Massage Chair Blues: Saturday, January 25th

All human beings should try to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why. -James Thurber, writer and cartoonist (1894-1961) 
 

Hi Pat,

Assume you and Corinne are still on Vancouver Island? I have been in Sun Peaks for a full week now - snow conditions, unfortunately, aren't up to the usual standard - no decent falls predicted for the foreseeable future - may have to go home early!
 

Tina arrived home from Burma yesterday (had the girls for a sleepover the day she arrived!); from what I can glean from her emails she had a great time.

I'm just off to have a meal with some friends from Melbourne - thought I would touch bases with you and let you know that I'm back! Ooroo for now Trevor
 
Hi Trevor!

Glad Teens had a good trip to Burma and is now wearing her Grandmother's hat! Great to hear from you but sorry to learn about poor snow conditions. Chloë was up at Big White over New Year's and there was plenty of snow as she and her friends were snowshoeing while there. Not sure what the conditions are like at Whistler or on Grouse. Not all that much snow on latter, I believe. At any rate, you are most welcome to stay with us should you decide to cut your Sun Peaks stay short. We return to Vancouver this coming Monday. Let us know what you think and we'll plan accordingly. 

I made for Fanny Bay yesterday. Once again it was very foggy and there was a fair amount of frost on the deck so I waited until about 10:45 am before setting off, not wanting to risk riding in slippery conditions. Sun was actually shining as I made for Parksville so it was very pleasant and roads were dry.

However, once I was in Qualicum Beach, fog enveloped me and it was thick, with a very cool breeze to boot. Think it was the coldest ride I've taken since being here so was glad I had worn a number of layers. The stretch of road from QB to Qualicum Bay, then Bowser and beyond runs close to the ocean in many places so more cold pea soup to ride through. Nevertheless, I made pretty good headway and was feeling fine. Knew I didn't have time to go all the way to Fanny Bay, (I needed to be home by at least 4:30 pm to be ready when Deb/Jim came over or suffer the wrath of Coriandre!), but I did make it to Rosewall Creek, a perfect spot to reverse direction. There is a camp ground there and at the exit, a large paved surface so one has a clear view of highway, in both directions. Had 57 km on clock by then so I knew I would log 115 km by the time I was home. Wanted to up my previous best. 

Return leg was much easier at first as I had wind at my back but once past Bowser it had somehow become a head wind! Nonetheless, I my legs held me in good stead and some of the long, long grades warmed me up. Before I knew it I was climbing the hill into Qualicum Beach and was shortly back on the dedicated bike route to Parksville. I mention the "dedicated" part as there is signage posted at every significant intersection and turn, very helpful if one is not familiar with route, of course. As well, some signs which say "Share the Road" so it is clear to drivers that bikes are meant to use certain sections of the interconnecting surface streets. 

Anyway, shortly after making the last small hill on Lee Rd W I could hear what I thought was a large truck behind me, struggling to make it up the hill. Never thought anything about it but noticed a small white car up ahead which had come to stop. Just before the vehicle behind me pulled out to pass me, (turned out it was a yellow school bus), the driver of the car, an old codger form the look of him, yelled out his window; "Get off the fucking road!" The vehemence, anger, hatred even, in his expletive was quite palpable. Could hardly believe my ears. Not only was I on a posted, dedicated bike route but also road was more than wide enough for any vehicle to pass a cyclist without encroaching on oncoming traffic. Cannot even imagine what sort of individual he must be to have so much anger bottled up inside. Would be more than curious to learn his "backstory!" Lucky for him I didn't have Robo Man along. He would have sorted him and made him sorry that he had let loose with his totally uncalled for foul, unwarranted imprecation!
 

Shaking my head in amused wonderment, I continued to zip along, physically toughest part of ride behind me and relished zipping along the mainly downhill remainder of ride. Rolled into the driveway at Madroña Manor around 4:15 pm so was pleased that I'd have plenty of time to shower and change before guests were to arrive. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/435080591#.UuMNh-EujWA.email

I notice that elapsed time is about 45 minutes more than riding time. I guess I forgot to save ride once back and clock kept ticking on odometre until I uploaded ride. 

As it turned out, Deb and Jim didn't knock on our door until close to 6:00 pm so I suppose I could have made it to Fanny Bay! we spent a most enjoyable evening getting to know one another. Deb brought some delicous appetizers, crispy spring rolls, sausage rolls and mini-quiche while Cora Lee did some spicy shrimp. Dusty bought two packages of the locally caught, tasty critters out the back of a truck near Beachcomber Cottage on Cottam Point. They'd spied the sign on the roadside coming back from Nanaimo on Thursday.

After we bade the neighbours goodnight, around 8:00 pm,  we each helped ourselves to various overlefts and then watched an episode of Lewis. I was first to head for bed after all the crimes were solved as wine and ride were starting to take their toll. Still, a grand, grand ride and a wonderful, wonderful evening, getting to know Deb and Jim

Fondestos to you, Trev, from everyone here! Let us know your thoughts on staying in Vancouver. As long as you want, of course. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Cousins in Courtenay; local Blue Heron photographed by Chuck. He belongs to camera club in town and has taken some simply stunning pictures.

