Friday, 31 January 2014

First Ride Post-Fall Blues: Friday, January 31st

I don't trust a man who uses the word evil eighteen times in ten minutes. If you're half evil, nothing soothes you more than to think the person you are opposed to is totally evil. -Norman Mailer, author (1923-2007) 


Hi Giggster!

I find your silence regarding a ride today rather bumfuzzling! Let me know when you stop lallygaging, not to mention bloviating about your latest doubles play, and get around to matters of serious import. Not that I'm trying to honeyfuggle you into doing something you'd rather not do. No skulduggery on part, believe me! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi Chris!

Just a short note to thank you for making the trek into town to tidy up my financial affairs. As well, many, many thanks for the wonderful halibut steak. Cora Lee was more than delighted to have it for dinner and did it to perfection. Must say it was superb! She wonders if you are actually a commercial fisherman hiding under the cloak of a financial adviser!

Anyway, thanks so much for all your time, effort and generosity. Cheers, Patrizzio! 


hi pat: all good; glad you enjoyed yes, between hunting and fishing i provide my family mostly free range and organic protein........... got to have a hobby; mine is 'gathering' talk soon  chris


P, sorry for the slow response. I was struggling to get the working Sisterhood out the door. She had committed to an early getaway sans enfant and guess what...?  I am locked down today with Ms T on PD... so a ride is unlikely unless a playdate with Mongolian Embassy comes out of nowhere. Looks like the perfect day for a ride, so enjoy. Hope the toe is not a serious hindrance. With your pins I don't think it is unreasonable to be pedalling with one leg only. W

Every patriotic American knows that Lancaster was the nation's capital for one day!

Yes all goes well - Miranda found out this morning that she has been accepted into the PhD program in psychology at UT Austin. And the school (it's housed in the School of Education) has nominated her (the only one of 17 applicants) for a major university fellowship (she'll know in a month or so). Proud parents! R

Hi Texas Tornadoes or is it now Colorado Avalanche/Broncos?

Congratulations to Miranda! Wonderful news indeed. Every reason to be extremely proud parents!

I was sure you would know about Lancaster being the nation's capital for one day but I thought it would be a good way to pry a quick response out of you!
Anyway, didn't venture out until today. Forecast was for sunshine but it was only 4º in the early morning so I wanted to wait until around noon before setting off, to make sure that there wasn't any ice around.

Cora Lee left our place before 8:00 am for a day full of meetings and a volunteer shift at Aunt Leah's Thrift Store from 1:00 pm-6:00 pm. Gave my Trek a thorough cleaning/chain oiling and suited up, ready to leave by just before 1:00 pm. Day was simply glorious by then so it was a real pleasure to be back on the Seawall and see the city and mountains shining in the sun. Am pleased to say that not a twinge from my injured toe so was delighted to be able to complete three Stanley Park/Prospect Point Loops. Was home by 3:45 pm and felt grand to be back on the road again. Stats for ride:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/438493907#.UuxB-Q5OrVY.email

 
Must away as I'm to start getting dinner ready for Volunteer Woman, choose a bottle of wine, turn on the electric fire. The chores are endless and I might just need a snort of Panama Red to help me focus! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Snapped these two shots shortly after leaving Departure Bay, early Monday afternoon. Birthday Bash Tuesday evening; Hootch on Wednesday's limping morn! Signs of Spring, taken when I returned from today's ride!

Hi Hunter/Gatherer! Just thought I send along a few snaps that Chloë posted this morning, view from her place. Going to make it more difficult to persuade her that we might need to sell! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Manacle Man!

Trust your spell in solitary wasn't too too bad! Missed you on the jaunt and I'm sure you were grizzling about being fettered! Know precisely what you mean about getting the Working Women out the door as last night Coriandre "told" me to set my alarm clock for 6:30 am as she pays no heed to her own! Freedom Saturday or Salt Mines Saturday? Let me know and if the latter I might be able to bring a cake with a file in it over. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio "Ex-Jailbird" Dunn!

Pics: signs of Spring, planter on our patio, taken after my ride; this morning's view from Loft on Wall


Greetings! How is the toe?

Also, not sure if you guys would be interested , but we have a 2 bedrrom condo in Maui this fall, and again next February. I thing that Wayne & Michele might come for 2 weeks in November, but we would have late October/early Nov, or most of late January/ next Feb, (which is the Humpback season-quite spectacular). You would just need flights, as we'll have a car as well as the condo. Even a week or 10 days is good chill out, great walking (or cycling) etc...

