Zircon Snobby Bobby Blues: Tuesday, April 29th!

I don't need time. What I need is a deadline. -Duke Ellington, jazz pianist, composer, and conductor (1899-1974)

Hi Donna Maria and Heraldo!

Wonderful to have seen you two and thanks for the riotous evening. Scads of things yet to accomplish so, atypically, I'll be brief! Although Mme Coriandre is still preforming wind tunnel experiments in the Land of Nod, I know she sends her fond regards to you both. She was quite touched when I mentioned your kind and generous compliments regarding her cooking/culinary skills, Donna Maria, when she returned from her Book Club last night. Her hat size has just increased by threefold! Take care of each other and enjoy your next round of travel. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Michele Darrow-Sutherland

Hi everyone Just to let you know Nicole has a welcome dinner planned for all our guests for 6 pm on Wednesday (tomorrow ) at the la vaqueria. We were told 6 sharp or we will not get in!! Not sure when you all arrive but if we don't meet you at main lobby we will be drinking at pool #6 you will find us !!

A cross section of human skin taken with microscope.

 Gird:

MEANING:

verb tr.:	1. To encircle or bind with a belt or band.
	2. To surround.
	3. To prepare for action (especially as "to gird one's loins").
verb tr., intr.:	4. To jeer.
noun:	5. A sarcastic remark.

ETYMOLOGY:

For 1-3: From Old English gyrdan. Ultimately from the Indo-European root gher- (to enclose or grasp), which is also the source of such words as orchard, kindergarten, court, choir, courteous, French jardin (garden), Hindi gherna (to surround), yard, horticulture, curtilage, and garth. Earliest documented use: 950. For 4-5: From Middle English girden, to strike. Earliest documented use: 1275.

P, can you believe the richness of this word gird -- usage and source?

W Okale by me. See you at Maple & King Ed at 9:30. G

Hi Giorgio! You and Raymondo will certainly need to gird your loins on today's outing, given your stated riding predilections! See you at Maple Syrup over a Kale Sundae at 9:30 am! Cheers, Patrizzio! We're on. Ray 

P, as it happens I have both of these books in hand -- Island being a VPL copy. Do you want to take one or the other with you to Mexico? I am about 1/3 of the way through Decoded but am happy to move onto The Island -- depending on what you would like to take. Lemme know, W

Hi Lending Library Man!Thanks very much for offer but I'm planning on taking a number of "disposable" books to leave or give away once finished. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Fingare and Digitale! Great to chat, Michaelo! Glad all goes well. Chloë just called and she thinks that since she will be working late this evening she will not bother going to bed here, as originally planned, but will finish packing, have a shower at home and then come over to watch Game of Thrones until it is time to leave for airport! Anyway, here are a few of the spots, in no particular order, I mentioned over phone:

Museum of Anthropology at UBC and the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, (Blue Whale skeleton exhibit). Not sure how many museums/art galleries your grandchildren will want to visit but Vancovuer Art Gallery and Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art downtown are certainly worth visiting.
 

Walk along Seawall around Stanley Park, or by horse drawn tram, might be fun, after/before Aquarium. Also Seawall around Coal Harbour to Canada Place, (Cruise ships dock here and promenade offers an interesting set of displays/vistas of North Van, etc.), past float plane terminal. Grouse Mountain by gondola and Capilano Suspension Bridge, en route to former. Steveston, for fish and chips, and a look at historic village, canneries, workers dwellings, etc.
 

As I mentioned, we would be delighted if you want to stay, (We can arrange details once we are back.), as Granville Island offers much for youngsters. There is a water park but a few minutes from our place and you can even walk to Science World, along the Seawall, past Olympic Village, with Craft Beer Market, (140 taps!), housed in the Salt Building, built in 1930, a must for Michaelo!

Must away as clock is ticking. Will be in touch again, once we have a minute to breathe/think. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!  

