Snow, Snow Go Away, Come Again Another Day Blues: Monday, February 24th!

A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. -Ralph Nader, activist, author, speaker, and attorney (b. 1934)

 
Hi Jon, I was one of the early risers today. I got up just after 3 to drive from my home in East Burnaby to a fiend's place out by Horseshoe Bay. As I got into the snow on the Upper Levels highway above West Van, I was wondering about the wisdom of it all - 60 kph and low beams seemed about all the road conditions would safely support!
 

I arrived at my friend's place just as the referees were doing their pre-face-off warm-up laps, and was greeted by about a dozen other Olympic hockey fans. I was tempted here to use the term 'fanatics', but it doesn't fit. The atmosphere was calmer, more Canadian, than that - while we were all cheering on team Canada, celebrating their goals, urging on individual players by name, and advising the referees of missed calls and slow whistles, we were also just pleased to be celebrating our national game at its best.

The larger ice of the Olympics highlights those passing and play-making skills that are sometimes overshadowed by the physicality of the NHL game, and that shift in emphasis seemed to transfer to us as audience as well. Or maybe we just were not yet fully awake... In any event, with our nationalistic pride slaked and victory certain, there were several expressions of commiseration for the outplayed, out coached, and outclassed Swedish team. After all, as Canadians living next door to the US, we know what it's like to be the underdog.
 

With respect to the win over the US, I must admit to a little schadenfreude - I think that like many Canadians, a bit of that emerges when ever "we" take on Team USA and triumph. In my view however, the truly "big thing" about that game is an aesthetic one: the game that Canada played in the semifinal was as complete a team effort as I've seen in many years as a fan and spectator of international hockey. It was indeed "a thing of beauty", and for that reason it was as satisfying as the gold-medal win today. Well, almost :-).

I'm looking forward to meeting you on the 9th. 8^) cheers, Mark Hi Marcus et al! Extremely well written and expressed, Mr Arm Chair Referee! (I love, simply love how we, in the audience, always know far, far better how to play or referee than those actually there, on the ice or turf or court! Talk is cheap is it not?) You really captured the essence of the experience. Marcus wins Gold! Bravo! Go Canada! Cheers, Patrizzio!

P, Great service and celebration for Casper a very fitting tribute. To my surprise I have to admit I found it emotionally draining.

Should we look for a 4th for bridge (with Kurt) for that afternoon before the Green Lettuce feast? I am happy to host the bridge here? W

Victor, thanks for making all the arrangements. I have not been to the Green Lettuce for many years and look forward to tasting some of your recommendations from the menu. To assist your uncle I have arranged for Ray 'Roboman' Banks to be there as a bouncer in case the lads get out of hand. He will also 'extract' any outstanding fines. G 

Hi Giorgio!

Yes, it truly was a wonderful celebration of a simply wonderful family man's life. The church service was extremely emotional and I cannot even begin to imagine the strength required of Allyson, Jason, Danielle, Kimberley and Veronica to speak so movingly and lovingly. While I cannot say that I knew Casper well, (I regret that I did not, of course.), I could not but reflect on what a model he was as a father and friend. I must admit I feel I come up rather short, in many respects, when compared to him, in terms of some of my own dealings with family and friends. His fierce loyalty and unconditional support to/of those around him puts into focus, at least for me, a course to try to steer on this rocky, often difficult voyage we find ourselves embarked upon.
 

With respect to bridge with Curt Kurt, I will send a message to Mike. I think they will be back from Palm Springs by then and he might wish to join us. If not, I'll ask Theodore/Sarge. Poor Admiral Barnacle didn't seem all that well, at least to my eyes, yesterday. Whether this had to do with Casper's death or not, I don't know. At any rate, he seemed to be a tad tentative about having bridge on the Quarterdeck. Unfortunately, I think his health is worrying him.  He appeared far more nervous than I have seen him in some time. I will give him a call today to make sure he is comfortable with hosting bridge. Let me know if you can play on Wednesday. I assume Sarge is on so should be able to make four even if you are playing in tournament. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

PS: Great touch about Bouncer Banks! Marvelous choice of words to convey threat: "He will also 'extract'! Cas would have appreciated this touch. What a bouncer he would have made!

P, the draw should be out tonight so I will let you know as soon as I know. If you want to secure another player in the meantime please do so. I know what you mean about the Admiral. It is worrisome.