Let us know. Cheers, Gregg & Francesca Note: Dusty & Clara, if still wanting to travel, could likely get a nice unit in same building, but they would want to book soon, even for 2015....About $225.00 USD per night? 

Hi Madroña Manor!

Thanks for inquiring about my silly injury! Seems to be fine after last two days of hot/cold compresses, etc. Thanks as well for the generous invitation to Maui. Very kind. At this point, however, simply don't know what our plans for travel might include. We are working on two months or so in India in 2015, probably around November. Given time/expense late January/February is probably out, for us, as we hope to spend Christmas in LA. We are off to Falcon for August to celebrate Clara's/Dusty's 69th wedding anniversary and I'm "toying" with taking a hop over to England/France for September/October. If that trip transpires, Hawaii would be out for me but I can't speak for Cora Lee. I know she doesn't want to return to Europe just yet.

She's not home yet but I'll certainly discuss your very gracious offer. Will be in touch as soon as we've "mulled" things over as well as asking Clara/Dusty what they might wish to do. Cheers, Patrizzio!



 
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Thursday, 30 January 2014

Financial Advisor Blues: Thursday, January 30th

War is the unfolding of miscalculations. -Barbara Tuchman, historian (1912-1989) 


 Apologies for delay in answering your email! I have a backlog of stuff to catch up with and this retirement lark is extremely hard work. Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow I say!

I would assume you have returned home after your little journey to the Island after allowing your friends to partly demolish their fine house! Looks as though you managed a few good rides while you were there. My poor steed is gathering cobwebs. Haven't been out in ages since we continue to experience quite blustery weather and I find no pleasure in getting wet and battling against the winds! Wimp I hear you say. Probably true!

We had a great couple of days in Branscombe. It's a lovely little village of old thatched cottages nestled in a pretty valley on the Jurassic coast. We were very fortunate with the weather and had a largely dry two days which meant we could get in some nice walks. Climbed up from the valley to the cliffs and walked over to the town of Beer. Another pretty place. Unfortunately, on the way back Gayle took us a different route inland and got completely lost. Ended up walking around several fields before backtracking and finally found the correct path which was very muddy! This was all Gayle's fault you understand since she insisted she knew the route from a quick glance of a rather suspicious looking map. Fortunately we did have Wellington boots on!

Arrived back at the Inn and dashed to the pub for a well deserved beer. The Masons Arms is a lovely old Inn. They have a number of cottages near the Inn which have been converted to extremely comfortable rooms. We ate dinner in the restaurant of the Inn on the first night which was very enjoyable. The second evening we at in the pub beside a roaring fire. Very cosy!
 
We are still waiting to hear when Marnie and Ant are moving into their new house. We have volunteered to help them move so can't go too far afield until we have the dates. Spoke to the two piggies last week. Apparently they are still hoping to run the van a couple of times a week during the summer. At least Krissy is. Obviously Marks new job would not allow him the time to participate in this and so Krissy is hoping to convince Matt (think you may have met him) to help out. As far as I can gather, Krissy's boss agreed that she could reduce her hours during the summer to facilitate running the truck. Let's hope they can get a lot a farmers markets since that's where they do the best business.

Mark said the snow has not been that great on Grouse this year. First year he has had the weekends free to board since Pig on the Street! Fortunately he did not buy a season pass this year!
 

Not sure if I mentioned it but we will probably be over in September for three weeks so if you are around hopefully we can get together at some point. Haven't got the dates sorted yet but I suspect it will be around the 12th.

Have a dentist appointment this afternoon so should think about getting myself organised. Best wishes to Corrine and Chloe. I assume Chloe is as busy as ever!
Derek

Hello Branscombe People!


Thank you for the wonderful snaps of your time in Branscombe. Looks and sounded wonderful, from the buildings to the beaches, from the dinners to the cosy fires, in spite of the muddy Wellies!

 I, for one, certainly don't disagree with you about riding in the rain and battling fierce winds. No fun at all. For my part, I really only had to put up with fog, quite chilly at times, but not really unpleasant. Yes, we have been home since this past Monday.