Had a grand ride out to Iona with Robo Man and Whirlygig. Met them at King Edward and Maple and we took Cypress to Marine and then over Arthur Laing. The bike lane, at the foot of the bridge is now open, although not paved. Hard packed gravel so fine for short distance involved. Hadn't been out this way for quite some time so it was a pleasure to be doing it with the lads and we chatted pleasantly all the way to Iona and back, seemingly fighting the wind in both directions! Back up Heather, after CSTB, and this time I stayed with chaps when they turned off on Pine Crescent. 

In past I have often headed out to UBC to make a longer ride of outing but today I had too, too many things to do to be ready to leave for Mexico on the morrow. Said goodbye to Robo Man near his place and then the same with Giorgio when at 2^nd and Stephens. Back home by 11:30 am. A very decent ride and terrific to have Raymond along as he hasn't ridden with us for a few weeks. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/489777540#.U2ADe9-ZFtI.email

Back home I did a few household chores before I had a quick shower and change of clothes. Then went downstairs to file both Cora Lee's and Chloë's tax returns. 

Experienced a bit of concern when I first went in to Sutherland's place as I couldn't find the laptop which had TurboTax on it. Searched high and low and finally found it on the top shelf of bookshelves in The Cave. Jake and Molly were no help at all! Didn't take long to do both once I had program up and running.

Upstairs to do a bit more packing until Coriandre returned from her round of meetings and then she drove me to 4th and Balsam to the the RBC there so that I could pay Chloë's outstanding tax! (Both her employers deducted tax as if each job was only one she had, in spite of my dire warnings of what would happen unless she had her deductions upped!) 

Cora Lee waited in the car and then dropped me off at Modern Nails on Burrard and 2nd for my 4:00 pm pedicure. Really enjoy the young Vietnamese women who work there and we have come to know most of them over the past few years. Always feels wonderful to have one's feet pampered while the massage chair works on various muscle groups. So relaxed that I almost nodded off as I was up at just after 5:00 am that morning.

Once I was trimmed and smoothed and polished I thanked the ladies and walked back to The Islay Inn. Found Snobby Booby already there, working on his laptop on the patio table. We had a quick chat before Joanne, friend and neighbour from upstairs came outside and I introduced the two. She is coming to wedding as well but leaves on a different flight. 

Corinne had invited her for dinner the night before, after they were back from their book club. She brought a wonderful angel food cake, almost a rival of Rosita's, for dessert. Shortly thereafter Zircon and Jan arrived, having driven from Revelstoke. Warm greetings and introductions all around as we'd not seen either of them for a year or more and other two hadn't ever met Jan.

We nibbled on appetizers and drank a couple of bottles of white while Cora Lee was putting the finishing touches to a delicious Chinese dish, sticky chicken with jasmine rice, Asian salad and egg/parmesan encrusted zucchini. More wine, both red and white, over course of wonderful meal and then strawberries and whipped cream on Joanne's scrumptious cake. 

Would have liked to have had the guests stay but we had an early call, 3:30 am, so I kicked them all out, just after 9:00 pm. Jan was staying with a friend in Kits, while Zircon was staying with Snobby Bobby at the Nest in New West. He and Jan had had a long drive so were happy to have a reasonably early night and Joanne had to be up herself, next morning as well.

Once we'd said fond goodbyes, I loaded the dishwasher and then hopped into Titanium Green to drop off my “elder” laptop at Admiral Barnacle's dad's place on 12th and Stephens. He has been staying there lately, as opposed to on The Inside Passage, his rum runner, as his father's health has required his presence. 

Anyway, he has offered to replace the hard drive in the aging machina and I wanted to have it done while we are away as Cora Lee uses it for much of her volunteer work documents. Had never been inside the house before. It has an interesting history as it has been granted heritage status by the city. It is one the original houses built in that area around . Thanked Captain Haddock and then drove home. Was pretty tired by the time I was back at the Islay Inn so decided I'd go to bed right away and get up at 1:00 am to finish packing. Brushed and flossed, set my alarm and asked Coriandre to leave a note for Chloë asking her to wake me up by then if I slept through my alarm. Didn't take long for me to fall asleep and I was soon dreaming away. Can't remember about what but I woke with a jolt once alarm sounded!

