wash around Pic's cage that we'd use Armstrong vinyl plank in a black walnut. Pic would eat cork and because the humidity is so variable here they find flooring manufacturers won't honour their warranties for hardwood and bamboo because they shrink and expand too much. "Rain on a desert's dusty face" (Omar)is great for desert blooms and not too good for flooring.
> What was the outcome of your tests?
> Love
> B
Friday, 27 May 2011
IIDD, May 24th
Hi Ann!
Lovely to hear from you! Sorry that it has taken me so long to reply. Nothing to do with "availability schedule" but rather seemingly pillar to post social engagements, of late. Would be delighted to see you on Monday, the 30th, for dinner here. Unfortunately, Cora Lee has her last Book Club meeting, of the year, that evening, 6:00pm-9:00pm, but will be back home shortly thereafter. Your son, if he is interested, is more than welcome, as well. We can visit until she returns, catching up since we last saw each other, in July, in Toronto, almost a year ago!
We, (both Corinne and Chloë), certainly enjoyed staying with your Mom and am pleased that she enjoyed our visits as well, of course. Hope we can arrange some bridge if we are fortunate enough to stay again. Have another close friend in Calgary, (Jim actually lives in Cochrane. I believe your Mom met him when he performed memorial service for Ellen, Clara's sister, a number of years ago.), who is a keen player.
Lovely to hear from you! Sorry that it has taken me so long to reply. Nothing to do with "availability schedule" but rather seemingly pillar to post social engagements, of late. Would be delighted to see you on Monday, the 30th, for dinner here. Unfortunately, Cora Lee has her last Book Club meeting, of the year, that evening, 6:00pm-9:00pm, but will be back home shortly thereafter. Your son, if he is interested, is more than welcome, as well. We can visit until she returns, catching up since we last saw each other, in July, in Toronto, almost a year ago!
We, (both Corinne and Chloë), certainly enjoyed staying with your Mom and am pleased that she enjoyed our visits as well, of course. Hope we can arrange some bridge if we are fortunate enough to stay again. Have another close friend in Calgary, (Jim actually lives in Cochrane. I believe your Mom met him when he performed memorial service for Ellen, Clara's sister, a number of years ago.), who is a keen player.
IIDD, May 23rd
Hello Class!
Have finally managed to negotiate, with The Matriarch of The Sisterhood, for start of term for Bridge Class 101. Initial seminar will be on Saturday, June 11th. I suggest we start sometime around/after 4:00-5:00pm, with basics being covered for those entirely new to game and then let the cards fall where they might, so to speak. Coriandre and I will provide the main bbq course, so please advise about any special dietary restrictions/requirements. Chloë, our youngest, long re-nested daughter, is a lapsed Vegan and current ova-lactarian Vegetarian, so we are well versed in soy based products, lentils and organic chick peas, should anyone prefer not to eat highly seasoned, raw cat meat, a False Creek delicacy, courtesy of our aging feline, Maggie!
Menu is open for anything from appetizers to salads to desserts to other esoteric delicacies. Once I have a finally tally of student/teacher enrollment, I will let those coming know numbers and we can finalize other details, such as starting time, dress code and tuition fees! Please register, as soon as possible, so that the planning process may begin. That being said, prospective students, your first homework assignment is to read the title page of Bridge for Dummies and provide a succinct, double-spaced summary! Cheers, Patrizio/Il Conductore!
PS: Don't forget those invaluable, priceless bridge prizes. Sign up and de-clutter in one easy step. Meet friends and influence world affairs, end global warming and bring about world peace in one evening!
Have finally managed to negotiate, with The Matriarch of The Sisterhood, for start of term for Bridge Class 101. Initial seminar will be on Saturday, June 11th. I suggest we start sometime around/after 4:00-5:00pm, with basics being covered for those entirely new to game and then let the cards fall where they might, so to speak. Coriandre and I will provide the main bbq course, so please advise about any special dietary restrictions/requirements. Chloë, our youngest, long re-nested daughter, is a lapsed Vegan and current ova-lactarian Vegetarian, so we are well versed in soy based products, lentils and organic chick peas, should anyone prefer not to eat highly seasoned, raw cat meat, a False Creek delicacy, courtesy of our aging feline, Maggie!
Menu is open for anything from appetizers to salads to desserts to other esoteric delicacies. Once I have a finally tally of student/teacher enrollment, I will let those coming know numbers and we can finalize other details, such as starting time, dress code and tuition fees! Please register, as soon as possible, so that the planning process may begin. That being said, prospective students, your first homework assignment is to read the title page of Bridge for Dummies and provide a succinct, double-spaced summary! Cheers, Patrizio/Il Conductore!
PS: Don't forget those invaluable, priceless bridge prizes. Sign up and de-clutter in one easy step. Meet friends and influence world affairs, end global warming and bring about world peace in one evening!
IIDD, May 22nd
Hi Whirling Dervish!
Sorry that the Gods of Precipitation are attempting to spoil your Garage Sale. Obviously related to the the Wind Gods! Yes, it was a terrific morn: snow-capped mountains, ocean surface almost as smooth as a mirror, freighters seemingly almost near enough to touch. Enough people but not so many that we had to worry about having to play dodge the small child, large dog, or dare I say it, clutches of mindless/oblivious Japanese tourists with howitzer telephoto lenses!
When you deserted me made for home, I continued, ever so resolutely and self-righteously, on out to UBC, doing a variation of the SW Marine/Wesbrook Village/16th Ave loop to clock 107K by time I was back at The Island Inn. Quite pleased with how I felt so seems as if the accumulated K's are building more endurance.
This just in from Ragin', and my response:
May 26th. I will be up early and have the boat disconnected from the dock and ready to sail by 8:00am As this is my first piloting experience with a 47' single screw starship, sedatives will be available. Final details next week.
