A Couple of Soaks at SOWTS Blues: Sunday, March 19th!

It’s best to give while your hand is still warm. -Philip Roth, novelist (b. 19 Mar 1933)

Rock 'n' roll pioneer Chuck Berry dies at age 90

Had a gentle, soft paw poke at 6:55 am to wake me up. Time for cats to go outside, Duke insisted, so I complied while Lady Dar continued her beauty sleep. Have taken to letting them out the front door so that by the time they are back inside I've had time to zap my java and ready their breakfast. Clear sky with sun shining although there is a bit of frost. Plan to go for a ride around 10:00 am, while Lady Dar is at church. as we are off to a whisky tasting this afternoon. Event starts at 3:30 pm so need to need to be be ready well before then or Lady Dar will be upset.

I will be in attendance Patriccio. Hope your days is going well……….Hugs from Hildi Hi Von Bingen! Great that you will be at next meeting! Yesterday, when I was at the Summerland Public Library, I saw Sue Cline, the librarian I'd met when I first borrowed the books, at Book Return Counter, but she didn't know if Marian would be attending the Book Club that morning. Marian had some cataract surgery last week, I believe. The group's meeting was about to start shortly and I bumped into Olga Polga on the sidewalk outside the library, as I was leaving, as she was going to the Book Club.
 

Went for a great ride once I was back, although I got pretty wet during the first part of the outing! Plan to head to OK Falls this morning, once the bit of frost burns off. Need to be back in good time to ready myself for the whisky tasting we will attend this afternoon, organized by Dame Judith and Kevin. See you soon, I trust, one way or another. Cheers, Patrizzio!


Have a great day Patriccio……..just heading out for a hike with the Naturalists. Nothing like the OLD FART hikes. Will send you some info on the RIDE DON’T HIDE bikeride in May. It’s a fundraiser for Mental Health. And………starts at KVR school. Gill Brown puts together a team each year in memory of her husband Dennis. They were part of the Old Fart Hike Group. Aart and Jos won’t make it this year they are sooooooooooooooo excited to be grandparents. Cheereo and Hugs from Von Bingen. Must away as I want to have a bite of breakfast and then ready myself for a ride to OK Falls while Lady Dar is at church. Cheers, Patrizzio! 
 

Hi Flamin' and Sarge! Must apologize for not responding sooner but seems to have been a whirlwind ever since I left on Monday! Thanks again for lovely, lovely stay. Sorry I didn't have time to "organize" vegetable crispers and cheese compartments. Needed a hazmat suit for them so please have one on hand, in May, when we next freeload! Also, felt badly that I didn't "scrub" microwave. Glass platen looks like a pizza!

Lady Dar collected your Upper Bench release on Friday. [She is off to Generation 8 this afternoon, after church.] What would you like us to do with the cheese? We could use it and then bring same selections when back in May. Let us know and we'll plan accordingly. Had a soggy ride yesterday but sun started shining so I was almost dry by the time I was back home! Regards to one and all. Must away as I want to have a bite of breakfast and then ready myself for a ride to OK Falls Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Dram; The Sisterhood, Ruth and Deb! GFA, first table with Josinta; Olga Polga, Michaelo and Naramata Goil; Book Club Babes: Luigi, Dame Judith, Lady Dar, Von Bingen; Albariña! 

Hello Clan Sutherland! We'll bring replacement cheese when we come in May! Just received these sketches from Sir Andrew, done by Keith, so thought you might like to see them. Cheers, Patrizzio! Go ahead and enjoy the cheese. You can make room for it in the fridge. 

Hi Champagne! Trust your latest tests have cleared things up, somewhat at least. How are you feeling? Regards to my favourite O Susannah! Cheers, Patrizzio! Hey Patrizio! Thanks for the bridge (and other updates). I trust you being the rotating dummy was not too taxing.

Brief update – All the doctors and specialists continue to determine what is causing my extreme pain in my left shoulder. The latest was a visit to Oncology. Sounds much worse than it is, as they have ruled out the major more serious issues, however could have some minor relationship. The myasthenia gravis and blood clots are under control and being treated nicely, however no one as yet has figured out the left clavicle/shoulder issue. Unable to stand or walk more than a few feet without the pain so Susan is having to spoil me greatly. Needless to say I would rather be independent. Will let you know once this is figured out and we can get on the road again! Hi to Lady Dar and others! CC

Hi Champagne! Sorry to hear that you are being so spoiled but still dismayed that you are in such obvious discomfort. Cannot even imagine how difficult and trying it must be. Can only hope that diagnosis and full recovery will take place, sooner than later! We are on for another two tables this coming Wednesday evening, with eight players so Dummy is off the hook! Fondestos from Lady Dar to you and O Susannah. Take care of yourself, Carlos! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Corinne & Patrick. Thanks for the Saint Patty's card. Always delightful! I am letting you know that my house is complete and ready for visitors. I do have some deck work and landscaping but otherwise; done! You are invited to come and stay at any time that is convenient to you. I'm sure you have friends on the Island that you could string together for a worthwhile holiday visit. I understand you have an aversion to ferries Patrick. Get over it! Hope you will come for a visit! ✌Lynette

Hi Reno Woman! Glad you enjoyed the card but even more pleased to learn that your house is ready for visitors! We are hoping/planning a Grand VI Tour after the VWF in October so hope to see you then, if you are at home. However, I don't have an aversion to ferries although I spit on using them! Fondestos from Lady Dar. Cheers, Patrizzio!  VWF....Vancouver Wine Festival? Dates? 
 

