Pen-Ultimate Burning Family Man Blues: Monday, February 10th

What is laid down, ordered, factual is never enough to embrace the whole truth: life always spills over the rim of every cup. -Boris Pasternak, poet and novelist (1890-1960)) 

P, thanks again for hosting the lads last night and for supplying the maltage -- a great night as always.

Victor kindly offered to host the next gathering at his Uncle's restaurant -- Green Lettuce I believe. He will update us on that possibility. I will suggest that the next meeting be on the second Sunday in March -- the 9th. Please let us know if you are available. The book is Umbrella by Will Self. Jon to recommend the next title ASAP.

Amendments to the fines and penalties section of non-constitution shall be drafted into law as unanimously (by me) agreed. G

Chloe Alexis Dunn

Happy 25th Birthday Pierre!!!!! Can't believe your so grown up!!! Love you!!!!

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  Patrick James Dunn Hip Hip Hooray! For He's a Jolly, Jolly Good Fellow!
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  Gaelan Rescigno Pierre cannot be 25. Huh? I am stunned.
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  Patrick James Dunn How do you think his grandparents feel?

  
  
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  Suzanne Broughton Halpenny what a handsome young man..

  
  
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  Gaelan Rescigno I was there the night he was born at your house! Cannot believe that was 25 years ago!!!!
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  Gaelan Rescigno I mean, I was at your house when we got the news- and not that he was born in your house!!!
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  Patrick James Dunn Call the midwife! Guess we can put your confusion down to being stunned!
  
  

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    Sylvie Roy Bonne fête de Québec!
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    Patrick James Dunn Happy Family Day from BC!
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    Suzanne Broughton Halpenny Happy Louis Riel day from MB. ( some call it traitor day)
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    Patrick James Dunn Would probably have been a far more interesting and enlightened county if Riel had succeeded. Certainly wouldn't have been any worse. Those who insist on calling him a "traitor" betray the same sort of political thinking which eventually led to such things as the forcible wrenching of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children from their families and homes and incarcerating them in residential schools where they were subjected to terrible, unthinkable physical and emotional abuse. Vive Riel!

  
  

P, Thanks again for last night -- expat internationals night. The weather does not look too inviting out there today. I play a noon match Tuesday. Wednesday might be our day -- if the forecast holds true? W

Hi Mr Unanimous!
 
Must admit, I'm half-watching Olympic coverage as I scribe! Glad I went for a ride yesterday as you are right about weather. Think I'll spend much of the day reading An Officer... and make a start on Kurt's Felix's Brother. Happy Family Day! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Thank you again Pat for your generous and amazing hospitality. Hope the sisterhood was not too perturbed by our (my) loudness and bad humour

It would be an honour to host the meeting at my uncle's place. The only thing is the sooner we settle on a date the better so I can just let my uncle know and so I can make sure I take off work that night
 

Please note that Jon and myself have each contributed 5 dollars each to the fine pot already, not because we broke any rules per se, but out of good will and to set an example for the rest of you. Only question, can we trust that the monies are kept safely at the Islay Inn or will it mysteriously disappear and then reappear in the shape of a 15-yr old single malt bottle?

As always, a great meeting, and although I can think of many ways and many other people I would have rather spend a sunday evening with, I am still happy we managed to discuss the book for all of half an hour (in total) Take care and happy (NR)BC family day, VL and just as an update: the NRBC facebook page is still in the works VL

Don't stress on that, Victor! (-8 8^) cheers, Mark 

Victor, is that what you would call a "without prejudice" payment? And yes, I suspect Pat knows an alchemical process for transforming such dross as money into golden elixirs. G
 
Hi Lads!

Great evening indeed! Thanks, Moe, for absolutely delicious cookies. Must admit Giani, Giggster and I, (Think I was one with least willpower to resist!), put quite a dent in them after you and Vittorio left.

For all the Doubting Thomas' out there, I am currently looking for a piggy bank to house the fines already given, without prejudice, waiting to be joined by those to be soon levied against absentee shirkers! Cheers, Alchimista di Elisir d'Oro!

PS: Vittorino, what is your FB alias? Marcus Aurelius wants to befriend you!!!! 

Gents (and others?) I'm truly sorry I missed the evening. That said, for any who might be fan of JRR Tolkien and Peter Jacskon's interpretation of same, I can highly recommend 'One Man Lord of the Rings' which we saw last night. 

