Last Push Wall Shelving Blues: Sunday, April 30th!

Great literature is simply language charged with meaning to the utmost possible degree. -Ezra Pound [ABC of Reading]

Hi Patrick – I have you & Corinne booked for the barrel tasting on Sat., May 20th at 10:30, however you are welcome to come earlier if you wish. The event sold out quickly, so I opened another session at 9:45am on the 20th. This will be less crowded if you wish to attend at this time – just let me know please if you do.

Also I see we are holding Wayne Sutherland’s order for pickup and it has your name on it for pick up, as per an e-mail from Wayne. Did you know about this? Thanks. Dick Good Morning Gewurtz Richard! Thanks for note regarding barrel tasting. We'd be pleased to attend the earlier session so put us down for 9:45 am on Saturday, May 20th. Thanks.

With respect to Wayne's order, we understood that he was planning to have it shipped. However, he might have forgotten to notify you as they were very busy, around the release time, readying for an extended trip to Viet Nam and the Philippines. At any rate, we already have a case of wine we will be taking to them when we are driving to Vancouver in a couple of weeks. Consequently, I'll pop by, perhaps later today, to collect it. If not today, then early this coming week when we will call ahead. Trust this suits. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Patrick – OK, sounds good. Tasting room is open today Noon-4, and possibly Monday, but after that please call for appointment. Cheers. Dick.

Hello POB's, (Print Oriented Babes!)! I trust everyone has notified Dame Judith about attending and knows where to find her place. If not, please contact her so she will have plenty of Noble Ridge on hand to dampen the fiery debate that will likely ensue tomorrow evening. Look forward to seeing everyone and their cheese! Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Patrick, I have only heard from Hildy, Senka, you and Corrine. So 5 of us only.

Hello, Patrick: Thanks for your message and wonderful pictures. Life in Penticton sounds busy and good. Tomorrow we are already at the month of May, and you will be here very soon (around Mother's Day, it seems.) I do hope we can connect, even if briefly (understood that it might have to be so) and that you can check out the Fluid Alu Trainer. If not, it's been here for quite awhile and can wait a bit longer.

BTW, I'm not sure if you know about the new Arbutus Greenway, a nine-kilometre walking-and-cycling track that is pretty much right on my doorstep, running the length of the previously much-disputed CPR tracks from False Creek almost to the Fraser River (south of SW Marine Drive). It's one of my summer aspirations to cycle that path (no longer having the excuse of traffic). It probably seems like a ridiculously modest aspiration for a seasoned cyclist like you, but for me, it will be a significant step.

Greg is off on a three-week Spanish course in Panama at the moment, but I'll check with him regarding the possibility of a pick-up or drop-off (or both) in the Penticton area sometime in the summer. As I mentioned, Aeroplan possibilities are somewhat constrained by the fact of my continued work-schedule at VPL . . . but only having to plan for one-way air travel might open it up a bit. Anyhow, do let me know, roughly, some time frames that might work between now and mid-August (following which Sandy and David will visiting, and then Mum and I will be departing for Europe) and I'll continue exploring possibilities. I do like the idea of Okanagan cycling with no street riding!

Mum left on Wednesday for a short visit to England, to attend her "pseudo"-step-children's 50th wedding anniversary celebrations. (Reg and Dorothy, back in the day, spent years living in Africa, and two of their children arranged their weddings to coincide with Reg and Dorothy's home leave to the U.K. in 1967). Coincidentally, Mum's cousin John's wife, Jill, had a stroke last week. John, who always takes care of Mum -- meeting her at the airport, driving her wherever she needs to go -- is like a little brother to her, having lost his father to stomach cancer when he (the father) was only 28 years old, following which John was parked with Mum's family by his struggling widowed mother, who in any case was apparently not a very enthusiastic parent. John absolutely cherishes Mum, and sent a very email very fervently encouraging her to follow through with the visit, notwithstanding Jill's stroke. (It must be said that John and Jill's marriage has been quite strained at the best of times, making all of this that much more complicated -- long story).

Mum's trip was already in question, as she was on the end of a rather bad bout of pneumonia. Notwithstanding last year's dog attack and the enduring impairment to her jaw, she is very healthy (her heart is excellent) except for a recent diagnosis of COPD, or as she says, "aging lungs," which make her very vulnerable to complications if she gets a cold bug. Which is what occurred around the beginning of April. But she did get away in the end . . . . It will be a relief to see her back safely. I must acknowledge that, with Mum's health becoming more fragile, I am finding it a bit difficult to face her looming final transition. (See, I can't even say it!) I think it is awhile off yet, but I believe she is much more at peace with the prospect than I am. I guess I have some work to do!

On a happy note, the pilot popped out for an unexpected visit this week. He finished ground school and cockpit procedures training (in Winnipeg) and simulator training and the exam (in Toronto) and had a bit of a break before returning to Winnipeg (and in due course Thompson) to begin the job. So he went back to his home base of Lethbridge, and came out to the coast for a visit. Somewhat unfortunately, though, he had understood that he would not be starting work until after the first week of May, but when the schedule came out, it was to start TODAY (April 30). He arrived here mid-day on Wednesday and was trying to re-negotiate his start-date, but it remained in a state of unresolve on Thursday, so in his typically diligent style, he returned to Lethbridge on Thursday evening (he always gives himself large margins of time, because when he comes to Vancouver, it's always on passes, without a guaranteed seat). As it happens, I had to take four hours vacation on Thursday afternoon, in order to accommodate a tradesman (associated with my kitchen renovations) who couldn't be scheduled for another time. This coincidental timing meant that I was able to spend the afternoon with Jim before taking him to the airport. So that was good. A short visit, but from my point-of-view, a total bonus, so I was very cup-half-full about it.

The next stage of my renos (new cupboard doors) is TOMORROW, and I have to get busy, clearing stuff out and pushing things back, on account of which I'd better wind this up for now. Look forward to seeing you, soon -- I hope -- and to another summer visit, if we can work it out. All the best. Love, Janet

The powers that be decided in their wisdom to have me gather the 'interested' on this coming Thursday May 4th and to then explore Mt Hawthorne and possibly follow on trails already travelled but not necessarily, to the top and back in a loop. For those so wishing to embark on this Balsam Root extravaganza (hopefully!!) the usual meet up arrangements apply; 9am at Home Hardware and 8:40 at Summerland IGA to car pool into Penticton. The hike starts at Mahoney Lake and "Southerners" can meet the group there (9:15 to 9:20ish). It won't be raining this Thursday. Debriefing may well be at the OK Falls Hotel which is close to Tickleberry's for those who need to maintain a proper diet. Please email me to let me know if you're joining the happy wanderers. Cheers. Phil

Hello OFologists, Tomorrow we will be hiking Campbell Mountain under the capable leadership of Phil. We meet at Home-Hardware at 9:00AM, then make our way over to meet Phil at ~9:15 at the junction of Spiller Rd, Reservoir Rd and Greyback Mtn Rd, which is just past the entrance to the Landfill. Summerlanders please meet as usual at the IGA at 8:40AM to be able to be at the HH at 9:00AM in Penticton. See you there (pray for sunshine). Aart

 
 

Ragin' SIngs the Farmers' Market KVR Arawana Flat Tire Blues: Saturday, April 29th!

