Cycling West Dry Creek with Sarge Singin' The Coffaro Blues: Friday, June 30th!

Up at 7:30 am to mist shrouded hills and vineyards. Lovely and cool, poifect for cycling so we made our breakfast, Greek style yogurt with green grapes, (granola, added, for Sarge!), and cups of tea, mugs of java, before we suited up and made for Yoakim Bridge Road, crossing over to West Dry Creek Road. Little traffic so it was wonderful to cycle the mini-roller-coaster, fairly narrow road, in and out of tree tunnels. Started off going north until the road actually terminates at a private residence. Turned around here and went south as far as Westside Road before turning back to retrace our steps. 

I have done this route quite  a few times before and the last time was with Whirlygig and Glasgow. On that ride the county was repaving much of the length of this section of West Dry Creek Road so the surface is now terrific and we sailed along. By the time we were close to Coffaro we had 36 km on the clock and Sarge had set 40 km for his goal. This being the case he rode with me, a further 2 km, until we reached Dutcher Creek Road where he turned around. His back fender had been rubbing the tire for the entire ride and he wanted to take it off. He'd stopped shortly after we started but couldn't do anything about it without first removing the wheel so we both had to live with the annoying squeak! 

I wanted to log my basic 51km so I kept going. Had never ridden much of this section and wanted to scope it for a future outing. Was most pleasantly surprised to find both a lovely park and the fish hatchery associated with Lake Sonoma. I dipsy-doodled around the large parking lots associated with these facilities although I didn't venture up Skaggs Spring Road which winds into the hills surrounding Lake Sonoma to a boat launching ramp there. David had mentioned, in earlier conversations, that the climb is considerable so until I've first driven it to see what it would be like on a bike, I decided not to push my luck. At any rate, I didn't have the time to explore as I knew Sarge wanted to be off as soon as we could to wine taste!

Had almost enough distance when I passed the winery so only had to ride back across Yoakim Bridge to West Dry Creek Road and turn around. Found Sarge just about finished dismantling the back fender and when he had the last bolt removed I helped him put the brake apparatus back together as he needed four hands to accomplish the task, so finicky was the cable housing. Task accomplished he returned the wrench he'd borrowed from David and I went inside to shower. Great ride and I was more than delighted to have discovered another possibilty for future outings. Plenty of good hills hereabouts so loads of challenges if one tires of the relatively flat roads of the valley floors. Map and Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1827941330#.WVbnRnCxb_w.email

I-5 Redding/Williams Blues: Thursday, June 29th!

Hi Patrick, Thanks for all the news and photos. Too bad about missing you -and it’s going to be close; we’ll pass you on the highway on July 17th as that’s the day we need to be back in Vancouver. But hopefully we’ll connect with Lady Dar in Penticton after the 11th. We can have here over or we could do din-dins at a Penticton restaurant. We are not forgetting she is Celiac. Perhaps she should send her contacts, our cell is 604 358 1444. You were correct about Garth. He became fed-up with crossing the Lions Gate and decided to join VRC (he lives in an apartment at UBC).

If you haven’t already, check out Carlisle Winery - I think it is near the Russian River Valley. I’ve heard great things about their Zins. Speaking of wine, John Schreiner’s blog has the dope on the 2017 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards. Have a safe trip and we hope the wedding goes well. cheers, Bill & Denise

Hi Wild Bill! Am outside the winery tasting room, at Coffaro, as the WiFi doesn't work where we are staying above the storage facility for their wine. Cannot complain as David said we could have whatever we wanted and so two bottles later, a 2014 Zin and a single varietal 2014 Carignan, both purloined from the above-mentioned facility, after a scrumptious dinner of fresh corn, baked spudolinos, sliced tomatoe and a bbq chicken from Safeway, on the deck, overlooking the vineyards, we are well satisfied. Will ride West Dry Creek tomorrow morning before wine-tasting in the region. David has invited us for dinner so we are more than well taken care of. Sorry I'll miss you but do try to connect with Lady Dar. Cheers, Patrizzio!
 