I am travelling through Eastern Europe from September 11th to Oct 23rd. It would be a shame to miss you!! Hi again, On The Road Woman! Vancouver Writers Festival is on from October 17th to 22nd so you should be back from your Eastern European Grand Tour by the time we make our way to your part of the New World! Thanks for letting us know your travel dates. Will you be visiting Vernon again this year? If so, let us know if you plan to pop by and spend a night or so. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Sir Andrew, Ricardo, Mick and Flamin'/Sarge! Great to see everyone and catch-up a tad. Have marked your dates on the calendar, Sir Andrew, so keep in touch and we'll try to organize a visit. Cheers, Il Conduttore/Patrizzio! Pics: Sunday Sevens! 

Hi Patrick, Thanks for the update of your exploits & the telling photos.
I'll be in touch nearer the time of the June 5-9th Osoyoos trip with the Vintage MG Club. We visit a lot of wineries ,naturally, and some along the Naramata Bench. Look forward to seeing you around that time. Cheers for now. BaldrickHi All, You'll be pleased to see keith's final coloured sketches we signed at the Sevens. A super momentous. Thanks Keith! Cheers, Andrew
 
Hi Keith, Thanks for joining us for the weekend and dinner on Saturday. It was all most enjoyable and good to catch up with each other's past! Here's a few photos Dunner's sent for posterity! Take care. See you again on one of your exploits. Cheers, Andrew Hi Andrew: Yes, great Sevens, company, and dinner Saturday. Here are a couple of my efforts with colours added last night.
The stadium is not one of my better efforts. I sometimes lose a large scene like that. But still I like it with all the signatures as a neat memory of fun weekend.
Thanks for including me. I assume you have email addresses for the others, could you pass this on as a small thanks for me. Or let me have the addresses and I’ll do it myself. Cheers Keith Hello Lads! I've put your Osoyoos dates on my calendar, Sir Andrew, so we'll be in touch closer to the date. Thanks so much for the wonderful sketches, Keith. I echo Sir Andrew's sentiments and am more than pleased to have such original momentos. Fondestos from Lady Dar. Cheers, Patrizzio/Il Conduttore!

Hi World Traveler Wole! Terrific to hear form you and that you are safely home after what looked like a simply wonderful holiday. Fabulous snaps so thanks for them. You look extremely well. Bravo! Regards to you from Lady Dar, Wole. Take care of yourself and we'll chat soon, I trust. Cheers, Patrizzio Pics: Rugby on Sunday: Chris, (middle son), and Dad, Mick; Sir Andrew, Sir James and Sir Michael, (Andrew's youngest son), with Flamin' in cowgirl hat. I stayed with her and Sarge, her husband, over course of my stay. One of South Africa's best players pulled a hamstring on his fantastic run for a try, otherwise he would have scored! Sarge at Dram on Friday night. 

Hi Stompin'! Terrific to hear from you. Tanks for reminding me to change my address with Nadine. Great to bump into you. You look extremely well. Bravo! Onward!! Regards to you from Lady Dar, Stompin'. Take care of yourself and we'll chat soon, I trust. We are back in Vancouver around May 10th for Corinne's Library School class reunion so let'd try to arrange a visit. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Dame Judith, King Kevin, et al! Thank you both, (as well as other members of the Society), for the wonderful, wonderful tasting, delicious meal and post-gathering bash! (Not to mention the Johnny Walker glasses!) It was a more than delightful afternoon/early evening and a pleasure to meet so many of your friends as well as having a chance to get to know some of the other people I'd met at the last tasting I attended. [Dame Judy had invited us to sit at their table and Simon McKenzie, chef at Zias Stonehouse, was one of people there. Enjoyed chatting with him and Colin, his brother.  Welsh lads!!!]

 

As soon as hills dry out a bit more I plan to start hiking again. Trust it won't be too, too long a wait as I miss you both and rest of the gang! Two tables of bridge in Summeria this evening, at Olga Polga's House of Cards.