As to comparing yourself to Cas the family man, I beg to differ. From what I know of your unflinching commitment to family and friends, through all kinds of trials and tribulations...I see you and Cas as comparable in the most endearing ways. You have a wide circle of devoted friends and family to whom you are very loyal in spite of their foibles. The admiral and me are two cases in point.

You are a very good example of someone who lives life to the fullest -- the consummate enthusiast... I could go on. W

Hi Giggster! Thanks for forwarding the tributes and pictures. Much appreciated. As well, your kind words are far too kind but I thank you for them, of course. Now just have to live up to them!

As you note, worrisome about Barnacle Bill. Not quite sure how to approach him but will invite him for dinner tonight. Cora Lee has her Book Club so she will be out and he may feel freer to speak of anything that burdens him. Let me know about your match schedule. Cheers, Il Conduttore! 

P, sorry. looks like I play 6:45 Wednesday. I could ask Ed McCorkell if he wants to play. I know he is not in the tourney. Lemme know. W

Ok son, Pat wanted to get your particulars so that the next time he is in Kelowna sampling some Okanagan grape, you could maybe hook up.  Knowing him to be the wine aficionado that he is, when Pat asked me how you were, I replied, "subtle yet provocative".
 
Hi Pat, We are coming into Vancouver today (as far as Cambie, and have a car load of goods for charitable donation. Can you advise if someone will be at Aunt Leah's thrift shop either just before 1:00 or sometime between 3:00 and 4:00ish this afternoon to accept our goods? Alternatively, have you got a contact number to check same? 8^) cheers, Mark

Hi Marcus!

Unfortunately, Aunt Leah's Place Thrift Store, (177 Broadway East, just past Main), is closed on Monday and Tuesday! If you wish, you can bring the goods here and we will deliver them. The phone number is 604-709-3252. I can be here whenever it is convenient for you to pop by if that is how you would like to proceed. Let me know and we'll plan accordingly. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi David and Pat! Trust you are both well. As far as our travel plans go, we will be in Vancouver for next few months, leaving at the end of April for a destination wedding in Mexico. Nicole, the youngest child of Flamin' and Sarge, is to be married at a resort in Playa del Carmen. I'm not really a "fan" of such events but most of relatives/friends are from the Maritimes/Newfoundland and it is far cheaper for them to fly to/stay in Mexico than to come to Vancouver. As well, I've been asked to be MC, on account of my loud voice as opposed to my dashingly handsome good looks! 

We will be back on May 8th. At home then until the last week or so of July and then we are driving to Winnipeg to a large Durston family gathering to celebrate Cora Lee's parent's 69th wedding anniversary at the beginning of August. Will probably wend our way home at the beginning of September as we have friends from Cornwall, (couple we did house exchange with last August), arriving on September 10th. So that is our schedule.

With respect to passport processing times, here we can expect delivery somewhere between 10 to 20 business days. Time varies according to how/when forms are submitted, etc. Have no idea how things work in the US.
 

As far as L'Hermitage is concerned, we know of it but have never eaten there. It is one of a number of so-called "boutique" hotels in town. I took a quick look at the menu for Q4 'al Centro' and it seems quite interesting and not as expensive as I thought it might well be. Wine list includes many high-end Italian varietals.

While we certainly enjoy "fine" dining, our tastes tend to run to such local spots as Edible Canada's Bistro but a few minutes from our place on Granville Island:

http://www.ediblecanada.com/bistro/

C Restaurant, just across False Creek, by Aquabus from GI:

http://www.crestaurant.com/index.php?pg=dinner

If looking for steaks, Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar might appeal, although on the pricey side:

http://www.gothamsteakhouse.com/home/      Another favourite of ours is Vij's as there are many vegetarian dishes available for Chloë to choose from:

http://www.vijsrestaurant.ca/index_in.htm

Never been to Hawksworth Restaurant but it is located in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia so another possibility, given your stated predilection:

http://www.hawksworthrestaurant.com/
 

I know Flamin' will have some suggestions so I've included her in the message. Again, not sure of your overall plans for the visit but we'd certainly like to invite you to our place for a meal, probably, but not necessarily, a bbq, along with Flamin'/Sarge and perhaps other friends who have visited your winery, if such would fit with your stay. As well, depending on timing, you would be more than welcome to stay in the suite next door to our place, the so-called "Annexe",  where Corinne's parents live while here. I know you mentioned staying in a hotel, at least for one night but if you wished to stay in suite you would have your own Murphy bed, bathroom and  kitchen, separate entrances, front and back. Place isn't huge but it is very comfy. Furthermore, easy access to downtown from here. Also parking for your car. No real reason to drive downtown as with Aquabus, regular, good bus service, but a block away, and relatively easy walking distances you can see more of city. Also have bikes for you if you wish to ride around the Seawall, all the way to Stanley Park and beyond, should that be of interest.
 