In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments; there are consequences. -Robert Green Ingersoll, lawyer and orator (1833-1899) 

Off to Rona, just after 8:00 am to pick up last of laminated pine shelving to finish off the units. Looks terrific!

Farmer's Market, Map and Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1705137240#.WQYUyBLjZGY.email
  

KVR, Map and Stats for ride: 

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1705137272#.WQYVSrDIqoU.email
  

Wind out of the SSE at between 21-32 kph, gusting between 33-46 kph!

hi Corinne and Patrick, thanks for hosting bridge and for the pizza last night. see you at my place on Tuesday. If there is not enough for 2 tables let me know and I might be able to get someone. I am forwarding you 2 pics taken recently on a
birding trip. He also is an avid photographer, Patrick. Enjoy the weekend and see you next week. You're welcome, thanks for the wine. The bird pics are wonderful. Love the colour, Corinne 

Hi Bridge Table Babe! Let me echo Lady Dar's thanks for the wine and terrific pictures. Wonderful creatures! Thanks for hosting this coming week. I must admit, I crumpled up the tally with your address on it when I was cleaning up the kitchen, after everyone left. I do apologize for troubling you again, for your phone number and street address, but as soon as you send them along I want to send a message to group to see who will be attending.

Must away as Branko is waiting for me to help him put in last few shelves on two of the units. Lady Dar wants to be able to start painting the wall against which they will stand so we need to move them out of the way once we have finished construction. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Bridge Table Thief!

Hello Dame Judith, Aarturo and I Am the Walrus! Thank you so much for a wonderful, wonderful concert! Please pass along my sincere thanks and congratulations to the rest of the choir, to the orchestra members and to Robertito, for all their marvellous contributions. As well, please feel free to forward the link to anyone who might wish to see the snaps. Thanks again and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello to Our Favourite Naramatians, et al! Thank you both for another extraordinarily wonderful meal and fun-filled evening. Thanks, as well, for including Ragin'. He kept raving about returning to stay with you, rather that at Burns Street! I do apologize for not sending along these snaps and thank-you sooner but life continued to be rather hectic ever since we said goodbye this evening. I trust the wine stains in your shirt came out, Dom Jugos!

Again, thank you both for the terrific evening. Fondestos from Lady Dar, already wailing, while readying her staining togs, the Aged Oak Blues! Cheers, Patrizzio Pics: The "Pitch" is ready for the start of The Wine Games. Objective is to see who can eat the most dessert before one's opponent throws a full glass of wine across the table! I believe Lynne won the gold medal but my vision was a bit clouded by the end of the championship round!

Fun! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH78S8QsKZ4 Aart
For your enjoyment! Dan Lybarger is a well known artist and award winning photographer in the Okanagan. He recorded many things, among them the recent Canada 150 TuneAgers' concert and my modest solo contribution:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXYT-CdDcEQ Cheers, Aart



 

Shelving Prodution Line Blues: Friday, April 28th!

The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience. -Harper Lee, writer (28 Apr 1926-2016) 




Rambunctious Boy started off the day at 6:00 am playing with the most annoying cat toy we own, a plastic ball with a bell inside. My fault really, as I had placed it on my dresser top and, during his early morning peregrinations he quickly found it, knocking all sorts of other things over in the process of batting it onto the floor. When Lady Dar was up she had to take it away from him as he had chewed a chunk out of it and she was afraid he would swallow some of the small plastic bits. Destructo Cat indeed!
 

Hi Petition Boy! Just had a snap from Lady Dar's brother, George, at Falcon, showing latest snowfall! Beautiful day here today, [We don't need no stinkin' snow shovels! I take it yours are still needed!!!], so Ragin' and I will cycle the KVR to the Little Tunnel, some time later this morning. [He has been up since this past Tuesday helping us build shelving for Rumpus Room, as well as a number of other projects.] Not quite sure if the Master Carpenter wants to do a bit more work on the shelving units before we ride. He has completed the three sections that comprise the overall structure and they are now sitting in place in the Rumpus Room. Once individual shelves have been fitted into each unit we will affix sections to the wall, for added stability. Last night, after dinner, we spent an hour or so, coming up with a design for the shelving needed to hold stereo components and my vinyl collection so the completion of these shelves will be the first order of the day.

Lady Dar is hard at work outside, on the extension to our small vegetable garden. Must away as Ragin' is ready to work on shelving. Thanks for wonderful pictures. All came through so delighted to see everyone. Fondestos from Lady Dar, hard at work on the hard rock pile! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Garlic and rhubarb, a few days ago. Extension will go to the left. Ragin' at workbench and completed units in Rumpus Room. Turntable on small bookshelf to approximate right height for fixed shelving. Outside storage locker. Will also construct, from material salvaged from the other two lockers, three bike lockers, basically like upright, with modifications, obviously, tipped on its side. Will incorporate a number of 2" x 4" uprights into these units so that we can hang ladders and lumber above the bike storage units. Each will have a hinged door, with a small roller on leading edge, that will swing open to allow a bike to be wheeled in or out. Two reasons Lady Dar always uses for not being able to make the bed!

Full Tilt Shelving/Storage Locker Blues: Thursday, April 27th!

The being cannot be termed rational or virtuous, who obeys any authority, but that of reason. -Mary Wollstonecraft, reformer and writer (27 Apr 1759-1797)


A Little Snow Overnigh!


Hi Aeroplan Goil! Talk about being "almost May" indeed! Of course it is even closer now than when you sent your last missive and I do beg your "indulgence" for not replying sooner! Not complaining but has been one thing after another. To begin, both of us are absolutely delighted that you want to return and that you are penciling Burns Street into your annual holiday calendar! You are correct, we will be in Vancouver, in early May, probably from the 11th to the 14th, to attend Lady Dar's 40th Library School reunion. It will be a reasonably busy time but I do hope we can connect. I certainly want to talk to you about your spiffy Fluid Alu Trainer! Before then, however, we'll take a look at our own social calendars, (weddings, other "bookings", wedding in LA, and the like), so that we can dovetail with you and your busy schedule. Again, sorry not to have done this already but simply don't know where the time has gone. If it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium!!! 