Whirlygig and I are still on, as of this writing, but the more we cogitate upon crewing for a novice Captain Queeg, we are having increasingly nasty, mutinous thoughts!
Flamin' and I are supposed to cycle at 11:30am, (I begged off going out with Ray and lads earlier as it was coming down fairly steadily at 7:00ish and without P of Z and psswd, I couldn't stand thought of circling dizzily for hours in the rain), from our place. Depending on weather, we may postpone going for a bit if it looks like it will be better in early afternoon, no later than 1:00pm, however. Even if it is drizzling, we will be going out, along with Miltonious. (Or so he claims. Bit like The Bull in the broken promises department. I'm made out of Hong Kong sugar cane sugar. Won't I melt?) I gather you will be huddling under brollies and emptying your wellies, from time to time. Thanks for offer to off-load our junk but we'd need a shipping container! Nevertheless, we may well pop by on way back from ride to pick up some closing out specials. Do you have a table for used cyclists? Not sure how El Generalissimo will fare on the UBC Hill/Marine Drive Loop! In any event, he will be staying for dinner, at least until para-medics arrive, sirens blaring, and if you are free and interested, and not completely exhausted, or simply because you are completely exhausted, you are invited to partake of meal, break bread and sip wine and malt, and perhaps play a few hands of bridge, initiating Milton and Kerriopola, into the arcane, black arts of full contact, contract bidding! Of course, The Mongolian Terrorist is welcome, without plastic explosive, however. Limpet mines for the Inside Out Passage only! Give us a shout to confirm, either tonight's shennanigans and/or tomorrow's ride. Talk later. Cheers, Il Conductore!
PS: "Drunkening Red Water" was how one of our Japanese boarders described wine!
Sorry that the Gods of Precipitation are attempting to spoil your Garage Sale. Obviously related to the the Wind Gods! Yes, it was a terrific morn: snow-capped mountains, ocean surface almost as smooth as a mirror, freighters seemingly almost near enough to touch. Enough people but not so many that we had to worry about having to play dodge the small child, large dog, or dare I say it, clutches of mindless/oblivious Japanese tourists with howitzer telephoto lenses!
When you deserted me made for home, I continued, ever so resolutely and self-righteously, on out to UBC, doing a variation of the SW Marine/Wesbrook Village/16th Ave loop to clock 107K by time I was back at The Island Inn. Quite pleased with how I felt so seems as if the accumulated K's are building more endurance.
This just in from Ragin', and my response:
May 26th. I will be up early and have the boat disconnected from the dock and ready to sail by 8:00am As this is my first piloting experience with a 47' single screw starship, sedatives will be available. Final details next week.
Whirlygig and I are still on, as of this writing, but the more we cogitate upon crewing for a novice Captain Queeg, we are having increasingly nasty, mutinous thoughts!
Flamin' and I are supposed to cycle at 11:30am, (I begged off going out with Ray and lads earlier as it was coming down fairly steadily at 7:00ish and without P of Z and psswd, I couldn't stand thought of circling dizzily for hours in the rain), from our place. Depending on weather, we may postpone going for a bit if it looks like it will be better in early afternoon, no later than 1:00pm, however. Even if it is drizzling, we will be going out, along with Miltonious. (Or so he claims. Bit like The Bull in the broken promises department. I'm made out of Hong Kong sugar cane sugar. Won't I melt?) I gather you will be huddling under brollies and emptying your wellies, from time to time. Thanks for offer to off-load our junk but we'd need a shipping container! Nevertheless, we may well pop by on way back from ride to pick up some closing out specials. Do you have a table for used cyclists? Not sure how El Generalissimo will fare on the UBC Hill/Marine Drive Loop! In any event, he will be staying for dinner, at least until para-medics arrive, sirens blaring, and if you are free and interested, and not completely exhausted, or simply because you are completely exhausted, you are invited to partake of meal, break bread and sip wine and malt, and perhaps play a few hands of bridge, initiating Milton and Kerriopola, into the arcane, black arts of full contact, contract bidding! Of course, The Mongolian Terrorist is welcome, without plastic explosive, however. Limpet mines for the Inside Out Passage only! Give us a shout to confirm, either tonight's shennanigans and/or tomorrow's ride. Talk later. Cheers, Il Conductore!
PS: "Drunkening Red Water" was how one of our Japanese boarders described wine!
IIDD, May 21st
Hi Ragin'!
To answer your questiones:
Did I mention I became a much happier cyclist when I threw the %^&%%&^ speedo/odo/cycocomp away? Happier, yes BUT far, far lazier indeed!!!
Chain cleaner @mec = $5.95 - but the guy was right. A wipe down with a solvent, aided by a toothbrush, works great. Just don't use the toothbrush for its intended purpose again. Tastes awful.
Thanks for price info but I had always planned to use Cora Lee's nifty power brush!
Glad I am the last resort for bridge. Did it happen? Was I missed terribly? In fact you were the partner of first choice, strange as that may well seem! Yes, as Coriandre walked in the door, returning from Water for Elephantos, with Agneta. They had had an argument, over dinner, about wearing helmets while cycling. Rather bizzare, given her yogic propensities and otherwise puritanical life/eating/drinking style, but she is against wearing them! She doesn't like people to disagree with her, especially at bridge. Perhaps you two should be partners next time we have a number of tables! You were not missed at all, inasmuch as there was far more esoteric malt for all!!!
May 26th. I will be up early and have the boat disconnected from the dock and ready to sail by 8:00am As this is my first piloting experience with a 47' single screw starship, sedatives will be available. Final details next week. Whirlygig and I are still on, as of this writing, but the more we cogitate upon crewing for a novice Captain Queeg, we are having increasingly nasty mutinous thoughts!
Rode the RAV line today. Is "Way Out" a grammatically correct sentence? Does this acronym stand for Ragin' Against Vanilla? Isn't it a wall sign rather than a sentence?