Spent a lazy day inside, yesterday. Cora Lee was away at 9:00 am and not back until after 8:00 pm, volunteer meetings, etc. My toe seemed to feel better as day progressed and treatments continued. Swelling had gone done this morning when I got out of bed. Can walk much more normally, without discomfort, so trust I'm on the mend. Cora Lee went to Costco with her parents at 10:00 am so I plan to give my Trek a good cleaning shortly and then, if rain has let up, as forecast suggests it will, I plan to take a quick run on my Brodie to do a few errands and test out my Achilles toe!

New Spanish Cinema Week


Chloë continues to work seven days a week but she seems to be holding up pretty well. Had a very pleasant visit with her over the course of the evening of her Grandmother's birthday party so it was good to see her again. (I was away for almost three weeks.) I think she is thinking about leaving the brewery after we return from Nicole's wedding in Mexico at the beginning of May.

Delighted to hear you will be back in September! So much for your famous last words! We will be in Falcon Lake for most of August to celebrate Clara's/Dusty's 69th wedding anniversary but I assume we'll be back by the 12th. You are welcome to stay here.

At the moment we only have an inflatable, yet comfortable, mattress in spare room. However, I think The Annexe will be free so you can probably have your own private suite! Something you've obviously become accustomed to over the course of your last high end getaway!Time to get out the chain-cleaner, (and I don't mean the alcoholic kind!), so must away. Fondestos to Gayle and greetings to fellow Cornwallians. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pat, I suspect I am not the first who suggests that you see a physician ?  I hope you will so do in the near future, especially if the pain and swelling persist. Getting broken bones set properly quickly can make a big difference in the end result. Please do consider this bold act.....Cactus

Hi Cactus!

Thank you for your solicitous concern. Very touching and spot on. However!!! I really don't think I have broken anything. Perhaps, as I mentioned, a slight, hairline fracture, but I doubt even that. If the toe had worsened overnight, believe me I would have called for an appointment/X-ray. Will take two aspirins and call you in the morning, Dottore! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Barb! Thanks for pictures. Once again, lovely to meet everyone. We waved goodbye to Parksville on Monday morning.  Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Whirlissimo!

No matter how you pronounce it, I spent a very lazy day today, much of it reading Alex! Think I'll have it finished tonight, so gripping a tale it is.

Any thoughts on riding tomorrow? My toe feels much better and although I didn't venture out, I want to give it a try, one way or another, domani. Lt me know your thoughts unless you are too, too busy lollygagging! Cheers, Il Conduttore!
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Wednesday, 29 January 2014

Right Big Toe Blues: Wednesday, January 29th

It is not only the prisoners who grow coarse and hardened from corporal punishment, but those as well who perpetrate the act or are present to witness it. -Anton Chekhov, short-story writer and dramatist (1860-1904)


P, did not hear back from you so I am assuming you are staying on the island as a permanent. I mentioned bridge to the Nanaimo shark and he gave me the Latvian nod of the head. Let me know if you want to fit this into the day on the 9th. I thought the pre match flattery of Bombast was the very definition of honeyfuggle. W
Hi Giggster!

Sorry I didn't check-in sooner with the Peloton/NRBC Polizei! No excuses but plenty of reasons, Yer Honour! I almost didn't make it off VI! Would probably still be there if I'd been flying. Backstory...
 
Family of Saltimbanques
Forecast looked to be dry after 12:00 pm on Tuesday so I was wondering if you and/or Robo Man might be up for a ride. I planned to give you both a shout in the morning. I knew I'd  probably sleep in until at least 8:00 am and as it turned out I didn't leap out of bed until just after 9:00 am! Once up I was I was honeyfuggled, (I see that Bombastic hasn't changed his modus operandi, Motor Mouth Skullduggery Syndrome!), into acting as Cora Lee's chauffeur for all her numerous errands/meetings for later that morning/early afternoon. Robo Man had called offering us Alex which he'd just finished. He is sidelined with a nasty cough/cold so said he wasn'r going to ride for next little while. Anyway, I said I would pop by in between chauffeur runs.
 
