Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wanted to make a million dollars, the best way to do it would be start his own religion. -L. Ron Hubbard, science fiction author who later started the Church of Scientology (1911-1986)
May I suggest the evening of the 4th of December? Please let me know if this works for you.
That works for me. Does anyone have a copy of the book I could borrow? Guy
Hi Lads!
The Island Inn is free the evening of December 4th. The Sisterhood is away in Seattle on a Goils Only Shopping Weekend Extravaganza Extraordinaire. Let me know if we will convene here. Cheers, Il Conduttore!
PS: Perhaps we should read book shown in attachment for next selection!
Chloe Alexis Dunn updated her status: "For any and all who are interested......this Wednesday November 30th, 7pm at the Downtown Public Library in the Alice MacKay Room, A DRAMATIC READING WITH MUSIC OF CHARLES DICKENS "A CHRISTMAS CAROL" it's a fundraiser for the Friends of the Library $10/$15 thanks, see you all there!!!!"
it's cost you at least a Mott's to keep her M
Flamin'!
Its'a costa you payback for taking Kid Chelene to Sky Train this morning! Cheers, Patrizio!
PS: I didn't know you were Sicilian. Furthermore, there are three large bottles of Clamato waiting upstairs!!!
The art of life is to know how to enjoy a little and to endure much. -William Hazlitt, essayist (1778-1830)
A picture is worth a thousand words, they say, and if that's true this week we're going to send you a thousand words a day. Artist Leah Palmer Preiss (curiouser AT mindspring.com) has illustrated this week's words in her delightfully whimsical style. Leah makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina. She writes: "I've always been fascinated by the conversation between words and images. Nearly all of my work -- whether as a painter, illustrator, or calligrapher -- combines visual and verbal elements in some fashion. Lately I've been exploring figurative letters. My first series of curiotypes (as I call them) was a full alphabet illustrating scientific terms. "As a longtime fan of A.Word.A.Day, I was very excited when Anu Garg asked me to do a series of curiotypes for this week's words. To create these particular pieces, I collaged printed texts (scanned from old dictionaries) onto canvas, then painted the image with acrylics, using many thin glazes and very small brushes. The originals are 6"x6". "If you'd like to see more of my work, including earlier stages of these images and the scientific alphabet mentioned above, please visit my blog, Oddments & Curiosities."
We love you!, But seriously why can't you get a phone or something. I will ponder this as I sip my next Latte. Cheers, Al.
Dearest Big Molly et al!
I read, with slightly trembling upper lip, your latest missive, (We love you!, But seriously why can't you get a phone or something! I will ponder this as I sip my next Latte.) Naturally, I am more delighted to learn that I still have a place in the big, fuzzy, warm heart of the Burnaboids! You know, of course, or certainly should realize, that even if I did possess a cellulare, it would have to be connected to another felcher tube, this one even more delicate, far more sensitive, in order to allow me to text or otherwise converse, without stopping. Having a mode of communication that would force me to break the symphonic cadence of the pedals, to actually touch the ground before the end of the obligatory extendo-ride, would be self defeating, in the extreme. I might as well be done with riding, simply stroll over to the Starbucks, situated at the entrance to Granville Island, and waste away the hours conversing with Barnacle Branko about outdated nautical charts and watching reruns of The Exorcist on his laptop.
Once again, O Great and Mighty Philosph, I appreciate your learned concern. Perhaps if you order a Chai Latte you might be able to discern a solution to this thorny existential problem in the tea leaves at the bottom of your mug.
I remain, as always, Your Ever Humble, Grateful and, in Perpetual Motion, Servant. So let it be written, so let it be Dunn!
Greetings All,
I have just 3 days to go (Thank God) with my mo on my face. In this time my mo has reminded people of everyone from Hitler to Freddie Mercury (both equally offensive).
However I would love it if anyone can spare a few dollars and donate what they can to the cause. The money being raised is to support depression in Men and Prostate Cancer. You can donate by clicking on the link to redirect you to my MO Page.
If you can help out it would be greatly appreciated. All the Best, Tim Kelly
Hi Tiptoe!
Bupna Fortuna with your Stache! Flash is also a MO. I donated to friend, Doug Jameson, from UBC pool. Cheers, Patrice!
Hi Patrizio,
Legs has reported in and turning down our invite. Her loss.
We are fine with just you & the Durstons for bridge & dinner. That makes 5.
If we get another couple we still have an odd person (other than you-hah).
So prefer to keep it as is. It was really to have you 4 up (with Corinne) as
a pre holiday treat as you have always been so magnanimous at your place.
BTW, we are still open to change the date so that Corinne can make our big
do here, any time the following week.
What say you? Charlie
Hi Champagne!
I think we'll have to leave it for the 9th, without Cora Lee, as life is already too, too complicated without trying to change date, yet again! Thanks for being so flexible but if we don't play on Friday, the 9th, we might not be able to re-convene until after we return from Japan and by then the Durstons will be back in Manitoba! We'll chat a few days beforehand, just to confirm, time, etc. Cheers, Patrizio!
This is fine. It is all good. Corinne we wish you all the best. Charlie
I am looking at a trip to BC in January.
Itinerary tentatively has me in Vancouver flying into YVR on Monday, Jan 16 and then bus/ferry to Victoria on Jan 19 for Epiphany Explorations at First Met Church, and flying back to YYC on Mon Jan 23. So I am looking for a place to stay for three nites in Vancouver. I think Bob A has bday on Wed of that week as well. I don't know where on planet earth you guys are at that time, or if you have space already committed to other wayfarers.Take care, jhh
Hi Zircon!
