UPS China Visa Blues: Tuesday, March 11th

Humans think they are smarter than dolphins because we build cars and buildings and start wars, etc., and all that dolphins do is swim in the water, eat fish, and play around. Dolphins believe that they are smarter for exactly the same reasons. -Douglas Adams, writer, dramatist, and musician (1952-2001) 

Dear Victor: Many thanks for setting up the evening: excellent food and excellent service. --Kurt

FYI I think it cost me about the same to download it from Indigo Chapters. Although it's taken me a heck of an amount of time to print it. Maybe I should have outsourced that part. Guy 

Guy: Maybe it’s time to get an e-reader? Also, my choice for next round is Hubert Aquin’s, Prochain Episode (Next Episode), unless too many have already read it. Available in trade paperback as well as electronically at Indigo/Chapters.
--Kurt
 
Hi Vittorino, Oslo Man et al!

Sorry that it has taken me a bit to send along my sincere thanks, Vittorio, for the simply marvellous, marvellous food and wonderful evening at the Green Lettuce. Let me echo the thanks already expressed to both your charming Aunt and gracious Uncle, Victor, for allowing us to invade their most comfortable and welcoming restaurant. 

My only excuse, for not writing sooner, is that I have been too, too busy spending the fine money on new and exciting malts, which, unfortunately, for most of you, given the fact that they are "new and exciting" means they will be gone by the next NRBC gathering, necessitating, of course, both the collection of fines due, (Guy, Moe), and the doubling of tariffs yet to be assessed! Thanks again, Vittorio, for organizing the grand, fun/debate filled evening. Cheers, "Already Pickled Aplenty", and the sun isn't even over the yardarm yet, Patrizzio!

Dear Victor: Many thanks for setting up the evening: excellent food and excellent service.--Kurt

Hi Pat,

Sorry to pass sad news on but we received this message from Dean Giustini yesterday. And, this newsletter contains information from cIRcle about Erich Vogt.

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=e16ca49d875b94fc549d40fa0&id=d63cd10007&e=a2c0fd9652

I managed to get a ride in early Saturday morning before the deluge came. And then I went to the Bike and Outdoor show on Sunday on my commuter bike, and had a nice ride in the sun on my way home. Yesterday was so beautiful but I didn’t manage to go out riding, unfortunately. See you soon. Sara

Hi Sara!

Thank you for the notice of Suzanne's death. Sad news indeed. She was a lovely individual and I always enjoyed our contact as colleagues and then during retirement.

Thank you, as well, for the cIRcle information on Erich. I will certainly pass it along to Ayn, and her cousin, Rick, who lives in Simi Valley, just north of LA. He was up as well. The memorial service at Sage on Saturday was a very moving and fitting affair. The family had invited the four of us to have dinner with them after the service and that, as well, presented an opportunity, particularly for Ayn, to visit with other cousins, etc.
 

With all the family matters next day, I wasn't able to ride on SUnday but it was so glorious I was cursing under my breath! Funnily enough, I went to the Bike Show, two years ago, now, I think, just before Gran Fondo. Would probably have tried to take it in if things been otherwise.

Yesterday we drove Ayn to Bellingham. Took us over an hour to cross border but less than 30 seconds on return! Suited up almost as soon as we were home, about 1:30 pm, and took off for UBC. As I was coming down Highbury, towards 4th, I heard a loud "shwoosh" and thought I'd managed to puncture my rear tire. When I stopped, (grizzly about the Burning Ground!), I couldn't find anything amiss, both tires felt as I'd pumped them just before setting off. Kept going out to UBC, along Spanish Banks, then on Marine to Crown. Dipsy-doodled through Musqueam to climb Camosun afterwards and then to Imperial. 

Just past St Georege's I noticed a slight wobble in my rear wheel so at 16th I stopped to re-inspect, hopping from one foot to the other as my soles were scorched! Discovered a "crescent" that had popped outside the rim so knew there was trouble afoot. This being the case, made my way, gingerly, to Westpoint and managed to do so without further problems.

