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.

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/Government_of_Yukon_Protect_the_Peel/?tzTsOgb  
8^) cheers, Mark

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!