Anyhow, not trying to tell you how to spend your time. Just delighted you plan to visit but do think you might enjoy living a bit like the locals, so to speak. You decide and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio!

It is so nice to hear back from you. We would like to take you up on your offer to stay at your suite for at least the night of the BBQ or such. I will check on how much wine I can bring across and thus see if since I am a winery owner, I could bring some extra wine. I have an appointment for my passport so that is taken care of. I spent all day doing research yesterday and I do see three restaurants withing walking distance of the L'Hermitage where we will stay one or two nights. I will look at your recommendations and let you know what we think. We are tentatively thinking of the first week of June or there about. I make up my mind way in advance so I will know soon with firm dates. Thanks so much. Dave

Hi again, David!

June sounds fab! Grand that you will stay at The Annexe for part of your stay. We can arrange things once you know exact dates of visit and when you would like to stay at the L'Hermitage.

Good work with passport end of things. Buona Fortuna with Canadian Customs and Immigration! If it might help, I can arrange for a wine tasting, on paper at least, at the restaurant, Heartwood, Cora Lee is involved with. This would provide you with a bona fide reason for needing wine above Duty Free limit. If you wanted to mix business with pleasure, I can approach Marquis Wines, here in Vancouver, as I know the owner, John Clerides, and see about having an actual tasting in the store, not all that far from L'Hermitage. I'm not sure of any of the technical details but I'm willing to ask and find out what this entails, if you might be interested. Just a suggestion.
 

At any rate, everyone here is chuffed that you and Pat will finally be crossing the 49th parallel! Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS: Are you driving from California or flying to Seattle? 

I hate planes, I am like Madden, you probably know, we will be driving in the best vehicle ever made..........of course in my opinion.........Tesla........

I would like to smuggle, legally a case of wine over for you to enjoy, so let me know with Buona Fortuna, otherwise I found out I can bring over 4 bottles and do one at two restaurants and bring over 2 to your BBQ. I leave the rest with Susie in Seattle. It would be a great pleasure to meet a representative at Marquis, what ever you arrange we would be happy to attend.........They could contact me before if necessary to find out how to arrange.
 

Banff is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I went there in 1966 or 7. Back in 1996, thirty years later I had a nice lady come by the winery and solicit my wine to bring back to Banff and many other high end places. Back in those days I was so interested to see where my wines were on a list at say Banff.........I found out after a year or two, my wine was still on the list. The bottom line is, there are many wineries around and I am only one...............but I am always interested to sell to anyone, including restaurants or stores

Hi Booby Hatch(et) Homeland Security Man!

Did you wear that T-shirt on your last trip south? Maybe the braves can organize to spring you from your padded cell! Had been meaning to send along a message about a week ago when all the Green Lettuce hit the NRBC fan and my attention was diverted!
 

I finished Felix's Brother a week ago, this past Saturday, in one sitting. I must say that I found it very rewarding and most interesting. Begins to shed some light, although not as much as I could have wished, on you and your family background. I trust you will take what follows in the spirit of comradeship as I am certainly no literary critic or editor, far, far from either.

In the first instance, you subtitle the work, "A Novel by Kurt Rathfelder" yet in the Epilogue you state that you were cajoled into writing your memoir. From my point of view, Felix's Brother is a memoir. I don't think, in its present form, it works as a novel. As a memoir, it could work, with some extensive editing. I am definitely not equipped to say what should or needs to be changed but I have a few suggestions.
 

In the first instance, I would change the Epilogue to a Prologue. I think it would be far more powerful, as "bait" to readers, to hook them into the coming story. Overall, your chronology is extremely linear. I don't feel that it needs to be. Memory is extremely plastic, as Umbrella shows us in spades. Each succeeding chapter need not follow, chronologically speaking, upon what went before.