P, thanks for the ride today. Figure skater whose property I am buying is Ron Vincent. Will be inducted into the hall of fame (not sure which one) this week. Best wishes to the Sutherland clan. Have a good trip -- to you, C & C. All Inclusive! W

The newest member to the Porter/Moder family!!! he is sweet, long and and lean and has an old man chin!! I was allowed to visit Sunday as I made the case I was going away and he would be bigger/different when I returned!! xx

Wow he looks exactly like Steph! Beautiful!!! Congratulations Porters/Moders! New life :) Xoxoxo Katie

Thanks for sharing! I hadn't seen these:) Babe is still nameless....poor guy! Heard when they arrived home yesterday, Poppy gave nameless a big lick and George tried to hand him a toy. All good signs!! 

George is smart…why fight the fact that his little brother is going to be taking all his toys eventually LOL He is super cute Steph!! Baby George will love having a little bro! xoxo
 
as well last I heard he was still nameless....they were torn between two names but were not sure. and for the few who didn't get G's text he was 7.5 pounds and 22 " long i believe! 

so sweet! Stephanie and Luke have three babies, really! congrats, Stephen, Luke and Auntie G. thanks for the gorgeous pics.  

Michele Darrow-Sutherland Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Hi everyone Just to let you know Nicole has a welcome dinner planned for all our guests for 6 pm on Wednesday (tomorrow ) at the la vaqueria. We were told 6 sharp or we will not get in!! Not sure when you all arrive but if we don't meet you at main lobby we will be drinking at pool #6 you will find us !!

Michele Darrow-Sutherland Hi all, Most of you are arriving on Wednesday we have the welcome dinner at 6 pm . There is a dress code of long pants for men. Apparently they won't let you in 10 minutes past the reservation. If you are cutting it close, check in then go directly to restaurant!! Don't go to your room first they will deliver your bags !! So looking forward to seeing you all !!

• 

  Patrick James Dunn Dress code?
• 

  Corinne Durston We do not arrive until around 5:30 so this will be tight.
  

  Megan Omasta Nicole and Marvin's room number is 5130. Wayne and Michele's room number is 5114. If you need to call them.

  Audrey Watson-Darrow See you there tomorrow :)

  Melanie Orr Half a sleep to go! See you soon.

What is your flight number and eta? Cheers, Gregg & Francesca

Marvin Angelo Mercado at Grand Riviera Princess Playa del Carmen, Mexico ·Great 2 days so far most of the guest for the wedding arrive tomorrow and the resort won't know what him em

Guatemala Hi Pat, Greetings from the land of much artistic colour and sweat. Having a great time seeing how these Central American countries tick. Too hot to ride a bike here - it would kill you. Your June 19th dinner sounds great! Talk later. Bill & Denise 

another great vivid snap Gini's trip!

So many shapes and shifting colours everywhere we turned. An early morning walk through Kensington and St. James parks found us along Rotten Row where the sound of horses lured us over to a paddock of the Queens best doing their morning drill. Helmets with plumes and swords clanking, the soldiers took the horses through formations and finally out to join the procession to lead the changing of the guard "A soldiers life is terribly hard" said Alice. 

We made it to Big Ben in time to catch the chimes at noon then it was on to F&M...all fair and Mayfair along Piccadilly but oh, I have lost my heart to Fortnum and Mason's. Harrods with its gilt and caviar bars, bright colourful tile and rows of excess doesn't hold a candle to the creak of the stairs as you ascend higher and higher in Fortnum and Mason's. From the lovely jubilee tea rooms at the top to the exquisite displays of pretty things on every floor the clerks are busy, arranging shelves in tails. It feels like a grand hotel and you know I love hotels. There were porcelain jars of Stilton cheese and fork split muffins, scones and 6 different types of scotch eggs. 