Khajuraho temples, India

Photo: Nagarjun Kandukuru

Was a touch of light rain this morning but forecast suggests rest of day will be pretty dry, if cloudy and overcast. Branko and I plan to work away on various projects for a couple of hours and then take a ride to LT. He brought his bike along as we hope to take a number of cycling breaks between various stages of the projects already in motion. Another movie this afternoon, part of the PAG's Kitchen Stove series, I, Daniel Blake: "Daniel Blake (Dave Johns) is a 59-year-old widowed carpenter who must rely on welfare after a recent heart attack leaves him unable to work. Despite his doctor's diagnosis, British authorities deny Blake's benefits and tell him to return to his job. As Daniel navigates his way through an agonizing appeal process, he begins to develop a strong bond with a destitute, single mother (Hayley Squires) who's struggling to take care of her two children." Then hosting two tables of bridge on Friday evening so the social whirlwind continues. Almost no time for shelving projects!

Now, back to you are your busy life! If it works, you should hitch a ride with Greg, if timing works, as either way, Hope-Princeton or Coquihalla are not out of the way to Kelowna. If you fly, I suggest you try to come in and out of Penticton as otherwise it is an hour, each way to Kelowna. we are happy to do that but simpler, obviously, if you use YYF. Your renovations sound exciting and I think you are right not to want too, too much space, given horrendous expense and albatross of a mortgage. Spend the money seeing the polar bears in Churchhill when visiting Thompson Man! Glad you managed to survive Dan's extended stay and that you remain friends!

Must away as Branko wants to do a bit of work on next shelving unit before we suit up for our ride. Lady Dar is at the dentist, having a cleaning, but I'll put her to throwing together a list of possible dates once she is back and then we'll have a better idea of "windows" for your visit. Trust this missive finds you well, Janet.  Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Chop Saw Perić and the Shelving Burns Street Blues: Wednesday, April 26th!

Oh, the comfort -- the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person -- having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away. -Dinah Maria Mulock Craik, poet and novelist (26 Apr 1826-1887)

A turtle swims below a school of sardines in Moalboal, Philippines

Photo: Henry Jager

Not up until 8:00 am after a boozy night with the return of Lady Dar and arrival of The Master Carpenter!  Over dinner that night, we had discussed a plan of action for the various projects that I hoped we'd be able to complete over the course of Ragin's stay., coordinated, of course, Dear Reader, with Lady Dar's own set of priorities. This being the case, after I'd prepared java I turned my attention to readying the wall in the Rumpus Room where new shelving was to be erected. Lady Dar wanted to paint if before we put the shelving units in place so a number of light fixtures had to be taken down, along with the baseboard.

Mme Coriandre had been up quite early so she had decanted the large armoire, which would be displaced by wall shelving, and moved it, all by her lonesome, out of the way. Didn't take much to pry the baseboard away from the wall and she helped me store it in the garge until we had time to chop it into manageable lengths. Ragin' Bull was up by this time and once he'd had a stiff hit of caffeien we bundled into The Marriagemobile  and made our way to Windsor Plywood to look at shelving. Found what we wanted, 8' x 12" laminated pine, but wanted to compare prices at Rona first so we headed there next. Turned out, same material was $2.50 cheaper, per board, there so we took seven lengths, to start with, along with some spruce 4" x 8' planks to use to extend our vegetable garden plot.

As it happened, chap we asked about planking showed us some planter blocks which had just arrived. These have slots for the planking so will make the extension easy peasy, lemon squeezy! Now all we have to do is remove the lava rock and cut back the heavy plastic underneath, put the frame in place and then beg Jugos Dom Pedro to haul us a trailer load of top soil. Heaven for our new red kale bedding plants! Seemingly, all of the garlic, from JDP, last Fall, which we planted in early November, is shooting towards the sky so am absolutely delighted with this. Rhubarb is growing like a house on fire so we'll certainly need the extension for the other vegetables we have in mind.

Back home Lady Dar made us tasty corned-beef sandwiches, [Thank you, Nancy Halpern!], while I unloaded the car and Branko started on the base for the the first shelving unit. She had a computer training session for GFA, [Group is in the process of choosing/designing a new website.], so while she and the others were so engaged, I helped Ragin' until about 1:30 pm and then we drove over to the Shatford to watch the documentary Last Days in Vietnam: "During the chaotic final weeks of the Vietnam War, the North Vietnamese Army closes in on Saigon as the panicked South Vietnamese people desperately attempt to escape. On the ground, American soldiers and diplomats confront the same moral quandary: whether to obey White House orders to evacuate U.S. citizens only--or to risk treason and save the lives of as many South Vietnamese citizens as they can."

Incredible film! Back home to leave Branko at the work bench while I returned to Rona to buy eight more shelving boards, sandpaper and a couple of bags of screws. It was close to 5:00 pm by the time I was back and had unloaded the car. While Branko was setting up the jig for his next set of cuts, I cleared, with Lady Dar's help, the front patio of the settee and glass topped table, as we were planning to move one of the large storage lockers to the other-side of the house and needed as much room, as possible, to manoeuvre the heavy, awkward unit.

Photo: Alex Yosifov

Once this was done I helped Branko while he cut all the side supports for the three units and then we "tacked" together the first one to see how it looked when in place, in the Rumpus Room. Very pleased as level was bang on so we called Lady Dar for the final inspection. She was more than delighted with result and once we have the next two units ready, and in place, she will "design" the placement and height of the individual shelves to go inside each one, starting from the bottom and working up. 

Seal of approval given we moved outside to deal with storage locker. Decided to take off the doors for easier handling and once that was accomplished, (but four hinges to unscrew), we tipped it onto its side and then using two, 2" x 4"'s, we pushed/pulled it to the front patio, then onto the front sidewalk and into place on the other side of the house. Felt a bit like one of the Pharaoh's slaves, erecting the pyramids, although Ragin' mentioned that at least they had wooden rollers to move the quarried blocks! Pleased as punch as this large, upright locker will be perfect for storing all sorts of garden tools, (rakes, brooms), and our two snow-shovels, etc. Will even have enough room for a shelf at the top for more storage of sprays and the like. Unit fits just below the roof overhang so it will be very well protected from rain and snow. 

Then it was time for a dinner of overlefts. I had made a quick trip to Cannery Brewing after I returned from Rona and bought two growlettes, an IPA and a Pale Ale. Mad Max, Luigi's son served me so I had a brief chat with him. She is in our book club and we meet this coming Monday. Had not seen Mad Max since last Fall si it was a pleasure to bump into him. Lady Datr had already eaten so she watched a bit of TV while Ragin' and I enjoyed our meal. Unfortunately, Cora Lee seems to have caught a cold while in Vancouver so headed to bed around 9:00 pm, to read and snuggle with a black cat! Branko had some paper work to do so he beavered away at his computer while I listened to Ideas on CBC One. Simply fascinating program on the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster. Part Two in on tomorrow night so I want to listen to it as well. 

After I'd "herded" both Duke and Etta back inside, around 10:30 pm, I repaired to bed, to read myself, as it had been a long, full day. Beforehand, took advantage of them being outside to brush and floss without benefit of feline dental hygienists. Both have now taken to jumping up on bathroom counter and waiting while I brush so that they can pounce on the floss when I take it out! One thing to hide malt bottles but quite another to become a secret flosser, Dear Reader!