A close friend, Harriet Hart, from university days, in Manitoba, gave us a copy of her book, Crow's Feet: a Collection of Personal Stories, when we stayed with them in Ajijic, on the shores of Lake Chapala, in 2011. In her "memoir" she weaves back and forth through time and the groupings of loosely connected stories reinforce each other, giving them a force and power far greater than they would otherwise possess as isolated, individual vignettes. You are more than welcome to borrow our copy when next we meet.

If this arrangement is not to your liking, take a look at Jeannette Walls' The Glass Castle, if you don't know it already. Again, from my point of view, the dramatic situations you describe don't extract nearly as much emotion as I think they possess. As a reader, I never really got under your skin to hear and feel and think much more than superficially how the various events you describe affected you, deeply or otherwise. For example, when you and Felix learn that Diane is dead the only response is that Felix lets out a yelp. Basically, I'm unsure of your style and what effect you are attempting to achieve. Could this prefigure Felix's own death? Almost clinical detachment in this instance, however. I'm not disagreeing, rather just wondering and puzzled.

Finally, I have some difficulty with the language the narrator uses. To my ear it is often stilted, pedantic. Many transitions are overly abrupt, one topic not necessarily related to one immediately coming before and hence rather confusing on many occasions. Not sure if this is intentional, a result of the immigrant experience with a new spoken tongue but, if so, some/more context needs to be provided. At times things are explained to death while  at others, dropped into the story as if self-evident. I, for one, wasn't familiar with the chess term "simul" which you seem to take for granted. I'm really not trying to pick the work apart but I don't think it possesses an overall internal, organic consistency.

You are reporting, much as I do about my interminable rides. My excuse is that my writing functions as a personal record, diary, journal, call it what you will, that I keep because I simply wish to do so. (I foist it on friends but certainly know their eyes glaze over as they hunt, yet again, for the delete key!) I would be delighted to think it was the stuff of scintillating prose but know it is not. No never mind, at least on one level, as it serves the purpose, intended and set by me, myself and I. Not to say I could not improve but if I do this is, at least, a tentative start, but a start nonetheless towards a Nobel Prize!
 

From one schizophrenic to another, your novel/memoir suffers from an identity crisis. In my far from knowledgeable opinion, the bare bones are there but need to be fleshed out with more of the vital, unique human stories and emotions that are held beneath the surface of things. You claim that your mother "was a great storyteller and a firm believer in passing down oral history." Where are these stories? These stories are inextricably linked to your own and absolutely need to be woven into the tapestry of your personal tale of memory and loss, love and justice, coming of age and adult bewilderment. 

Fondestos, Band-aids and Cheers, Patrizzio "No Holds Barred" Dunn!

Hi humble family members who drive domestic cars,

The Vogts are very happy to hear that all four of us will be there March 8, 2014 to help celebrate the life of Erich and will attend the family dinner at Lisa Vogt’s afterward. The room at Sage Bistro will hold 400 but Jonathan suggests we arrive earlier to get a seats etc. With the ceremony at 2pm, let’s plan to leave by 1pm from the Island Inn that Saturday. See you all soon xoxo                                           Dear Duchess Agneta Surrogate Sarge!

I have, knowing your vehicular proclivities, made arrangements with Captain Barnacle to use his BMW, a sedan, unfortunately, not an SUV. Accordingly we will instruct No Good Dusty to coat-hanger a patio chair to its roof so that Ms Tinsel Town can ride well above the adoring crowds, on, if not in, a non-domestic vehicle! I have set my alarm clock, the stove and microwave timers for 12:30 pm on Saturday, March 8th, so that we will be on time leaving The Island Inn for Sage Bistro!
 

I trust these arrangements meet with your approval, Yer Ladyship! If not, please reply by return post and I will endeavour to rectify any bothersome details. Until then, I remain, as ever, your must 'umble servant, Under Chauffeur Aloysious Dunn, Domestic Vehicle Garage, Islay Inn! 

These plans seem to be acceptable…carry on Serf Poppa! Yessum, Memsahib! 

I'm glad I got the weekend off to attend to her ladyships needs. xx

I was actually thinking how much it meant to me that you were all coming…then I realized I have the most sarcastic family on the planet and just shook my head Hope Nana is feeling ok after her procedure today xoxox

And we are excited to spend time with you!!!! As we are to be in the presence of greatness!!! I could do this for days!!!! Love you.