 

After the giddy romp through F&M's I wandered through an exclusive arcade to find a statue of Beau Brummell..it all feels a bit Wonderland. We spent our last evening at the Royal Albert Hall for a concert that ended with the 1812 overture complete with explosions and shooting flames across the dome ceiling...it's been a splendid week in London.. if London calls again- the answer is YES. gs

Stephanie Larson North Vancouver Just a reminder for everyone to please bring cash to pay me for the fishing trip. It will cost $100 max and cost will depend on number of people attending. See ya soon

 

Takagaki Toshiko

Hello, Patrick! How are you?
Thank you for your easter card!! My mom says hello to you!

We have been doing fine. Believe all of you have been great!

Will you be in Vancouver toward the end of June or the beginning of July? And in September? I'm planning to go to California around that time. And it would be great if I could visit you during the trip!  Please say hello to Corinne and Chloe for me!

Corey William Mexico bound for my sisters wedding! With Rebecca Frazier

With the migration to FASmail now complete, UBC IT is planning to retire the Exchange 2007 email system and will be making related changes on April 30th 2014 at noon. This will not have any impact on your email, but you may notice an alert in Outlook at around that time. If you see this alert, we recommend that you select “Don’t ask me about this website again” (for Windows computers) or “Always use my response for this server” (for MAC computers) and click on the “Allow” button. This change will grant Outlook the permission to view availability in your calendar. Users on Mac Mail, Thunderbird or Eudora will not receive this pop-up.

While this change should not affect the sending and receiving of emails, please contact the Library Systems & IT Help Desk at 604-822-6275 or library.systems@ubc.ca  if you do experience any email-related issues after this pop up appears. Thank you for your assistance, Help Desk, UBC Library Systems & IT

Chloe Alexis Dunn Ayn P, Merry Christmas Sissy!! Thought you would like these, can't decide which ones I want next!! 😊

 

 

Pre-Packing MacMarket Blues: Monday, April 28th!

There is a rumor going around that I have found God. I think this is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist. -Terry Pratchett, novelist (b. 1948)

Quiff:

MEANING:

noun:
1. A tuft of hair brushed up above the forehead.
2. A woman considered as promiscuous.

ETYMOLOGY:

For 1: Origin uncertain, perhaps from coif. Earliest documented use: 1890. For 2: Origin unknown. Earliest documented use: 1923.

 

P, we have agreed on the price, we just need to go through the formalities and have yet to talk of timing. I am dealing with the agent, Hedi, that I have worked with for some time. She has earned her commission on this one.

Cobby may have to ask someone if they think your laptop is worth upgrading. Mine was just under five years old. I have sent him the stats. If he cannot determine this I may have to ask the guys at MacMarket.

I will see how I feel later about a ride. I awoke in the night, probably shortly after you went to bed, and have not slept since -- so I am feeling a little ragged.
​Let's talk later, W​

Wayne Sutherland

Well the bride and groom to be have arrived . 12 of us already here.

• Linda Meikle Ingraham Well the most important ones are there now !
• 
• 

  Patrick James Dunn Hold your horses, Linda! The Emcee and his minders are yet to make the scene!

  P, check these out. The woman ​we​ saw was riding the Speedmachine I think. http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/ All for much less than 50 pairs of shoes...​W​ 

  P, it occurs to me now that you can move this along yourself by calling the MacMarket and tell them what your machine is (and approx vintage) and asking them if they think it is worth doing.
   
  

  

  By 'it' I mean what Cobby did to mine: remove current hard drive -- which becomes an external hard drive then installing a newer 'solid state' (no moving parts) hard drive. If they say it is worth doing (about 109. for the drive and another 20. for a case for the old hard drive) then Cobby will do it for you. And I am willing to get the parts and get them to Cobby. You would need to back up the machine before it comes to me. W 

  Hi Raggedy Giorgio!
  
  Sorry to hear about your insomnia. Must be your brain working overtime on "closing the deal"! Don't worry about ride as I've many things to do and can always solo at some point if you need more beauty sleep!
  