Trust all goes well with you. Lovely to hear from you and pleased you will be in town, mid-January. You are more than welcome to stay. You should be the only wayfarer, at that time. Close friends, Kathleen and Steve, from Melbourne, will be here from December 7th-14th, but other than that we only have to move Chloë down to The Cave at the Sutherlands! She might even have her own place in a co-op by then and you can stay for months! Start re-reading your Goren now!
Had a lovely Grey Cup Party next door, with Clara and Dusty, yesterday. Bit conflicted about which team to cheer for!! Joined by a couple, Dianna and Bob Boyd, new to building as of last July, together with some of Sutherlands. Nicolina and Marvin popped by early on and then Flamin' came up later. She had spent weekend in Montreal with a number of girlfriends from university days so was a bit dazed from partying and flight home. Sarge came up after I'd gone back to our place. He had spent weekend in Seattle with some mates from work and was rather grumpy over the Seahawk's loss earlier that afternoon. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
I wish I had been with you for Grey Cup festival. At least you got to cheer no matter what the outcome!
Thanks for the confirmation of a bed. I recommend The Bridge Players Bible by Julian Pottage.
Hi Zircon!
Have penciled your reservation in for January 17th-19th. Please send credit card details with next message to ensure confirmation. Booking and Cancellation fees apply. We look forward to your visit and please be sure to inform us of any dietary or tippling requirements that you might require in order to make your stay at The Island Inn as enjoyable as possible. As ever, I remain your 'Umble Servant. With best wishes, My Dear and Kind Sir, The Proprietor, Taverne Master, Bar Keep and Scullion Exemplary of Ye Olde Island Inne!
PS: You can take a bible away from a retired minister but you cant' take the bible out of a bridge fiend!
I am sure that Chloe is welcome to stay a tour place. W
Thanks Sarge!
Very good of you. However, I assume you realize that she will need free and easy access to your vehicle as well!
24 November
how's it goin man? i'm still giggin in hugos!! ran dublin marathon in just under 4 hours and planning to record some music for 2012... hi from dublin. john
Great to hear from you. Trust you are well. Congratulations on impressive marathon time! Good luck with recording! Hello to CJQ. Funnily enough, we were both reminiscing about our stay in Dublin shortly before I received your email. We happened to be telling the friends we will travel with in Australia, in March/April 2012, about some of the things we did there. This is an excerpt from my journal:
"Back onto Lower Baggot Street at just before 8:00pm for our dinner reservation at Hugo's Restaurant & Wine Bar. We had had such a great meal, (Irish mussels in a velvety cream sauce), earlier that week that we decided to come again, particularly as there was to be live jazz. When we walked in and were shown to our table, in fact, The Collective Jazz Quartet, was already playing their first set. Consisting of guitar, double bass, saxophone/clarinet and a female vocalist, they were very good. In the main they played standards but were accomplished musicians and Petra, the singer, had a lovely, pleasing voice.
We shared a tasty Mediterranean platter and a bottle of Portuguese red, Marques de Borba, 2008 blend of Aragones/Trincardeira, (two varietals we'd never encountered before, at least to our knowledge), 14%, 27€. Couldn't believe how wonderful it was, deep and rich and flavourful. Our type of wine, indeed! Cora Lee had the red mullet while I opted for Hugo's' take on jambalaya. My dish was really exquisite, (plenty of seafood over fresh pasta), but, unfortunately, CL found her fish unexciting. We ordered a Muscat desert wine to share with the Irish cheese plate and listened to the second set, getting into the grove as the quartet did some pretty swinging numbers. Bought the guitarist a glass of wine after their gig was over. Rest of quartet had to go but it was quite interesting to chat with him about the music scene in Dublin."
Any plans to travel? Keep in touch if you decide upon Canada/Vancouver. Come for the Vancouver Marathon! All the best. Cheers, Patrizio!
I can't read your e-mail without laughing and happy smile!!
Image pf your conversation and scenes come right up to my head!
I always think you can be a good writer!!
Anyways, I will make some lists of places and things to do in Japan. Then you can get some ideas what you are interested in doing here. I already have some ideas!
How excited!!
Please wait for a while...
Today I made some bread.
Hot just baked bread with hot melted raclette cheese on top of it was delicious! A bottle of wine "Cotes du Rhone" to go with. It was fun to drink with my mom at home with nice dinner!! Today was Italian.
When you come to Japan or I go to Vancouver, I will bake you homemade bread!! And some bottles of wine will also be ready for you and Corinne to drink!
Cheers! Toshiko
Hi Toshi!
Trust you are well. Your homemade bread with raclette cheese made me awfully hungry. I'm sure it was delicious!
Had a lovely Grey Cup Party next door, with Clara and Dusty, yesterday. Clara had wonderful hors d'oeuvres and honey chicken wings, as well as her homemade biscuits with chili! Bit conflicted about which team to cheer for!! Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs BC Lions! Lions triumphed 34/23 but it was a very exciting match. Joined by a couple, Dianna, (she brought a wonderful yogurt and blueberry cheesecake for dessert), and Bob Boyd, new to building as of last July, together with some of Sutherlands. Nicolina and Marvin popped by early on and then Flamin' came up later. She had spent weekend in Montreal with a number of girlfriends from university days so was a bit dazed from partying and flight home. Sarge came up after I'd gone back to our place. He had spent weekend in Seattle with some mates from work and was rather grumpy over the Seahawk's loss earlier that afternoon.
