Telus Un-Plugged Blues: Friday, August 31st!

Hi Rosita! Don't worry about Dusty's belt but you can still send a large suitcase filled with $US! Our hearts simply go out to Marlo. What a tough, tough hand she has been dealt. We need rain here as well, although it has been considerably cooler over last few days so some slight optimism regarding fight against terrible wildfires.

I like two-seater as well but am not a fan of the chairs. I think they are too high as well as not overly comfortable, for me, at least, with my short stubby Ukrainian legs. I'd rather another two-seater, (Give chairs to Chloë who likes them.) Furthermore, light colour is a very poor choice, as far as I'm concerned, given that both cats will want to sleep on them, not to mention showing every speck of dirt or red wine spills! However, Lady Dar goes on and on and on about being able to swivel, to turn from gazing at cosy fireplace to look directly into her eyes as she works her magic on the new gas cook-top. Swivel smivel! Great for Avery and Ashlyn to have a merry-go-round ride smack dab in the middle of the living room whenever they come over to terrorize! [They already use bar stools like playground roundabouts, whirring around until I'm worried they'll vomit into dip bowl after filling their tummies with fistfuls of humus!] I think she's nuts but she's your daughter and as stubborn as Quinn!

Rest of renovations are coming along nicely but probably,as of this writing, another week's worth of finishing up., given past glitches, etc.This past Saturday morning we pulled out a number of the large rugs we hadn't been able to use in former kitchen configuration and Lady Dar tried them out to see what might work where. While they were spread on floor I vacuumed them as still dusty from earlier renovations. For those we won't use we'll ask Chloë if she might like any for her place as we'd rather have them used than stored. As well, more furniture to be moved but this will take more effort as will require moving other pieces, now in the Rumpus Room, as well as unloading the large book shelf, now inour bedroom. More dusting and vacuuming. When will it ever end? When will it ever end? Enough! Oy Vey, Already!

Afterwards, I strolled down to the Farmers' Market. Lady Dar didn't join me as she was busy preparing for a wedding that afternoon.Needed cukes and tomatoes and also stumbled upon River Stone, winery out of Oliver, so picked up a bottle of their 2015 Merlot, 15% and their 2015 Stones Throw, 14.7%, a Bordeaux blend, Merlot, Cabbage, Malbec and Petit Verdot. For dinner, enjoyed the Merlot with Lady Dar's aubergine/minced turkey casserole and both were stunningly delicious. Light rain, late that afternoon, [Coming after forty years of living on the Wet Coast seems rather funny to wish for rain! Becoming more Californian all the time!], was absolutely wonderful, for all sorts of reasons. However, affected Lady Dar's wedding  ceremony a tad, but not catastrophically! 

Now that all of Chloë's and kitchen boxes are no longer in my office, I spent a goodly part of Sunday morning and afternoon vacuuming and dusting most everything in it. I had piles and piles of Penguins stacked on a tea trolley so that I could move the bookshelves beside the Murphy bed into the hallway, outside the guest bathroom, part of the Musical Furniture Dance orchestrated by Lady Dar. Was able to transfer them into the right side of the wall shelving moved from the living room to my office. Pleased to have more storage space as well as being able to put various ornaments on the top of the shelves. After I'd moved the books I cleaned off my computer desk, dusting and then using Windex on all the surfaces as well as the printer. Even though we had the door closed during the various construction stages dust found its way over and into everything, everywhere.

With the tea trolley now free, I cleaned and dusted all the Telus boxes that had been on the book shelves. While I was doing this I bundled up the mare's nest of cables and wires that were all jumbled together. Now they are neatly secured with small Velcro fasteners. While all the TV's and computers are working, our landline isn't. Don't know what the problem could be as I've checked each phone and all are fully charged. Display says to check the telephone line but I don't have a clue what that means. If it is a loose connection, I cannot find it so we'll have to phone Telus to see if they can help or send out someone to take a look if they cannot walk us through procedure.