Patrizzio, The Devil made me do it. My projection of my future activities, requires a more functional vehicle. Details on request, after a tour of or my Dad’s house, 58 years of hoarding and buying anything that costs a dollar or less. Goodbye doing 200K on the connector. Fundamentals: 2011 model one owner; low milage; 4x4 drive train; 4.0L V6; Manual 5speed; traction control
Extended cab, room for Juno (el perro) & groceries; bed liner; trailer hitch. In other words, fully approved for the Burns Street Gulag! My secret life? I still have the beemer ...Branko
 
Hi Ragin Bulll! Am outside the winery tasting room, at Coffaro, as the WiFi doesn't work where we are staying above the storage facility for their wine. Cannot complain as David said we could have whatever we wanted and so two bottles later, a 2014 Zin, 15.9%, and a single varietal 2014 Carignan, 14.9%, both purloined from the above-mentioned facility, after a scrumptious dinner of fresh corn, baked spudolinos, sliced tomatoe and a bbq chicken from Safeway, on the deck, overlooking the vineyards, we are well satisfied. Will ride West Dry Creek tomorrow morning before wine-tasting in the region. David has invited us for dinner so we are more than well taken care of.

Your proposed truck looks fabuloso so I will need to use it for more firewood when you next arrive to continue your lapsed indenturehood! Must away as it's malt time. Pics anon. Stay well. Cheers, Il Conduttore/Patrizzio!

Hi Bill and Denise, I take it you are in the area? I'm here until Tuesday. Let me know if you want to come for dinner? Coffaro sounds great. Just did a wonderful night of vertical Terra Vista wines from 2012 to 2015 with wonderful food parings. Cheers Corinne

Rise and Shine Portland Blues: Wednesday, June 28th!

If the B and B does not work we are in town. There is a bed and all the conveniences in the bathroom available. Polly Good Morning, Early Riser!Thanks for the offer of stay wirh mod cons to boot! Off to gym shortly. Sarge will go in to work for an hour or so and we hope to leave around 11:00 am. Thanks again. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello My Favourite Sleepy Felines, Etta and Duke, and Lady Dar, of course! I hear you played well with Michaelo! The 'New. Improved" Bridger! Up at just before 6:00 am after a great sleep. Didn't see JT after she left to go upstairs last night as she wasn't up when I stole away. [She has changed the bed in the guest room and it makes the room much more attractive, not to mention getting in from both sides now. I loved having the window open near the top of the bed. Lovely and cool.] I'm off to the gym shortly. 

Sarge is wandering around in his bath robe! I had a message from George and they are in the south of France now and he mentioned that the Tour de France will be by in a few weeks. This reminded me about recording it. Could you please phone Telus and have the channel which carries it included in our package. I will cancel subscription once event is over, as I did last year. Race starts on July 1st. You could also inquire about Rumpus Room "No Signal" if Chloë hasn't figured it out before that. Love and Cheers, Patrizzio/Dad!

Stats for Elliptizer! 3.43 miles, burning 1,081 calorifics, climbing 13, 996' at at final HR of 160 over 70 minuten!

Hi D, Have a safe trip down south, see you Tuesday!!! Love you Hi Chloë! Thanks for the best wishes. Very easy drive with Sarge at the wheel the entire trip. Just having a few glasses of Michelo's wonderful IPA draft doing all the


Hi Grumpster! Just about to leave for Portland. Could you send along your home number so that we can call tomorrow to give you a rough idea when we will be arriving. Thanks. Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Digitale and Fingare! Just about to leave for Portland. Will give you a shout when we hit Oregon! Looking forward to seeing you both. Cheers, Sarge and Patrizzio!




 

Lady Dar Sings The Fashion Consultant Blues: Tuesday, June 27th!

Hi Wild Bill and Denise Dangereuse! Lovely to hear from you and know that your stay in Naramatia is on! Pleased to hear that you have been busy and keeping your own with GG. I take it he is Garth Patrick, of The evergreen Earthworms, originally. Am I correct? If so, I always enjoyed playing with and against him. As you mentioned, he was always in terrific shape BUT a Wily, (abeit, aged!), Coyote like you should have no trouble outwitting him! Please pass along best wishes and fond regards to him and his lovely wife whose name manages to escape me at the moment.