Lady Dar and Ragin' Hard Nose the Highyway Blues: Tuesday, April 25th!

No one can terrorize a whole nation, unless we are all his accomplices. -Edward R. Murrow, journalist (25 Apr 1908-1965)

Cannot believe how well behaved Soccer Boy is with Lady Dar away! He played, almost silently with his soccer ball, while he lay alongside me and it was almost 7:00 am. Once up, they were happy to dash out the front door and I was pleased to see what a fine day had dawned. Will give the neighbour's a break and won't fire up my skillsaw until just after 9:00 am. Once I've reduced the remaining red maple branches to burnable size I will "attack" the storage lockers, something I've been saying I would do for years, according to Lady Dar!

Have an appointment with Mark the Barber at 1:00 pm and want to take my Trek in to Freedom, for a tune-up, beforehand so plenty to do until The Hope-Princetonians arrive!

Tore Down a la Rimbaud's Skill Saw Blues: Monday, April 24th!

History is all explained by geography. -Robert Penn Warren, novelist and poet (24 Apr 1905-1989)




Hi Patrick: I need to have numbers for next Monday night's book club. Is there a way that we can have a distribution list for the members so that the "hostess or host" can contact the group to find out who will be attending? If only 4-5 are coming I can have it in the condo, if not I want to book the room downstairs. Thanks Dame Judith

Hi Dame Judith! I was planning to send out a message over weekend but life interfered! Will do so once I've answered you. I have put a group list together, [BookClub], so I suggest you, and everyone else do the same, cutting and pasting from one of my messages, for the purpose you mention. Not sure if there is any other way. Please thank Chauffeur Kevin for offering to give me a lift last Wednesday even if I couldn't avail myself of his kindly proffered services! Cheers, Patrizzio! I will forward to Kevin. not sure what you mean about the lift. Dame Judith

Dear Bibliomaniacs, not to mention, Dipsomaniacs! Had a note from Dame Judith and she would like to know who will be attending the next gathering so that she can make the necessary arrangements, depending on numbers. On a related matter, since she has very generously offered to provide wine for the evening Lady Dar and I thought that it would be fun if each attendee brought along a cheese to pair with hootch provided by The Girl With Seven Bottles! Furthermore, we can discuss, over the course of the evening, how people would like to proceed with hosting process so that this does not become an overly onerous and expensive undertaking. Trust everyone is well. Looking forward to next session. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: Centre of Known Universe! 

A Pythagorean School Invaded by Sybarites

Art: Michele Tedesco, 1877

I'll be there. OH right, I'm the hostess. Yeah! Just testing out the book club distribution list. I am planning on holding the wine club event in our West Wing room. The entrance to the room is located on Winnipeg Street. However, now go figure this one, the address is 160 Lakeshore. You can enter the room directly from the outside. It is to the right of the main door, when looking at this photo. Dame Judith Hello Hello Patrizzio: Yes I am planning to attend and have informed Dame Judith already. Will bring some cheese……..and is this a surprise or can we let her know that we are offering to bring cheese. Otherwise she may buy out the deli. Cheereo and hugs from Hildi. PS…..am off to Sparkling Hills for a couple of days to relax!!!!!!!!!! Hi Sparkling Hills Lucky Girl! Nice life you lead for a supposedly other-worldly religious figure, Von Bingen! Aren't you breaking some sacred vow or other? No, Dame Judith knows attendees will be bringing cheese so you could let her know what your choice might be in case she really wants to go to great lengths to pair selections with wine. However, I really don't think this will matter all that much. Have a wonderful time being spoiled and look forward to seeing you on May 1st. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Patriçio, As the day of the infamous "NASCAR Ride to Penticton” draws near, I just want to touch bases as to the exact location of Lady Dar, at 12:00noon, on Tuesday, April 25th, 2017AD. An address, or geographical coordinates are required. I have her cell# and I assume she has mine(?). The only remaining piece of intelligence required is … how much gear does she have? Hopefully, it will fit in my car. I would hate to have to leave pairs of shoes or purses behind!

Given a 12 noon pick-up, I estimate a “slightly delayed" departure, and if a Costco run is required, a dinner time arrival at Burns street seems to be the optimistic result. I will expect a gourmet layout awaiting us. BUT, I will grant retribution in kind! I am willing to forgo my “guest privileges” at Burns street (assuming I had any) and I am bringing along a supply of condiments with the offer of playing chef for breakfast, dinner, for more than once. I also have a surprise gift for you (maybe 2) … shouldn’t tell you that, but I quiver in evil delight at the anxious anticipation you will experience until our arrival.

As for construction, I think we can, without putting too serious a dent in your malt supply, come to an agreement between my proposal and your vision. The move of location makes it much more flexible, and, you can get some wireless speakers (I will introduce you to eBay) to put in the living room.

Off and away, I must plug myself into the final 3 episodes of “Blacklist” (series uno of tres). On a more serious note, thanx for the invite. I am really looking forward to a break in my regimented existence. There is hope on the horizon ... will report. Branko 

Hello Wheels of Fire! Thank you for your delightful lengthy, newsy, [not to mention "tantalizing"], message. My missives are obviously having a positive effect on your heretofore, terse, military style communications!  I was planning to send along this missive, late last night, but was overcome with fatigue, [see below], by around 10:30 pm. No excuses but plenty of reasons! First and foremost, Executive Summary:

Apparently there is a gigantic outdoor shoe sale off South Cambie, just past Langara Golf Course. If heading south, turn left at the lights on 59th and proceed to Rockpoole Dr, or slightly beyond, to turn right into complex there and Imelda will be waiting with 1,000 pairs of shoes! Don't worry about bringing along any tools as shoes have priority and we won't have any cash for shelving materials anyway! I suggest you call Her Majesty or she call you, to make sure you don't need to rent a U-haul!

Whether or not you do any grocery shopping at Costco in Abbotsford, I suggest you stop there for gas. If shopping, we could use a few things: yogurt, Lea & Perrins Worcester Sauce, vegetable crisps, rice crackers, Feta cheese, and any other cheeses that appeal, pizza crusts and meat toppings for pizza. Can live without any of these, for now, but please pick up six bottles of malt, more shoes and any other expensive items we really don't need but should have because purchases will actually save us money!

On another matter, if you have a working chain saw, I would appreciate you bringing it along. I have a small portable container for gas so don't worry about fuel. If not, don't worry as I can put the finger on Jugos Dom Pedro. As well, I don't think you should bring your collapsible work bench as we can use one here to build the second one and for other projects. Cordless drills, [I have two which need outlets.], and smaller stuff, such as clamps, etc., always come in handy, as you well know. Other than that, chop saw, skill saw and jig-saw, not to mention two handsaws, a hacksaw and a backsaw all await your imminent arrival!