'Twas an off-season Fringe Festival fundraiser, [say that 5 times real fas Daffy Duck] a well polished piece with many an impromptu (and occasionally inappropriate) aside, all to the great delight and hilarity of a full house at The WaterfrontTheatre. Next on their list, The Pub and Pickle Pub. on this coming weekend. We saw it last fall and even Susan, though not a hockeyphobe, definitely a non-fan, enjoyed it thoroughly. Check it out at:

http://www.vancouverfringe.com/fringe-presents/              8^) cheers, Mark 

Hi Marcus! Thanks for tips! I'm tempted to use fine monies to buy tickets! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello, Patrick:

Thanks for this most recent message, which I read through with the requested persistence and diligence. I realized only several days later, though, that while I was pleased to hear from you and had it on my mind to reply, I hadn't ACTUALLY done so.

Yes, of course, I would LOVE to get together for another "natter" about India.  You should be able to see quite a bit in 6-8 weeks . . . just make sure  you include a lazy week in Goa around the mid-point, as India can be challenging as well as exhilarating!  I  very highly recommend the car-and-driver method (don't even think about driving there yourself!) and with several people, you would have economies of scale.

I am planning my next trip to India - 4th time - in early 2015.   I am looking at perhaps the 2nd week of February to the 2nd week of March, as I would like to be there for the Holi festival (March 6th).  This time, I am planning to go to Punjab and some places in the south that I haven't seen before.    Who knows -- perhaps we will overlap.  It would be fun to meet up for dinner.  If in Delhi, I have an excellent contact there  for a night walking tour!
 

Meanwhile, I am still organizing photos from my last trip  - a time-consuming but enjoyable endeavour.  Look forward to sharing them with you!

 It sounds as though you have been pleasurably busy.  I took a look at your bike stats - very interesting.   What is the device that you use?  I think that this could really be a motivator for me!  I have mentioned my cycling trepidation, but I have been wondering if my seat-height isn't part of the problem.  My friends Dan and Jennifer run a bike store in Chilliwack.  Dan adjusted the seat and I'm sure that from a "pro" point-of-view he did it quite properly.  But my toes barely touch the ground and I feel very insecure -- teetering -- whenever I stop.  So I might change that. 

For sure, I need to establish a good exercise routine.  For many years, I swam at UBC three or four times a week, but that fell by the wayside for several reasons (hours cut back, cost of parking, gradual dissolution  of Tuesday-and-Thursday evening social circle, etc.)  The problem is that I haven't consistently replaced it with anything.  (And to make matters worse, since I returned from India, I have been over-loading on carbs, and not surprisingly, gaining weight!)   Up until recently, I was able to take my body for granted -- but over the past year, I have noticed that -- now age 55 -- my knees aren't as strong as they were and that I am starting to have physical limitations (not the least of which, was awkwardness in squatting-and-peeing on most recent Indian trip!)

As a start, I have decided that parking costs (whether at sports facilities or at work, so that I can efficiently stop somewhere afterwards and get home at a reasonable time afterwards) will not be a consideration.  The cost of a park-and-swim is bound to be lower than a  personal trainer, after all!  Yesterday, I went for my first swim at UBC in a very long time . . .  disappointed by the condition of the change rooms, showers, low temperature in hot tub, but actual swimming was very good, as there were few people there.  I also attended my first Zumba class recently, which was fun though I was a bit hopeless, trying to keep up . . . by the time I had figured out one move they were on to the next!  As well, a yoga studio has opened literally across the street and I tried a class there too. 
 

All of this is notwithstanding the fact that like you, I have been coping with lower-extremity injuries this winter.  In early January, I managed to drop a metal chair on my left foot.  It was a little painful but  didn't seem to merit fuss or attention. However, within an hour, it was much swollen and over the next few days, coloured-up dramatically.  In due course, there was a massive bruise, about a foot long and several inches wide.  It persisted so long that eventually I went to the ER where it was x-rayed.  No cracks or breaks - just severe bruising.  The bruising has since gone down, but there is still a peculiar lump which is not lividly colourful - not colourful at all -- and is slowly going down.  But it's been over a month!  I suppose there must have been some kind of soft-tissue damage.  As well, my other foot (the one that was operated on last year) has been bothering me.  It seemed to be fine, but has been feeling stiff and painful following an exercise that involved bearing weight on exactly the part of the foot that was surgically treated.
 

Well, what a pair!   Pre-occupation with medical maladies seems to be characteristic of this stage of life.    I don't think either of us is, really -- pre-occupied  -- but I know that it can happen!

Work is busy - nothing special to report.  I re-configured the furniture in my office, which has had a surprisingly improving effect.  Otherwise, I am embarked on a home de-cluttering project, as a prelude to some home renovations.  I want the renovations, but I must say that I dread the disruption!  My list includes: bathroom overhaul (replacing tub with walk-in shower); new kitchen counters, cupboard doors and sink; new paint job; new carpet.
 