Dropped Coriandre at Heartwood and then proceeded to Cambie Hootch Station as I wanted to pick up an interesting bottle of red for Rosita, for her 89th birthday. Cora Lee had orchestrated dinner that evening, for ten, to celebrate Boithday Goil, so that was part of hithering and yonning. One of side benefits at Cambie was that I just "happened" upon two bottles of grog I'd not seen before. Panama Red, 54%, rum, "raising cane" as label says. Not sure The Sisterhood would approve of either the voloptuous come-hither-babe on label or the non-anaemic porch cleaner potential! Other was an Irish Whiskey,Teeling, the Spirit of Dublin, a virtual lightweight at 46%, although finished in rum casks. Thought I'd do a side-by-each tasting of these two along with Booker's Bourbon, 63.7% and a cask strength malt, to be decided upon occasion.

For Sunday, February 9th, I have clearance from The Sisterhood to host NRBC so I'll let you confirm venue to rest of non-readers. When you do, please let lads know that I have plenty of beer so if anyone was thinking about bringing some along, please tell them not to do so. With respect to bridge, I'm keen, (I'm sure I can arrange a fourth. Would Marcus be interested?), so you decide when. Is the Latvian Lout coming over day before? If so, perhaps Saturday evening. If not then once you've collected him from ferry on Sunday. We can decide on venue once you know logistics of visit.


Anyway, I dropped in to see Raymond and we had a good visit. He was just out of the shower so he warmed me up a  bowl of chicken soup, infused with essence of kale, and I enjoyed tasty broth while he clothed himself. About half an hour later Lady Coriandre rang for her car so we said goodbye. 

Just as I was stepping off the top step I slipped on the wet surface and my feet went out from under me. (It was my fault as I was wearing Crocs and I know that they are extremely slippery on such surfaces. Had to walk slowly and carefully along streets paved with marble in center of Dubrovnik in 2007 with Chloë and Admiral Barnacle!) Robo Man was quite impressed with my fall and stopping thereof. Fell on my left arm and when my right foot hit their stair I stopped quite abruptly as stairs are unpainted concrete and texture is such that they provide excellent grippage. Felt a bit of twinge in my big toe but was far more concerned about my "good" arm and shoulder. Anyway, I dusted my myself and my dignity off and set off to collect The Duchess.
 
Had a busy time getting ready for the evening once we were home so knew a ride was out. Coriandre was making, upon request by Rosita, her delicious Moroccan Tagine, along with layered kartofellage. Chloë arrived right after work and put together a wonderful Caesare. Guests started arriving at just after 6:00 pm. Karen and Bill Boutellier were neighbours across the back lane when we lived at Hotel Kits and they continue to see Clara and Dusty. Over the years Dusty has done a fair amount of work for them, both at the house on Mackenzie and at their comfortable home in Birch Bay.
 
Nancy and David have been friends for many years. Nancy was in same class at Library School as Cora Lee and Lynne Lighthall, from Naramata. (Peter is on a whirlwind day trip to Vancouver on February 2nd and is coming for dinner so if you are free, perhaps some bridge that afternoon? Let me know.) David, also a retired librarian, just edited Raincoast Chronicles 22. At any rate we visited with one another and enjoyed delicious appetizers, one, smoked salmon, (Ruth and Rick had given it to us when they visited Madroña Manor. A huge amount had been given to them by friends they had visited while staying!), and a divine artichoke dip Cora Lee had concocted.
 
We repaired to the dinner table at 7:30 pm and had a grand time continuing the various conversations that had started earlier. Cora Lee had picked up a truly mouth-watering, gluten free cake at Lemonade, on Main/17th, (Swedish Twins had given us a gift certificate for place as a Christmas present so it was put to good use!), and we Hip Hoorayed the 89 year old!

Chloë had a busy day on the morrow so she bade us all goodnight at 10:30 pm and rest of guests said their goodbyes shortly thereafter. I started to work on dishwasher while Cora Lee let people out of the garage. Both of us were quite sleepy by 11:30 pm but I managed to read until shortly after midnight. My toe wasn't too, too painful so I assumed it was just a mild bruise/strain. However, I woke up at about 3:30 am and it was throbbing! Had to hobble to bathroom to get rid of all the Panama Red and it was very, very sore. Same this morning when I rose at 8:30 am. After I send this along, I will draft a letter to Ricardo in Squamish, asking him to proceed with a lawsuit against Robo Man!
 
Not sure if I have a small fracture. Only painful when I put pressure on joint. Bit swollen but not too, too much. I've put Coriandre's heated bean bags on it as I scribe and will then apply an ice pack when I lie down to read. Think I'll spend the day alternating heat/cold compresses along with alternating shots of rum/malt! Don't think I can fit my foot into cycling shoes so might try my runners for an errand ride just to see how pedaling feels. If I walk on the side of my foot I can walk reasonably but any need to flex joint causes a bit of discomfort. All because of the book, Alex, Raymond offered. No wonder NRBCers don't read!