Further to what I had mentioned in my last message, I have put together a very tentative, initial list of things/places we might like to see during our stay with you. Perhaps you could think about how best to fit some of these things in, relative to distances, times, cost, etc. Once more, please remember that this is really just a starting point for discussion so we would appreciate your comments about what we've suggested. Basically, we'd like to make the best use of our time but don't want to be rushing around all the time. I guess we'd prefer to spend more time on fewer things and not exhaust everyone! Since we really don't have any idea about distances and travel times we certainly require your advice on these matters.
For a start, I gather there are 17 properties of World Heritage Sites located in Kyoto Prefecture. Any of these temples or shrines would be of interest. As well, I understand that many of the down town districts or entertainment districts present another facet of Kyoto which is quite different from the typical historical image. Furthermore, visiting some hot springs in the countryside nearbye might be fun. Would it be a good idea to stay in or around Kyoto for a few days?
Of course Tokyo is such a huge city I don't even know where to start. Naturally, we'd like to see some of the historical architecture and buildings and the more modern commercial and shopping districts, if only to gain an overview of city, taste some of its flavour. Again, we'd appreciate your help answering the question of when best to visit city/where to stay, etc.
Other than this very basic outline we are certainly open to your suggestions, not forgetting we'd like to see your city as well and leaving a reasonable amount of time to journey to Sapporo and perhaps make a stop or more, en route. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
Hi Chris and Jim!
Trust you are both well and exercising vigourously!! Robo Ray called this morning to see if I was interested in a ride. I'd already decided to go for a swim so will cycle over to Aquatic Centre, around Science World, after I pop in to see Mom. Cheers, Il Conduttore!
Words are things; and a small drop of ink / Falling like dew upon a thought, produces / That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think. -Lord Byron, (1788-1824)
Hi Lads!
Since Whirlygig, Generalissimo and Titanium Man will not be able to make it, and Marcus Aurelius hasn't read Panicking Ralph, perhaps we should postpone. Let me know your thoughts and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Il Conduttore!
I can't be there either. Also sorry for the late notice. Just reminded a couple of days ago Sunday is the date of a friend's birthday for which we traditionally spend the evening at his birthday dinner, which apparently Nancy has offered to host this year in a last minute change of plans.
So, I am obviously a "yes" on postponement. Cheers, Guy
Hi folks,
I'm all in favour of postponing by a week or so. Maybe by then George will be back from his travels. And not only will we be able to discuss the book, but the Grey Cup as well! Cheers,..D
He all, postponement will work for me too as i got a nasty cold and was not sure if make it tomorrow too. (don't want to blow away glasses (and books) from the table with my cough.) m Hi All
I do not mind postponing too despite that I am finishing the book. Cheers all Moe
I would be happy to postpone too as Susan and I have a dinner engagement that we would prefer to linger over.
Does anyone have a copy of Panicking Ralph (in any format) that I could borrow?
And a heads-up: we learned from Hal Wake at the Incite session this week that William Gibson will be one of the readers at VPL in the new year. No date yet, but I would like to propose we all try to get there, and then read one of his books for a meeting of the Brotherhood. Thoughts? 8^) cheers, Mark
Great idea about Gibson, Mark. Please Keep us posted if more information becomes available. Guy
Hello Lads!
Given the Grey Cup, the allure of Whistler, call of close friends and the dreaded common cold, we'll need to have the NRBC Secretary reschedule the next meeting once he has reintegrated himself into the quotidian world most of the rest of us inhabit. As a result, Maggie and I, will, this evening, be sipping/lapping malt, in front of the fireplace, ruminating on the Decline and Fall of Literacy in the Western World, more particularly, the decay and ruination of drum beating, get in touch with your inner, inner self, male bonding circles in the Lower Mainland. Maggie, in exchange for tuna, instead of her regular gluten free, inordinately expensive cat food, has agreed to provide The Sisterhood's perspective. We wish you all well in your separate, selfish endeavours, secure in the knowledge that you are speeding the demise of one of the few remaining institutions yet belonging to The Brotherhood. Cheers, Il Commisseratore!
Hi Patrice,
I think I may have to start calling you "The Magician" as you have become
very adept at your dissapearing acts!. I was thinking that after the final
touches are put on the GPS, photo activation, shape "o" meter we could
perhaps install some training wheels on your bike so if god forbid you
actually had to stop for some reason you would not actually have to touch
the ground! Of course we could go a little more hi-tech and install a air
ram / kick stand option to be operated by a felching tube inserted in the
mouth. Of course it would fail to operate should the blood alchohol level
drop below .05%!.
We can discuss more details on our next outing. cheers, Al
Al,
Can I suggest some version of low-rider, hydraulic-powered hopping-action modification to the basic design proposal? I think it would amuse Patrick's Japanese tourist buddies to see him doing a bucking-bicycle routine on the peak of Lions' Gate. If you could incorporate a flywheel/gyroscope of some sort, he could even stop pedaling for a few moments to (gasp!) enjoy the view (without needing to dismount, of course). 8^) cheers, Mark
Hi Mark,
Thanks for sending the pictures, I wonder why though that you can't just send them as an attachment to your email rather than use a third party program that I have to sign up for?. I just don't generally like signing up for these things as they wind adding a bunch of advertising and unnescessary gobbledeygook onto my computer.
Don't mean to be a stick in the mud but... . I'm going to await your response before I download the program.