For our part, life seems to have been even busier than normal, of late.
Enjoyed a lovely last few days, this past week, with friend, Stefano, (visiting from Melbourne), who came up with us from Vancouver, [We were in the city to attend a Bonnie Raitt concert on Monday. Combined Mother's Day/Father's Day peresent from Chloë. Wonderful, wonderful performance and we started off with a terrific meal at Vij's new spot, at least to us, on Granville.], on Tuesday. He very kindly helped me construct two bike lockers while he was here. [Ragin' Bull had been up a few weeks prior to build first one and a month or so, before that, to build three sets of book shelves in our Rumpus Room!] Steve returned to Vancouver on Sunday, driving back with Nicolina Sutherland, who was in Summerland for a pre-wedding party. Later that morning Polly and Mick arrived! They had been in Naramata, at Sandy Beach Lodge, for last week with their children and grandchildren. They headed back to Vancouver yesterday morning.  We enjoyed a lovely afternoon of wine-tasting and a picnic at last winery, Meyer Family Vineyards, we visited. Whew!


Thank you for the lovely invitation, BUT, I'm driving into Vancouver, at this point, (I hope!), by early afternoon, for the night. I have a few errands to run on Wednesday morning and then Sarge and I are driving to LA for Alexander's, (our youngest grandson's), wedding on July 7th. Unfortunately, Sarge cannot stay for wedding itself. Lady Dar and Chloë will fly down on July 4th. Funnily enough, Stefano has freinds in Glendale and after visiting with them he will drive back to Vancouver with me. SInce I knew the Folk Fest would be on when all the initial travel planning took place, I've bought a pass for the weekend of July 14th/15th/16th to return to Penticton on Monday, July, 17th, for a Serena Ryder concert that at evening. Whew! Whew!

That being said, Lady Dar will be back in Penticton on Tuesday, July 11th, and I know she'd love to see you both. The wheel will have come full circle since I last visited you at Deep Roots and she was in New York! Since it would be wonderful to see you perhaps you might consider staying with us for a couple of nights. At ant rate, let me know what you think and we'll plan accordingly.

I did come into town for the Rugby 7's. Flamin', Sarge and I sat with Sir Andrew, [Had a brief visit with them a few weeks ago when he and Anne drove up to Osoyoos for the Vintage MG road trip. They came by for a quick coffee as their itinerary was pretty full. Just had a message from him, from Iceland!], Keith Valentine and Famiglia Carter. Even saw Richard Martin. Sorry we missed bumping into you but is was another hectic weekend as I'm sure you can appreciate.

Flamin', Sarge and Jo-Anne were here, overnight, on Thursday, as they were up for the weekend at their place in Osoyoos, but couldn't get in until Friday. Must away as I have a few last minute chores around the house to discharge before Lady Dar chooses my clothes for the wedding and trip and I pack up the car and make for the Coqihalla. Too, too much road construction on Hope-Princeton. [Have three cases of wine for Famiglia Sutherland as they didn't have enough room!]

Wednesday night in Portland and then two nights with David Coffaro. They have a wonderful guest suite on the second floor of the building where they store the cases of bottled wine and I've stayed there before, with Glasgow and Whirlygig a number of years ago. Unfortunately, Pat is away in SF so we won't see her. Sarge and I will cycle West Dry Creek on Friday and David will have us for dinner that night. He is a wonderful cook. Then into Berkeley for Saturday night, Tinsel Town on Sunday. Hope to ride bike path from bottom of Topango Canyon past Venice Beach and further south to Marina Del Rey on Monday before Sarge flies home and wedding guests start to arrive. If it's Tuesday it must be Belgium! Whew! Whew!! Whew!!!