Hi Sarge!

How are you? Where are you? I assume you received the message I forwarded from Trevor. I told him he is most welcome to stay with us should he decide to cut his Sun Peaks stay short. We return to Vancouver this coming Monday, after I collect The Millionaires from Nanaimo Airport. Fondestos to you and Flamin' and Molly Mop, from Cimcky, from everyone here! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Beach Volley Ball Man!

Sounds as if you are leading almost as relaxed a life as one at Madroña Manor! Jim and I knew a number of people in common, from BCIT/UBC circles. Fondestos to you both from everyone here! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: View last night, unnoticed by a lazy cat; View this morning. Deck was covered with a thin layer of ice. Tad chilly on my bare feet when I went onto patio to take shots!

Hi Big Al!

Really enjoyed the pics. You had sent the on eof you and Brad earlier but rest not. Thought that the one of Prosthetics Dummy would be great to use when playing bridge. One could put him in seat of player who was Dummy, and then go to serve drinks! Glad show is winding down for you. You'll soon have time to look for a new bike!! Frost patterns were terrific! Quite appropriate for last few days here! Fondestos to you both from everyone here! Cheers, Patrizzio!

 Hi Little White!

Trust you are both on the mend by now. Clara made some carrot/curry soup yesterday and it would probably set you both right! We seem to continue to get the same sort of weather conditions as you describe, in Squamish, here, inasmuch as it will be clear in early morning, sun will peak through, burn off some of the frost and then fog will roll in again, shrouding us, almost completely in cotton batten!

Fondestos to you both from everyone here! Cimcky sends along meows to Jazz. He is currently perched on seat next to Cora Lee, hoping to be brushed! Cheers, Patrizzio!
 

Pics: View last night. Unfortunately I missed the sun gilding the mountains but snow icing is spectacular! Wondrous sight. 
 
Hi Barb and Chuck!

Just a quick note to say how much we all enjoyed seeing you folks on Wednesday. All the best from everyone here. Please pass along fond regards to Bev and Bob as well. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Cousins; Cimcky snoozing on couch, enjoying fire; Love Girls enjoying wine! View last night from front patio.

Hello Champagne and O Susannah! How are you? Where are you? Fondestos to you both from everyone here! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Pat,

Tina wearing her Grandmother's hat? - I think I've missed something here!

Thanks for the offer of an extended stay in Vancouver but I think I'll tough it out here - my whining about the conditions is a bit rich as it is still so, so much better than skiing in Oz - just really spoiled by years gone by.

If I could take you up on the offer of a bed for the night at the Islay Inn on or around the 19th Feb I would be most appreciative. I generally like to come down a day or two early in case of delayed flights etc - anyway let me know what you think and we'll plan accordingly (where have I heard that before!).
 

Glad the house (cat?) sitting goes well! Ooroo for now - love to Corinne.Trevor
 
Glad to hear you are burning up the pavement. I flew back from Edmonton yesterday when the hearing ended surprisingly with the charge being withdrawn. Going to relax around here today and see when you return. Wayne 

Hi Chloë!

Nana ordered two tickets for Reel Causes for us earlier this morning. Lovely sunset last night, sunrise this morning but fog has rolled back in! Love, Dad! 

Perfect thank you!! Tell your friends please spread the word!!!  I want to sell as many tix as possible!!! Love you all, see you Tuesday. xxx

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

Forwarded invitation to my Cycling Group and Book Club.

Hi Kids! Loved team Ziemanski, Spumoni! Fondestos to one and all from everyone here! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Grogg!

Trust you are now the Beach Volleyball Champs of Sandals! Before I forget, I've been meaning to ask you if you haven't already decided to use your Duty Free I'd appreciate a bottle of some local rum that one can't obtain here. Not a big deal if you have other things in mind. I'll pay whatever hootch costs. Again, if you are not using allowance, Dusty might like a bottle as well. Again, don't feel obliged if you have your eye set on something else.
 

Fondestos to you both from everyone here! Cimcky sends along meows. He is currently perched on seat next to Cora Lee, hoping to be brushed! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Alas I will not be able to attend.  But thanks for the email.  I trust everyone is doing well.  Please pass along my regards. Cheers. Dave

 
Hi Titanium Man!

Trust ICBC is treating you well. Sorry about posting, I guess Whirlygig hasn't updated NRBC list. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

A social dining restaurant in Chicago: http://www.girlandthegoat.com/menu.html

Fabulous sunset picture! They're always a wonder to see.
Jazz is working on her slinking skills and wishes she was better at opening doors, but she won't give up just yet. She eagerly awaits the next visit with Cimcky and Cora Lee to see if she can deke them out, good skills for an old girl like her (approaching her 116 years soon).

As for that driver, he probably shouldn' t even be on the road, not doubt a menace to all.
 