Flamin' and I are supposed to cycle at 11:30am, from our place. Depending on weather, we may postpone going for a bit if it looks like it will be better in early afternoon, no later than 1:00pm, however. Even if it is drizzling, we will be going out, along with Miltonious. He will be staying for dinner and if you are free, you are invited to partake of meal, break bread and sip wine and malt, and perhaps play a few hands of bridge, initating Milton into the arcane, black arts of full contact bidding.so you will have to decide whether you are a fair weather rider or not! Give us a shout to confirm. Talk later. Cheers, Il Conductore!
To answer your questiones:
Did I mention I became a much happier cyclist when I threw the %^&%%&^ speedo/odo/cycocomp away? Happier, yes BUT far, far lazier indeed!!!
Chain cleaner @mec = $5.95 - but the guy was right. A wipe down with a solvent, aided by a toothbrush, works great. Just don't use the toothbrush for its intended purpose again. Tastes awful.
Thanks for price info but I had always planned to use Cora Lee's nifty power brush!
Glad I am the last resort for bridge. Did it happen? Was I missed terribly? In fact you were the partner of first choice, strange as that may well seem! Yes, as Coriandre walked in the door, returning from Water for Elephantos, with Agneta. They had had an argument, over dinner, about wearing helmets while cycling. Rather bizzare, given her yogic propensities and otherwise puritanical life/eating/drinking style, but she is against wearing them! She doesn't like people to disagree with her, especially at bridge. Perhaps you two should be partners next time we have a number of tables! You were not missed at all, inasmuch as there was far more esoteric malt for all!!!
May 26th. I will be up early and have the boat disconnected from the dock and ready to sail by 8:00am As this is my first piloting experience with a 47' single screw starship, sedatives will be available. Final details next week. Whirlygig and I are still on, as of this writing, but the more we cogitate upon crewing for a novice Captain Queeg, we are having increasingly nasty mutinous thoughts!
Rode the RAV line today. Is "Way Out" a grammatically correct sentence? Does this acronym stand for Ragin' Against Vanilla? Isn't it a wall sign rather than a sentence?
Flamin' and I are supposed to cycle at 11:30am, from our place. Depending on weather, we may postpone going for a bit if it looks like it will be better in early afternoon, no later than 1:00pm, however. Even if it is drizzling, we will be going out, along with Miltonious. He will be staying for dinner and if you are free, you are invited to partake of meal, break bread and sip wine and malt, and perhaps play a few hands of bridge, initating Milton into the arcane, black arts of full contact bidding.so you will have to decide whether you are a fair weather rider or not! Give us a shout to confirm. Talk later. Cheers, Il Conductore!
IIDD, May 20th
Hi Generalissimo!
Just returned, about an hour ago, from a wonderful ride. Whirlygig and I were to meet outside our place at 7:00am but somehow missed each other. I rode around my place, covering a distance of 5K, total elapsed loop distance, before going inside to call him on his cellulare. He assumed I wasn't coming when I wasn't out front so headed off around Stanley Park. He was near Coal Harbour when I reached him and he agreed to ride back towards Science World. We met close to Cambie Bridge and after I hurled a few vitriolic insults at him, we proceed around Park. It was simply glorious, snow-capped mountains, ocean surface almost as smooth as a mirror, freighters seemingly almost near enough to touch. Not that many people around so it was very pleasant not to have to play dodge the small child or large dog!
Whirlygig made for home at MacDonald/Point Grey and I continued on out to UBC, doing a variation of the SW Marine/Wesbrook Village/16th Ave loop to clock 107K by time I was back at The Island Inn. Quite pleased with how I felt so seems as if the accumulated K's are building more endurance.
With respect to riding together, Flamin' wants to ride at 11:30am tomorrow, probably out to UBC, some variation of ride mentioned above. Whirlygig, as you mentioned, wants to ride on Sunday and I'm up for it as well but need to set off around 9:00am or so, as we are off to Squamish to stay overnight, in early afternoon. Unfortunately, weather looks like it's going to deteriorate as showers are forecast well into next week! One of reasons I wanted to log a lengthy ride today. Kits Beach was filled with Sun Worshippers when I cycled past on way home. Molto Difficile to keep one's eyes on the road with all the female pulchritude on display, now that the sun is out!
Had you wanted to ride on Saturday I was going to invite you to stay for dinner. Sarge left this morning to fly to Halifax, to start his holidays. Flamin' doesn't leave until next week so we have invited her for dinner. I thought we might play some bridge. At any rate, you are welcome to come for dinner even if you don't come riding. If you decide to ride you could bring a change of clothes and have a shower here, if you wanted to do so, other than going home and then coming back. Anyway, let me know what you'd like to do and we'll plan accordingly.
With respect to Il Conductore, name goes back to days when I was the Captain of Team II, (VRC had two teams in Div I Squash Singles League in those halcyon days!), and initiated the levy of a fine for games lost. I bought a small piggy bank and each player had to "Pay The Pig" a dollar for each game lost, plus $1 penalty if the match itself was lost, and an additional $1 if the evening was lost. We used the money to buy steaks and hootch for our annual weekend, with wives and girlfriends, on The Sunshine Coast at Roberts Creek, usually in May or June. Furthermore, if any players were not playing well, I "benched" them and then threatened to send to them to Albuquerque, to the farm team, unless they started to perform according to expectations. One week everybody lost and so the joke was that we needed and entire Team Bus to take everyone to New Mexico. Consequently, I became The Conductor and eventually I italianized it to Il Conductore!
Cheers, Patrizio!