We are very much looking forward to seeing you both so I trust something will work out. Fondestos from my Fashion Consultant to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Stefano at Farmers' Market on Saturday, with vendor, Leigh; Duke and Etta guarding new bike lockers; Relaxing after a hard few days of crushing manual labour! Arrivederci Stefano! At Synchromesh and then picnic at Meyer; Mick with Jack, owner of Meyer. Sir Andrew and Anne arriving at Penticton Vistor's Centre with fleet of 20 MG's and then leaving Burns Street!

Hi Patricio, I hope you and Corinne are doing well. I am back from Belize still a bit out of it as it was incredibly intense taking 3 university courses in 7 weeks as well as travelling around the country so much. Had an absolutely wonderful time though I can't even begin to tell you of all my wonderful experiences and adventures so it will have to wait until we see you.

Our top proirity this summer as far as travel plans is to see you guys so just wanting to try arrange some potential dates. Al has been very fortunate to secure employment doing some design work which means we have much more flexibility as he can do much of the work from home on his lap top...we are so pleased that this work has come his way and hoping it all pans out. As for my schedule I am committed to working alternate Fridays and so during those weeks I will likely come into town Tuesday and try to see clients and then teach on the Fridays and return to the cabin where I intend to be spending the majority of the time.

The Fridays I am working are June 30, July 13, July 28, Aug 11 and maybe Aug 25...might take that one off. We don't necessarily have to come on a weekend either but please check your guest registry to see if there is a 2 - 3 day time slot that might work for us to come freeload. Are you coming into the Folk Fest this year? Please let us know if you are. I saw an amazing Garifuna drummer in Belize who has performed there 5 times...his name is Josh but I can't think of his last name at this moment although he was absolutely fantastic. Ok I need to go and work now...waaaaaaa! LOL Looking forward to connecting soon! Love Marilyn

Hi Marilyn and Big Molly! Lovely to hear from you and know that you are back safely from your terrific time in Belize. Pleased to hear that things are working out for Stanchion Man and that you are now planning a Freeloader Visit! I've forwarded your message to Lady Dar as she can better dovetail your dates with her wedding schedule the better to be able to have a good visit.   

This afternoon, I drove into Vancouver, leaving an extremely desolate Lady Dar and two very sad felines, at 2:40 pm, for the night. Will stay with Jo-Anne, upstairs, as Nicolina/Marvin and almost two year old Jaxon are living here until they list and sell their North Van condo. They plan to move to Kamloops by summer's end. Delighted to learn of your Belize drummer so let me know more details when you have a moment so I can look out for him at the Folk Fest. That being said, Lady Dar will be back in Penticton on Tuesday, July 11th. We are very much looking forward to seeing you both so I trust something will work out. Fondestos to The Belize Bombshell and Lap Top Man! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Tinsel Town, et al! You can forget about "vicious" watch command. The Downstairs Maid seduced Etta into watching The Young and The Useless yesterday and poor Duke had to guard all three bike lockers by himself! Please note the high fashion statement of Lady Dar when bidding goodbye to Freeloaders! Cheers, All Alone, for the moment, until JT comes home, all likkered up, I hope, Dad/Patrizzio/Favourite Son-in-Law/Soon-to-Be Canadian Freeloader!

Pics: Guest Bedroom Blues! Farewell Freeloaders! Lady Dar's cactii, Cactus! Distraught Lady Dar saying goodbye to Indentured Patrizzio this afternoon!

Hello Spiller Road Bridge Fiends, et al Trust the night's cards were generous to one and all. Very pleasant ride into Vancouver and then dinner waiting when I arrived. Just wanted to say hello and pass along these snaps of Spumoni. Bumped into her at the Farmers' Market this past Saturday. Unfortunately, she said she wouldn't be playing bridge for foreseeable future! Must away as I've a busy morning domani, before we leave for Portland. Will be singin' The Open Road Blues for next week or so!!! Fondestos to one and all. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Farmers' Market this past Saturday!


