Shrovetide Blues: Tuesday, March 4th!

There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest. -Elie Wiesel, writer, Nobel laureate (b. 1928) 

Pieter Bruegel the Elder: The Fight Between Carnival and Lent, 1559

Shrove Tuesday (also known as Shrovetide Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday and Pancake Day) is the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Shrove Tuesday, a moveable feast, is determined by Easter.

The expression "Shrove Tuesday" comes from the word shrive, meaning "confess". Shrove Tuesday is observed by many Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and Roman Catholics, who "make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God's help in dealing with." Being the last day before the penitential season of Lent, related popular practices, such as indulging in food that one sacrifices for the upcoming forty days, are associated with Shrove Tuesday celebrations, before commencing the fasting and religious obligations associated with Lent. The term Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday.From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ni Hao After 18 hours travelling time with about 2 hours sleep on the flight over, we arrived at our luxurious hotel and managed to get in a solid 8 hours sleep before starting our day. Haven't felt any jet lag yet, although it is only 8:30 and Ted has already gone to sleep.

Our hotel room is very comfortable but there is a huge glass window separating the bathroom from the bedroom. It would be a bit embarrassing sharing this room with friends!

Breakfast included in the hotel consisted of the largest buffet I have ever seen. There was your standard fare of fresh waffles, pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, cereals, porridge, toast, croissant, pastries, etc. But in addition there was miso soup, sushi, dim sum, 6 types of congee, fried noodles, seaweed salad, a full salad bar, a full fruit bar, a noodle soup bar, bread pudding, and foods that I have no idea what they were.
 

Ted & I are the only Canadians on the tour - all others are American and range in age from around 8 to 82. Ted & I are also the oldest on the tour except for the 1 - 82 year old. There are 2 buses in our group each with about 26 people, so the size is perfect as we have 2 guides.

We came to Beijing prepared with our masks but we've been lucky. Heavy rains the previous week and now winds have pushed the smoke & smog away. We're enjoying clear sunny blue skies, although quite cool at around 7 degrees. This has to be the cleanest city we've ever been in. No unemployment, so there are plenty of people hired to clean the streets. Beijing is experiencing explosive population growth (over 21 million) so talks have begun to curb the influx of workers to the city. I had expected to see hordes of people on the streets at all times but am quite surprised how empty the streets are. It's a huge sprawling city with new high rises everywhere - enormous changes since the Olympics were held here.
 

It was our first day in China and already we've seen the Summer Palace, Tiennamen Square and the Forbidden City. It is absolutely amazing and beyond what I imagined - the scale of each so massive and impressive. Dinner tonight was Peking duck with all the trimmings. I do think we have way better Chinese food in Vancouver though.

Tomorrow we take the 1 & 1/2 hour bus ride to The Great Wall. Really looking forward to the hike along the wall. Will let you know how that goes. Hope all is well with everyone. Cheers Elaine

 Hi Globe Trotters!

Wonderful description of your trip to date so thanks for that. Sounds magical! Sorry we couldn't orchestrate an evening before you left for China but we'll do so once you are back. Guess you two won't be available for bridge over next few weeks! Continue to enjoy this fascinating country/culture. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Oscars at Chloë's and bouquet picked from our patio!                       Vituperate:

MEANING:

verb tr., intr.: To use harsh or abusive language.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin vituperare (to blame), from vitium (fault) + parare (to make or prepare). Earliest documented use: 1542.

P, hope you got out lasterday while I was power shopping. The afternoon actually looked okay. Veloperate: to use harsh or abusive language while riding a bicycle. Usually directed at automobile (Lexus) drivers or pedestrians using cell phones or walking small dogs. I have a match today at 11:00. Hope to get out tomorrow but the forecast is not all that favourable. W          Happy Shrove Tuesday, Dear Power Shopper!

I trust that you picked up some real Canadian maple syrup for your pancakes this morning along with all of your over-packaged purchases! As well, I must chastise you for your incorrect use of "Veloperate". 