A note of warning: I have sent copies of the incriminating evidence to the appropriate legal, police and regulatory authorities so unless I am moved up on the SOWTS waiting list, expect imminent prosecution! Happy litigation! You'll certainly need the new insurance coverage! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Corinne & Patrick Just following up on our discussion at the tasting. Attached is the SOWTS Information Sheet and the Application Form. If either one of you or both wish to join the Wait List please complete the application form and send it to our Secretary Stuart Bish. The Wait List as about 45 on it right now but changes may occur that may lessen the current eight year wait to move up. Judi also uses the Wait List to fill in gaps when the event sales have vacancies so its helpful to be on the list Glad you both enjoyed the tasting and thanks for the photos Patrick Cheers Kevin

Hi Kevin! Glad you enjoyed the snaps. Thanks again for terrific event and for sending along info sheet and application form. Much appreciated. Will send Stuart the form once completed. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Since we were off to a SOWTS tasting at 3:00 pm I was under Lady Dar's strict orders to be home by no later than 2:00 pm. This being the case I decided I'd better stick close to home and so opted for my standard hamster-wheel, route regulare, (PTC/Lakeshore/Riverside/Power Street Loop), so that is what I did. Much more enjoyable, Dear Reader, riding in the bright sunshine than in the soaking rain so put my dizziness aside and just hunkered down for the seemingly endless loops to be over. As might be expected, given dry conditions, managed to raise yesterday's AVG of 21.1 kph to 21.7 kph. Map and Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1629785854#.WM_m7P_jtJo.email

Hi Brenda Louise! Glad you enjoyed the card and thanks to you and Wally for ours! We were at a wonderful St Patrick's Day Irish whiskey tasting this afternoon, sponsored by the South Okangan Whisky Tasting Society. Kevin Ritcey is the President and Judy, his wife, is the Treasurer. She is in our Book Club and is also a Marriage Officiant with same outfit as Lady Dar. Have been on a number of great rides over last few days.  Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Kevin and Judy; Lady Dar with Dame Judy and Paul and Amanda, young couple who own a kilt-making store here in Penticton! Jugos Dom Pedro, our Naramatian friend. His wife, Lynne, and Lady Dar were at Library School together, (year behind me), and all of us will be going into Vancouver in early May for their class reunion. Back in K's/J's room after tasting!

Magnificent Dunn. P, How gracious to read from you and no offense taken with lag of response, which in any case I'm seldom guilty of. Wonderful pictures and lovely events from the last we communicated. I know by now I'm thinking of self to be a world traveller but still more grounds to cover. The more you see on these trips create even more craving for much more. Where do I go next lol.
 
I'm getting serious with a good friend, Barakat, fiancee now as things stands. Hoping to have her here sometime soon. Sore on the bike now after eating all sorts of dishes on my vacation. Still not giving up anytime soon. I'm definitely looking forward to our ride in the future and best to all especially the one and only fabulous Lady Dar! Best wishes! Wole

Hi World Wide Wole! Congratulations on hearing about your fiancée , Barakat. From the picture she looks like a lovely woman even if she is a pool shark! Sorry to hear that you are sore on the bike but glad you are pressing on! Fondestos from Lady Dar to you, Wole.  Take care of yourself, dear friend. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Young Patrick, I am ashamed for not have written sooner. First thanks for the St Patrick's day card. Are you at home or are you travelling in warmer climates? You two do get around a lot.  
 

I have spent the winter here, but it has been the best winter on record, so I got through it easily. We had a little squirt there where we got 3 storms in 6 days that was a little hairy, one of which shut the whole city for a day. We have lots of equipment so we bounced back pretty quickly. Here in the Maritimes, you are never sure what to expect, so we are on guard for a while yet.
 
My best friend, Norma lives on PEI. She worked for WCB at the same time Ken Cummane did, as well, she had a cabin down the road from me in Birch Bay. We have been friends for almost 60 years , and she has been such a great friend. One of the few people I know, that I have never heard anyone say a word against. 

She is in stage 4 cancer on PEI and they have stopped treatment. She was on chemo for a few years now and cannot have any more. I am hoping she regains some of her taste ability for food, and that she stays well enough for me to go visit and take her out for a few good meals before long. Her family will all be there this summer, and I would like to be there before they arrive. She was quite a tall and not small, but she is now 125#.
 
I am still kicking. I put my back out badly last Thurs. and went to the chiropractor on Friday. I am amazed he is still in business as I was screaming so loud while he was trying to adjust. It was the worst I have ever been. He has now gone to Cuba for 2 weeks, but it is improving, so I will make it. Well Kid, give my best to Corinne and I hope you are hale and hearty... Cheers ..Bill

Hi Wild Bill! Glad you enjoyed the card but distressed to learn that you have been dealing with such painful back problems. Trust your condition has improved as of this writing. Sorry, as well, to hear about your dear friend, Norma. Lady Dar was in Winnipeg fro about three weeks, visiting with her parents, but we will not be doing any more "far-flung" travelling until this June/July when we are off to LA for our youngest grandson's wedding.  Fondestos from Lady Dar to you, William. Take care of yourself. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Rugby Sevens with VRC mates: Saturday with Glasgow, Sir Andrew, His son Michael, and Keith Valentine; Sunday with Richard Martin, (Evergreen!), Mick Carter, James Dobell and Sir Andrew; Keith Valentine's wonderful sketches of event!

Equation for calculating bliss:

      C   S
B = - + -
      L   T

Where C=cat, L=lap, S=strong light, and T=tome.