   
  

  

  Thanks for laptop information/clarification. I will certainly take it into MacMarket today and have it assessed. I do have an external hard drive I use for backing up our computers so I was planning to hook up both my new MacBook Air and the ailing, Elder MacBook, as neither have been backed up for sometime now. It should have occurred to me that I could do most of this myself, given age of machina in question, but just assumed our laptops were of same general vintage so it was a much more straightforward proposition for Cobbster. Anyway, I'll be in touch once I have results of check-up unless we chat beforehand.
  
   
  
  I'm going to busy myself with some packing and income tax matters as soon as My Sleeping Beauty chooses to awake of her own accord. Thanks for the HP Velotechnik site. Very interesting indeed. I've already forwarded it  to her so I assume she'll jump at the chance to have one, particularly since she's not ridden her still spiffy "cruiser" in years and it's now out of fashion, of course! Unfortunately, I think she understands that the "recumbent" in this form of cycling means that you can do it from the living room couch while watching Y & R!
  
  Cheers, Fifty Pairs of Shoes and Counting, Patrizzio! 
  
  P, I better pass on riding today. I will join you and Ray tomorrow. As it happens I have Tia home on a PD day -- unbeknownst to me. K & T left for track and field and have just returned having realized it is a PD day.
  
  Let me know what they say about the computer. If they give the nod, maybe you want to bring it by here -- with or without parts. I can get the parts if need be. And we can have some malt -- I am ready now. W
  
  P, just in case you know or hear of anyone with a two bedroom apartment for rent. Kerry and Tia are looking. Thanks, W 

  
  Hi Tia's Minder! From Raggedy Rider to Truant Officer in the twinkling of an eye! Will there even be any malt when I drop by?
  
  
  Giorgio has settled on the place he favoured on Galiano so until Tia finishes school next year she and Kerry will continue to live in Vancouver.
  
  On the apartmento question, why not have them move into the Islay Inn? I'm sure Cora Lee would give up her Study for one of The Sisterhood and Tia could camp out on the deck in a little pup tent. Would get her ready to live on Galiano, in the wild! Will certainly spread the word. I assume they want something in this neck of the woods or perhaps closer to school.
  Cora Lee just left for another round of meetings/luncheons and then it is Book Club tonight so tax returns will have to wait! Love the priorities! Will be in touch, virtually or otherwise. Happy Minding until then. Cheers, Patrizzio!
  
  

  P, Perfect. Can they move in the 1st of the month? I have a newish two man tent, so roomy for the MT...W

  Hi Two Man Tenter! Certainly, have them move in while we are away so that they can adjust to new surroundings. However, I think Tia should still use a pup tent as we'll need your "roomier" one for the other displaced visitors! Don't think Strata will mind tent city on our patio, especially if we have Robo Man doling out kale soup for Breakfast Clubbers! Cheers, Patrizzio! 
  
  P, forgot about Mondays at MacMarket. Sorry. You could call another Apple place like Simply Computing on Broadway? The question is pretty generic. I just prefer dealing with Mac Market -- like the people. Appreciate that they know these used computers so well.
  
  Good that the Cudgel is on side because this tent city could really turn into something big. I am thinking the whole Mongolian diaspora to start with... As to move in date, I will pack Tia up now. She be down shortly. You will really need the Cudgel sooner than you think. W

  
  Hi Brenda Louise! Still in the pink although drinking white, red, clear and amber liquids!
  
  Must say that both Corinne and I were more than delighted to learn of Dana's pregnancy but terribly saddened to learn of her partner's decision. Cannot even begin to imagine the financial turmoil, let alone the emotional upset. Fortunately, she has you and know Dana couldn't want for anyone better to support and love her in this very difficult period. Still, hard times for all concerned but the coming birth and grand-parenthood are, as you say, much to be anticipated. Our hearts go out to you all and trust things will work out as best as can be expected from the separation point of view.
  