This is a verb and is used by the indigenous Burnaboids, swamp dwellers of The Hinterlands. Earliest documented use, 2011. Roughly translated it means: "Hold on to your cojones when riding with no hands and simultaneously oggling scantily clad joggers with jiggling jugs." Wikipedia entry is much shorter and pithier: "Beware of Stanchions!" However, for my part, I find this does not due strict justice to all the subtle complexities inherent in this transitive verb. On the other hand, "Veluperate", while yet another verb, (an even stronger transitive one), is certainly as you so correctly describe it. I have forwarded your gem to the Wikipedia Editorial Board as I believe it deserves to be included in the Standard Dictionary of Slang, Epithets, Foulisms, Insults and naming Disorderisms. 

In fact, while you were creating more waste to be managed, I enjoyed an invigorating ride on the same route which gave rise to the above-mentioned words. With respect to bridge this week, Wednesday is out for me but tonight or Thursday are open. Is Fast Eddy The Cork interested? Let me know. We can play here and you can help shift sofas! Ted is in China and Sarge curls those evenings. I assume Admiral Befuddled is huddled aboard the Rum Runner waiting for a call. Rosita would play, I'm sure. Let me know. We'll arrange another outing as soon as Rain Gods allow, although I hope to dodge the rain drops later this aft. Vituperatively yours, Velocipede Dunn! Pic: a little bouquet for The Sisterhood!

P, I play league on Wednesday so I am also out that evening. I will see Fast Eddy in about an hour and will find out if either night works for him. Keep meaning to ask -- shall I put Dermot on the NRBC list? I wish you Velo speed, W

Hi Exaspervelorated Man! Yes, please put Dermot on the NRBC list with as much Velo Speed as you can muster! Let me know about Fast Eddy. Cheeriovelo Wishes, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrice, Oh yes have to love that whole moving furniture thing..especially when multiple configurations are required until someone is happy with the
layout!. Just a little note that if Corriandre feels like buying us an
electric fireplace for us unlike like that snooty restaurant we would be
happy to accept! Cheers, Al  

Hi Big Al! I certainly wish I'd alerted you to the possibility of the fireplace. I would have paid to give it to you and thereby avoided all the back-breaking labour I've been subjected to and will continue to suffer over the next few weeks! Mad Mover just appeared so I am instructed to sign off! Cheers, One Grumpy Man with a Black Heart!

Happy Shrove Tuesday, Mr Fixit!

Trust you and The Peggster are well and enjoying your extended winter! I trust that you are using some real Canadian maple syrup for your pancakes this morning! For my part, I plan to go next door to have same with Rosita and Dusty shortly. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: A little bouquet, (picked from our garden!), for The Peggster!

You mention bringing 6 bottles over?..........Are you saying I hide the
other two?

I am not good with names so I referred to Marquis as a person last
e-mail. I guess I prefer you contact John/David if you want. I am
willing to go to Marquis or see them at your BBQ, your choice. I am
always willing to sell wine and it would be an honor to sell to Canada again after 17 years, but seriously it is up to you.
 

We have firm dates now. We will be at the L'Hermitage Hotel on June 16
for two or three nights. If it works for you, we will leave from your place on Friday June 20 to visit Susie in Seattle. We would like to take you out to dinner on June 18. You could come over to our area and we could meet at one of the three restaurants I am thinking of eating at: Blue Water Cafe, Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill and Le Crocodile, your choice. Or we could spend another night at your place on the 18th and we could pay for dinner at Edible Canada which looked real good. We are looking forward to our trip up North where we will see sunsets at 10PM...Dave 

Hi again, David!

Technically you are allowed two bottles, per person, duty free, but if you declare, at kiosk, as you show your passports and are questioned about the nature of your visit, ("Holiday as I haven't been back to Canada since XXXX when I drove from Alaska...etc." Don't mention wine tasting. You can hide that possible aspect of visit!), three bottles each, it is most likely you won't have to pay duty on overage. If concerned about paying any duty make up an invoice for some sale items and bring in four bottles of expensive wine under duty free exemption. Certainly don't hide extra bottles.
 