Fortunately, Lady Dar's cell phone will keep us connected. Important with all the renovation work that is still to be finished. After I'd done what I'd planned for first stage of re-organizing office, I went into the garage to vacuum the steps of the back patio. Now that we have moved, and emptied, most of the tubs we were using for the Summer Kitchen I wanted to tidy up that space. Did so and was going to have a ride on my stationary bike but it started to rain! While I was pleased at the precipitation, [Day was the clearest, without smoke, that it has been for weeks, and one could actually see blue sky, between the clouds, as well as the surrounding hills. Sights we have not seen for so long that we almost expect the blanket of grey that has been our cross this summer.], I didn't really want to ride in it so I moved the trainer and my Brodie under the louvres, deciding to take off the back wheel and replace it with one from my Trek. I've had it kicking around since I put two new tires on it after a catastrophic spoke failure, a couple of years ago now. Anyway, I was stymied as I couldn't figure out how to remove the wheel, held in place by the brake pads. No quick release that I could see and didn't want to start fiddling in case I did something I couldn't undo. Decided I'd take it in to Freedom and let them tell me what a dope I am!

Monday was as quiet as it has been for weeks as no tradespeople. Etta and Duke were happy. I spent much of the day doing various household chores while Lady Dar was feverishly working on wedding ceremonies. She has four weddings this coming weekend, starting on Friday! Yesterday was a completely different matter as tiler arrived at 8:30 am and Mike, shortly thereafter. Ceramic backsplash looks terrific but won't be grouted until today. [As these things go, tiler was short one tile to complete job so he had to return to store to see if he could find a display tile to use! Fortunately he was successful. Had he not been I was planning to ask him to cement an empty bottle ofCoffaro EstateCuvéein space!] Mike worked on replacing various pieces of drywall and is now painting the living room ceiling. Not quite sure where we were going to play bridge that evening as we were hosting two tables! Group will certainly have more sympathy for us, having had first hand experience living in the midst of chaos, them but an evening, we these last two months.

When Lady Dar was back from a number of appointments, we loaded the  MarriageMobile to take the old dishwasher toHabitat for Humanity, a national, non-profit organization "working towards a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity’s model empowers families to invest in home ownership. Through donated labour, efficient management and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses." As well, included three light fixtures that we had replace, [You might well remember putting to of them up!], so pleased to have all these things go to a good cause as well as to have them out of garage! By the time I was back home both Allan and Mike were finished for the day so we set up the two tables in the living room.

Quick bit of vacuuming before a showering and changing. Lady Dar had done crab cakes and lamb burgers for dinner. I sliced and diced some cucumbers and tomatoes and we enjoyed our dinner before bridge hordes arrived. Only had seven players but Dummy moved between tables so everything worked out well. Naramata Goil, aka Pam, brought along a wonderful bottle of Noble Ridge's Meritage so it went down very smoothly after I polished off a glass of Cannery Brewery's Muse IPA!

On duty at Sendero Canyon Wednesday. Had to be there at 11:00 am to have someone at home. Chloë was expecting a fairly large Ikea delivery, [mirrors, bed frames, dresser], and could not be there as she has a number of strata meetings, Lady Dar wedding stuff. I was happy to be on call as she now has Internet connectivity but I planned to start on Matt Haig's The Humans, our next Book Club choice, late September if time allowed. Delivery came around 1:00 pm and once items had been unloaded I headed home. Allan, had finished grouting by the time I was back and Mike was still painting, giving skylight opening a second coat. Ceiling and skylight both look great.Once Mike had removed many of his drop cloths I started tidying up and vacuumed, once he'd left, as there were all sorts of bits and pieces on floor even though both he and Allan were very careful as they worked and cleaned up well afterwards.

Once Lady Dar was back from Kelowna we headed back to Sendero to help Chloë put together all her Ikea jig-saw puzzles. Did you hear us swearing all the way across the Rockies! We managed to put the bed frame together and then put the mattress atop it. Looks quite attractive and is very comfortable so everyone was more than pleased with collective effort. Ayn was supposed to arrive just before midnight but flight was delayed so she didn't actually land until closer to 1:00 am! By the time we were back home it was 10:30 pm so I had a shower. When we learned that flight was delayed I had a nap and when I woke up, at 12:40 am, Lady Dar had already left for airport. Anyway, they were back shortly after 1:00 am and we had a quick visit, giving Ayn the Grand Tour, before we all headed to bed.