Just returned, about an hour ago, from a wonderful ride. Whirlygig and I were to meet outside our place at 7:00am but somehow missed each other. I rode around my place, covering a distance of 5K, total elapsed loop distance, before going inside to call him on his cellulare. He assumed I wasn't coming when I wasn't out front so headed off around Stanley Park. He was near Coal Harbour when I reached him and he agreed to ride back towards Science World. We met close to Cambie Bridge and after I hurled a few vitriolic insults at him, we proceed around Park. It was simply glorious, snow-capped mountains, ocean surface almost as smooth as a mirror, freighters seemingly almost near enough to touch. Not that many people around so it was very pleasant not to have to play dodge the small child or large dog!
Whirlygig made for home at MacDonald/Point Grey and I continued on out to UBC, doing a variation of the SW Marine/Wesbrook Village/16th Ave loop to clock 107K by time I was back at The Island Inn. Quite pleased with how I felt so seems as if the accumulated K's are building more endurance.
With respect to riding together, Flamin' wants to ride at 11:30am tomorrow, probably out to UBC, some variation of ride mentioned above. Whirlygig, as you mentioned, wants to ride on Sunday and I'm up for it as well but need to set off around 9:00am or so, as we are off to Squamish to stay overnight, in early afternoon. Unfortunately, weather looks like it's going to deteriorate as showers are forecast well into next week! One of reasons I wanted to log a lengthy ride today. Kits Beach was filled with Sun Worshippers when I cycled past on way home. Molto Difficile to keep one's eyes on the road with all the female pulchritude on display, now that the sun is out!
Had you wanted to ride on Saturday I was going to invite you to stay for dinner. Sarge left this morning to fly to Halifax, to start his holidays. Flamin' doesn't leave until next week so we have invited her for dinner. I thought we might play some bridge. At any rate, you are welcome to come for dinner even if you don't come riding. If you decide to ride you could bring a change of clothes and have a shower here, if you wanted to do so, other than going home and then coming back. Anyway, let me know what you'd like to do and we'll plan accordingly.
With respect to Il Conductore, name goes back to days when I was the Captain of Team II, (VRC had two teams in Div I Squash Singles League in those halcyon days!), and initiated the levy of a fine for games lost. I bought a small piggy bank and each player had to "Pay The Pig" a dollar for each game lost, plus $1 penalty if the match itself was lost, and an additional $1 if the evening was lost. We used the money to buy steaks and hootch for our annual weekend, with wives and girlfriends, on The Sunshine Coast at Roberts Creek, usually in May or June. Furthermore, if any players were not playing well, I "benched" them and then threatened to send to them to Albuquerque, to the farm team, unless they started to perform according to expectations. One week everybody lost and so the joke was that we needed and entire Team Bus to take everyone to New Mexico. Consequently, I became The Conductor and eventually I italianized it to Il Conductore!
Cheers, Patrizio!
IIDD, May 12th
Hello to our Favourite Naramations!
Foist and foremost, Happy 65th Dom Pedro! Congratiulations! Hip Hip Hooray!!!
Trust you are both well. Time is flashing by, (who knows better than the Boithday Boy!), and as well as wanting to say hello, curious to know if you might be in town sometime in mid-to-late July as we are planning to host a malt tasting at our place so that we can include friends Jane and Kjell. Kjell will be arriving on 18th of July and was at one of last tasting we hosted, a few years ago. I propose ten bottles, two from each of the following regions: Islay, non-Islay islands, Highlands, Speyside and Lowlands. This will give a bit of an overview of different tastes and styles across the country. Anyway, you are most welcome should timing/interest work.
We will be in your neck of the woods from the 8th-10th of July. Friends Nancy and David, from Berkeley, will be visiting, and along with Flamin' and Sarge, we are going to eat and drink our way through The Naramata and environs! As there are six of us, we plan to stay, as of this writing, somewhere in Summerland, (Flamin'/Cora lee are in charge of this aspect of trip), but hope we can connect for both some tasting and at least one meal or so. Anyway, let us know what your schedule looks like and we'll plan for both malt and wine tasting extravaganzas!
Had a more than a full day before Dram last Friday evening. Set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with Ray at his place and then met Peter at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, CSTB and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from Thursday when I was pelted with hail!
Back home I had a large glass of water and then went about getting place ready for pre-Dram session we were hosting at 5:00pm. Cora Lee had prepared a plethora of dishes, (chicken wings, meatballs, mozzarella/tomatoe skewers), so I acted as scullion and did the dishes that dishwasher was too full to accept. Taking a break to do some of my shoulder exercises and then check my email on desk-top in our bedroom, I heard a voice behind me. It was Andre McKenzie, friend we had stayed with, for a week, in Chabeuil, small village about an hour south of Lyon, last September. His girlfriend, Rosemary Thorne, has a beautiful place there, huge swimming pool, etc. At any rate, Andre has suffered from an irregular heart beat for sometime now and ended up in hospital, in Valence, largest town closest to their village, for a few days, this past March. Once released, he flew back to Vancouver, his home, and underwent some relatively minor heart surgery, (not a bypass or anything of that magnitude), a few weeks before Easter. Rosemary arrived, (from England where she has a flat near Marble Arch in London), around that time and they both popped by a few days before Easter weekend. At that time Andre's condition had improved but he was still being monitored and his medication being calibrated.
Had not seen him since then so was pleased he had dropped in. Rosemary is back in France. Although retired, she sits on a number of boards and makes a regular business trips to various cities in Europe. Unfortunately, Andre is still moving pretty slowly as although his heartbeat has been somewhat regulated, it keeps bouncing around with one medication doing something, another pill doing the opposite. Very frustrating, as you can imagine! We chatted and caught up and before he left I invited him to come by later for the pre-Dram session. [
By this time is was close to 3:00pm and with guests coming near 5:00pm, I still had plenty to do, what with vacuuming and more kitchen clean-up as Cora Lee kept churning out more dirty dishes, spatulas and bowls. By 4:45pm table was set, a couple of bottle of wine were open and I headed to have my shower. Most of guests, (ten in total but Dave, tenth, was last to arrive, about 6:30pm), were nibbling goodies on the patio, under our spiffy new red umbrella, (The envy of our neighbours, two floors above. Helena called down, a few days, while CL was doing some re-potting and asked where she had bought it, ($39.50 at Canadian Tire!), as she wanted to get one for their deck.), when I was bathed, changed and smelling so devilishly alluring with my Ralph Lauren scent! We had a grand time eating and drinking wine, enjoying being outside for the first time this year. although the wind was coolish, necessitating wraps, light jackets or sweaters, and sudden gusts would sometimes send napkins flying.