And on that note, will sign off now and get back to India photos and other tasks and projects. It sounds as though you have had a pleasantly busy start to the year.  Hope that all continues to be well. Bye for now . . . Janet P.S.  I have a commission for Dusty.  How should I proceed?!! 

Hi Janet!

Thanks for your news filled message. Very sorry to hear about all the problems with your knees and feet but as you say "what a pair" we are! That being said, I'm impressed with your range of exercise activities. I had heard from someone that facilities at UBC's pool had deteriorated. I believe a new pool is still in the planning/finance stage, it that! I am actually quite happy with the Aquatic Centre, just across Burrard Bridge. Very convenient and hot tub is hot and has some great jests. I enjoy the sauna there as well as it is always at a good temperature. 
 

Must admit, I'm half-watching Olympic coverage as I scribe! Glad I went for a ride yesterday as too, too wet today, for my liking. With respect to my odometreI have a Garmin Edge 200, about $150. I bought mine in York and was intending to leave it with bike I bought but liked it so much, brought it back to Vancouver. Quite simple, given efficient housing, to transfer mount from one bicycle to another. Stole the following blurb:
 
This GPS-enabled bike computer tracks time, distance, speed, location and calories burned. It's ideal for training, everyday and touring rides or any adventure you want to relive later at Garmin Connect. When you finish your ride, you can upload your information to the Garmin Connect site to see where you travelled on a map. Analyze, share and view more details such as elevation. You can use Course Creator to plan new rides.

I must say that I really like it, for all of the reasons noted above. Of course, one can use it while walking or jogging as well so it is very flexible. I gather you can even by a model which is waterproof. Used by triathletes, I imagine. You'll be the talk of the pool at UBC when you get your own! Will give you a shout when we have done a little more backing and forthing with friends in Naramata about India and where they want to go. Happy Family Day! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi again, Janet! I assume you have a picture of something you'd like Dusty to paint. Is this the case. If so, bring it along and we can show it to him and discuss details. meant to include this in first message! Cheers, Patrizzio!  
Hello Olympic Couch Potatoe! (Are you training for 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang?)

Must admit, I'm half-watching coverage as I scribe! Glad I went for a ride yesterday as it's pouring here now! Cora Lee just took off for more church related meeting. I'll let her reply to your latest comments but think things are starting to begin to fall into place. Early days, of course. Happy Family Day! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Thx for keeping us in the loop Love T&M etc

Hi T&M, (Sounds almost like an American university!) Any chance you might visit Lotusland? Your turn to come West! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: Sign of Spring on our patio!
Hi Sarge: Ted is going to host bridge evening on Thursday so if you want you could come along for an hour or so before you have to take off to curl. They live at 7th and Bayswater so it isn't all that much further away from home. Let me know what you think. Cheers, Patrizzio!

10-4. No bridge on Thursday. I am babysitting Avery so might drop by upon return from Chilliwack. W

Hi again, Sarge! Ok, will be home and we can take a look at shifts. I think Cora lee can only do Saturday but we can iron all that out. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick and Corinne, Mr. Procrastination has finally come through. Attached is your official invitation to Lynne’s 70th, to be held here on March 29. I hope you can make it. Wayne and Michele are also invited so you could carpool if they can come.

For out-of-towners, there is a block of rooms set aside at the Naramata Heritage Inn. You can contact them at innkeeper@naramatainn.com, 250-496-6806. All the best, Peter

The Drunkard's Progress, a lithograph by Nathaniel Currier supporting the temperance movement (January 1846)

Hello Procrastinare Straordinariamente!

What a wonderful invitazzionne! What a wonderful birthday! Of course, we plan to come. Wouldn't miss it for the world. Cora Lee is going to talk to Sutherlands but I think we'd like to come up to stay for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, March 27th/28th/29th. Will call Heritage Inn once we know what their schedules allow. As you say, would be great if we can all come in one vehicle. Of course, please let us know if there is anything we can do to help with party: food, decorations, etc. We all hope, nay insist that it be a "dry" celebration!!!!!!
Cheers, Patrizzio, Teetotalist Extraordinaire!


Patrick, That’s great news. The party will definitely have some life knowing that you’ll be here. By the way, does either of you have an e-mail address for Jack and Gail Corse? Peter

Hi again, Petros!   Only address I have is this one but not sure if it is current. Hope it works. Flamin' may not be able to leave until after work on the Friday in question. Still some negotiation so not sure what we'll do yet. Our preference is to come earlier but we'll see. Fondestos to Lurkin'! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Thanks Patricio 


Hello Sahib/Memsahibs!