Matthew, great Irish chap there, took the wheel off and discovered that the bead had separated from the rest of the tire and this is what I had heard, initially, I suppose. Just lucky that tube wasn't pinched or didn't do so afterwards. Anyway, $76.73 later, (I was reminded of you stopping for java!), I was on my way. Only had about 30 km on the clock by then so dipsy-doodled around Kits Point enough to bring total distance up to 51 km, (my basic, minimum ride, time allowing), by time I was home. Still a lovely outing as day was glorious and with Daylight Saving, plenty of light, of course, even at 6:00 pm. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/458915451#.Ux5lm4Y859I.email

Soon as I send this, I'm heading out. Undecided as to destination. Leaning towards a Horseshoe Bay run but will decide once I'm back in the saddle! Will try to get your cake mold back to you sometime this week. Perhaps we can arrange another ride as well. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patricio, Thank you for your stellar service on the visa . You could be in line for an appointment as Chief Factotum. Lynne and I are just lunching at the Dogtown Cafe in OK Falls, after a visit to Blue Mountain. We picked up a mixed case of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, Now back home to finish raking grape printings. 3NT, Peter

Hello Raker of Grape Printings!

Pray tell, what are "grape printings"? Prunings??? Had little trouble collecting passport, visa embossed. Pulled a number and it was called almost immediately. Most impressed with efficiency although there were few people about at just after 9:00 am. Paid the money, ($106), and was on my way to UPS. I thought that store was across the street from where I collected visa but when I couldn't find it, I asked chap at 7/11 and he told me it was across street in building on northwest corner. Couldn't find it in this building, even went to 2nd floor! Back downstairs and someone coming into building pointed out UPS store sign. Missed it at first as a young woman, waiting for a bus, was standing right in front of door! Finally made it to counter and chap there was very helpful so all sorted away. 

As you suggested, I asked to send hard copy at cheapest rate, so with scanning total was $39.34. Apparently, delivery should be on Thursday.

Backing up, we played bridge on Sunday afternoon, with Admiral Barnacle, Captain Kirk, (from Nanaimo), and Whirlygig, at his place. Must say that I had all the cards and won with each partner so I was overall winner. However, pleased to report that Ragin' played very, very well and made, among other contracts, quite a difficult 5 Diamonds, with me, doubled, (vulnerable!), by Kirk, grasping at straws! Great good fun although Krabby Kirk was rather put out as he feels, not quite sure why, that he is the better player of us all. Untenable position for him as he has been lowest on score totem pole last few times!
 

Once home today, after visa errand ride, (4.26 km over 0:17'42 AVG 14.4 km/hr  on my workhorse Brodie), and a bite of breakfast/brunch, I suited up and headed for Stanley Park. I had thought that I might try for Horseshoe Bay but once on the seawall I realized I needed to be home in time to go to Modern Nails, (Burrard/1st), with Cora Lee and Rosita, (Sensitive New Age Male that I am!), at 4:00 pm and so I was worried I might not make trek in time to shower/change. Instead, I headed over Lions Gate to make forays into North Van/West Van, along Spirit Trail to Bewicke Ave in former, to Travers and Marine in latter. Only had to do one Prospect Hill Loop when back in SP before heading home to arrive at 2:55 pm in plenty of time to shower and change and then drive The Sisterhood to have pedicures! Beaut of a day so entire ride was most, most pleasant, even the dastardly head wind! Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/459410071#.Ux-JtlR2ewo.email
 

After the memorial service on Saturday, open bar served Blue Mountain Pinot Gris and I made sure I had at least four glasses! Didn't try the Chardonnay but I found the Pinot Noir a tad light, (pleasant enough pepper on finish, however), so gave my glass to Mme Coriandre and she didn't complain!

Hope to play at Sarge's tomorrow evening, with Whirlissimo and Fast Eddy. At least can't do any worse than when you were here! Hello to Lovely Lurkin'. Cheers, you smooth rake! Patrizzio!

Pics: Bridge/Beer fiends! Ragin' spilled a full pint of beer on table cloth. Justice for Giggster's mishap on Thursday!

Hi Lads! Are you still on for bridge, at your place, at 7:00 pm, Sarge? And you, Giorgio? Is Fast Eddy a contender? Let  me know and if not, perhaps Barnacle, Rosita or even Mick, if back from Palm Springs. Let me know. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Sure. Wayne                                                        Stats for today's ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/459410071#.Ux-JtlR2ewo.email

Errando: 4.26 km over 0:17'42 AVG 14.4 km/hr