Hi Polly and Mick, et al! Lovely visit, if ever so brief! Trust you are safely home and preparing to grandparent until you need another knee replacement, Mick! Was that "official" scoring, Polly or just some duplicate superiority showing through? Did we award you too many points? Greedy Sisterhood, as always! Must away as Sarge's cheap malt is exhausted!  Fondestos to you both, and kisses to the rest of the motley crew! Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS: Bayswater B&B: Any chance for a  booking on Folk Fest weekend, July 13th-16th? If not, I'll sleep under the front stairs with my bike! Just me and the two Swedish masseuses Stefano and I will have been travelling with since leaving Tinsel Town! 

Travel safely, laugh plentifully, drink less �� Hi Stefano! Thanks again for all your incredible help! [Bill for new work-table top has been posted!] Sorry, your advice came too, too late tonight but I will keep it in mind for rest of trip. Lovely, extremely productive visit, (Praxis in action!), visit, if ever so brief! [You probably thought it was interminable!] Trust you are safely home and preparing to grandparent until you make your way to Glendale. Let me know your arrangements, when concretized, one way or 'tother. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Pics: Lady Dar's cactii! Fond Farewell, at least on my part, this morning! 

Thanks Patrick, I had a blast playing with Corinne agains those highlanders from Spiller Rd. It took us one lost game to finally "polish" our skills, and hit them hard with quick robber. So enjoy your visits, and see you in quite a while (probably in August). Cheers. Mike Hi Michaelo! Pleased to hear that you and Lady Dar finally meshed. She played extremely well on Sunday night so she'll be more impossible to live with now! Thanks!!! Enjoy the next part of the summer and we'll see you in Augusto! Hello and best wishes to Mariolla. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Last Push for Kindling While Singing The Garage Clean-up Blues: Monday, June 26th!

Hello Long Lost Bridge Friends, et al! Not sure what people may have chatted about, last week, regarding this week's game. I'm off to LA tomorrow so I will not be available until July 18th. However, Lady Dar is available tomorrow if the game is on. However, she'll need to hitch a ride with someone, unless she hosts, as I will be taking our car to Tinsel Town. Trust everyone is well. Let me know what you think and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Pics: Our friends, Polly and Mick, from Vancouver, stayed last night and The Brotherhood took on The Sisterhood in a battle to the death in bridge. They showed little, if any, mercy, trouncing us 3,000 to 300, in the course of which bidding and making a small slam as well as a doubled/redoubled contract! Better times at Meyer Family Vineyard where we enjoyed a lovely picnic yesterday afternoon, after first tasting at Syncromesh. Pics: Tasting at Syncromesh then picnicing at Meyer; Mick with Jack, the owner. Just checking ... 6 spades, non vulnerable making 7 doubled and redoubled is 1820.  Pauline

I'm in the Kootenays until July 4th. The lake, sunshine and company are fantastic for so a great time is had by all. See you all soon. Hugs, Olly I am available for any evening this week, but tonight and Friday. Starting next week we have guests for a week, and after that we are gone for the rest of the month. So this week is my last chance to see any of my bridge friends for a while. Hopefully see you soon. Cheers Mike Phil and I are good for Tues but not Wed. We'll host tomorrow if Mike can pick up Corinne. Ollie and Jos are gone. Judy can you come?? anyone else? See you Gill I can play tomorrow night but would need a ride. Cheers Corinne I am unable to play bridge this week as I am going to Kamloops for a few days , enjoy the cards...Judy Thanks Gill, Phil,
Corinne, I can pick you up, what time? Cheers Mike 6:15 should do. See you then, Corinne

Hi Patrick, How are you and Corrine doing these days? We haven’t ventured far since our French Polynesia trip in February. Was half expecting to hear from you in March for the Rugby 7s here then. We just went to the 7s with our neighbour and didn’t see anyone we knew. Had a great time though. Denise and I are coming up to our Ok home at Deep Roots on July 6th for about 10 days. We would love to have you and Corrine out for a barbie on our front deck sometime then.

I have been able to keep up with singles squash through the winter. Lately I have become friendly with "Gregarious Garth” who has recently joined VRC. He is awfully good at hitting the ball and is in incredible shape. I don’t think there is a gram of fat on him! But heh, he is just a young whipper snapper of only 62!
Hope we can get together in July. cheers, Bill & Denise. 