Anyway, trust you are well. Let me know what you think once you've had time to digest the missive. Cheers, Patrizzio The Goutmeister!

Pics: Snapped these two shots shortly after leaving Departure Bay. Birthday Bash laster evening and Hootch bottles this limping morn!

Hi Raymond!

Hope you are feeling better. Thanks for delicious soup, sweet and Alex. However, I just wanted to alert you to the fact that my lawyer, Rikki Ricardo, from Squamish, will be in touch shortly! First thing I did, this morning, after pouring myself a mug of java was to draft a letter to Ricardo in Squamish, asking him to proceed with a lawsuit against Kale and Co. All because of the book, Alex, you so kindly offered! Th pen is obviously mightier than the sword!
 

Anyway, trust you are well. Let me know what you think once you've had time to read the subpoena. I'm sure we can settle out of court. As you well know we are both rational men! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Who wrote what?

Hi Lads: Sorry for any cross-postings but trying to help Chloë if anyone is interested! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Gentlemen, Please give some thought to signing and circulating this on-line petition.
  
Friends: Please deposit 1/10 th of your gross annual income into my personal bank account from now until eternity. Indubitably, for a great cause! 

Hello Nicotine Fiend!

I'm more than happy to do as advised. Unless you quit smoking your eternity is looking closer and closer! You may not even be around to see your novel published. Perhaps you might think about signing over royalties to me and declare me the CEO of the Estate of Waspish Wrathfield! My Nigerian lawyer will be transferring the funds at the opening of tomorrow's business hours. Cheers, Il Innocente Conduttore!
 
PS: Please choose the bottle we should use to seal the deal! 

Hi Mark: Hope you are doing reasonably well. I forwarded the petition to all my FB contacts so this social medium has some uses/value! Cheers, Patrizzio!
Gentlemen, Please give some thought to signing and circulating this on-line petition.



Greetings from Madrona!

Great to be back, and thanks again for taking such great care of the house, and of course, Cimcky. Also for the "extras" like arranging, garage/wood cutting, picture hanging etc...

I am also finding "new" clothes and other items everywhere in the house-it's like a 2nd Christmas! Thanks again, and we'll see you soon. Gregg & Francesca
  
Hi Patrcio, Thanks so much for the birthday wishes! I'll definitely have a drink or two and think about You and Corriandre ..wishing you were there. Look forward to spending some time with you guys again soon. Give my love to the family. Cheers, Al

Hi Patrick, Well I guess you and Coriine will have fallen back to the status of mere mortals now you're no longer the caretakers of Madrona Manor.  Hope the stay in the posh digs didn't lessen your essential humanity.

Apologies for my slow response to your last report.  It must be that idleness breeds indolence.  Lynne and I are heading home Friday.  Weather here has been generally sunny, with a couple of cool periods when the dreaded polar vortex reached down this far.  We've had a good look around this area of Florida.  We had a great overnight trip with friends Karen and John Brennan to Miami, where we visited Miami Beach and stayed in an old character hotel in Coral Gables, a prosperous district of Miami.  We spent the morning of our second day at the Fairchild Tropical Garden. On the way there and back, driving through and making a few stops in the Everglades, we had lots of alligator encounters as you will see on the attached photos. 

Earlier this week we drove up to Sarasota where we visited the incredible estate, museum and art gallery left by John Ringling of Ringling Brothers Circus fame.  The art gallery has a huge collection of old masters, including some amazing huge Peter Paul Rubens works based on his Triumph of the Eucharist series. There is also his palatial waterfront house.  Ringling at one time owned much of the development land in the Sarasota area but lost pretty well everything when the 1929 crash hit and he was overextended.  He managed to hang onto the estate so he could will it to the city of Sarasota.

This afternoon we're driving south to Naples where we're meeting our friends Barb and Joe who we met on our Cambodia/Vietnam tour.  They're going to show us around  Naples and then take us to a local restaurant for dinner.  This is a tough week for our challenged waistlines as we're having farewell dinners all week.  Last night we were out with John and Karen, along with another couple.  The lady was a former teaching colleague of Lynne and Karen from their Sudbury circa 1976 days, who Lynne doesn't remember having seen since then.  We're pledged to brown rice, gruel and water diets for the next couple of months after we get home to make up for our excesses of recent months.
 