Perhaps this should be required reading for Inja! Cheers, Gunga Pat, Rickshaw Caste!

In today's selection -- from Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo. As the search for opportunity moves people in emerging market countries from farms into cities like Mumbai, Cairo, and Mexico City -- turning them into megacities -- millions upon millions of these new inhabitants take up residence in their squalid shantytowns. The shantytown in Annawadi, just outside of Mumbai, is typical:
 

"In Annawadi ... the thriving western suburbs of the Indian financial capital [of Mumbai], three thousand people had packed into, or on top of 334 huts, ... squatting on land that belonged to the Airports Authority of India. Only a coconut-tree-lined thoroughfare separated the slum from the entrance to the international terminal. ...

"Every morning, thousands of waste-pickers fanned out across the airport area in search of vendible excess -- a few pounds of the eight thousand tons of garbage that Mumbai was extruding daily. These scavengers darted after crumpled cigarette packs tossed from cars with tinted windows. They dredged sewers and raided dumpsters for empty bottles of water and beer. Each evening, they returned down the slum road with gunny sacks of garbage on their backs, like a procession of broken-toothed, profit-minded Santas. ...
 

"Home [might be] a divider made of made of aluminum [with] a wall of reject bricks, which established [the] home as the sturdiest dwelling in the row. [Some] Neighbors' huts [were] held together by duck tape and rope ... Annawadi itself was nothing special, in the context of the slums of Mumbai. Every house was off-kilter, so less off-kilter looked like straight. Sewage and sickness looked like life. ...

"True, only six of the slum's three thousand residents had permanent jobs. (The rest, like 85 percent of Indian workers, were part of the informal, unorganized economy.) True, a few residents trapped rats and frogs and fried them for dinner. A few ate the scrub grass at the sewage lake's edge. And these individuals, miserable souls, thereby made an inestimable contribution to their neighbors. They gave those slumdwellers who didn't fry rats and eat weeds, like Abdul, a felt sense of their upward mobility. ...
 

"Late at night, the contractors modernizing the airport dumped things in the lake. Annawadians also dumped things there: most recently, the decomposing carcasses of twelve goats. Whatever was in that soup, the pigs and dogs that slept in its shallows emerged with bellies stained blue. Some creatures survived the lake, though, and not only the malarial mosquitoes. As the morning went on, a fisherman waded through the water, one hand pushing aside cigarette packs and blue plastic bags, the other dimpling the surface with a net. ...

"Annawadians understood that their settlement was widely perceived as a blight, and that their homes, like their work, were provisional. ... The third side of Annawadi was a cratered road at the slum's entrance where many scavengers lived. This side had no huts. Scavengers slept on top of their garbage bags to prevent other scavengers from stealing them."

Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity, Katherine Boo, Random House, 2012, xi, xii, xvi, 4-7, 42

Hi Pat, Would love to take up your offer of an overnight stay at the Islay Inn - many thanks. I have booked a flight (AC8195) down on Wed 19th Feb leaving Kamloops at 13:15 arriving Vancouver at 14:12pm. If you could pick me up that would be great but if it is inconvenient then I am more than happy to get a taxi.
 

The big freeze seems to have abated somewhat today; it's warmed up to -10C! I really do mean warmed up because for the last 8 days it's been in the high teens low twenties - in all the years I have been coming here it's been the longest prolonged cold spell I have experienced.

Skiing has still been excellent even though there has been little fresh snow; we did get about 4cms today though so maybe it's the start of some good snow falls. Looking forward to seeing you all on the 19th. Ooroo for now. Trevor

Amendus Amendi -- NRBC Konstitutioni

DRAFT

Amendus Amendi -- NRBC Konstitutioni

The following legislationi passed by quorum

A. Fines*

i) Absenteeism: failure to show up at meetings on the agreed upon date will be fined $5.00 CAD cashogi only. Fines double after two consecutive infractiones.

 ii) Failure to complete assigned reading will be fined $5.00 CAD, cashogi only. If you choose the book and don't finish reading it, fines will be levied by mob rule

iii) Failure to participate in discussion will be fined $5.00 CAD, cashogi only

iv) Hogging the floor will be fined $5.00 CAD, cashogi only

v) Over-sentimentality, weeping, wistfulness or wishywashy commentary will be fined $5.00 CAD, cashogi only

vi) Provision of unoriginal thought will be fined $5.00 CAD, cashogi only

vii) The not with standing clause: if you are unable to stand you will be cut off the malt

As signed and witnessed on 9^th day of February, 2014 by:  Jon, Moe, Victor, Pat, George

*Levies to be deposited in lock box - piggy bank. The proceeds of collection, with confounded interest, to be used for entertainment purposes at an agreed upon date

Dear Meech Lake Accord Man! But a single, solitary further amendus to amendii: Failure to show up at Entertainment Gig, $10.00 CAD, cashogi only!