All that aside , I had a great time yesterday but man my legs were tired when I got home and quite sore today! wah wah wah.Take care, Al
Hi Al,
I hear you about advertising and third party software. I avoid Facebook and Picassa for similar reasons...I started using Dropbox just recently because my daughters were using it and it's user-friendly. The only real advantage is being able to share much larger files than an email will take (e.g, audio books in the 1 gig size, collections of photos that run to several hundred Mb in size). I know they could be ftped, but that requires a skill-set and software too. There's no perfect solution. Another option of course is that I choose a few pics and email them, but then I feel too much pressure to be the artistic director/censor. If you'd like I would be happy to pass them along on a flash drive.
Perhaps we should suggest that Pat become our official blogger - he could post any pictures and attendant commentary, and deal with the security issues with his computer. [We wouldn't have to read his drivel, we could just look at the pictures...]
8^) Thanks again for a great ride yesterday! cheers, Mark
Hi Mark,
No Problem, I'll download the program so I can look at the pics. and I can just delete it of course if it seems to be a problem.
I do have a very good solution for sending pictures via email , It's a program I discovered probably a couple of years ago and have been using it ever since. I sent the same thing to my cousin as I was having issues with her pics. I've copied and pasted my response to her which is kind of the same thing I would offer to you , here it is:
Hope you're good, hey I love the pics but honestly they are really hard to look at because they are huge and I have to scroll side to side and up and down to see the whole thing and then I can't actually see the whole face at once. here's a solution for you , I installed it on my computer a couple of years ago and it's the best thing ever! I don't have to do anything it just automatically resizes the pictures when you send them ,makes them easier to view and makes it way faster to do so because of the size reduction, Also you can send a lot more pictures because of the reduced file size. You don't lose any photo quality either.
I've added the link for a free down load, you just click on it and then hit free download. any problems let me know.
Other than that I will definitely mull over the gyroscopic bucking bike idea , I've always loved the hydraulic cars even though they're ridiculously non sensical in everyway but they just do something for me like make me laugh out loud for one. I'd love to see Pat trying to keep a reign on a bike version.
Had a great time on the ride the other day too,I particularly like the part where we stopped and had a coffee, admired the view, relaxed a bit and then carried on!!. we'll have to get out again soon.
Take care, Al
Dear Detractors and Co-Conspirators:
While I certainly appreciate your grand schemes to improve my cycling accoutrements and advanced technological widgets so that I may dazzle tourists and locals alike, I detect a veritable undercurrent of fraternal alienation, given Big Molly's pointedly hurtful words: "Had a great time on the ride the other day too. I particularly like the part where we stopped and had a coffee, admired the view, relaxed a bit and then carried on!!" Fine! If you want to ride with Barnacle Branko, (If you are ever able to rouse him from his sluggard's bed!), and do a tour of all the Starbucks' franchises and Terra Bread outlets in the Lower Mainland, don't worry about me. You certainly won't have me to kick around once the felching tube is hooked up to the new improved, low-rider, gyroscopic bucking bike with advanced ShapeOmeter sonar and integrated Magic Cloak capabilities to facilitate instantaneous disappearances with just the blink of an eye. Fine! Malign me over your chai lattes and gluten free cranberry muffins. I spit on your seduction by The Sisterhood!
Furthermore, I am nothing but crushed, nay devastated, by Marcus' cruel suggestion that I should become your official blogger, given his devastatingly cynical comments: "He, [Patrizio], could post any pictures and attendant commentary, and deal with the security issues with his computer. We wouldn't have to read his DRIVEL, [emphasis mine], we could just look at the pictures!" Of course, it starts with lattes and then the slide down the slippery slope into illiteracy begins. Perhaps you'll both receive espresso machinas for Christmas and then you won't even have an excuse to cycle. You can simply don your riding gear while you sip your java and read your comic books, huddled in front of your flat screens, glued, with glazed eyes to the pre-masticated pap which flickers, endlessly, across the hypnotizer, while Robo Ray and I, keep the faith, fighting the fierce head winds of Iona and beyond, battle the steep slopes of Seymour and plumb the depths of Deep Cove. Nos de Ride, Salutate vos! Cheers, Mandrake!
Patriçio,
I seem to have inadvertently deleted the email you sent with an invite - I believe it was Dec 11th(?).
Could I impose on you to resend? muchas gracias! más adelante//bjp
Hi Ragin'!
Gathering is, indeed, on December 11th, anytime after 6:30iah. Cheers, Il Conduttore!
Fellow Cyclists,
I now understand Patriçio's abhorrence of earthly contact, if this is what happens to him when he touches the ground. It appears an exorcism may be required to cure him of this malady. I believe it can be performed in 6 or 7 stages at consecutive Starbucks! más adelante//bjp
Hello Pat and Cora Lee, Wonderful that you are able to take such long holiday!Hope you have your surgery for tidy up your joint before you leave, and Cora Lee will have her corrective surgery in her foot.We wish you a speedy recovery.What can we say about our health? The doctor did prescribe for us both to take a pill daily for high blood pressure. Jan. 8 we leave from Kelowna to Mexicoin one villa in Riviera Nayarit. Hope next summer yuo came see us at our"PARADISE Ciao Rose-Joe
Hi Rose and Joe!
Thank you for your good wishes regarding our respective, pending surgeries. Marvelous that you will be back on Riviera Nayarit! We would certainly love to visit you in your "PARADISE" next summer, so thank you, again, for lovely invitation.
Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar. -Bradley Miller, activist (b. 1956)
Hi Pat:
Being an unranked amateur when it comes to numerology, I don't get the significance of 101.33 (Is it perchance related to how Rock 101 chose their broadcast frequency (actually 101.1)?) Nor do I get the significance of the number 5, although I understand it to be important to some followers of Wicca. Is there some kind of spell you chant as, entranced, you cross back and forth over Lions' Gate 5 times?
I'll join you at Science world for one circuit of Stanley Park and the Lions'Gate-Dundarave loop. Please let me know how long that would be so I can decide how much Sky train to include in my travels - I want to be sure to hit 42 miles exactly. For an interesting discussion of the significance of that number, see:
Rule Forty-two in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland ("All persons more than a mile high to leave the court"). [Because of this rule, I have, on occasion been compelled to leave the court...]
Please don't convert my miles to leagues - that would be just plain bad karma.
8^) cheers, Mark
Patrick,Just an FYI with respect to the Johnny Walker debacle alluded to - you obviously have your wires crossed.Even a drunken camel boy knows that it's Red Label to positive, and Black Label to negative. If you had hooked things up properly, you would have found your battery charged, not drained.
8^) cheers, Mark
Hi Guys,
Had a power outage last night due to wind I guess so kind of slow to get
communications up and running again. I could meet up with you guys this
morning at science world as Mark suggested and perhaps ride for 70 -80-
angstroms. Having to get Jake out the door to school,will converse soon. Al
Greetings O Mighty Burnaboids and Non-Riders!
I trust you both made it home without me to guide you through the park! I assumed you would follow me to Prospect Point, after oooing and awwing over view from bridge, so I "circled", for just over 2K, and then decided you'd probably taken the sidewalk along the Stanley Park Causeway. Was this the case?
Abandoned, once again, I proceeded to follow my intended plan of "attacking" the bridge three more times. (For your information, Dear Reader, we, (Marcus Aurelius, Big Molly and I), rendezvoused near Terra Breads at Olympic Village at 10:45am before making our way to Stanley Park and up and over Lions Gate into West Van, (bumping into Famiglia Martini again!), as far as 31st Street/Travers Avenue/Marine Drive, (The Lazy Lads, à la Ferdinand the Bull sniffing the flowers, stoped to venture down to the ocean at the bottom of 31st, probably trying to skip pebbles, when there were miles yet to go, while I popped a few Gravol), before turning around to ride back to Vancouver.
Once again, Marcus Aurelius "raced" ahead so that he could position himself at the crest of the bridge to digitally capture his companions as they made the long haul up the west pedestrian/bike path. He had complained, earlier, that when he took pictures on the south to north crossing, the camera was set on "video" so he did not manage the winning action shots he had intended! (Thanks so much for Dropbox snaps, Marcus! Great record of ride indeed. Just curious about first picture. Are the horizontal lines a result of taking a still from video? I gather that the extended sequence, on return leg, featuring Big Molly is related to the snail's pace he was making, as opposed to my speed of light, 50 parsec pace! Please provide more numerological information on the esoteric significance of "50" by reply post! With respect to the Johnny Walker Black/Red debacle, even a "drunken camel boy", as you so poetically put it, knows that one never blends a blended whiskey! It's quite obvious that you've been drinking in far too, too much of Big Molly's para-normal mumbo-jumbo! Balderdash!!!)
Three loops were more or less uneventful, (other than having to dodge numerous Japanese tourists, either on bikes, wandering all over bike path, or telephoto-lens toting types, oblivious to anything around them other than their giggling compatriots), but I did enjoy the changing vistas, (Coal Harbour, the cityscape, the magnificent North shore mountains with their shining white crowns), and the lap of the wind ruffled waves against the Seawall itself. Bit of "feet almost touched the ground" excitement at intersection of Wardance St and Taylor Way, near entrance to one of the parkades for Park Royal, where traffic was backed up, (almost two short blocks of vehicles waiting to turn right onto Marine Drive to head over Lions Gate), necessitating some very dextrous dipsy-doodling, not too mention derring-do, on my part, Dear Reader, weaving in and out of road rage filled commuters, to make my way to sidewalk leading to bride deck.
Was at Second Beach by 4:10pm and only had to add another 2K, (by heading to underpass beneath Georgia and back), to log 91.25K on odometer before making for the haven of Harbour Terrace. Felt rather exhilarated as I zipped along, knowing I had laid the building blocks for at least one aspect of my proposed Granfondo, (I hope to be able to ride in the Penticton event in July 2012), training regimen, particularly since it involved an almost "Stop Free Zone", Dear Reader! Back home at 4:55pm with 101.33K on the unforgiving odometer!
Hot mug of java with a slab of Clarisse's almond Christmas loaf and I was ready for another 100+K but decided to have a lengthy hot shower instead! Changed and did the dishes which The Sisterhood had so kindly left for me in the kitchen sink and as soon as Cora Lee returned from her busy day downtown, working in the the Friends' office, we dashed up to 4th, just before 7:00pm, to a tasting at Kitsilano Wine Cellar. The wines of Stoneboat Vineyards, (Chorus White $23.99, Pinot Noir $29.99), a family run artisan winery from the lower Black Sage Bench, near Oliver, and those of a second label, Calliope, from Burrowing Owl Vineyards, (Riesling $ 21.99, Calliope Red $24.99), were being featured. Was motivated to go, in particular, because I have found, from tasting at the winery itself, the Stoneboat Pinotage to be one of the few of that varietal that I enjoy. While the Pinotage was not poured, I still wanted to taste some of their product. With respect to Burrowing Owl, I'm not really a fan but was curious about their second label.