I love the vicious lounging watch command...those bikes are safe for sure! Also love the back yard sitting circle but it looks like Mom continues to figure out the living room off the kitchen as its configuration changes with each email Lol See you all very soon! Ayn

Hi Patrick You and friends are welcome to stay with us but a warning that we won't have a kitchen. We'll be in the midst of a reno that week. So as long as you don't mind eating out, there is room for all. Look forward to seeing you again. Elaine Hi Vancouverites, Upper Summeria et al! Gather weather cooperated for Canada's 150th Birthday Bash! Trust all goes well with everyone. Thanks for offer to stay so I will take you up, Elaine. However, it is only me as Lady Dar and Chloë will fly back to Vancouver on Monday, July 10th and then on to Penticton, by bus, for The Marriage Officiant, on Tuesday. Josinta and Aarturo have had their first grandchild so are not able to attend Folk Fest this year.
Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Synchromesh Meyer Family Vineyard OK Falls Picnic Blues: Sunday, June 27th!!

Enjoyed a lovely last few days with friend, Stefano, (visiting from Melbourne), who came up with us from Vancouver, [We were in the city to attend a Bonnie Raitt concert on Monday.], on Tuesday. He very kindly helped me construct two bike lockers while he was here. Steve returned to Vancouver this morning, driving back with Nicolina who was in Summerland for a pre-wedding party for Marvin's Best Woman, Stefanie, I believe, if memory serves me well! Cora Lee drove him there while I readied The Burns Street Gin Joint and Hot Sheets Hotel for  another set of friends, Polly and Mick, who arrived around 11:00 am. They had been in Naramata, (fabulous wine region just five minutes from us), for last week with their children and grandchildren. They will head back to Vancouver early on Monday morning.  We enjoyed a lovely afternoon of wine-tasting and a picnic at last winery, Meyer Family Vineyards, we visited.

For my part, I'm driving into Vancouver, at this point, probably on Tuesday, as Sarge is driving with me to LA for Alexander's, (our youngest grandson's), wedding on July 7th. Unfortunately, Sarge cannot stay for wedding itself. Lady Dar and Chloë will fly down on July 4th. Flamin', Sarge and Jo-Anne were here, overnight, on Thursday, as they were up for the weekend at their place in Osoyoos, about an hour south of here, but couldn't get in until Friday.

Pics: Hello Polly and Mick! At Synchromesh and then picnic at Meyer; Mich with Jack, owner of Meyer and then back at Burns Street on back patio!

Stefano Busks The Farmers' Market with His Bike Locker Blues: Saturday, July 24th!

What government is the best? That which teaches us to govern ourselves. -Goethe (1749-1832)
Another glorious day and Stefano and I will stroll down Main to  wander the Farmers' Market for an hour or so before returning to The Burns Street Gulag to don our hard hats and polish off the third bike locker. Lady Dar will pull a shift at the GFA booth at the Market, from noon until 3:00 pm and then abandon us in the evening for a night out at The Dream Café. One of the GFA organizers invited her to join a table there, donated by an African musician, in town to perform there. Nice life when Stefano and I will have slaved most of the day in the hot afternoon sun!

Pics: Stefano at Farmers' Market on Saturday, with vendor, Leigh; Duke and Etta guarding new bike lockers; Relaxing after a hard few days of crushing manual labour! Arrivederci Stefano! 

Flamin'/Sarge and JT Witness The Bike Locker Blues: Friday, June 23rd!

The simplest questions are the most profound. Where were you born? Where is your home? Where are you going? What are you doing? Think about these once in a while and watch your answers change. -Richard Bach, writer (b. 23 Jun 1936)


Dear Patrick We hope you are doing well. We are coming back to our planed trip to Canada in September. As it looks we will visit you on 19.9 or 20.9 and remain until 22.9. in the morning. How far is it from you to the airport in Vancouver? We must be on the 22nd of September at 4pm at the airport. Do we have enough time at the 22nd or do we have to drive a day before to Vancouver? Is that okay for you and would you have a room for us..? Cheers Annemarie and Rudolf