Yesterday was another full, busy day. Lady Dar had a number of errands to run in the morning while Ayn and I stayed at home. Mike was back to attend to a myriad of small finishing tasks. Main one was to slice off a 1/4" from a piece of the cabinet molding above the microwave. Lady Dar had phoned cabinet people but since we had no idea how long it would take for a replacement piece to be fabricated, Mike said he could do it himself since cut would be hidden anyway. For such initiative, (Dusty-like, indeed!), and much more, we are very, very impressed with Mike.

With the needed clearance the microwave surround fit in place. However, given screw hole placement, stove needs to pulled out before surround can be secured. Mike didn't want to do this as it was appliance work and chap who did original fitting will be back anyway to balance wine fridge. [We'll have to drink eleven cases of wine over long-weekend to make fridge easier to move on Tuesday!]. After this, Mike put the trim around the door to the Rumpus Room, on kitchen side only as stairs still need a new lip. And so it goes, one step forward and twenty-seven back!

Lady Dar was back close to 11:00 am and she collected Ayn and they buzzed away for Lady Dar's hair appointment. After that they spent a bit of time downtown and then repaired to The Naramata to have a wonderful lunch at Legend, craft distillery there. They were back around 4:00 pm and both needed naps after their exhausting outing! Mike was cleaning up his tools and such by then so living room was almost ready to have furniture put back into place. Since he wanted to come back following day to finish final sanding on last bits of drywall he had patched, we left large sheet of plastic covering on the furniture we had pushed aside, to keep it from dust that would inevitably fill the air.

While The Sisterhood were recuperating I watched a few episodes of Better Call Saul and then went for an hour's ride on stationary bike. They were up and away to Sendero while I still had half-an-hour to go so I told them I'd see them at Chloë's as soon as I'd showered and changed. By the time I arrived at Sendero they had already had the pizza and salad, from Bad Tattoo, and were about to tackle more Ikea jigsaw puzzles. I wasn't all that hungry so I joined them in the garage and the challenge began.

Chloë and I worked on assembling the dresser while Ayn and Lady Dar put up a shower rod and curtains in the downstairs bathroom. Shruti, her boarder, brought over most of her stuff earlier in the day but will only move-in on Friday, after she finishes work. Consequently, priority was to have her space furnished. While we were still working on the dresser frame, (all the drawers were finished), they started on slats for second bed frame. Unfortunately, the "tool" they needed to screw the slat-frame together could not be found! After much fruitless searching Chloë opened another box of slats and it contained the damn key! By this time it was close to 10:00 pm and Lady Dar left for home. She still had plenty of wedding work and and such a busy day on Friday that she needed to be well rested.

I stayed with The Sisterhood and we very quickly had the two slat frames together. Next was bed frame but since we'd already assembled one night before we knew all the steps so that part went pretty smoothly. All that was left was to peel plastic cover off mattress and Ayn's guest bed was ready!. Again, white bed frame looks very attractive in room, given colour of walls and window trim. I left just after midnight. The Goils helped me loads mountains of recycling into car as I wanted to drop it off at recycling depot before I returned to Sendero on Friday to continue working on dresser and help with other bits and pieces. There will be another load of recycling, (cardboard and plastic), from packaging I've not yet cut up into smaller pieces!

When I was back home, found Duke sleeping at Lady Dar's feet but Miss Etta was still outside. After a few calls, she came racing inside and made straight for the food dish! I brushed and flossed and then "had" to play with Duke as he always knows when I am about to floss, coming into bathroom and gazing at me with his expectant eyes. He turns into a Whirling Dervish on small rug we have in bathroom, chasing the floss I whip around him. Have to be careful as he is so lightning quick and his claws need cutting! After our playtime was over I fell into bed, tired but happy that things had gone so well and that it had been so much fun to have everyone together and laughing, in spite of, or because of, the inevitable frustrations that come with Ikea furniture!