Looking forward to seeing you Sunday - I suppose in the middle of Super Bowl! Cheers,

Hello Alligator People!

Great snaps and you certainly seemed to have been able to ferret out many, many interesting spots. Ringling Mansion reminds me of some of dwellings at Hearst Castle. Hope we can visit it and museum/art gallery at some point. Gators brought back memories of the huge crocodiles we were fortunate enough to see while visiting Kakadau National Park. Magnificent creatures when seen up close but not too, too close!

For my part, yer Lordship, I still be an 'umble scullion whose essential humanity remains untouched/uncorrupted, perhaps reinforced by my stay at The Manor of Speaking Manor, 1,700 wine bottles in yon cellar, to remind me of a variation of one of dear, recently departed Pete Seeger's lines I heard the day he died. 

Went something like "I have never seen so many unhappy people as those who spent their entire lives seeking to get rich." Coincidentally, I happened upon the 2011 survey titled "Joys and Dilemma of Wealth" by Boston College, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Calibre Wealth Management, in which "the wealthiest set revealed they are an unhappy bunch -- worried about appearing ungrateful, rearing bratty children and failing to meet expectations."



The report "gives a glimpse of the wealth and fulfillment level of 160 households, of which 120 had amassed fortunes of at least $25 million. The findings: Despite great wealth, many seem miserable. Happiness researchers make the telling point that it's not the Screaming Eagle, one of the world's most expensive wines, or the Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 2 that bring the most joy, it's knowing how to do good with your money. Elizabeth Dunn, (obviously related!), who conducts research on happiness stated: 'We find that people get more happiness by spending money on others.'"


Lady Coriandre is of a much different persuasion, however, subscribing to Bo Derek's observation: "Whoever said money can't buy you happiness simply didn't know where go shopping" Here endeth the lesson! Anyway, trust you are both well. Let us know if you need the car to be sent to meet you at the airport, M'Lord, once you've had time to digest the missive. Cheers, Patrizzio The Goutmeister!           Hello Patrick of the Sore Toe,

It sounds like you’re keeping your busy social calendar, with the highlight event of the lucky Clara’s 89th birthday. Clara is a lovely lady, but somehow I liked the look of the Panama Red lady better. Hope your toe heals quickly.
 
Thanks for you offer of a lift, but no need. I’m arriving about 10:45 at YVR from where I will catch the Canada Line downtown and have prevailed on my brother Jim to pick me up there. We’re going to have lunch in West Van before Auntie Winn’s memorial service which is at the West Van library. The service is at 2 PM, after which I’ll have Jim drop me near your place, probably by 5 PM. My flight home is at 10:55 PM so will have to leave about 9:15. I’m looking forward to the great tasting you have planned and also to having some serious discussion with Coriandre about India. Cheers, Peter 

 Dear Lord Penticton! Glad you do not need the Bentley. The Downstairs staff have been alerted to your ultra-cadging abilities and will save some pretzels for you. Please use the Tradesperson's Entrance on the patio when you arrive at the Islay Inn as the Upstairs staff will be downstairs shrieking and hollering in uncharacteristic, un-Downton Abbey-like manner! See you Super Bowl Sunday around 5:00ish. Cheers, Patrizzio, A Citizen for Panama Red Fan!

Pat, While you're at it, might as well sue Crocs for their inferior quality footwear.  Two ladies started the original business in a backyard somewhere off Dunbar. They must be worth a fortune by now. Hitting up the 2 of us should net you a few million. 

In my defense, the complainant showed up at my house under the influence having drank several glasses of Panama Red prior to the evenings festivities. I tried to sober him up with some remedial soup and dessert but to no avail. His in-laws 89 and 90+ could have negociated the steps but the complainant was unable to do so. On a worse note, I broke my toe playing rugby some 40 odd years ago and still feel it today.  

Those Crocs really aren't up to much. I have a pair and find them quite useless and suitable only for slippers or going into the water from a rocky beach. Totally unsuitable for gardening! Ray

Dear Lincoln Lawyer!