Hello Annamaria Tremonte and Rudi Rudenheimer! Lovely to hear from you and know that your visit to Penticton is still on! We are very much looking forward to seeing you both. Sorry I've not responded a tad sooner but life seems to have been even busier than normal, of late. Given what you mention about your dates here, I suggest you try to arrive on 19.9, if possible. You can drive to Vancouver in five or six hours, (4.5 if there is little traffic into Vancouver once past Chilliwack/Abbotsford and over Port Mann bridge but even during the week, whether you miss rush hour or not, you cannot be certain that this will be the case. If you left Penticton on 22.9, even early enough to be at the airport by 4:00 pm and something delayed you, (high volume, traffic accident on highwy ahead, etc.), you might be late for your flight. If you are comfortable with that, fine, but I would suggest leaving on 21.9 to spend night in Vancouver with Famiglia Sutherland. 

This gives you a bit more leeway in terms of arriving at the airport when you feel you need to be there. Not that we don't wish you stay longer but I know, from personal experience, that when visiting a foreign country what takes a local a certain amount of time often takes a visitor longer, not being familiar with route, etc. As you can see, I have included Sarge in this message, so he may well have his own thoughts on the matter. At any rate, know you are welcome to stay as long as you wish to do so. Just let me know what you think and we'll plan accordingly. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both, and to Nadienka! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Greetings to the Penticton Palace, It was wonderful to hear your recent glad tidings - particularly the improving state of your physical well being and the impending LA nuptials. All seems well in the valley kingdom.

We are currently moored at a rather windy Ports Cove on South Pender (photo attached) - although we enjoyed a delightful hike to Greenburn Lake this morning with the hounds. We returned to the boat noon and dug into a lunch of spreads, salads, cold grilled chicken (with a shallot mélange sauce) followed by a brief nap (skipper & dogs only since Jean was deeply engaged with scouring the Internet for nuggets of info on Greek mythology). Yesterday we hiked down Gowland Point Road to the trail the Stuart Moresby View Trail - great trail for the dogs and even the possibility of Orca viewing (we saw pod a couple of years ago here.)

Your account of bike locker building vaguely reminded me of a recent oil change I completed before embarking on some summertime cruising. As you may know Commitment II is a wooden hulled Grand Banks powered by two Ford Lehman Diesel engines so the oil change is twice as much bother as our previous boat which had but one such 6-cylinder engine - and not only that but the engine-room is very cramped and so movement for a 72 year old can be overly laborious (in fact get to the starboard side fuel injector (see photo of the Simm's injector) to drain and then fill the 0.9 pint reservoir could easily lead to some kind of muscle cramp and leave me basically paralyzed and locked into position between the starboard engine and the hull - not a pleasant way to spend the hours or days waiting for help to arrive or my condition to improve or terminate.

Anyway, after an initial kerfuffle to obtain the 30 litres of 30 weight Rotella engine oil (Lordco initially tried to sell me some multi grade and then some 40 wt oil) the change went exceedingly well with new filters (photo attached) and new oil to lubricate the sturdy diesels that power our cruising the delightful waters around the Gulf Islands.

Tomorrow we untie and head for Port Browning just around the tip of South Pender, then after a few days we'll head off to Montague Harbour (and a superb little restaurant) before making our way to Siva Bay on Gabriola Island, and then - who knows?

WelI I am off for a shower before a glass of our boat red (Cameleon Organic Malbec), a walk with Benson & Tess before dinner at Syrens pub (perhaps the chicken, bacon, Brie ciabatta which Jean enjoyed last evening or a more basic but decadent fish & chips with 2 pieces of Pacific cod). I trust all remains well in the Valley, John 

 

To make it easier for all you Old Fartograms this is the complete and updated distribution list. So, whoever is organizing the next hike(s) please use this email with "REPLY TO ALL", change the subject and off you go. (hey that rhymes!)! Thank you! Aart(uro) & Jos(inta) Dronkers Hi all, have a fun time on Mondy, hope to be able to join you in July! Hanneke and Doug 

Stefano Refines The Ball & Chain Blues: Thursday, June 22nd!