Working back from your departure for Seattle on the 20th of June, I suggest we hold the bbq on the evening of the 19th so whether you spend  the 18th here as well is up to you. Thank you for the lovely invitation to join you for dinner. If you wanted to stay here on the 18th it is very convenient to walk over to Edible Canada from our place without having to worry about driving. We can have drinks here, beforehand, and make reservations accordingly. If you wish to remain at L'Hermitage for the 18th we can easily meet you downtown at whichever restaurant you choose. In fact, Cioppino’s is only about a 10 minute stroll from L'Hermitage and easy to get to from our side, via the Aquabus and then but a 5 minute walk. Le Crocodile is, similarly, 10 minutes, on foot, from your hotel but easier to get to, by bus, for us. All of this predicated on not wanting to drink and drive, of course, Parking can also be an issue.
 

I just talked to David Lancelot at Marquis and he would be able to attend the bbq on either the 18th or 19th. John is out of town until this coming Saturday. I will send him an email outlining our discussions. David mentioned that John's daughter is at UC Santa Barbara so he is down once or twice a year.  David also expressed an interest to visit when next in Sonoma. I'll be in touch once I've heard from or talked to John. In the meantime ou can think about when you wish to stay here and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio!  

Hi John: Trust you are well. I have been in touch with David Lancelot, over last few days, and he suggested I send you this message. Over the years we have become friends with David and Pat Coffaro, (http://www.coffaro.com/), and they are planning to visit Vancouver this June, from the 16th to the 20th, returning then to Seattle to visit their daughter, Susie, there. 

When I was informed about the trip, I suggested that perhaps he might like to see if you would be interested in hosting a tasting. When he discovered that he could only bring in four bottles, duty free, he felt this would not allow a wide enough range, given that he wanted to share some of his wine with friends, etc. I suggested that he contact you directly but, reading between the lines, he seems somewhat reluctant to do so. (He also mentioned that he would welcome a visit anytime you are in California.) Not quite sure why. Regardless, if you wanted to have a tasting, how many bottles would you think appropriate? Both David and I advised that usually one can "squeeze" six through without any fuss.
 

David suggested another alternative, inasmuch as we were planning to host a bbq at our place while Coffaros are here. You and David, and your significant others, of course, would be most welcome to attend. To date, looking at the evening of either the 18th or 19th, leaning towards the latter. At any rate, let me know your thoughts on the matter and we'll plan accordingly. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Famiglia Coffaro! Just had an email exchange with John Clerides, (He has been on the road, in France, for last 16 days), and he was concerned about timing for an in-store tasting as he usually likes to involve his team before scheduling such an event. 

Given this, I have made an executive decision which I think is the best possible solution, under circumstances. Unless you wish otherwise, I suggest we have the bbq/tasting on June 19th, at our place. John can be there, (Not so on the 18th), then and you can reconnect, (He mentioned he had visited many years ago.), and perhaps make plans for a visit when next he is in California. Talked to David L a few moments ago and he will attend bbq as well.

Guess all that remains is for you two to decide where you will stay on night of the 18th. No rush. Let me know if 19th, as outlined, suits. Cheers, Patrizzio!  

Edible on the 18th sounds great. I'll make reservations when we get closer to our departure. Of course you will have to stay here in our guest house on your next trip down here. If it still works out for you, BBQ on the 19th is great also and if John/David can attend, good! I can talk about a visit here when I see them. We will stay at the L'Hermitage on the 16th and 17th and go to one or two restaurants. We will have a kitchen so we may cook in. I am sure Pat will have some activities planned in the day........

So I am still confused about bringing over my wine.........are you saying I should not mention I have wine unless they ask?......................Thanks so much................Dave
 

You just received my last e-mail, I am sure, so we are all set up to stay on the 18th and 19th at your place.......Thanks.......Dave 

Hi David!

Reservations have been made and confirmed for 18th/19th of June at The Islay Inn, Annexe, Granville Island! Both John and David have confirmed the 19th for bbq/tasting. Will start compiling rest of invitee list.

We often cook in, when staying in one spot for a bit. Did so, a fair bit, when in Australia, with Flamin'/Sarge in 2012. Plenty of choice at Granville Island Market so keep that in mind if looking for seafood and plenty else, of course. Please remind Pat to contact Cora Lee about possible activities if she has any questions. Museum of Anthropology, (http://moa.ubc.ca/), is well worth a visit if you are interested in the art and culture of the First Nations peoples of British Columbia and Pacific Northwest.