Terrific that you will be chef as well as master carpenter over the course of your stay, particularly as I will only have time, for tomorrow's dinner, to serve a slightly rusty can of sardines I found in the back lane this morning when I was putting the garbage and recycling containers back in place after garbicians were by. Did manage to score some not quite spoiled vegetables from the neighbour's compost bin so I think wilted lettuce will work in the salad and with enough butter the boiled carrots should be fine as I scraped off most of the black bits beforehand. Not sure why the felines turn their noses up at the sardines, however!

Now, to far more important matters! Soccer Boy started his drills around 6:00 am this morning and I threw his ball into the living room, hoping it would lodge itself under the TV cabinet so that he wouldn't be able to retrieve it. No such luck and he was back, almost immediately, fidgeting and fussing. Glad we managed to trim his and Etta's needle claws before Lady Dar left as I'm sure he would have drawn blood, so aggressively was he "digging", next to my shoulder, searching for his favourite toy. I studiously ignored his strenuous efforts to rouse me and he finally settled on top of me, allowing me to continue to doze until 7:00 am. Up then to let them out the front door.

Light rain falling so I'll be working in the wet today. Plan to start dismantling the three large storage lockers on the south side of the house as soon as I've decanted them. [Hip Hip Hooray, I can hearing Lady Dar cheering!] Will also make a stab at cutting up the smaller of the red maple branches I have stacked next to the Rumpus Room window. This corner is relatively sheltered so I should be out of the drizzle for the most part.


Well, there you have it! Must away as I want to drop off my passport application before I start on storage lockers and firewood. Let me know if any unanswered questions remain and we'll take it from there. If you leave around noon tomorrow, I suspect you will arrive here around 6:00 pm, depending on traffic out of Vancouver and how long you spend at Costco, perhaps closer to 7:00 pm. Still plenty of light so you'll be fine. Forecast here suggests tomorrow should be sunny/cloudy with possible showers to start around 7:00 pm. Travel safely and enjoy your trip with Lady Dar, either sleeping or reading, so take along your headphones! Cheers, Il Conduttore/Patrizzio!

Pics: Farmers' Market. Raptor shelter in Gallagher Lake had a booth, just below tree, next to Gyro Park, where a pair of Great Horned Owls have their nest. Three chicks were hatched, Huey, Dewey and Louie! A few weeks ago, Louie fell out of the nest. [Not quite sure how folk knew which chick is which!] At this stage, as "branchers", the chicks, not yet able to fly, begin to move out of the nest to venture onto nearbye branches and sometimes miss their perches to tumble to the ground! Louie is now in rehab and doing quite well at SORCO so pleased to know that. Open House there in two weekends so plan to visit. Might even stop at Dubh Glas Distillery, just down the way, for a snort! Miss Etta warming my riding gloves! Duke guarding same! View from mouth of Little Tunnel and then Kettle Ridge; Hop farm; Giant's Head from just after pheasant sighting.

Patriçio, Just chatted with Lady Dar and I will pick her up for a 12noon departure. I did a costco run today so I picked up most of the stuff on your list. I say “most” because there was a power out making it hard to shop in the dark … I also have a full tank of gas as I was on the fumes a couple of days ago, so it will be pedal to the metal straight to Penticton!

I don’t have a chain saw. I had an electric one, but blew the bearings at my Uncle’s in Anacortes years ago. He was fussed about having to rent one of course. I am looking forward to your gourmet sardine dinner! I’ll get lady Dar to text you as soon as we have an accurate eta so you can time the dinner! ttys//bjp Branko 

Hi Driving Ms Durston Chauffeur! Glad you connected with your charge! Given that you won't be stopping at Costco I assume you will be at Burns Street sometime between 5:00-6:00 pm, depending on traffic, etc., and all else going well. Perhaps earlier if you are flying below the radar!

Appreciate reply about chainsaw but it turns out that my neighbour, Norm, across the back lane, has one and he said he would cut up the limbs that are too big for my skillsaw. I spent about six hours today, cutting and stacking, from around 2:30-8:30 pm. Norm was taking a break from working on his kitchen, around 5:00 pm, and he wandered out in the lane with a cigarette and a drink and that's when I asked him about the chainsaw.

Still have one last heap of red maple to cut up and then I'll work on storage lockers. Think there will be more than enough material to build what I have in mind especially with all the lumber I found beside Amanda's as well as more scrap from neighbour immediately across from us. I don't mind buying more, if required, but these intended lockers will work just as well constructed from what is already on hand. I think you'll agree once you see what we have to work with. Anyway, you can doodle on a napkin while we are enjoying a malt and I explain my vision for bike storage and more! Enjoy the drive and will await Lady Dar's call to our house phone. You know I never answer my cell! Travel safely. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hello Big City Girl! From various accounts I gather you are enjoying your time in Vancouver. Even weather seems to be cooperating that must be a treat. Had a note form Ragin' after you talked on the phone so I know you will probably not be stopping at Costco. However, if for some reason you do decide to do so, I forgot to mention that we need lettuce. Price is through the roof here in town so the large package of Romaine would be worthwhile. I understand that Ragin' did his own run to Costco, in town, yesterday, and picked up many of items on the list I sent earlier. Not  big deal but thought I'd mention it, just in case.
Had a very pleasant chat with Chloë this evening. [It was around 9:30 pm and I still hadn't had dinner. I was planning to go to the Landfill meeting but thought it started at 7:00 pm so when I went inside to shower, at 6:30 pm, I realized it had already started at 6:00 pm! Anyway, I decided I might as well continue cutting up firewood so wasn't back inside until about 8:30 pm.] She is looking forward to coming up with Spumoni and is missing her kittens. Last night was first night in ages that I didn't have dental assistance. Both were curled up, together, on blanket, in Rumpus Room, when I finally turned in, around 11:55 pm and I didn't see or feel either all night.
 
You'll be happy to know that I have an appointment, tomorrow, with Mark the Barber, at 1:00 pm, and want to take my Trek in to Freedom, for a tune-up, beforehand so plenty to do until The Hope-Princetonians arrive! Travel safely and try to chat with Ragin' en route. You can put your therapy skills to good use, even though they don't seem to work on me! Love and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Firewood and Grooming!

Hi folks, Attached is a poster full of information about the TuneAgers concerts this weekend. Performances are on Saturday and Sunday, April 29 and 30, at 2pm at the Shatford Centre. Tickets are available from Aart or Jim. Also available at the door, but may be sold out (we can hope!) Cheers, Jim 

Frost on the Windshield Early Bus Depot Blues: Sunday, April 23rd!

Nothing contributes so much to tranquilizing the mind as a steady purpose - a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye. -Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, author (1797-1851) 



Hi Leslie! Trust you are well. Pamela forwarded your email address to me, [Patrick, Here is Leslie's contact info. Pam. Thanks, Naramata Goil!], as you had mentioned you might be interested in playing bridge when we met on the Easter weekend. You are more than welcome to join us and please don't worry about your level. A number of people in the group feel they are beginners, as well, and, group, as a whole, is more interested in having fun, (and drinking wine!), and helping people learn the game, not that either Lady Dar and I are experts, by any stretch of the imagination.