One can never pay in gratitude; one can only pay "in kind" somewhere else in life. -Anne Morrow Lindbergh, writer (22 Jun 1906-2001)

Up at 6:30 am, before Etta and Duke could even stretch and yawn their way to the garage door! Lady Dar and Stefano were still abed, former exhausted from her Book Club deliberations of the night before, latter drained from the punishing work on the bike locker in the hot sun! Hope to finish second one off today and perhaps make a start on the third. Must away to fill a bucket with cold water to splash over the sleepy-heads!

Hello Captain and Crew of Committment I Wonderful to hear both of your voices after too, too long! Sorry it has taken me a bit to send along one of the "latest newsletters"! Loads to tell so will try to highlight some of the events and happenings in our busy lives.

Phoned Huber, our GM dealer here in town, yesterday morning and told them about our car woes. Had no real idea what to expect, regarding overall expense although I knew it was not going to be cheap. Turns out charges will be about $2,000! Not really what we'd like to entertain, anytime, let alone when we are off to Alexander's wedding, in LA, in a week or so, given $CDN! Guess Lady Dar will have to sell 500 pairs of her shoes!

At any rate, Stefano and I worked away on the second bike locker and have finished all but the large, swing door. Will finish that off this morning and hope to start on the third storage unit. This evening we are off to Penticton Art Gallery's 40th Annual Art Auction this coming Thursday so looking forward to that. Includes dinner and Lynne and Peter Lighthall, close friends from Naramata are joining us. Will leave Stefano at home to welcome Flamin' and Sarge, along with friend and former neighbour, Jo-Anne, who are driving up for weekend. They will only stay the night as they are heading to their "fractional condo', (not free until Friday), in Osoyoos, until Sunday. Stefano will make his break from The Mother Ship, [Branko calls her The Burns Street Gulag!], hitching a ride back to Vancouver with them. Good thing as Polly and Mick Carter will stay over Sunday night! They will have been at Sandy Beach Lodge, in Naramata, for almost a week, with all their children/grandchildren, before returning to Vancovuer on Monday.

This will give me a day or so to pack as I'm off to Vancouver on Tuesday to stay overnight, back at Harbour Terrace, before Sarge and I head to LA. Will stay with close friends in Portland on Wednesday night, then two nights with Pat and David Coffaro, in their gorgeous guest suite, at their winery, just outside Healdsburg. We are taking our bikes as we want to cycle Dry Creek! Have done it a number of times before and it is magical. Still remember first time we were there with you two!

Saturday in to Berkeley to stay with Nancy and David and then on to Tinsel Town on Sunday. Will cycle the wonderful bike path around Venice on Monday and Sarge flies back very early on Tuesday, July 4th, same day as rest of wedding guests, (Lady Dar/Chloë, from Vancovuer, Rosie-the-Riveter, and her two grandchildren, Marlo and Cody, from Winnipeg), arrive. I will start to wend my way back on Monday, July 10th, to spend theweekend in Vacouver, at the Folk Fest, before returning to Penticton on Monday, July 17th, for a Serena Ryder concert that evening. Fortiss is coming to put in a gas line, sometime that week, as we are planning to install a hot-water-on-demand unit this Fall. Flamin' and Sarge will be back following Thursday, with close friends, so it will be another hectic weekend. If it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium!

Must away as Stefano is now up and I have to jump start him with a hit of caffeine! Fondestos from Lady Dar, still abed, to you both. Love and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Leaving Harbour Terrace on Tuesday with Stefano, Flamin', Sarge and Jaxon, second grandchild; dinner last night, on our back patio, with Tom, new neighbour from across back lane. Lady Dar is grumpy as I didn't fill her wine glass quickly enough! Loading firewood, last Friday, from friends who live on Spiller Road, up above Naramata Road.

Hello Lady Patrizzia and Sir James! Wonderful to hear your voice, Sir James! Thank you for the condolences. Enjoyed hearing about your busy lives. Brought back wonderful memories of our time in Neffiès. Cheers, Patrizzio!