Thank you for the offer of staying in your guest house.Very kind indeed. You won't have to twist any Canadian arms!

Looks like things are pretty much set. Closer to arrival we might wish to chat about making contact once you arrive, about getting a bit of an overview of city if this would be of interest. Depending on timing, if you'd like, we'd be more than happy to take you on a quick car tour of downtown, ride around Stanley Park, Granville Island, (some or all or more), to give you a better sense of where you are and how easy, relatively speaking, it is to get around. I know this sort of thing helps me to orient myself to an unfamiliar locale. Just a thought.

With respect to wine, 99% of the time you will be asked if you have anything to declare, duty free alcohol and tobacco, specifically, as well as the total value of goods being brought into the country. My suggestion is that you play dumb and simply say you have three bottles of wine each. Don't think there should be any difficulty. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Sometimes I am dense, Pat says, so I assume it is right next store to you and that would be great. I just hope you don't have to pay something to allow us to stay. If so of course we would like to compensate you.

Yes a tour or something when we get there would be great if you have time. I am up for anything my wife decides during the day, as long as I have my wine and a good meal in the evening..............Dave

Hi David! Sorry, it is my fault for not clarifying that the Annexe is immediately next door to our place. In fact, we share a common wall and the outside exit is just off our patio. Corinne's parents are very generous and allow us to use the suite whenever they are not living here, basically other than between October- April, and pay the rent for the entire year. Chloë, our youngest, when she was re-nested with us, would move next door as soon as her grandparents returned to Winnipeg for the summer/fall. Compensation is truly not an issue but thank you for offering. You may not remember but Clara and Dusty have visited your winery, with us, probably about eight years ago, when they were still comfortable driving down to California. They are more than happy to have you and Pat stay so please don't give it a second thought.
 

With respect to so called "tour" what I had in mind was just a moving overview, pointing out a few "highlights" so that you might have a better sense of the city and how its core is situated relative to the ocean, North Shore mountains, UBC campus, to name but a few landmarks. Whether we do this shortly after you arrive or at some point later in your stay, you can decide. If you plan to arrive in Vancouver some time in the late morning/early afternoon of Monday, June 16th, and you feel up to it, you could come straight to our place, freshen up, have a bite to eat, cup of coffee, etc., see The Annexe and then we could drive around for an hour or so before you check into L'Hermitage. Or, go directly to hotel  and give us a phone call, when ready, and we'd pick you up there. Or, next day. If done earlier in visit this might help Pat decide how she might wish to spend rest of the time available. 

Again, I certainly don't want to have you feel you have to do anything you'd rather not. You tell us what might be of interest and we'll do what we can to make suggestions that will make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Basically, I think there will be far more things to see and do than you will have time to take in unless you want to run around, from dawn to dusk, in a tourist frenzy. I suspect you probably prefer a more relaxed approach and I think the city will allow this. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi D can you hook us up? Thanks, xx                Hi Legs!

Trust you are well. Are you alive and well and still living in False Creek?Chloë would like to be in touch with you so I have included her in message. Bridge? We have a regular weekly game, of late, with Whirlygig, Mick, Theordorakis, Sarge, Ragin' Bull, the list is endless! Let me know and we'll plan accordingly. Four No Trump or Move Up! Cheers, Il Conduttore! 

On the road again....Please note that I am wine-tasting in France with Jon Ellison from February 18th - March 7th While on the roads less traveled I shall have little access to the internet .... so..... if you are thirsty, please email Leah Bickford leah@marquis-wines.com Or Kevin McKinnon at: kevin@marquis-wines.com 

Patrick Very nice of you, thanks for thinking of us. The 18th wont work for me as i have been invited to another tasting, man they never stop, but dont let that stop you from hosting it on the 18th. The 19th is fine if you wnat me there. I have been on the road for 16 days and and I amy wnat a little kick back time when i get back,

Are you thinking of having a tasting in the store? If so we really do not have much time to organise it and I dont want to stress out my team. I would also be more than happy to taste the wines with just our team and we can go from there. I actually visited David many years ago in Sonoma. Cheers
 

Hi again, 16 Days on the Road Man!