I'm fully recovered so Jazz and I did a 2 hour hike yesterday on the trails above the university and when we were in the sun, it felt like March with temperatures between 12 and 15 degrees, but in the shade it was a different story. However, it was great to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Rick, however, is not doing so well. He's developed a persistent cough so he's taking some meds to recover hopefully over the weekend. We figure he never fully recovered from his first bout of the flu at New Year's.

Also, recently watched Klondike, a 3 part mini-series, by Charlotte Gray with Richard Madden from Games of Thrones. It starts again this Sunday and thought you guys might enjoy watching it. Ruth
 
P.S.  Once when we were visiting Dan and Trish and the boys were out golfing at Fairwinds, they called on the way back to see if we needed anything. Trish asked Dan to pick up some Shrimp and Flowers. And, lo and behold, as they drove through Nanoose Bay, they came upon a house with a sign out front selling only  Shrimp and Flowers. To this day, we still find this very amusing and quaint about island life. You can always count on an abundance of fresh shrimp and beautiful flowers.

Hi Ruthless!

Delighted to hear you are more than back to normal! However, distressed to learn that Ricardo is still suffering. Hope he has the good sense to try and beat bug before it becomes even more serious! Thanks for tip on Klondike. I'm sure we'd like to catch it as we have become Game of Thrones junkies! Loved your story about Shrimp and Flowers. Quaint Island life indeed!

For my part, I was able to rise above the fog this afternoon myself as I rode out towards Errington with the plan to look for the back road to Coombs. Found Station Road without any trouble and since I'd done a fairly lengthy ride yesterday, decided I'd just head back to Madroña Manor after I'd reached the Inland Island Hwy. Turned around and made my ay back to Errington. En route, I realized that with a bit of creative dipsy-doodling I could probably rack up a 70+ km ride. Did just that and when I was hurtling down Church Rd I suddenly realized just how dark and foggy it had become! Glad I had my two trusty LED lights. Put them on strobe to alert oncoming vehicles to my presence, hoping they wouldn't think I was a disco club, and soldiered on.
 

Fortunately, for me, there was little traffic about and I quite enjoyed being in the London of Jack The Ripper, fog obscuring everything but that which was a mere 25 metres, if that, ahead. Still, I knew the route like "the back of my hand", (In fact, Dear Reader, I did!), so I felt pretty confident about the road surface even though it really was almost completely, impenetrably dark at times. Made me realize how accustomed we are to living with illumination. Once there are no street lights, per esempio, one may as well be in the wilderness with  the stars and moon. I took to riding in the middle of the road once I was on residential streets near Madroña Manor as with my bike lights I had difficulty discerning the width of the thoroughfare, so complete was the enveloping darkness.

Nevertheless, I was determined to complete my ride as I would have done in daylight and am pleased to report that I did so. Knew that the neighbourhood was likely to be very quiet and it was so not really a big deal. Most harrowing moments occurred when I was on Northwest Bay Rd as I was worried about a deer dashing out in front of me and/or a pick-up truck with a jacked up yahoo at the wheel "nudging " me, or worse, as he sped by. (Two times earlier, dopes in aforesaid pick-ups honked and shouted at me for no discernible reason, obviously relatives, psychologically if not genetically, of pathetic/horrible curmudeon of day before.) However, The Gods of Cycling smiled upon me and I returned safely and soundly. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/435669116#.UuR3ptMKRU8.email 

Clan Durston was worried about me as it was close to 6:00 pm when I walked in the door. Once I was showered and changed and had opened a bottle of red, all fears were allayed and we enjoyed a wonderful pork roast with Clarisse's turnip puff and Coriandre's roasted potatoes. Gang are now watching Midsomer Murders as I scribe.

Busy day tomorrow as we need to make sure place is in decent shape for the return of the absentee landlords. I hope to go for another longish ride but chores may well prevent this. Nevertheless, certainly can't complain about any aspect of our stay. Take care of each other. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Pat,

Tina wearing her Grandmother's hat? - I think I've missed something here!

Thanks for the offer of an extended stay in Vancouver but I think I'll tough it out here - my whining about the conditions is a bit rich as it is still so, so much better than skiing in Oz - just really spoiled by years gone by.

If I could take you up on the offer of a bed for the night at the Islay Inn on or around the 19th Feb I would be most appreciative. I generally like to come down a day or two early in case of delayed flights etc - anyway let me know what you think and we'll plan accordingly (where have I heard that before!).
 

Glad the house (cat?) sitting goes well! Ooroo for now - love to Corinne. Trevor


Hi Ooroo Man!

I only meant that Teens was taking care of your grandchildren day she returned from her overseas trip. Hence the hat=the role! You are welcome on or around the 19th of February. Just let us know and we'll plan accordingly, as you so aptly put it! Take care of yourself. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Glad to hear you are burning up the pavement. I flew back from Edmonton yesterday when the hearing ended surprisingly with the charge being withdrawn. Going to relax around here today and see when you return. W 

Hi Sarge!

Glad you are home from Edmonton. Chloë mentioned Vancouver has been quite sunny. Not so here. Take care of yourself. Fondestos to Flamin'. Cheers, Patrizzio!