Around 7:00ish we repaired indoors and made plans to get to 3802 Angus Drive. Prince Valiant, Flamin's/Sarge's son drove Cora Lee and I, along with his parents, while rest piled into two cabs, arriving at venue just before 7:30pm. Wonderful evening, bag piper piping at entrance. House itself is a gorgeous mansion, very tastefully renovated, modernized. Five separate tasting islands set up throughout main floor and one simply makes a loop going from one table to next, sampling malts available. In total there were sixteen malts, a bourbon, (Think you'd like the Bulleit, available at Edgemont in North Van. May have to take a knapsack on one of our rides to Seymour and stop there on way back), and a vodka, (Xfour Handcrafted, BC's first corn and rye based, rather tasty although I know very little about vodka, in general), as well as three other malts, two from Australia, both Tasmanian, and one from India. I actually have a small bottle of Sullivan's Cove which friends from Adelaide brought a number of years ago, knowing I enjoyed my Scotch whiskey! I didn't particularly care for the Ozzie malts so will have to re taste one I have and see how it compares to these later expressions. However, found the Amrut Fusion to be rather palatable. Was glad I tried it as I didn't last year.
I focused on those malts I had not had before or else had not tried for sometime, only trying some of the one's I knew/possess after I'd sampled the others. While I quite enjoyed a number of the rarer malts, (Caol Ila 29 year old, in particular, even though I feel that 18 years is the upper limit in terms of taste, for me. After that, malt is simply too, too smooth and I like a certain "roughness" in my tipple!), and the cask strengths, (Bruichladdich, (Port Charlotte), PC7, 61%, aged in a combination of sherry and bourbon oak, (I liked it so much, (I have a bottle of the PC6), that I bid and happily, "won", ($150, perhaps worth $135 here but for a good cause), a bottle in Silent Auction), was mildly disappointed/annoyed by the presence of three or so malts that I feel are pure commercial products, "manufactured", in a sense to appeal to a particular market nice, far more blatantly, crassly than most other distilleries. The individual re-bottling companies set up to "produce" Finlaggan, Ileach, Smokehead, for example, purchase production from whichever of the Islay distilleries offers the best deal at the time of the purchase. Almost like listening to The Spice Girls!
Nevertheless, a wonderful time was had by all. Bumped into old friends and past neighbours, met new folks and just generally had fun tasting, nibbling sushi and chocolate dipped strawberries as we looped the tasting circuit. Tables close at 9:15pm and auction closes at 9:30pm. By time I paid for my successful bid and visited with original group before saying goodnight, all the while sipping on a glass of wine to bring the evening to a finish, it was just after 10:00pm and we hailed a cab, with Flamin'/Sarge and returned to Harbour Terrace. Bade goodnight to them once back as everyone was ready for bed. Can't remember brushing my teeth but know that I did as I found my electric toothbrush out of its stand this morning!
Next evening, Saturday, Flamin' and Sarge had invited us for a wonderful lamb dinner, (Prince Valiant, Nicolina and Marvin, Nicole's boyfriend, were at table as well and we had, among other topics, a heated discussion about "adult" children still at home!), before taking us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th. When we arrived, by cab, we discovered the performance had been cancelled as result of the male lead having suffered a mild stroke earlier in week. Cora Lee had read about this in paper but article mentioned that the stand-in would allow musical to continue. Apparently, replacement was not ready. Seems role is pretty demanding and we suppose individual didn't have enough time to learn part to degree necessary. Only took a minute or so to understand what was happening so we actually piled back into same cab, (I asked him to wait as soon as I overheard, from a number of the people employed by theatre, out on the sidewalk in front of the box office, there to deal with ticket holders), and made our way home again. Poor Sarge had walked, (not enough room for all of us in one cab), and he arrived just after we left, lost to us in the scrum on the other side of the box office. It was really pouring by then but fortunately he had an umbrella!
Back at Harbour Terrace the cabbie pulled in under slight overhang to entrance to garage and as we were paying fare, (He only charged us $5 for trip back. First ride was $7 something and Cora Lee had given him $10), car behind honked to hurry up. We scrambled out, muttering that it was probably somebody in building who was grumpy at us for all the noisy parties we host. When cab pulled away and gate opened we discovered it was Joanne Trueman who lives on 4th floor. I had met her in hallway, a number of years ago, and each subsequent time we bumped into one another I had invited her for a drink, if we were having a gathering, at the time. She had never turned up so when I recognized her after she rolled her window down, I invited her to come for a drink, once again. Found out that she had gotten to know Flamin' not that long ago so it wasn't but a few minutes before she was knocking on our door, supposing that I must not be a freak if I knew Michele. Little did she know! Anyway, Sarge came upstairs after he dried himself off and we had a couple of bottles of wine and got to know Joanne. She is keen to be part of the Block Party we are planning on July 1st, Canada Day. Lovely end to a lovely evening in spite of cancelled show. Off course, you are more than welcome, once again, should you happen to be holidaying on the Coast!