Mike was back at close to 8:30 am this morning to finish up last bit of sanding and Lady Dar was off, shortly thereafter, more wedding meetings. I had to be here as a Telus technician was finally coming to look at our land-line, still not working! However, I am now the proud new owner of an "old" iPhone 6, Lady Dar's cast-off. She became so fussed after couple she was to meet couldn't reach her after giving me her phone when I went to Sendero, to be there when Ikea furniture was delivered on Wednesday, that she took Ayn to some store and had it re-activated with a Rogers Lte plan! Don't really know how to use it but I'm sure I'll muddle along somehow.

Lady Dar was back near 11:00 am and she helped me unload wine fridge and then she readied herself for her wedding, here in town, at 12:30 pm, or so. She was going right to West Kelowna for her 3:30 pm wedding there, right after. Telus chap arrived, shortly after she left, just before noon and it turned out that I guess I had plugged a couple of phone cables into wrong spots so phones were back working in under a minute! Played dumb, of course, Dear Reader! 

However, he also checked TV modems and he changed a number of settings so he was here for about 45 minutes while all the terminals had to re-boot. At any rate, pleased that everything is working now. However, still waiting for appliance technician to arrive so I will start to dust and vacuum living room, attempting to finally get rid of the fine layer of drywall dust that is now back on most of the new wall shelves and fireplace mantle after Mike's sanding. At least we will be able to put all the furniture back in place for dinner tomorrow evening. Having Lynne and Peter, along with Beckster, Kid Chelene and The Double AA's as everyone wants to obtain an autograph from visiting Tinsel Town celebrity! 

Must away as after I do clean-up have to be ready to meet a Library School classmate, Dana Chen, and her husband, Wayne, for drinks at Time Winery & Kitchen, a new spot just recently opened, downtown, on Martin. I've never been before so looking forward to seeing the place. Ayn and Chloë will meet me there, as well as Lady Dar if she is back from West Kelowna and we are still there. Will have dinner back on Burns. Not sure if Ayn will sleep here tonight or stay with us. Anyway,  Fondestos to you, Clarisse, from Lady Dar, somewhere between here and Kelowna! Give our love to one and all. Cheers, Patrizzio, Still Your Very, Very Favourite Son-in-Law! Pics: Tiling shortly after grouting; landscaping Chloë's back yard; Ikea Girls!

Hi, again. I spent the afternoon with Julia in her “Hot Room”. It was a tropical 34C for the first few hours and I was relieved, but also alarmed, when it dropped to a seemingly moderate 30C. I rushed off to inform the nurse but was advised that everything was fine as long as it was over 27. I do have a cartoon that says “Being cremated is my last hope for a smoking hot body.” Well, whoever wrote that didn’t know about the Hot Room!
Julia is in good spirits, all things considered, and is doing well. Today’s good news is that she passed the reportedly crucial 24 hour mark – crucial because that is a milestone in terms of confirming blood flow in and out of the muscle transplant in her foot (i.e. that the blood vessels, carefully sewn together under a microscope, are working as hoped.) She is tired, because they check her leg, epidural, etc. every hour and will continue to do so for a couple of days at least; thus, not much sleep.
Attached is a picture of the nurses attending to her thickly bandaged foot – this was a nursing transition with the outgoing nurse was showing incoming how best to access the area with a monitor used confirm blood flow through the affected area. Julia thanks you all for your care and concern. She is not ready for visitors yet, although she did ask me to bring a mirror ... so she may be thinking ahead. All the best, Ross

Return of Rinaldo, Return to Sendero Blues: Thursday, August 30th!