The Wounded Amazon
Roman copy of the original by Kresilas (c. 430 BCE), Vatican, Rome

Photo: Nick Thompson

At any rate, I gather we will have two tables next week so you could simply watch, if that might be your preference, or have someone play with you/help with bidding, etc., until you feel a tad more comfortable. However, I suggest you just jump in and play to the best of your ability. If you can run a very successful winery, I'm sure it won't take you long to master the rudiments of the game and from then on, like so many other things in life, it is but a matter of time and practice.

In the past, group doesn't usually play on Fridays but this coming week is an exception, due to various conflicting schedules. We try to accommodate everyone's busy lives but there are always people away or committed to other engagements. Hence, the larger the "pool" of potential players, the easier it is to mount a game on a given date.Thus far, we have oscillated between Tuesdays and Wednesdays and it looks like Tuesdays might be the choice over the coming summer months. That isn't fixed in stone, however, as we try to determine, at the end of another rollicking evening, best time for next gathering.

 

At any rate, please think about coming whenever time and interest allow/suit. I'm happy, if you'd like, to add you to the group list so that you will be aware of arrangements for weekly game and then you can let me know if you wish to play, if only so that the host, (So far, we have  rotated between Summerland and Penticton but are more than happy to go further afield to both Naramata, [Hint! Hint!], and the far reaches of OK Falls!), will know the number of people to expect.

On another matter, Dame Judy is hosting the Book Club Lady Dar and I have stitched together, on May 1st, and she will be serving Noble Ridge wines! Not to overwhelm you with invitations but you are also welcome to join this group if you have any interest in so doing. Again, very informal, and, some would say, just another excuse to drink more wine and socialize, to hell with the book! I just returned from taking Cora Lee to the bus depot as she is travelling into Vancouver, for the next three days, to participate in the Book Club, (on Monday), she started there, about twenty-four years ago now!

Must away as I have an almost endless list of chores, prioritized by Lady Dar, I'm to have finished by the time she returns on Tuesday. Let me know what you think about bridge, books and life in general, [Your Visa card number would be great!!!], and we'll plan accordingly! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Nor sure if Naramata Goil, (as a good friend!), forwarded these snaps to you or not but just in case: Saturday, April 15th, moving day for some! Il Palazzo di Webster!

Hello Jurassic Park! I gather climate change has had a significant effect on Wildwood Park! Great snapola of T-Rex! Also enjoyed the shot of contented hands! [In this vein, not one of the earlier snaps you sent along in two messages, following Kellan's birth, were attached. If you could resend, when you have a momnet, that would be much appreciated as the two, mentioned above, arrived without problem.]

Sorry it has taken me a bit to reply but seem to have been on the run ever since Easter weekend. Weather is finally warming up and conditions allowed me to go on two of my longest rides of the year. On Good Friday I went to Oliver and back. Map and Stats for ride:
 
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1677690288#.WPFWxM2XZyk.email


Week later, this past Friday, I did much the same route but instead of going all the way to Oliver I climbed Seacrest Hill, (a very good climb in itself!), to loop back through Willowbrook and Green Lake, past See Ya Later Ranch Winery and then into OK Falls and home again, along Eastside Road into Penticton. Wind was really blowing out of the North so it was hard work on return leg, although you didn't hear me complaining on way south! Longest ride, this year, to date, so pleased at how well my legs and lungs are responding. Map and Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1690868878#.WPqokxpBsMs.email
 
Yesterday was the first Farmers' Market, on Main Street, here in Penticton. Lady Dar, however, was at Oasis United, at their Artisan Fair, with a table, [Her home-made pickled beets, ripe-tomatoe pickle and wax/wood chip fire-starters, the Martha Stewart of Penticton! She sold everything. Most of the proceeds, as you can well imagine, went to the church!], from 9 am-3 pm, so I was charged with scoping bedding plants and any other offerings that caught my fancy. 

At 5:50 am this chilly, somewhat frosty morn, I dropped Cora Lee at the bus depot, but a few blocks away, as she is travelling into Vancouver, for the next three days, to participate in the Book Club, (on Monday), she started there, about twenty-four years ago now! She will be driving back with friend there, Ragin' Bull, who is coming up, for a week or so, to help with more shelving and assorted projects! Must away now as I have an almost endless list of chores, prioritized by Lady Dar, I'm to have finished by the time she returns on Tuesday. Fondestos to you and Sally, and to T-Rex, from Etta and Duke! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics:  Martha Stewart! Start of Farmers' Market. Main Street is blocked off for three blocks, then six as summer progresses! Miss Etta guarding my riding gloves!

By the time I was home again it was just after 6:00 am so I zapped my morning java and then spent the next three hours catching up on the email that I've not been able to reply to for last few days. Took a break for breakfast at 9:00 am and then did a few household chores, playing soccer with Rambunctious Boy while I made the bed. The day before I had arranged to pick up some firewood, (Red Maple!), from friends of a hiking friend so I called them at 10:00 am to let them know I was on my way. Only about 10 minutes away, just off the intersection of Main and Skaha Lake Road. 

Ed had cut back the tree, quite heavily, last summer so the wood already had almost a year's worth of drying. The largest limbs were about as thick as my leg, from just above the knee to just above the calf and roughly 4'-5'-6' in length. The cuttings had been piled in their back yard and both Ed and Donna, his wife, very kindly helped carry the wood to the front street where I loaded it into our car. Had put the passenger seats down so have a fair bit of carrying capacity. Nevertheless, it took three trips to haul everything away. Not all the branches were the size noted above but even the smaller ones will make terrific kindling.

On my second trip the neighbour across the back lane commented on the large pile that was accumulating beside the garage. Told him that I'd just finished chopping and cutting up the relatively small branches from the oak tree, taken down next door, as well as the scrap lumber I'd salvaged from neighbour, Amanda, on other side. Told him what I couldn't use for the storage lockers Ragin Bull will help me construct next week, I'll burn so he asked me if I wanted any more! He and his son are rebuilding their front steps so he helped me carry what was beside their garage to ours. Then he showed me the work in progress at the front of the house and said any lumber they didn't want they'd leave beside their garage. Thanking him, I returned for the final load of maple.

Once that was loaded, I snapped a few pictures of Joan and Ed in front of the large maple that had donated its limbs to me and then thanked them for wonderful wood and all their help. Back home I noticed another large pile of scrap lumber beside the garage so that will be my first task tomorrow, Dear Reader! I suppose I could have carted it across the back lane but I really wanted to take advantage of the lovely day as I had decided to ride the KVR to the Little Tunnel. Haven't done this for almost a year and I wanted to scope it out again as Ragin' will be bringing his bike along as he wants to ride the KVR when here.