This past Tuesday morning Raymundo, Whirlygig and I circumnavigated Stanley Park. After lads went back home, MacDonald/Point Grey, I made my way out to UBC and along Marine to Crown and then spent about an hour criss-crossing the Musqueam Reserve as well as the streets south of Marine around Dunbar. Had not really explored that area, although have done much the same for Southlands, and it was most enjoyable, seeing the wide variety of dwellings and the state of repair/disrepair. At the end of one of the cul-de-sacs even came across a number of large, flat-bottomed aluminum fishing craft, on boat trailers, one with a number of large plastic tubs filled to overflowing with what looked like huge rock cod, still gasping! Major construction project underway, not far from this street, a new community centre, very attractive from what one can see of the steel superstructure, roof, etc. 51K to Marine/Crown and then 17K in and around Musqueam so was able to be close to 70K by time I reached lights at entrance to Research Precinct. Road to Wesbrook Village has been very recently and very nicely paved, so I took a spin through there before doing 16th/Blanca Loop and I was laughing with 89K on clock as I sailed down Foreshore Hill, wind finally at my back not howling in my face! With 102K under my belt by the time I returned to Harbour Terrace I was quite pleased and would like to thank my team mates, caustic comments and jibes, about my spiffy new cycling shorts, (35th wedding anniversary present from CL), aside, for the more than helpful, gentle warm-up ride!!!
Did but a paltry 51K yesterday afternoon, running errands and such, mainly to stretch my legs. Needed to buy 100 kilos of bananas at Young Brothers on Broadway. Had the start of a nasty cramp when I was doing my stretches/crunches on floor after 102K ride. Fortunately, The Arch Matriarch of The Sisterhood took pity on me and pushed my right leg back until the contraction eased enough for me to remove the stopper from the Bruichladdich PC7 which I had placed between my teeth to keep myself from biting off my tongue. Another stop was to be at a medical supply store to purchase some IV drip tubing so that I can hook myself up once home after have taken off the malt filled camel pack!!! Plenty of liquids says the current research, I believe!
Last night Cora Lee and I attended a concert, Michael Kaeshammer and Jill Barber, at the Vogue, downtown. I knew Jill's work more so than Michael's and really wanted to see her in a live performance. Vogue is a terrific venue, not so large that one needs a telescope to see the performers. In fact, quite intimate, just the size for me if I am going to enjoy such an event. Jill opened and she really is a remarkable chanteuse. Trust her career continues to develop as she certainly deserves attention. Her material evokes the torch songs and romantic ballads of the '40's and early '50's. Far, far more appealing to me than the work of today's current slate of stars, at least the ones I've heard, from time to time, more by accident than choice, I must admit. Most seem rather harsh and un-melodic to my ear and I simply can't be bothered to listen to their whining laments! Her back-up band, (piano, violin/oboe or clarinet, I'm not sure, drums, guitar and double bass), were terrific, a pure delight and a perfect accompaniment to her singular voice, never overpowering it, simply supporting and emphasizing her extraordinary phrasing.
Knew very little about Michael Kaeshammer and would not have purchased tickets if he had been on bill alone. However, certainly more than glad that Jill's appearance drew us to concert as he is a truly exciting, amazing performer. First and foremost he is an unbelievable pianist. I don't think I've ever been so taken with the piano before. I gather he is steeped in the New Orleans jazz tradition/scene and his pyrotechnic playing confirms this heritage. His band were just as accomplished and riveting on their individual instruments, (trombone, saxophone, trumpet, bass guitar/double bass, and drums), as he was on piano/electric keyboard. Jill opened and after Michael's set they both returned to stage to do a duet: Moon River. He played and she crooned and it was a simply marvelous way to end the thrilling evening of live music and song. Keep forgetting how exciting it is to see and listen to artists such as these two. As Chloë said, when we returned, "you need to go out more often, Dad!"
So dear friends, let us know your thoughts about Canada Day, coming visit to Okanagan and timing for malt tasting and/or any other gala social gatherings or events! Fondestos, Bestestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
Foist and foremost, Happy 65th Dom Pedro! Congratiulations! Hip Hip Hooray!!!
Trust you are both well. Time is flashing by, (who knows better than the Boithday Boy!), and as well as wanting to say hello, curious to know if you might be in town sometime in mid-to-late July as we are planning to host a malt tasting at our place so that we can include friends Jane and Kjell. Kjell will be arriving on 18th of July and was at one of last tasting we hosted, a few years ago. I propose ten bottles, two from each of the following regions: Islay, non-Islay islands, Highlands, Speyside and Lowlands. This will give a bit of an overview of different tastes and styles across the country. Anyway, you are most welcome should timing/interest work.
We will be in your neck of the woods from the 8th-10th of July. Friends Nancy and David, from Berkeley, will be visiting, and along with Flamin' and Sarge, we are going to eat and drink our way through The Naramata and environs! As there are six of us, we plan to stay, as of this writing, somewhere in Summerland, (Flamin'/Cora lee are in charge of this aspect of trip), but hope we can connect for both some tasting and at least one meal or so. Anyway, let us know what your schedule looks like and we'll plan for both malt and wine tasting extravaganzas!
Had a more than a full day before Dram last Friday evening. Set off from The Island Inn at 7:30am to rendezvous with Ray at his place and then met Peter at Cypress and Marine to cycle out to Steveston. We returned via #6 Road, CSTB and Heather. Lads went their separate ways around 33rd and McKenzie and I headed out to UBC. By the time I was on Marine Drive I was ready to call it quits as I felt like I was struggling all the while, head wind not helping matters much either. However, I cajoled myself into grinding up 16th to Blanca and then back down to Marine. By the time I was at the Spanish Banks Hill I had 72K on the odometer so I knew I had a probable 85K by time I was home. Breeze at my back, sun shining, I somehow caught a second wind and by dipsy-doodling around Kits Point I upped count to 88K and then it was 91K as I sailed past Harbour Terrace and I was away to Science World and then Cambie Bridge where I turned around and made for home. Not pedaling very quickly around Seawall, (or UBC for that matter!), more taking in the sights and other biker/pedestrian traffic than speeding along but felt quite comfortable so was pleased with 101K total. Quite a marked difference from Thursday when I was pelted with hail!