The mind of a bigot to the pupil of the eye; the more light you pour on it, the more it contracts. -Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., poet, novelist, essayist, and physician (29 Aug 1809-1894)

Hi Patrick Thanks for mail and photos. Nice shots! Our ocean swim went well. I enjoyed it and even won the gemal race on 4.2kms. Only 6 men ahead of me. Me friend Lene, team mate 1970s, won 6.2kms distance. See attached pictures. Hans did 4.2kms, too. In fact he is responsible for a lot of our training this summer, always keen on going out swimming!
 

Wishing you a fine bash on September 15. One reason for not being able to join is, that we are going to cadaques north of Barcelona to do another ocean swim! 14 of us from masters swim team, Hans included. XO FROM MARGARETA 😘 oops sorry for spelling, gemal means female of course.
Margareta
 

Hello Dearest Steel Magnolia! Trust you and The Lads, (all three!), are well. I do apologize for being such a tardy correspondent. Loved the pictures of your swim with Hans and congratulations to you both! Must have been your fabulous coach in Portland so many years ago! Fondestos from Lady Dar, to you, Maggie, the boys and Hans. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: Have you ever heard from Simon Rothenbühler in Copenhagen?

Hi Patrick, No need to apologize. We have had a hectic time with family and friends from out of town, too. We are also attending our granddaughter's performance tonight at Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance - a summer musical theatre camp at the Norman Rothstein theatre near Oakridge. It will be a late night but we hope to be on the road by 10 am tomorrow.

Enjoyed your pics of the renovation - the house looks spectacular. The kitchen is beautiful - is that a giant wine keeper by the fridge? Coincidentally, we were hoping to get to the Farmer's Market on Saturday and had heard of the Front Street Brasserie. Don't know if we'll be able to squeeze that in, but we'll have to try it since you obviously enjoyed your dinner there.

It's perfectly understandable your not having a cell phone. Wayne only has one because I gave him my old one and he only texts when there's free wifi! He never takes it out of town. I'll call Corinne first when we get into town. If there's no answer, I'll text Ayn and Chloe. So that they know it's not a telemarketer or scammer, here is my cell number is. See you tomorrow. Cheers, Dana

Hi, All. This is quick update on Julia. As you likely know, Julia required extensive surgery to treat melanoma recently discovered on the sole of her left foot. That surgery occurred today/30th. She was admitted to VGH at 05:45 and went into surgery at around 8:00 am. The plastic surgeon called me in the afternoon to report that the surgery went well, although due to some difficulties with ‘uncooperative’ blood vessels (my term) the surgery took longer than expected – over 7 hours. 

I visited Julia in the hospital some time after the surgery. She was still in the Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) where they monitor patients recovering from anesthesia. She was awake, comfortable (has an epidural) and in reasonably good spirits, although drowsy and suffering from unquenchable thirst (she cannot drink for several (24?) hours after surgery, and can only have her mouth swabbed with a small wet sponge.) She was receiving one-on-one care while there. The nurse was hoping to have Julia out of the PACU by 9:30 pm. 

Julia will be in the hospital for 7-10 days, while the transplant in her foot is carefully monitored. She will be in a ‘hot room’, to assure good circulation, but which I gather to be unenviable given that the health care workers roll their eyes sympathetically when mentioning it. All seems good for now. Big kudos to the very professional health care workers taking such good care of Julia!

I’ll report again late tomorrow. Many thanks for your kind thoughts and expressions of care. -Ross ps: attached is a pic of Julia in pre-op looking deceptively relaxed (she was anything but), pointing to the Lululemon advice she noticed on her carry bag. 

Patriçio, Well, I was at the hospital today and signed the necessary paperwork. My Dad will be put into an appropriate care facility as soon as one comes up. He can then be put on a waiting list for somewhere closer, ie, Blenheim Lodge would be ideal - close, easy to get to. Of course he will still (initially) be located “locally”.

I am more than happy to attend your Blues Bash, and trilled that accommodation is available. I may not make it until Saturday, as I have a med appt. (heart follow-up monitoring) The Wednesday - Thursday, so couldn’t leave before Friday. As you may know, one does *not* go for Hwy 1 East of from Vancouver, anywhere close to rush hour! Don’t worry, no pooch. I was actually referring to the possibility I might have a dog, but that’s still on hold until everything else gets sorted out. 
 