  For our part, we are off to a destination wedding in Playa del Carmen this coming Wednesday. Nicolina, youngest child of friends and neighbours, Flamin' and Sarge, is to marry Marvinator. Chloë is coming as well and she really needs the break as she has been working seven days a week for most of past year, M-F at Aunt Leah's and then Sat-Sun at GI Brewery! About 54 people in all, many friends and family from the Maritimes and Newfoundland, hence locale. Cheaper to fly there and stay at an all inclusive than to get to Vancouver and stay in a hotel! Only there for a week but looking forward to it as we've not been to that part of Mexico before.
  
  Not sure if we'll even get there however as we've scads of things to do before we leave home at about 3:30 am for airport Wednesday morning! As things have turned out, friend, Zircon, aka Jim Hillson, from Medicine Hat, will be coming for dinner on Tuesday evening. He will be driving in from Revelstoke that morning and it is the only time we can connect as he will be gone by the time we are back from Mexico.
  
  Once we return to Vancouver we are literally landing in the midst of visitors and just learned, last night, of yet another wrinkle in pre-departure planning. It involves Cora Lee's sister's husband, Grog, aka Gregory, (He and Spumoni, aka, Pam live in Winnipeg.), who will be coming to Vancouver on business from May 4th until the 8th. Not a big deal as he is lots of fun but he was going to stay at The Annexe, immediately next door to us. Durstons have given him their keys to the place so that is not the problem. Elly and Tony, friends from Brisbane, arrive on the 6th and we had arranged for them to stay there so now Greg will have to sleep on the blow-up mattress in Coriandre's "Study"! (She expropriated the spare bedroom once Chloë moved to the loft on Wall Street!) As well he wanted to park his rental car in one of our spots so Coramandel said he could use hers instead, as no (parking) room at The Islay Inn. He'll need mine on May 8th, until he leaves, as Chloë uses her mom's vehicle to get to work at AL's in New Westminster. (Cora uses mine to get to her innumerable volunteer meetings so I'm glad I like cycling!) Musical internal combustion engines and bedrooms at The Seldom Inn!
  
  Ottawa sounds like fun. We love staying with close friends there. They live but a few blocks from the Ottawa River and I can ride the wonderful trails along the river all the way into city, passing Rideau Hall on the way. Have even ridden to Gatineau Park, passing Museum of Civilization en route. Next time in Ottawa I hope to ride to both the Mackenzie King Estate and Meech Lake, destinations I'd not had the time to cycle to them when last there.
  
  We are heading for Winnipeg sometime after July 21st so perhaps we can see you two, either going or on way back. Let me know if you'll be around and we can plan accordingly. Fondestos to you and Wally from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Dinner last Saturday!
  
  Hi Ross! Wonderful cartoon! For our part, we are competing to see who will drop first as we are off to a destination wedding in Playa del Carmen this coming Wednesday.  Fondestos to you and Juliette of the Spirits from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!
  
  Hi Antonio van Wrinkle! Sorry to hear that your Chinese Laundry has gone out of business! For some reason Cora Lee thought you were already in North America, in Florida, hence the offer of washing machine!
  
  
  As you can tell, we are in training for both Mexico and your visit! I'm sure Grog will join you in raid of Malt Cabinet as he hates Scotch so he'll be more than happy to drown it in Diet Coke. Plenty of cans, (Left by Dusty for his rum mixer!), in cupboard on deck, just outside patio doors, so swill away lads! Fondestos to you and Elly from Cora Lee. Will be great to see you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!
  
  Hi Tenzing Norgay! Trust all goes well at Base Camp! Fondestos to you both from Cora Lee. She just left for another round of meetings/luncheons and then it is Book Club tonight. (Can Catherine Skype from Everest to take part?) Happy Trails and Cheers, Patrizzio!
  
  Hi Platinum People! Thanks very much for making reservations! Fondestos to one and all from Cora Lee. Forlorn and Lonely but holding up! Cheers, Patrizzio!
  