I quite liked the The Calliope Riesling but Cora Lee was not as keen. In addition to the wines listed above, we tasted the Calliope 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, 13.5%, and found it an extremely pleasing expression of this varietal. Loads of fruit and a dazzling mineral finish. Went extremely well with the polenta and cod with cream cheese we had for dinner once we made it back home after tasting. Clarisse came over and chatted with us as we ate. When she left we watched Helen Mirren in a re-broadcast of the original Prime Suspect series. As it turned out it was an episode we had not seen before so it was an unexpected treat.
All in all, a wonderful end to a wonderful day with wonderful, (though persistently wayward friends), cycling on a glorious day in an unbelievably beautiful city. I've said it before and I hope to say it again, many, many times, "'Ain't Life Grand!" Thanks and Cheers, Il Conduttore!
Snapolas for benefit of Non-Riders only!
Gents I wont' be able to make it tomorrow. I apologize for the late notice but I was just offered tickets to the Grey Cup game.
I did read Panicking Ralph though so it's a shame I won't be able to share my thoughts with the rest of you. Cheers,..Dave
Hi Lads!
Since Whirlygig, Generalissimo and Titanium Man will not be able to make it, and Marcus Aurelius hasn't read Panicking Ralph, perhaps we should postpone. Let me know your thoughts and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Il Conduttore!
Hi Pat
Thanks for the invite . we would love to come on the 11th.
I have been pre-occupied with baby sitting and renovating a bathroom with
Tom this week, hence my tardy reply Mick
Hi Mike!
Delighted that you and Polly can make it on December 11th, anytime after 6:30ish! Take up cycling instead of renovating, especially someone else's bathroom!!!
Here is a copy of message I sent to Mark and Al after yesterday's ride. Funnily enough, bumped into Julie and Richard on last two of these excursions! Cheers, Patrizio!
Fw: Wine Critic John Schreiner Blog Post - Intersection wines
Please find below the blog posted today by John Schreiner.
(One thing I can tell you is that I rarely see 90-92 ratings from him)
Vancouver businessman and angel investor Bruce Schmidt has just opened the Okanagan’s newest winery, Intersection Wines, by hand-selling its two first releases to restaurants and wine enthusiasts.
Bruce is hardly a stranger to the British Columbia wine industry. He was the national marketing manager at Calona Wines in the early 1980s when Schloss Laderheim became the best-selling domestic white wine in Canada.
In the early 1990s, he ran a company that helped raise financing for the start of Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars. He remained a Blue Mountain shareholder for 18 years and regards that winery as an example of how to do things correctly in the wine business.
In his non-wine life, he has run start-up life sciences companies. He is currently chief executive of Carrus Capital and plans to continue in that business as well as run the winery. “I have way too much fun in science to give it up at this point,” he says. “Also, the winery can tolerate that now. We don’t have such a large production now.” Intersection opened with about 1,000 cases of wine and is targeting 2,500 cases when its vineyard is in full production.
Bruce, who has a silent partner in the winery, began looking for Okanagan vineyard property in 2002, buying a former orchard, with a packing house, at the intersection of Highway 97 and Road 8 in 2007. The location inspired the winery’s name, along with the bright X on the labels and the website, which is www.xwine.ca (still under development).
The property now has 20,000 closely-packed vines on four hectares (10 acres). Half of the vines are red varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Franc) and the other half are whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Riesling).
The wines are made by Summerland wine consultant Philip Soo. The wines released so far are good and quite fairly priced for their quality.
“At this point the wines are only available directly from the winery,” Bruce says. “As I am back and forth from Vancouver on a regular basis, I can easily arrange to get people some wine. Once we have a bit more inventory, we will certainly seek some private store listings.” The current telephone number for ordering wine is 604.760.0160.
Here are notes on the wines.
Intersection 2010 Mile’s Edge White ($20). This is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier (the blends may change from vintage to vintage). Fermented in stainless steel, the wine begins with appealing floral and fruity aromas (apricots, pineapples). On the palate, there are flavours of green apple, melon and citrus, with the defining mineral spine that Viognier brings to the party. The finish is crisp and refreshing. 90.
Intersection 2009 Unfiltered Merlot ($25). Bruce believes that his vineyard delivers quite unique terroir notes in the Merlot. This elegant wine’s appeal begins with its lovely dark hue and its smoky aroma, mingled with aromas of blueberry, black currant and black cherry. These are echoed on the palate, which is bold and concentrated. This wine deserves to be cellared for a few more years to reach its full potential. 90-92.
Hi Ginette!
Congratulations to you both on Bruce's wine! Well done!!!
Stoneboat & Calliope Vineyards Tasting
Where: At the tasting bar
When: Friday Nov 25th
Time: 5-7pm
Join us on Friday for another tasting of BC wines. Stoneboat Vineyards is a family run artisan winery from the lower Black Sage Bench. Their dedication to the careful maintenance of their land ensures they maintain a healthy balanced environment for the vines that result in balance and complexity in their wines.
Most of you are very familiar with Burrowing Owl Vineyards. In August of 2010 the founders of Burrowing Owl released a second label, Calliope. The freedom granted to the winemakers with the second label provides them with a chance to break free from tradition and express their creativity in producing the wines.
To cultivate kindness is a valuable part of the business of life. -Samuel Johnson, lexicographer (1709-1784)
SLAIS Mourns Passing of Jeff Stokes
SLAIS is saddened to announce the passing of a long-time friend of the School and the Faculty, Mona “Jeff” Stokes. She passed away November 19 at the age of 91.