Back home I had a large glass of water and then went about getting place ready for pre-Dram session we were hosting at 5:00pm. Cora Lee had prepared a plethora of dishes, (chicken wings, meatballs, mozzarella/tomatoe skewers), so I acted as scullion and did the dishes that dishwasher was too full to accept. Taking a break to do some of my shoulder exercises and then check my email on desk-top in our bedroom, I heard a voice behind me. It was Andre McKenzie, friend we had stayed with, for a week, in Chabeuil, small village about an hour south of Lyon, last September. His girlfriend, Rosemary Thorne, has a beautiful place there, huge swimming pool, etc. At any rate, Andre has suffered from an irregular heart beat for sometime now and ended up in hospital, in Valence, largest town closest to their village, for a few days, this past March. Once released, he flew back to Vancouver, his home, and underwent some relatively minor heart surgery, (not a bypass or anything of that magnitude), a few weeks before Easter. Rosemary arrived, (from England where she has a flat near Marble Arch in London), around that time and they both popped by a few days before Easter weekend. At that time Andre's condition had improved but he was still being monitored and his medication being calibrated.
Had not seen him since then so was pleased he had dropped in. Rosemary is back in France. Although retired, she sits on a number of boards and makes a regular business trips to various cities in Europe. Unfortunately, Andre is still moving pretty slowly as although his heartbeat has been somewhat regulated, it keeps bouncing around with one medication doing something, another pill doing the opposite. Very frustrating, as you can imagine! We chatted and caught up and before he left I invited him to come by later for the pre-Dram session. [
By this time is was close to 3:00pm and with guests coming near 5:00pm, I still had plenty to do, what with vacuuming and more kitchen clean-up as Cora Lee kept churning out more dirty dishes, spatulas and bowls. By 4:45pm table was set, a couple of bottle of wine were open and I headed to have my shower. Most of guests, (ten in total but Dave, tenth, was last to arrive, about 6:30pm), were nibbling goodies on the patio, under our spiffy new red umbrella, (The envy of our neighbours, two floors above. Helena called down, a few days, while CL was doing some re-potting and asked where she had bought it, ($39.50 at Canadian Tire!), as she wanted to get one for their deck.), when I was bathed, changed and smelling so devilishly alluring with my Ralph Lauren scent! We had a grand time eating and drinking wine, enjoying being outside for the first time this year. although the wind was coolish, necessitating wraps, light jackets or sweaters, and sudden gusts would sometimes send napkins flying.
Around 7:00ish we repaired indoors and made plans to get to 3802 Angus Drive. Prince Valiant, Flamin's/Sarge's son drove Cora Lee and I, along with his parents, while rest piled into two cabs, arriving at venue just before 7:30pm. Wonderful evening, bag piper piping at entrance. House itself is a gorgeous mansion, very tastefully renovated, modernized. Five separate tasting islands set up throughout main floor and one simply makes a loop going from one table to next, sampling malts available. In total there were sixteen malts, a bourbon, (Think you'd like the Bulleit, available at Edgemont in North Van. May have to take a knapsack on one of our rides to Seymour and stop there on way back), and a vodka, (Xfour Handcrafted, BC's first corn and rye based, rather tasty although I know very little about vodka, in general), as well as three other malts, two from Australia, both Tasmanian, and one from India. I actually have a small bottle of Sullivan's Cove which friends from Adelaide brought a number of years ago, knowing I enjoyed my Scotch whiskey! I didn't particularly care for the Ozzie malts so will have to re taste one I have and see how it compares to these later expressions. However, found the Amrut Fusion to be rather palatable. Was glad I tried it as I didn't last year.
I focused on those malts I had not had before or else had not tried for sometime, only trying some of the one's I knew/possess after I'd sampled the others. While I quite enjoyed a number of the rarer malts, (Caol Ila 29 year old, in particular, even though I feel that 18 years is the upper limit in terms of taste, for me. After that, malt is simply too, too smooth and I like a certain "roughness" in my tipple!), and the cask strengths, (Bruichladdich, (Port Charlotte), PC7, 61%, aged in a combination of sherry and bourbon oak, (I liked it so much, (I have a bottle of the PC6), that I bid and happily, "won", ($150, perhaps worth $135 here but for a good cause), a bottle in Silent Auction), was mildly disappointed/annoyed by the presence of three or so malts that I feel are pure commercial products, "manufactured", in a sense to appeal to a particular market nice, far more blatantly, crassly than most other distilleries. The individual re-bottling companies set up to "produce" Finlaggan, Ileach, Smokehead, for example, purchase production from whichever of the Islay distilleries offers the best deal at the time of the purchase. Almost like listening to The Spice Girls!
Nevertheless, a wonderful time was had by all. Bumped into old friends and past neighbours, met new folks and just generally had fun tasting, nibbling sushi and chocolate dipped strawberries as we looped the tasting circuit. Tables close at 9:15pm and auction closes at 9:30pm. By time I paid for my successful bid and visited with original group before saying goodnight, all the while sipping on a glass of wine to bring the evening to a finish, it was just after 10:00pm and we hailed a cab, with Flamin'/Sarge and returned to Harbour Terrace. Bade goodnight to them once back as everyone was ready for bed. Can't remember brushing my teeth but know that I did as I found my electric toothbrush out of its stand this morning!