  Thanks, looking forward to joining the party! Best Corinne 
  
  Hi Darren! Thanks for dropping off your card and agreeing to gather mail and newspapers. Much appreciated. However, it just concurred to me that perhaps I shouldn't have given you the mailbox key right away! Not a big deal as we are not really expecting any huge cheques, rather bills, unfortunately! Anyway, not a big deal but if you could return mail box key and then I'll either give it back on Tuesday evening, if you are home, or leave it on bench just inside door. You can let yourself in with house key and even leave any mail/papers there so they won't clutter your place.
  
  On another matter, our brother-in-law, Greg, will be arriving in Vancouver on May 4th and staying at our place until May 8th so don't arrest him for B&E if you happen to cross paths! On the other hand, if he is into the malt cabinet, cuff him and throw him in jail! Thanks again. Cheers, Patrizzio!
  
  You are wondrous and great friends. I am looking forward to tomorrow evening. Would it be imposing to bring Jan along as well? She hopes that might be a possibility. We head for Revelstoke shortly. And of course winter just reemerged to add to the delight of mountain driving.
  See you tomorrow. You can reach me by email of phone. Jim.
  
  Hi Pushy Zircon! Much as you say that we are "wondrous and great friends" I fear that Mme Coriandre is rather inflexible. She has already set the menu and planned for the number of guests originally stipulated. I suppose Jan could come but if she does, she'd have to stay on the patio, occasionally pressing her face to the window panes, begging for the odd crust or bone! Of course, you MUST bring her along. We were disappointed we weren't going to be able to see her so now all is well. Enjoy the Rocky Mountain air and vistas but do hope roads will be fine. Looking forward to seeing you both, domani. Travel safely. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
  
  Either or both of you gentleman riding tomorrow? I'm keen as long as the duration is half an hour or less and all downhill. Weather looks good and I can meet at any of the usual starting points. Ray Ray, I am the same - has to be with the wind too and only 15 minutes duration. Open to where and when. G
  
  Hi Lads!
  
  Sounds like a perfect ride, Raymond! Since tomorrow is our last full day, before we leave for Mexico, and I have quite a few errands still to run/things to do, I'd like to ride as reasonably early as possible, start sometime between 9:00 and 10:00 am, if that works for everyone. I had a wonderful ride today. Didn't leave until about 2:30 pm and made my way out to UBC. Had thought I'd ride to Iona but changed my mind when on Kent. Marine was so busy that it was perfect for riding as there were huge line-ups at each of the lights and vehicles couldn't move quickly, as a result. Not a single large truck either.
  
  Anyway, I decided I'd crisscross Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park and adjacent industrial park. Latter was very quiet by the time I arrived so almost had the huge complex to myself. Had about 73 km on the clock by the time I had crossed over CSTB so I made for River Rock before turning around there. New from past rides that if I made for Vulcan and No 6 Rd I'd probably have distance I wanted and this turned out to be the case. Along the way I took a few dipsy-doodles down a number of the streets which run off Vulcan. Much like the situation one finds along Terminal. Once back on River Road I turned right to follow it back towards the Knight Street Bridge and then explored the fairly large industrial park bounded, on the north by River Road and on the south by Vulcan. Again, very quiet so cycling was quite pleasant. Had 91 km on the odometre by the time I was back at the CSTB and felt pretty good in spite of having to fight the strong head wind in both directions, of course. First time, for me, for shorts only and it was absolutely gorgeous, unlike quite coolish wind of last few rides, in spite of sunshine. Stats for ride:
  
  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/489377457#.U18Y6OXxkAo.email
  
  Since I've not ridden to Iona in some time, I wouldn't mind that route. Or Steveston and I could show you the route along the dike Sarge and I rode, Easter Saturday, I believe. Let me know if this seems plausible, given the time limits and elevation parameters you two seem to insist upon! Perhaps we should just stay home and chew kale! Cheers, Patrizzio!
  
  Pat/George, The kale isn't ready yet so it will have to be a ride. Iona or Steveston sounds good to me. 9:30 at King Ed./Maple? Ray
  
  Hi Kale Men!
  