Had a quick sandwich and then suited up. Cleaned and oiled the chain on my Brodie as it is a far better bike for the hard-pack gravel surface of the KVR than is my Trek road bike. Left about 2:40 pm and since I knew that it was about 18 km, from our place to the LT, and I wanted to log at least 51 km for the day's outing, I made for PTC to complete one Lakeshore/Riverside Loop before catching the start of the KVR, off Pickering Street so that I could clock most of the extra, needed distance. Wind was fairly strong, out of the S at 19kph, and while it certainly helped, since the uphill grade is only between 2%-4%, for most of the way to the LT, the climb is constant but not exhausting, headwind or tail wind notwithstanding.

The views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding hills always takes my breath away so this sort of ride is very, very enjoyable, especially since I never really fuss about my AVG, given the almost 20 km uphill pull. Trail was not especially busy but I did see a number of dog walkers and families with tykes on bikes so a most pleasant late afternoon. Almost exactly 17 km to one of the uniform, yet quite attractive, "dedication" benches dotted along the trail, just past Hillside so I calculated I probably needed to acquire approximately 4 km more, somewhere between here and the LT, to achieve my goal. Of course I could dipsy-doodle anywhere when back in town but options are much more limited off the KVR.

Wasn't really or overly concerned but just before I reached Arawana Forestry Road I took Workman Place to sneak a look at the fairly new housing development, Kettle Ridge, being constructed there. Some quite interesting, modern homes with simply spectacular views, as you can well imagine, given the situation. According to one of the signs, Stage Three is currently underway. Then back to the KVR and on towards the LT, approximately 6-7 km from AFR. At certain points, when not riding through one rail-bed cut or another or a tree tunnel, one can see the KVR curving ahead, right up to the dark, slightly menacing opening of the LT itself, carved or chiselled or blasted out of the very mountainside itself.

Found a couple, on the north side of the tunnel, cyclists as well, taking a few pictures and drinking in the spectacular views. I said hello and rode past, but only went to where the short stretch of tarmac here, ends. Propped my Brodie against a solitary pine and took a number of snaps myself. Had determined I'd stop at various points, on return leg, so as to minimize contact with The Dreaded Burning Ground, Dear Reader. Few drops of rain just as I reached the LT but nothing serious and now, riding almost into the head wind, what little water had managed to wet my jacket had soon evaporated.

Must say it is rather a glorious delight to know that the rest of the ride would be all downhill so I chortled to myself as I sped along, almost effortlessly, although one needs to pay careful attention to the road surface as patches of loose gravel can easily spell disaster, especially if careening along at 25-26 kph. Furthermore, some of the drops are so precipitous that they don't bear thinking about! Not really nail-biting or nerve-fraying but it pays to keep one's wit's on high alert.

Took a quick run, on the nicely paved surface, back to Kettle Ridge, to capture a few shots from that location as I'd not been there until today and then it was full tilt boogie until I was across Naramata Road where I stopped opposite Square One, a new hops farm. By chance we met owners last year at a wine-tasting at Black Widow so I have been watching the endeavour with some interest. Looks to me, as if a number of new rows have been added, (Support poles look almost three stories high and a worker, stringing what looked like thin rope  between them was atop a fairly large cherry-picker!], so pleased to believe that the business is going well. Cannot imagine it wouldn't, given the plethora of micro-breweries around, at least four or five in Penticton alone!

Then on between vineyards which the trail runs through, at this point, soon across the small trestle and then more vineyards until one reaches the cemetery. Just about past this most serene spot when what should I see but what I took to be a fairly large pheasant, crossing the trail in front of me, about 25 m away. [I later learned that "the Ring-Necked Pheasant is the only pheasant species resident in BC, a chicken-sized game bird introduced from England and China between 1880 and 1920. The male is striking in appearance with mottled plumage, long straight tail, white neck ring and bright red wattles. The female is dull brown."] I obviously saw a male as at first I thought I'd seen a peacock, so bright was the plummage. [There are three or four of these marvellous creatures , wandering hither and yon, in Naramata Village.] At any rate, not long afterwards, I rode past another dog walker and mentioned what I'd seen and she said she had seen the pheasant as well so at least I knew I wasn't dreaming! Neither of us had seen one here before and we both commented on how lovely it was.

Not long afterward I was back at our place with precisely the distance I'd estimated, though my AVG was pretty slow. However, didn't bother me one iota as the views were too, too stunning and the pheasant sighting such a rare treat. Until then I'd been happy to see a fat little marmot scampering over some small boulders at Kettle Ridge. Life on the KVR, Dear Reader, Life on the KVR, indeed! Cheers! Map and Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1695289390#.WP1dPqGCuLs.email



Had a great walk with Chloe and Robbie around Trout creek lake. At Robyn's now will watch some Netflix, have an omelette and early to bed. Meeting Kathleen for lunch tomorrow Love you, Lady Dar

Hi there to you and Lady Dar now residing in PenTEEKtawn, B.C. You must feel very fortunate to be living near the town of Nevermatters, B.C., where fine wine never ceases to flow. By the way, Jim Benzelock, who you may remember from your Isaac Brock playing days, and Ross Parke, who coached our River Heights team, have recently been inducted into Manitoba's Hockey Hall of Fame. Anyway I hope these are some of the missing "snaps" you wish to view. P.S. I'd be untrue to myself if I didn't leave you with some upbeat, +ve music. https://youtu.be/oiG-4-V7Xd0

Hi Old Farts, In the absence of Jim French, I have volunteered to organize the OF hike for this coming Thursday. The area which I have selected is the south facing grassy hillside above Findlay Creek (north end of Garnett Lake north of Summerland) where we hiked last fall. There is a secret lake at the top of the hill which will be our destination. I would like to try to drive as far as possible toward the north end of Garnett Lake before starting to hike, therefore high clearance vehicles will be required for transport to the starting point. Meet at the IGA parking lot in Summerland at 9:00 AM or for those carpooling from Penticton meet at HH at 8:40. Please let me know if you are coming. Peter 

Hello OFologists, Tomorrow we are going to explore the SW flank of Cartwright in Summerland. Tony & I will lead the hike. So, as usual, meet at the IGA in Summerland at 9:00AM, or 8:40AM at HH in Penticton then make your way to the IGA in Summerland. The usual relaxation afterwards. Look forward seeing you there! Cheers :-), Aart

Oasis Artisan Fair & First Farmers Market Blues: Saturday, April 22nd!