Jeff, as she was affectionately known, was married to Roy Stokes, who served as Director of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies from 1981-1991. She has been a stalwart supporter and participant in several School events, most recently in May to award the annual Roy Stokes Medal for the top graduating student in Archival Studies.
Jeff was born in Cardiff Wales and grew up in Manchester. She worked in libraries in England, having met her husband while studying for her library degree. She and Roy moved to Vancouver 40 years ago. A member of the UBC Faculty Women’s Club, she worked at UBC as a librarian for many years. Her leisure activities ranged from mountain climbing to Scottish dancing.
A funeral service for Mona “Jeff” Stokes will be held at St Mary’s Church at 2 p.m. on Saturday November 26.
Instead of other invites, what about Dec 7 or 8 at our place. Then maybe
Penguin can make it. (Also unavailable for the 9th) Gave Legs until the end
of week to get back to me. Charlie
Hi Champagne!
Thanks very much for suggesting alternative dates BUT Cora Lee is busy both of those nights as well! I think we should simply go ahead on the 9th, unless you wish to postpone. No sense in trying to make something work if it is causing all sorts of scheduling difficulties.
Perhaps we should play on-line! Then even Kerry and Ragin' Bull could participate! I'll put prizes up on eBay and then people can bid, using their scores as money. Each point=$1! That way everyone is happy and I get to keep cash as I'm not entitled to any of the prizes. Conflict of interest clause! Buona Fortuna with hearing from Legs, Arch-Procrastinator! Welcome to the world of trying to organize The Sisterhood! Cheers, Patrizio!
Poppa used to make us take bags out and pick up trash on our street...as a kid I was mortified that someone would see us...today I still pick up trash but now I hope someone will see me and do the same thing
Wow! All the dirty talk - I'll be there on the 11th for sure now! Hugs, E
Hi again, Lancela!
I've already filled up my bottle of Windex and tidied up my tool box in keen anticipation! Cheers, Mr Fix-It!
Pics: Take your pick!
Patrick James DunnHello Cruel Swiss Host Daughter: How is it you have time to listen to music and not communicate with your Dear Host Parentos?
Nadienka WyssLet me finish my exams first, wanna write you a nice and long message, not a short one, only telling hi & what's up ;) Hope everyone's well (again) and Chloe's feeling better now? Lots of hugs and bisous your Cruel Host Daughter
Hi Nadienka, Exam-Stressed Host Daughter!
Trust you are well in spite of pressure of pending exams! Fondestos and Cheers, Dear Host Father Patrizio!
Any views on this 16 minute presentation on global priorities. Regards, Jim
Hi Mr Suzuki!
Found the TED video to be quite informative and stimulating! Same series as one by Wade Davis, I believe. Trust you are both well. Still waiting for last assignment, Boy. TED video is simple, bald, bare-faced procrastination! Cheers, Patrizio!
C.
How did you take the picture without getting off your cycle - or did you cheat and Dios prohíbe touch the befouled, un-sacred ground with your feet? Did it burn? más adelante//bjp
Hello Mr Cynical!
As a matter of fact, my good friend, (something you wouldn't know much about, obviously, belonging,as you do to The Don West, Friends of the Friar, Fan Club), Big Molly, designed an extendo-arm, (also available with a mini-radar, stanchion detection device), which fits on my handlebars to hold my camera, obviating the need to stop, or God forbid, have me touch the ground, or in this case the bridge deck. Quite be-fouled, in fact, with all sorts of flotsam and jetsam, I assume deposited there from passing trucks, detritus of accidents, etc. Even saw a fairly large, thin
plank, atop divider barrier, yesterday. Heavy covering of pine needles at north end, west side, presumably wind borne from Prospect Point.
Aforementioned Extendo-Arm, (patent pending), is connected to valve on my camel pack and I control shutter speed, etc., by taking a pull on the bladder, much like wheel-chair controls for disabled. Both nifty and efficient as you can judge by my stellar shot! Still fine tuning vatted malt ratio in pack. I have found that a higher % of Islay causes me to overexpose while more Lowland results in underexposure. Obviously, more testing required! Unfortunately, Bushmills precipitated a jammed mechanism while Johnny Walker Black drained battery! The longer the ride, the more expensive. AM wondering if Bourbon might work since it is almost a bio-fuel anyway.
Back to the lab now! Cheers, The Mad Scientist!
LinkedIn
Things are busy as usual with Dustin's hockey, my volunteer activities, I am still on my Hockey Board, the Board at my community club, the Executive for my curling club and am also the manager for Dustin's hockey team. We are going to Gimli this weekend for a tournament. Trying to get ready for Christmas, and it has now been about a week and a half that Cody has been gone. He was parked at work and snow/ice fell on his windshield, it was smashed so he had to go to Kelowna to get it replaced. His job seems to be going well and I am sure that you guys will see him at Christmas or some where close over the holidays depending when his days off are. He wants to come and visit and he has never been to Vancouver. We will be heading to the lake at Christmas, and we have no hockey so should be a good relaxing time. Give love to the sickies, hope you are all well!! PS: I don't know when I will be in Vancouver, will try and get something planned for the new year. Love Pam
Sta
Stay busy, get plenty of exercise and don't drink to much. Then again don't drink to little.
~ Herman JJohannsen
Mac n Cheese ready for the oven...one for Verneen's family and one for my Simi Valley family!
OK let's keep it at 5 of us. You, the youngster Durstons and us. We'll
rotate which means Susan will have more time to prepare the dinner and I
will more time to do the stacks of dishes.