  See you both at King Ed/Maple at 9:30 am. I assume we'll be returning via Marine/UBC as you won't wish to climb Heather on leg home! I'll arrange for the wind to be out of the east on way to Iona, then a westerly back to CSTB, then an easterly on Marine, then a westerly along 16th for Robo Man, same for Spanish Banks for Whirlage and I. Trust this meets with everyone's approval as I've wasted valuable packing time on making sure your difficult demands are met. Cheers, Patrizzio!
   
  Dear friends, Unfortunately my health problems are piling up, one on top of the other, and now I'm going to try and have an earlier return home than originally planned. In fact, as early as possible. Jane and I are going to the ariport tomorrow to try and sort it out with Air Canada. Needless to say, I'm very sad about this, but I really have to consult Swedish healthcare about my problems before the summer holidays set in. I don't want to go into more detail. I'll get in touch again when I'm on my home ground. Cheers, Kjell
  
  Oh I'm so sorry to hear you aren't well. Take care and all the best. Lynn
  
  Dad, this is an email diary if you will from one of the brewery regulars Gini, her and her husband Mark, who are in Europe. I believe you met them once a long time ago when you took a tour of the brew house I gave for customer appreciation and they were on the tour. She is mom's height with long grey/white hair and glasses and Mark is a bit shorter with dark hair. Really fun couple, they live near you as well.thought yo would enjoy her emails.
  
  Eton Mess to be exact(what can I say-I've been in London 3 days and I am a quick study) Good ingredients make great food...we went to Borough Market today which has now surpassed Les Halle  in Avignon as best market ever! The beautiful meats and cheese, fresh morels and pied bleu mushrooms-truffles, big pans of paella ... it was lovely..and I was in foodie heaven..fortunately I had 5 people to cook for :} Swede and kale soup, one of my favourites, followed by my first Eton Mess with strawberries and raspberries.
  
  Sun was out and we had a lovely walk along Camden Lock and then did an audio tour through The City. Interesting to look at the original footprint of some of the worlds great cities...they covered such a small area compared to the present- Il de Cite - Paris, The city of London but both anchored with beautiful churches that still draw thousands through their doors every day. St. Paul's is set so beautifully, and like Notre Dame can be seen from some many different area's of town....it is quite remarkable that it survived the blitz intact. Tomorrow we are off to Windsor for the day..then its time to really see what else I can fit in before I meet Mark and head to Paris on Wednesday. gs  
  
  second email.
  
  

  
  

  
  

  We went to the Tate today-a huge old power house on the Thames re-purposed with a stunning design of concrete, glass and girders transforming the building into a modern art gallery. The exposition of Matisse cut-outs filled us with colour and hope- the spaces left us room to think and explore. The sun was beckoning in the afternoon so I wandered back thru the city to spend some time with Christopher Wren. St.Paul's, St. Brides, St. Martins in Ludgate all offered moments to contemplate and consider. If it is quiet you are after - like galleries - think small, I had Bridgett's to myself.... all that thinking though is thirsty work. 

  
  

  In Helene Hanff's 84 Charting Cross Rd., Anne Bancroft reverently intones.. "Whatever you go to London looking for ... It's there." I found my London moment down the rabbity warren of corridors leading to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Tavern - a hand pulled half of best bitter, a copy of Time Out magazine and the company of Dicken's ghost made the city mine for a short time. Humming maybe it's because I'm a Londoner quietly to myself (yes, I only had the half) I returned to the south bank to find my way to Roast for dinner- The days are slipping away and there is still so much to see. Tomorrow we're off to Kew by boat ;) gs 

  Hi Chloë!
  
  Thanks for sending along Gini's email diary. She writes very well, very descriptively, poetically and succinctly. Can't say that I can put faces to their names, unfortunately. However, please pass along my regards and thanks for such a well crafted and interesting diary. Enjoy it even more since we have visited many of the sites/parts of the cities she has mentioned. Love and Cheers, Dad!