Next evening, Saturday, Flamin' and Sarge had invited us for a wonderful lamb dinner, (Prince Valiant, Nicolina and Marvin, Nicole's boyfriend, were at table as well and we had, among other topics, a heated discussion about "adult" children still at home!), before taking us to the Stanley to see Hairspray, their present to us on the occasion of our 35th. When we arrived, by cab, we discovered the performance had been cancelled as result of the male lead having suffered a mild stroke earlier in week. Cora Lee had read about this in paper but article mentioned that the stand-in would allow musical to continue. Apparently, replacement was not ready. Seems role is pretty demanding and we suppose individual didn't have enough time to learn part to degree necessary. Only took a minute or so to understand what was happening so we actually piled back into same cab, (I asked him to wait as soon as I overheard, from a number of the people employed by theatre, out on the sidewalk in front of the box office, there to deal with ticket holders), and made our way home again. Poor Sarge had walked, (not enough room for all of us in one cab), and he arrived just after we left, lost to us in the scrum on the other side of the box office. It was really pouring by then but fortunately he had an umbrella!
Back at Harbour Terrace the cabbie pulled in under slight overhang to entrance to garage and as we were paying fare, (He only charged us $5 for trip back. First ride was $7 something and Cora Lee had given him $10), car behind honked to hurry up. We scrambled out, muttering that it was probably somebody in building who was grumpy at us for all the noisy parties we host. When cab pulled away and gate opened we discovered it was Joanne Trueman who lives on 4th floor. I had met her in hallway, a number of years ago, and each subsequent time we bumped into one another I had invited her for a drink, if we were having a gathering, at the time. She had never turned up so when I recognized her after she rolled her window down, I invited her to come for a drink, once again. Found out that she had gotten to know Flamin' not that long ago so it wasn't but a few minutes before she was knocking on our door, supposing that I must not be a freak if I knew Michele. Little did she know! Anyway, Sarge came upstairs after he dried himself off and we had a couple of bottles of wine and got to know Joanne. She is keen to be part of the Block Party we are planning on July 1st, Canada Day. Lovely end to a lovely evening in spite of cancelled show. Off course, you are more than welcome, once again, should you happen to be holidaying on the Coast!
This past Tuesday morning Raymundo, Whirlygig and I circumnavigated Stanley Park. After lads went back home, MacDonald/Point Grey, I made my way out to UBC and along Marine to Crown and then spent about an hour criss-crossing the Musqueam Reserve as well as the streets south of Marine around Dunbar. Had not really explored that area, although have done much the same for Southlands, and it was most enjoyable, seeing the wide variety of dwellings and the state of repair/disrepair. At the end of one of the cul-de-sacs even came across a number of large, flat-bottomed aluminum fishing craft, on boat trailers, one with a number of large plastic tubs filled to overflowing with what looked like huge rock cod, still gasping! Major construction project underway, not far from this street, a new community centre, very attractive from what one can see of the steel superstructure, roof, etc. 51K to Marine/Crown and then 17K in and around Musqueam so was able to be close to 70K by time I reached lights at entrance to Research Precinct. Road to Wesbrook Village has been very recently and very nicely paved, so I took a spin through there before doing 16th/Blanca Loop and I was laughing with 89K on clock as I sailed down Foreshore Hill, wind finally at my back not howling in my face! With 102K under my belt by the time I returned to Harbour Terrace I was quite pleased and would like to thank my team mates, caustic comments and jibes, about my spiffy new cycling shorts, (35th wedding anniversary present from CL), aside, for the more than helpful, gentle warm-up ride!!!
Did but a paltry 51K yesterday afternoon, running errands and such, mainly to stretch my legs. Needed to buy 100 kilos of bananas at Young Brothers on Broadway. Had the start of a nasty cramp when I was doing my stretches/crunches on floor after 102K ride. Fortunately, The Arch Matriarch of The Sisterhood took pity on me and pushed my right leg back until the contraction eased enough for me to remove the stopper from the Bruichladdich PC7 which I had placed between my teeth to keep myself from biting off my tongue. Another stop was to be at a medical supply store to purchase some IV drip tubing so that I can hook myself up once home after have taken off the malt filled camel pack!!! Plenty of liquids says the current research, I believe!
Last night Cora Lee and I attended a concert, Michael Kaeshammer and Jill Barber, at the Vogue, downtown. I knew Jill's work more so than Michael's and really wanted to see her in a live performance. Vogue is a terrific venue, not so large that one needs a telescope to see the performers. In fact, quite intimate, just the size for me if I am going to enjoy such an event. Jill opened and she really is a remarkable chanteuse. Trust her career continues to develop as she certainly deserves attention. Her material evokes the torch songs and romantic ballads of the '40's and early '50's. Far, far more appealing to me than the work of today's current slate of stars, at least the ones I've heard, from time to time, more by accident than choice, I must admit. Most seem rather harsh and un-melodic to my ear and I simply can't be bothered to listen to their whining laments! Her back-up band, (piano, violin/oboe or clarinet, I'm not sure, drums, guitar and double bass), were terrific, a pure delight and a perfect accompaniment to her singular voice, never overpowering it, simply supporting and emphasizing her extraordinary phrasing.
Knew very little about Michael Kaeshammer and would not have purchased tickets if he had been on bill alone. However, certainly more than glad that Jill's appearance drew us to concert as he is a truly exciting, amazing performer. First and foremost he is an unbelievable pianist. I don't think I've ever been so taken with the piano before. I gather he is steeped in the New Orleans jazz tradition/scene and his pyrotechnic playing confirms this heritage. His band were just as accomplished and riveting on their individual instruments, (trombone, saxophone, trumpet, bass guitar/double bass, and drums), as he was on piano/electric keyboard. Jill opened and after Michael's set they both returned to stage to do a duet: Moon River. He played and she crooned and it was a simply marvelous way to end the thrilling evening of live music and song. Keep forgetting how exciting it is to see and listen to artists such as these two. As Chloë said, when we returned, "you need to go out more often, Dad!"
So dear friends, let us know your thoughts about Canada Day, coming visit to Okanagan and timing for malt tasting and/or any other gala social gatherings or events! Fondestos, Bestestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
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