Gents, Given that I mentioned your names in my walk down memory lane with Casper, I thought you might want a copy of the follow up email that I sent to Allyson today. The way time passes today, before you know it we will be on the court for the Christmas Casper Invitational. Tom

Tom, was meaning to send you a thank you note all morning - for your fitting tribute to Casper -- and so nicely delivered. And for sharing your follow up note to Allyson. Nice touch.

We look forward to many years of the Casper Invitational. I thought it was quite serendipitous, as you noted, that you organized the first Casper Invitational this past year -- with his participation. Best, G With attachments, W 
Allyson,

First and foremost, a tip of the hat to you and your family for such a first class celebration of Casper’s life. The service was extremely well done.
 

As to the reception, we have never seen the club looks so good for an event. The display of Casper’s pictures and various sporting attire warmed the room.

We loved the “stand up” approach and the ability to mingle. The “Dutch decor” was well received and the tulips were a nice touch. Attached is an electronic copy of my speech including Rob Forrest’s email that I started off with.

Also attached are some pictures of us enjoying New Years, Casper and Ben winning a 50-50 draw at a charity event for Wayne Ross (2011), Casper and your brother Chuck during the 2010 Olympics, a picture of Cas at the 75th Canadian Doubles Championships held in Vancouver in 2009 and, of course, the “Casper of Liberty” which was presented to him at the Casper Invitational we held on November 30, 2013.
 

This coming December, we will have the first annual “Christmas Casper Invitational” where we will honour his memory and his philosophy regarding Doubles Squash: THE CASPER OF LIBERTY Doubles Squash is all about positioning and there are three things you must do to be successful at the game: · Stand Tall · Be Anchored · Be Defiant With love, Tom & Cindy

Hey, you are crazy (about the freezing riding), but dedicated to the Life of the Cyclist which is honorable and good. The desert that I had in mind is actually gluten free! It's a cake made with ground almonds and some Cup for Cup (flour substitute). If that would work for Cora Lee I would be pleased to make that contribution to our dinner party but if she would safer being control of the ingredients I would be pleased to eat what ever she makes. 

Pleased all 'round, basically, to be finally getting together. Will call as Dermot told me that you'd left a message. Glad that you are busy planning our dinner - lucky us. I'll tell you about Seattle and some other rides on Saturday. Sara
 

Hi McGillicuddyy!

Although Cora Lee is a voraciously power hungry individual, as you have so rightly ascertained, I managed to convince her to relinquish a modicum of control and she is now more than happy to have you concoct your almond extravaganza! This being the case, I suppose we should ask if you folks have any special dietary requirements yourselves. Let me know and we'll plan accordingly. Did you want to try for a ride on Saturday?  Again, let me know. Weather looks far more promising, than last Saturday, chilly but sunny. At any rate, sometime around 6:00 pm, fro dinner, if that suits. As I mentioned, Jake is more than welcome to join us if that works for his parents. He can visit with us or repair to a spare bedroom with a DVD player/TV if that is what he would like. Or he could bring his homework and use Cora Lee's desk! 

Have attached directions in case you have forgotten how to get here. Talk soon. Cheers, Patrizzio!

David Kessler

Heading North...the fat orb of the sun disappearing into a fog bank mid-span between the two towers of the Golden Gate bridge as seen from our little balcony tonight, sliding westward just in time for Rachel Maddow....back to the TV!

Hi Pat Sorry to hear of your discomfort. The weather in the north here has been much kinder- no floods, winds OK and certainly no snow or ice. Even the north sea when I was in Hartlepool when the south was being buffeted was benign. Pity that the 26 windmills off the coast weren't functioning.

You seem to have had a harsher winter than usual? In the south of England the main problem seems to be where we put houses eg on flood plains and inadequate sea defences in places where the coast is prone to erosion. Pity we spend the money on inadequate windmills.

Chris and I had an uncomfortable ride last winter in the cold and my worst experience was riding through a pool(puddle) which proved to be deep and my feet were soaked - I decided to continue on and like you my extremities were frozen. Colds have restricted my riding to the exercise bike recently.
 

I have watched some Winter Olympics - the snowboard and ski cross country event with 4 in line at the start fascinated me as did the early event when they side down ramps and then hurtle through the air performing various gymnastics. I think Britain is trying to get more involved in more events but still a poor relation. Frightening spill by the Canada 1 4 man bobsleigh.

We are off the Spain for a week in a couple of weeks time to help break the winter up. Enjoying the Six Nations Rugby on TV however meanwhile. Regards
Jim