It is a profound and necessary truth that the deep things in science are not found because they are useful; they are found because it was possible to find them. -J. Robert Oppenheimer, theoretical physicist (22 Apr 1904-1967) 




Hi Naramata Goil! I will be heading to The Shatford to the Market. Lady Dar, however, will be at Oasis, with a table, [Her home-made pickled beets, ripe-tomatoe pickle and wax/wood chip fire-starters, the Martha Stewart of Penticton!], at their Artisan Fair, 9-3 pm, 2964 Skaha Lake Road, so I'm charged with scoping bedding plants and any other offerings that catch my fancy. I'm dropping her off at Oasis at 8:30 am and then have a few errands to run so I assume i"ll be there around 10:00 am, or so. Home after that so you and Change the World Meggster are welcome to pop by for a java if you'd like. Cheers, Patrizzio! My apologies Patrick. I haven't checked my email until just now. Happily we ran into each other at the market👍😊 Pam

 

Sylvana's Flowers!

Hi all, Jos are you playing tennis on Wednesday night? If so, everyone is welcome at my house for Bridge this Tuesday. Let me know if this works and we'll see you soon. Hugs, Olly Hi Olly, Tuesday night would be great, yes, tennis has started on Wednesday nights, and I hope we can stick to Tuesdays for the Summer. Patrick, our only true coordinator will decide wisely I trust. I hope to see all at Olly's on Tuesday. Jos

Hello Summeria, et al! Thanks for offering to host, Olga Polga, but Lady Dar and I are unable to play this coming Tuesday so that is why I "declared" that bridge, at least for us, would be on Friday. If there is enough interest for Tuesday, please go ahead, obviously. However, should anyone wish to join us for another game on Friday, at our place, you are more than welcome. As far as I know, Jack Rabbit, Phillipo, Justicia and Ragin' Bull, our friend from Vancouver, will be playing, so it would be grand if we had at least one more player. [In this vein, Naramata Goil, could you ask Leslie if she might be interested. Thanks!] Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Olly, I thought Patrick had sent out an email to do bridge on Friday of this coming week? Phi Ohhh you are right; so sorry. Patrizzio, we'll see you at your place Friday then. Thanks Phil for the heads up. Hugs, Olly fyi...My bad cos I didn't click 'reply to all' so only Olly saw my response (ie as per the email string below). Hope this helps clarify?? Phil Hi Friday Evening Card Sharps! Thanks for clarification, Phillipo. With Olga Polga now joining the bridge fray, we have seven for sure so two tables are on. Jos and/or Michaelo, will you be joining us? Any time after 6:30 pm, the bridge weekend begins. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Patrick, Thank you for the invitation, but Friday is my last day before the trip, so I will be quite busy. However, if there is room available at the table I could join the players on Tuesday. Regards. Mike Sorry my dear Bridge folks, I can no longer do Bridge on Tuesday night so we will see you on Friday night at Patrizzio's. Hugs, Olly Hi Michaelo and Pretty Polga! Sorry you cannot join us on Friday, Peru-Bound Boy! Have a wonderful time and travel safely. Great that you will join us, Rolly Polly. Bon Voyage, Michaelo and see you on Friday, for two tables, Olga Polga. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi, Patrick and Corinne: I hope this finds you well. It is almost May, and I am percolating the idea of a summer visit. With your indulgence, I am hoping that such a summer trip can be an annual event! It would seem to be a good idea to start by comparing calendars. From my part, starting from about mid-June: Canada Day weekend unlikely. I have a house guest from August 3-9. Sandy and her family are visiting sometime in mid-late August. I have a firm departure date for Berlin/Poland (leaving September 3, returning September 22)

I would be planning to travel to Kelowna using Aeroplan points again, which constrains the possibilities a bit as well. Last summer, I was off work for quite awhile and it wasn't difficult to find dates. This year, if I try to align a trip to Penticton with my regular days off, the availability is somewhat limited. But we'll see! I do have a few stat days-in-lieu that I might be able to apply.

If your summer plans and Aeroplan availability seem to preclude the possibility of a summer visit, then perhaps I can pop up sometime in the late Fall / early Winter (early Christmas visit?) which has its own appeal.

One other possibility that might open up the prospects a bit is that Greg and his family often travel to the Okanagan (Kelowna) in the summer and I might be able to hitch a ride with them one or both ways. Though I have no idea when they might be making such a trip or how close their route goes to Penticton (my conceptual geography of the area and its road connections being quite non-existent!)

Meanwhile, I believe that I heard something about a prospective visit by you to the Lower Mainland in May, and indeed, that Patrick might drop by to scope my Fluid Alu Trainer. I hope to see you then, and if we can have a full visit, so much the better, although I appreciate that you usually have quite a few commitments when you are in town.

As for my news . . . the pilot is off on his new career trajectory, currently training in the simulator in Toronto, and in due course to be based in THOMPSON, MANITOBA, with uncertain prospects of when his next visit will be. But he was out here five times between the New Year and mid-March, so I'm trying to take a cup-half-full view of the whole situation.

I'm also quite excited to -- at long last -- have embarked on renovations. The first stage (new kitchen countertops and sink) was recently completed and I'm very happy with the results. Next up: customized kitchen and bathroom cabinet inserts and new kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors. And then: rip out the bathtub and replace with a walk-in shower.

This all comes following a realization that there is no way that I could afford to upgrade to a two-bedroom apartment, especially in this crazy market. I pretty much like everything about my little condo (especially the location) -- except the limited space. Even that isn't generally an issue, except when I have house guests, which isn't so often. Bottom line: I have decided to invest in improvements and upgrades, which will include maximizing storage, and which at the end of the day -- even if I really blow the wad -- will be much less expensive than spending a vast sum (minimum $150,000 and probably more like $250,000) while incurring a new mortgage simply to add a second bedroom which I don't actually need most of the time.

Speaking of house guests, I recently had Dan here for 8 nights. He was supposed to stay for 2, before going up to his recreational property on Nelson Island. But when he got up to Madeira Park, there was a water-taxi problem and he couldn't get there. So back he came. I must say that in some respects he is a low-maintenance house guest (camps in a sleeping bag on the living-room floor) and also that he was helpful in some practical ways, particularly in the aftermath of my first-stage renovations. However, Dan is also eccentric and it wasn't a "smooth glass table" having him here, in my small space, for all that time. In fact, we had a huge fight at one point, and he was actually carrying his stuff out and planning to sleep in the truck for the night. But we patched it up and he left on good terms the following morning.

And work . . . it continues to be a struggle. The same enduring issues! However, I have recently had enormous success introducing genealogy programming at Dunbar. As well, I recently contacted the B.C. Muslim Association and arranged for an imam to present a program on "Islam at a Glance." I was worried that no-one would come, but I am pretty sure that it was actually a record-breaker for adult programs at Dunbar. There were 69 people wedged into the children's area (well beyond fire code). One of the imam's associates from the mosque donated cash for refreshments (it was over the dinner hour) and altogether, it was a very successful event, notwithstanding some highly animated discussion during the Q+A. ("Animated" is fine, but rudeness is another thing, as far as I'm concerned.)

Well, that's about the extent of my news for now, but I look forward to hearing back from you and to planning a visit sometime (relatively) soon. Love, Janet