After reading your brief I have decided to recall my lawsuit, so cogent are your arguments. On the positive side, I've started to read Alex and will probably finish it in a few days. Tough story but I really like Camille, the detective, so far. I finished Gods of Guilt so you are welcome to borrow it. Book is ours so no rush if you have much on your plate at the moment. Corinne brought home Robert Harris' An Officer and a Spy so I think I might try to break my left big toe so that I really won't be able to ride for next two weeks! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrcio, Thanks so much for the birthday wishes! I'll definitely have a drink or two and think about You and Corriandre ..wishing you were there. Look forward to spending some time with you guys again soon. Give my love to the family.
Cheers, Al


Hello Birthday Boy!

 Trust your birthday celebration was as enjoyable as one for Rosita's 89th last night. Anyway, trust everyone is well. Birthday congratulations again. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio The Goutmeister!

Greetings from Madrona!

Great to be back, and thanks again for taking such great care of the house, and of course, Cimcky. Also for the "extras" like arranging, garage/wood cutting, picture hanging etc...I am also finding "new" clothes and other items everywhere in the house-it's like a 2nd Christmas! Thanks again, and we'll see you soon. Gregg & Francesca

Your welcome! See you soon, Corinne
 
Hello Cimcky and Co!

Sorry about the "new" Christmas clothes everywhere. I guess they were from the last few loads of laundry that were left after you flew to Toronto. I wasn't quite sure where to put them so I just found space where I could! For Cora Lee's part she thought that the picture against the fridge would look fine in your bathroom so thought I'd hang it. Of course, we knew you might want it elsewhere but didn't see any harm in trying out location.  
As far as the firewood was concerned, I really enjoyed having to chop kindling and lay the fireplace. Find myself saving cardboard, used envelopes, etc., here, expecting to use it to start next fire and then realize we are no longer at Madroña Manor! Same goes for Cimcky. When we come home expect to see him snoozing on the couch or waiting to be brushed! At any rate, we certainly enjoyed staying so thanks for everything, including drop-off at Departure Bay.   

Thanks for calling to wish Clarisse Happy Birthday. She hadn't opened her presents at that time but asked me to thank you both for the books when next I was in touch. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Kids, (no pun intended!)

Thanks for backstory on Black Sheep. Interesting indeed! Cheers, Patrizzio!







 
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Tuesday, 28 January 2014

Rosie-The-Riveter's 89th Birthday Blues: Tuesday, January 28th

A grain of poetry suffices to season a century. -José Martí, revolutionary and poet (1853-1895) 

Citizen Know Nothing
The Know Nothing Party's nativist ideal
Citizen Know Nothing The Know Nothing Party's nativist ideal

Condutore, we are heading up to Sonora for a wedding this Saturday. We hope to spend some time tasting in Murphys area.  I wonder if you can remind us of your current suggestions for the area? I presume that Milliare and Chathom are still in business but that the Sheep have gone south. What sayest thou?  

Hope that you have been getting your wonted mileage in...feel sorry for the blokes back east who, unless they are fitted out in the hockey togs, must feel like they've all moved to Calgary...gracias!!! Cactus

Hi Cactoosian and Floridian!

Grand indeed that you are returning to old stompin' grounds! First word of advice is don't stash any product you pick up in an out-of-the-way-basement corner!

As for wineries, we haven't been to Murphy's for a number of years now but  I gather that Black Sheep is back. Probably different owners and in a new location but I'd be curious to see what the new "backstory" is:

blacksheep

Black Sheep Winery

When last there, with Flamin' and Sarge, it had become:
vinamoda

Vina Moda Winery


and we were very impressed with new, young owners and their marvellous offerings.

 I'd visit
stevenot

Stevenot Winery


but have been disappointed, unfortunately, over last few times, with
milliairewinery

Milliaire Winery


However, who knows?

 I'd certainly stop at


twisteddowntown

Twisted Oak Tasting Room Downtown


twistedoak

Twisted Oak Winery

either on way in to Murphy's or at their tasting room in town, (We've not been to latter.), as well as
chatom

Chatom Vineyards


From the site I used o cut-and-paste, there appear to be quite a few more wineries that are new to me. Makes me keen to head back into them thar hills! Of course, if you need a few guffaws, revisit
ironstone

Ironstone Vineyards

We'll, Chef Coriandre is calling for Scullione Patrizzio. She is creating Moroccan Tagine for Rosita's birthday dinner and she is wielding a large wooden spoon dangerously close to my bicycle helmetless noggin' so I must away! Have a wonderful time at wedding and at sidebar tastings. Fondestos and Cheers, Rizzzzzzzzzzzzo!