Notice you have used signees legal names so as not to allow any loopholes for absentee weasels! Well thought! Well written!! Just need to call Robo Hit Man, on a secure line, to inform him of pending contracts! Cheers, Patrizzio "The Cleaner"!

I am unable to understand gibberish. Is it a language? Also unfamiliar with the currency you mention. GBR semper fe fi fo fum

Dear Bloody Minded Giant!

Ignorantia juris non excusat or ignorantia legis neminem excusat if you prefer! Need I remind you, (obviousll I needs do!), of the legal principle holding that a person who is unaware of a law may not escape liability for violating that law merely because he or she was unaware of its content! Kachink, Kachink, Cashogi, Cashogi goes the Piggster! Cheers, NRBC Chancellor of the Exchequer!

Hi Ooroo Man!

Have penciled you into my appointment book so I'll be watching for you at Domestic Departures. (It is easier to collect you there, as opposed to at Arrivals. If you would rather, however, I'll pick you up at Arrivals. Please reply to let me know we both understand and agree upon pick-up location!) Will time things give you about twenty minutes to collect your bags and find your way to exit, whichever one you prefer. All in all, great rides over my "regular" long-weekend! Fondestos from Cora Lee to you. See you on the 19th! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Darling!

Trust you are well. Gather parts of the UK has been lashed by fierce, fierce storms, flooding and all! Lucky you came to Cornwall when you did as according to Derek they will be without rail service for two months or more. (See attached pictures!)   Fondestos from Cora Lee to you, Madcap, Mad Max, et al. Cheers, Patrizzio!  Pics: Iona and Cornwall!

Hello family and friends,

As many of you know, we are in the process of finding new homes for many of Aubrey's/Dad's household goods. I've attached a bunch of pictures which I hope are small enough not to flood anyone's inbox. 

If you can help us by any taking anything, please let me know. Anything unrequested by next week will go to charity. All items are free and as is. Please let me know if you are interested or have questions. As a second option, if you have a favoured family member, friend, or charity that you would like to suggests a recipient, we are happy to take suggestions, but we would ask that you be the intermediary - please don't ask anyone to contact us directly - there are already forty or more of you getting this. Thanks, eh!
 

Not included amongst the photos are a range of smaller items including kitchen wares and sundry items that might be of use to someone (e.g., a student) setting up an apartment. Also not shown, several white resin patio chairs and a chaise lounge (or 2?). If you think of something specific, please ask - it might be available...

No promises, but I am back and forth from NE Burnaby to S.Surrey/Whiterock several times a week, so barring a flood of requests, I may be able to help with transportation. There is no hurry to collect things - the next month or two looks fine at this point...8^) cheers, Mark

Hi Marcus!  I would like to suggest Aunt Leah's for the charity. I've forwarded your message to Chloë and as soon as I've heard from her I'll get back to you, particularly about the smaller kitchen wares, etc. Thanks. Cheers, Patrizzio!
 

Hi guys!, I'll think about the next book. March 9th works for me. And my budget is too tight to pay more fines, so I'll be there. jon (Giani) P.S.: BTW Patrizzio, this was the movie I talked yesterday about, and the director is, indeed, David Lynch ;-) This is the movie http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The Straight_Story

The film is based on the true story of Alvin Straight's 1994 journey across Iowa and Wisconsin on a lawnmower. Alvin (Richard Farnsworth) is an elderly World War II veteran who lives with his daughter Rose (Sissy Spacek), a kind woman with a mental disability. When he hears that his estranged brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton) has suffered a stroke, Alvin makes up his mind to go visit him and hopefully make amends before he dies. But because Alvin's legs and eyes are too impaired for him to receive a driving license, he hitches a trailer to his recently purchased thirty year-old John Deere 110 Lawn tractor (1966 have max speed of 6.5 miles per hour (10.5 km/h) or according to other source his original had 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h) ) and sets off on the 240-mile (390 km) journey from Laurens, Iowa to Mount Zion, Wisconsin.

Hi Giani! Thanks for clarification on Lynch film. Just seemed such an unlikely story for him, based on some of his other work.Hats off to you! Cheers, Patrizzio!