Would like to hang around a few days … if the air quality allows, I may bring my bike. Try another run for the “Little Tunnel" When you speak of firewood, Are you going to collect more? Seems to me there was quite a bit piled up! If so, I can bring the super-truck. Have considered getting one of those “kid” wagons? A 4 wheel device would be easier to handle on that slope. Oh, if your brakes do not have a quick release, you may have to let the air out of the tire to squeeze it between the pads. Sometimes the release is on the brake lever (handlebars). Talk soon //bjp Branko

Hi Patrick, No need to apologize. We have had a hectic time with family and friends from out of town, too. We are also attending our granddaughter's performance tonight at Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance - a summer musical theatre camp at the Norman Rothstein theatre near Oakridge. It will be a late night but we hope to be on the road by 10 am tomorrow.
 

Enjoyed your pics of the renovation - the house looks spectacular. The kitchen is beautiful - is that a giant wine keeper by the fridge? Coincidentally, we were hoping to get to the Farmer's Market on Saturday and had heard of the Front Street Brasserie. Don't know if we'll be able to squeeze that in, but we'll have to try it since you obviously enjoyed your dinner there.It's perfectly understandable your not having a cell phone. Wayne only has one because I gave him my old one and he only texts when there's free wifi! He never takes it out of town. I'll call Corinne first when we get into town. If there's no answer, I'll text Ayn and Chloe. So that they know it's not a telemarketer or scammer, here is my cell number! See you tomorrow. Cheers, Dana 

Greetings to all: If you don’t get Karl’s updates from a more reliable source, read on. More good news. ALL of his tubes were removed, so he can freely walk without dragging this comet’s tail of hardware behind him. The only medication he is still receiving is some antibiotic to clear some residual infection. Another big news is that he can eat some real food, albeit blended. He claims that it beats his intravenous drip nutrition by a long shot.

I did not get to see him yesterday, and today I noticed that he has made a substantial improvement. Is that why? By extension, if I stay out of his way for several days, will he get completely cured? I should ask him. A final great news: his day of discharge has been tentatively set for next Mo, or Tue. The end of today’s news. Cheers, Al PS. Karl was in good mood and cheerful spirit.

Sendero Canyon Ikea Minder Blues: Wednesday, August 29th!

 If a man points at the moon, an idiot will look at the finger. -Sufi wisdom

 

On duty at Sendero Canyon today. Must be there at 11:00 am to have someone at home. Chloë is expecting a fairly large Ikea delivery, [mirrors, bed frames, dresser], and cannot be there as she has a number of strata meetings, Lady Dar wedding stuff, meetings here in Penticton and then one in Kelowna. I'm happy to be on call as she now has Internet connectivity but I can also start on Matt Haig's The Humans, our next Book Club choice, late September.

Delievery came around 1:00 pm and once items had been unloaded I headed home. Allan, had finished grouting by the time I was back and Mike was still painting, giving skylight opening a second coat. Ceiling looks great. Should be able to put living room back together once painting is finished, by afternoon's end, I trust.

Once Lady Dar is back from Kelowna we'll probably head back to Sendero to help Chloë put together all her Ikea jig-saw puzzles. Wish us luck. Will need it. You might hear us swearing all the way across the Rockies! Ayn arrives just before midnight so it will be a long day. Must away as I need to start tidying up now that Mike has removed many of his drop cloths. Will need to vacuum once he's left as there are all sorts of bits and pieces on floor even though both he and Allan were very careful as they worked and cleaned up well afterwards.

Phil and I can not do Tuesday, Wed or Thursday next week. See you following week maybe. Gill Sorry, I can't make it. Will still be in Calgary! Have fun everybody...Sheeting looks fabulous P and C. Fresh air greetings blowing your way. Jos Yes thank you Pat, I will be in the Market on Saturday. Re-read Divine Wind. I would like to hear your reaction DBJS.