Looking forward to seeing everyone. 6pm? Charlie
Hi again, Carlos!
Do you want me to see if friends, Susan and Mark Tanner are free/interested. They are good bridge players. Let me know. Cheers, Patrizio!
Alex Prince, your food is ready for pick-up and delivery
Hi Patrick,
Normally never a problem. We were also thinking of inviting the couple we
know (you met once re: bridge - Vivian and Karol). Either way we have an
extra body. 5 or 7 if Legs doesn't commit by end of week. Should we leave
until end of week to decide further?
I am getting a headache. Charlie
Hi Migraine Man!
I'll talk to Marcus Aurelius and O Susannah II and see what they think. Take two Aspirin and call me in the morning! Cheers, Dr. Strangelove!
Hi again, Spumoni!
Clarisse just came by and left me another piece of wonderful cake! Cora Lee's nose twitched as it's not gluten free and filled with maraschino cherries, her favourites! As well, she brought over a small ornament we'd bought in Mexico last February. Unfortunately, Cora Lee accidentally, (She wasn't planning to hurl it at me in frustration!), knocked it off the fireplace mantle and it smashed. She wanted to throw it out but I collected bits, (some very small shards), and put them safely away. Took them next door a few days ago for Master Re-Conditioner to work upon. Unbelievable piece of re-assemblage! Dusty stuffed paper inside hollow shell as he was gluing to support intact structure as he added pieces. Given the original colouration of small bird, one can hardly tell that it had been broken. Where was Dusty when All the King's Horses and All the King's Men were trying to patch Humpty-Dumpty together again?
Please let Cody know that we'd love to see him anytime he is able to come to Vancouver.Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
Hello Lads!
I thought that you might like to read about Ragin's nasty comments in reply to my latest cycling adventures!
I have posted original messages for reference only. Apologies to those of you who have already received some of earlier posts. Shouldn't matter as I'm sure, Dear Reader, that you never bother reading them anyway!
I'm Mrs.Alyssa Sebastian, A devoted Christian.I have a business proposal for you, Please get back to me for more details.
Hello Lads!
The forecast looks pretty fine for riding tomorrow. I'm planning a jaunt so wondering if anyone else is interested. I'm open to suggestions but will suggest Deep Cove as a possibility. Let me know and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizio!
The calm before the storm in my cousin's dining room...lol
Patriçio,
I am back, recovering. Tomorrow could work if:
(a) not too early
(b) stop at the pub or Starbucks in Deep Cove
(x) can I bring my camera and stop for photo ops?
If those conditions don't work, a more demure cycling adventure can be considered - coffee in Richmond?
Hi Ragin'!
You are a tough negotiator! No takers, other than your highly qualified proposal, for Deep Cove, so since it will probably be the only day, in the next week or so, for a longish ride, I've decided I want to try for 101.33K + tomorrow. To do this I'm going to cycle around Stanley Park, up and over Lions Gate and into West Van, past Dundarave Village and then back to Stanley Park to attempt the bridge five more times. If you feel you'd like to join me for first part, bridge or otherwise, I plan to leave after I pick up my bike at Reckless. Earliest will be around 10:30am as they don't open until 10:00am. I discovered I had a flat when I started my ride yesterday. Took my other bike and towards the end of the ride the chain was slipping inordinately. Consequently both bikes are in Emergency.
Anyway, let me know if I should call tomorrow before I head out. Cheers, Patrizio!
Pat,
I'm teaching 10 - 12 tomorrow near Marine Drive and 3:30 near Blanca so
I only have a few hours in between so won't be able to do the Deep Cove run. Ray
Hi Ray!
Looks like we will probably not connect tomorrow. No takers, other than Ragin' Bull's highly qualified proposal, (stops for photo ops, java, etc.), for Deep Cove, so since it will probably be the only day, in the next week or so, for a longish ride, I've decided I want to try for 101.33K + tomorrow. To do this I'm going to cycle around Stanley Park, up and over Lions Gate and into West Van, past Dundarave Village and then back to Stanley Park to attempt the bridge five more times. I plan to leave after I pick up my bike at Reckless. Earliest will be around 10:30am as they don't open until 10:00am. I discovered I had a flat when I started my ride yesterday. Took my other bike and towards the end of the ride the chain was slipping inordinately. Consequently both bikes are in Emergency!
Anyway, keep in touch and perhaps we can squeeze something in if forecast is wrong! Cheers, Patrizio!
I'm in if it's not too early - i need to walk the dogs first. It looks to be dry, but it will be cool and windy...
8^) cheers, Mark
Hi Marcus and Big Al:
Had no takers, up until your email, Marcus, other than Ragin' Bull's highly qualified proposal, (stops for photo ops, java, etc.), for Deep Cove, so since it will probably be the only day, in the next week or so, for a longish ride, I've decided I want to try for 101.33K + tomorrow. To do this I'm going to cycle around Stanley Park, up and over Lions Gate and into West Van, past Dundarave Village and then back to Stanley Park to attempt the bridge five more times. I plan to leave after I pick up my bike at Reckless. Earliest will be around 10:30am as they don't open until 10:00am. I discovered I had a flat when I started my ride yesterday. Took my other bike and towards the end of the ride the chain was slipping inordinately. Consequently both bikes are in Emergency!
Let me know if you are interested in any part or all of ride and we can arrange to meet near Science World, per esempio. Cheers, Patrizio!
Remember what Herman "Jackrabbit" Smith-Johannsen said:
Stay busy, get plenty of exercise and don't drink to much. Then again don't drink to little.