 Pics: Dinner Sunday night at Madroña Manor; Fog on the Salish Sea coming back to Horseshoe Bay.

http://www.blacksheepwinery.com/history.htm

Thanks Pat! I took a little web prowl after writing to you and indeed lots of our old friend wineries are still there. I hope we can make it to Stevenot. Of course, the Sheep, although here is the story. So it appears to be a part of the empire of Millier! We look forward to sharing some sheep (and perhaps lamb) next time you cruise through Boikley. 





WALTER SWAYZE

DR. WALTER EUGENE SWAYZE With grace and in peace, Walter Swayze passed away at the age of 91 on January 28, 2014. He is survived by his wife Margaret; their children, David (Maret), Alan (Carol Hart) and Nan Anderson (Rick); grandchildren, Jonathan (Jenny), Emma (Brent), Daniel (Younglim), Katie (Will), and Erin (Tetteh); great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Paolo, Maelee and Amedu; Walter's brother Gordon; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, William Allen Swayze and Jennie Mae Roberts; two brothers, Gareth and Bill, and granddaughter Laurie. 
 
Walter was born in Toronto in 1922. His early love of reading led to a lifelong dedication to literature and the arts. His undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto and graduate studies at Yale, where he received his MA and his PhD, were interrupted by the Second World War, during which he served a tour of duty as a telegraphist in the Royal Canadian Navy. He met and fell in love with Margaret Hobbs while teaching summer school at Wesley College in Winnipeg, and they were married in 1947. After four years teaching at William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, Walter brought his young family back to Winnipeg where he chaired the English Department at Wesley College (now the University of Winnipeg) and taught until his retirement in 1987. Walter grew his team from a few professors to a large, vibrant faculty. He quickly gained recognition within the academic community as a scholar and teacher of national stature. He was also a member of Senate of this institution for 24 years and of the University of Manitoba Senate for eight. Over the years, Walter taught almost every course in the English curriculum from freshman to graduate level. He thrived on collaborating with his colleagues and took great pride in the success of his students, both in their studies and careers. He remembered them all and ran into them everywhere. Before and after retirement, in between his ongoing duties, Walter found the time and energy to publish articles, in such publications as Queens Quarterly and Canadian Forum, to lead numerous committees and to be a member of several literary associations. Walter represented the University on many Provincial Department of Education committees. He was active in Riverview and Churchill Park United Churches and engaged at the local, city, provincial and regional levels, taking satisfaction in many projects, such as the rebuilding of the Young Street Church in the inner city. While captivated by the world of words and ideas, Walter also loved people. He adored his beautiful, spirited wife. Together, he and Margaret were wonderful hosts and opened their home to all, offering great meals and wine, excellent conversation and much laughter. They formed countless lasting friendships with colleagues, students, neighbours and their church community and have loyally kept in touch throughout the years. As a couple they shared a love of the theatre, film, music, travel, their cottage at Gull Lake and, of course, a long list of very lucky dogs and cats. As a comedy team, they were outrageously funny. Walter was a man of faith. He was a gentleman and a gentle man. We will miss his optimism, corny puns, prodigious memory, variable plumbing repairs, never-ending stories and his fierce bear hugs. We will always feel the rewards of his deep love for family, sense of duty and responsibility, generous nature and passion for learning and reflection. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 3 at 2:00 p.m. at Churchill Park United Church, 525 Beresford Avenue. Special thanks to the dedicated and inspiring staff at the Health Sciences Centre, the Victoria General Hospital, Maples Personal Care Home and Golden Links Lodge who have cared for Walter over the past three years. 
 
I studied with Professor Swayze in the '60's and from the very first class I took the sheer depth and breadth of his intellectual and academic reach became immediately apparent. Yet he was a teacher in the very best sense of the word, a true mentor, in fact, never a pedant. I cannot forget the moment, in a Milton class, when he wept, openly and unashamedly, so overcome was he by the lines he read aloud. He was a brilliant mediator between any text we were discussing, inspiring his students, quietly, yet ever so powerfully. I feel nothing but privilege and joy to have studied with Walter Swayze and I grieve the passing of this fine, fine man. Patrick Dunn, Class of '69, University of Winnipeg.
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