Bayswater Bidding Blues: Thursday, February 13th

It will not do to investigate the subject of religion too closely, as it is apt to lead to infidelity. -Abraham Lincoln, 16th US President (1809-1865)

Flash's Old School Fuji Polaroid!

Hi Giggenheimer!

Trust birthday celebrations went well. Too, too bad that you couldn't have joined us, (Admiral Barnacle came along in your stead!), at Reel Causes as The Foster Boy was truly remarkable. It really was a riveting drama as it "sheds light on a dark chapter in Swiss history. For generations, some 100'000 orphans and children of single mothers were placed on farms for cheap labor. This practice continued until after WWII. Today, many survivors are fighting for recognition from the Swiss government, and "The Foster Boy" is the story of their collective memories." 

Essentially these foster children had no rights of their own we cringe at their virtual helplessness in the abusive situations they find themselves thrust into. Many potentially controversial subjects are touched upon, such as the role of the church or the involvement of the Swiss government in the foster system. The police and the local burghers turn a blind eye to the beatings and sexual abuse visited upon these children/young adults.

An extremely powerful film, wonderfully, wonderfully acted. Very very painful and such a difficult story that certainly needs to be told. Switzerland, of course, is not alone as such abuse occurred with Home Children, "a common term used to refer to the child migration scheme founded by Annie MacPherson in 1869, under which more than 100,000 children were sent to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa from the United Kingdom. 

As they were compulsorily shipped out of Britain, many of the children were deceived into believing their parents were dead, and that a more abundant life awaited them. Many children were welcomed into loving homes, but others were exploited as cheap agricultural labour, or denied proper shelter and education and not allowed to socialise with native children. It was common for Home Children to run away, sometimes finding a caring family or better working conditions." This being said, the film really dovetailed with Aunt Leah's work so a terrific event for Chloë and the caring organization. Clara came along as well and she, along with everyone else, was deeply affected by the film. See it if you can, at some point.

Quite surprised by the forecast this morning so decided I'd head out around 10ish and hope that the showers predicted between 11:00 am and noon would not materialize. Didn't leave until 10:30 am but loads of blue sky and white clouds so prospects looked pretty promising. Quite happy with my freshly cleaned/oiled chain/drive train and I purred along, achieving an AVG of 20.3 km/h by the time I reached Stanley Park. Good sign as this usually means I can reach a higher AVG, incrementally, on each subsequent Prospect Point loop. 

Had started out with a 51 km benchmark ride in mind. However once weather seemed to be wanting to cooperate I decided I'd go for 80+ km. Needed to do some fairly lengthy dipsy-doodles after each complete circuit if I only wanted to "attack" the Prospect Point Hill four times. At any rate, did just that and had the necessary 71+ km on the clock when I was ready to hit the Seawall back home.

Some sort of maddening cross-wind, out of the south-west, steady at about 18 km/h when I was fighting the head wind but gusting to 32 km/h, so it was pretty breezy at times. Nevertheless, I persevered and managed to maintain the 21.1 km/h AVG I was able to reach with the wind at my back. Very pleased to have been able to do such an unexpected ride in very, very pleasant weather. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/444840764#.Uv1WbBBQPrI.email

I will give you a call just before I leave. Have talked to Elaine and told her we probably wouldn't be there until around 7:15 pm. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Corinne & Pat - are you in town? I've lost track of your travels. If yes, let's arrange to get together sometime soon. Kjell arrives at the end of the month for another 3 month stay.Cheers....Paul  

Hi Paolo!

Grand to hear from you! Funny how these things seem to work but you have been on my mind for last week or so. I've had a message or two from Kjell and knew he was to arrive around the 25th, I think. That being the case, I had meant to say hello and inquire as to the state of your health. Trust all goes well. For our part we returned from Parksville on January 27th and have been fairly busy, (or at least Cora Lee has!), since then.  Let us know what you had in mind for a get together and we'll plan accordingly. Fondestos to you and Joan from Coriandre. Cheers, Patrizzio!

P, I will await your call. You did not mention how you are travelling. W

Hi Patiently Waiting for Patrizzio Man! Magic Flying Carpet, fueled by Paul Mas, Languedoc, Montagnac, 2011 G.S.M., (Grenache, Syrah, Mouvèdre), 14%! Bring a seat belt and a belt of malt! Cheers, Autopilot Dunn! 

Hi Bridge Players!

Just a quick note to thank you both for the most enjoyable evening. Lovely appetizers, Elaine! Wonderful "illegal" den, Theodorakis! Give us a call about getting together in a week or so. Thanks again. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Kjell!

Had a message earlier today from Paolo. He didn't say anything about how he was feeling but I suspect he is fine. Funny how these things seem to work but he had been on my mind for last week or so, ever since I had heard from you. He suggested getting together, I assume once you are back on Canadian soil. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Rosita's delish porcupine meatballs; bridge players and appetizers; Keating's new den. Ted is doing much of the work himself!