Thanks for quick reply. Much appreciated. Understand completely about timing for tasting. Given what you say, I think the best possible solution would be to have bbq/tasting on June 19th. You can be there, (Please include your wife should she wish to join gathering.), then, reconnect, taste a few of David's wines and perhaps make plans for a visit when next in California. Once you are back from France and have managed to decompress let me know if there is anything else you need to know.
 

Talked to David L a few moments ago and he will attend bbq as well. Thanks again, Cheers, Patrizzio! 

I must be smoking drugs or drinking too much, the latter is given, i though it was this month, jesus. Either of those days work

Hi Taste and Didn't Spit Man!

Have suggested the 19th to David C so looks like it will be the 19th, of June, Cheech! If in Paris perhaps you should visit Jim Morrison's grave in Père Lachaise Cemetery! Happy Trails. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Oh ya, spit, I forgot lol I am presently in the south of France, my wife and I visited Morrisons grave in 2010 with our kids. In fact I was in Paris at the begining of my trip and they had a4 0th anniversary exhibition of Jim Morrisson. I will email you the picture I took when i get back.

Also in 2101 we went to the catacobes too and pissed off a Roma by ruining one of her scams, oooh not too happy, but we jumped on one of those hop on hop off buses and got on the top deck and laughed at her. John 

Hi Takes a Scammer to Know a Scammer!

Look forward to picture from anniversary exhibit. Thanks. Where are you in the south of France? Languedoc? Not sure if you knew I rented a house in Neffiès, for a month, last September. Village is just half an hour from Montagnac where we tasted at Paul Mas principally because Marquis had featured a number of their wines in newsletter. What a wonderful domaine. Unfortunately we weren't able to eat at restaurant.

You are lucky you didn't end up in the catacombs as a permanent resident since Roma in question might have had Mafia ties, Hopalong Clerides! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Your right about ending up in the catacombes. I was not worried about het she was 4' 8" its the other 52 that come out of the wood work fortunately it was in Feb and the streets were deserted.. Nite

Thanks for snap of Jim! Good Night Wood Work Man!

P, I cannot play tonight. Ed will get back to me about Thursday. G

P, Eddy can play Thursday. W

Hi Sara Jane! Too, too bad you had to walk to our place in pouring ran. I assume you went on to visit your parents.  We've already sold cake ring on eBay. I plan to buy latest Trek with money it fetched! Great good fun on Saturday, (ride included!), so glad you enjoyed yourselves. You might mention to Dermot that I've asked Whirlygig to include him in future NRBC mailings so he is welcome to chime in anytime. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: A little bouquet, (picked from our garden!), to thank you for the grand ride on Saturday!

Hi Gail and Jack! Glad you can boast about good weather. Last week it was -50º in Winnipeg overnight! Here in Vancouver, we've seen quite atypical weather systems. Had snow over the weekend although it has changed to fairly steady rain now. Enjoy your weather and the pool! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Oscars at Chloë's and bouquet picked from our patio! (I've go some swampland in Florida as well!)  

Hi Giggster! I'll see about a fourth. Perhaps here in case we need Rosita. Is thatfine? Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Chloe Alexis Dunn via Aunt Leah's Independent Lifeskills Society

The education facts: Foster care in B.C.:

www.vancouversun.com

More than two-thirds of youth in care in B.C. will reach age 19 without a high school diploma.

The SLAIS Alumni Association is pleased to announce the 2014 Meet the SLAIS Grads Event! The event will take place on Friday, April 4th from 7:00pm-9:00pm in the Alice Mackay Room, lower level VPL Central Branch, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver.

This event celebrates the newest graduates of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies (SLAIS): The iSchool at The University of British Columbia, and offers alumni, faculty, directors, staff, and other friends of SLAIS the opportunity to meet the new graduates and welcome them as our colleagues.

Our keynote speaker will be Micheal Vonn, Policy Director of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association.

Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2014-meet-the-grads-tickets-10579255839 We hope you will join us. Regards, Dan