Patrick, Thank you to you and Corinne for a fun night of Bridge and catching up. Your renos are awesome and zymurgy new kitchen will be such a pleasure to work in. I mentioned that I could possibly host next week but after checking my calendar I realize that is the first Tuesday of the Art Talks series at the art gallery, which are great by the way. Antonella is the speaker and she is charming and knowledgeable. Actually, every night next week is committed I just now realize, and the next week my son and his girlfriend are visiting from Toronto. So I am out of commission for the next two weeks. 

 

I should also mention that I am starting a yoga class on Tuesday nights at 5:30 (the only yoga class that I know of in Naramata so I don't have a choice of time unfortunately). Is Tuesday night for Bridge cast in stone or would another night work? For me Thursday night might work best. I agree with setting a fixed night of the week. I am off to work at Legend today. Have a great day! Pamela

 

Wow! Photos of the transformation are amazing!! Cudos to Designer Corinne. Not afraid to be bold. How are the guest quarters coming along? (;-) ! Is she available for international consults?

Unlike my industrious mate, I am just cruising along in the slow lane. Upped my game a little by joining a second book club, that reads from the Obama recommendation list. However, this trip south is going to stymie my efforts for September. Trying desperately to learn some basic Spanish. Then I discovered that Chileans use so many uniquely Chilean expressions that not even other South Americans can understand them. Well, I have mastered "Donde estan los banos, Una botella de agua minerale," and Prickly knows, "Una copa de vino tinto," so I guess we are good to go!

Thanks for updates from Penticton. We are being threatened with periodic electrical black outs during high fire danger, so that PG & E can't be blamed for their electrical wires causing fires. Much grumbling in the 'hood. We watch domestic politics with horror. I donate monthly to Andrew Janz , hoping to help defeat Devin Nunez, a 🐛 (worm). Chao, & Hi to the resident Pentictonites. Ever more Floridian than before, Nancy

 

Dear Patrick Thanks for the lengthy email--only managed to totally read it today. Kitchen renovation etc. look terrific! You will be pleased to have this completed and to have the bettter design. Bravo to Corinne. We are working on outside painting what a chore. Went to the PNE--highlight was the Superdogs, Knights of Valour (a real jousting match) and Lost World of Dragons.
Weather has been better and always lots to do. Going to Whistler Sept. 3-5 as i want to delight in the fact that I am not back at school. So glad that Ayn was flying in--hope you enjoy a great visit. Lots of hugs for all of you and nice pets for the cats. Jo-Anne Hi Patrick Can you resend this email with kitchen pictures to Colin--somehow I lost the photos. Cheers Jo-anne

 

 

Back-Splash Blues: Tuesday, August 28th!

There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, poet, dramatist, novelist, and philosopher (28 Aug 1749-1832)

More Marlo uodate: Marlo is feeling better this morning with more meds helping. Still at hospital & just going through CT scan. Will know more after results come back. She was in a lot of pain yesterday evening & she was on her morphine (type of) prescription at the time. No chemo this week so hopefully can get better & rest up for next weeks treatments. George

Today was a polar opposite to yesterday's relative quite as tiler arrived at 8:30 am and Mike, shortly thereafter. Ceramic backsplash looks terrific but won't be grouted until tomorrow. [As these things go, tiler was short one tile to complete job so he had to return to store to see if he could find a display tile to use! Fortunately he was successful. Had he not been I was planning to ask him to cement an empty bottle of Coffaro Estate Cuvée in space!] Mike worked on replacing various pieces of drywall and is now painting the living room ceiling. Not quite sure where we were going to play bridge that evening as we were hosting two tables! Group will certainly have more sympathy for us, having had first hand experience living in the midst of chaos, them but an evening, we these last two months.

When Lady Dar was back from a number of appointments, we loaded the MarriageMobile to take the old dishwasher to Habitat for Humanity, a national, non-profit organization "working towards a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity’s model empowers families to invest in home ownership. Through donated labour, efficient management and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses." As well, included three light fixtures that we had replaced so pleased to have all these things go to a good cause as well as to have them out of garage! By the time I was back home both Allan and Mike were finished for the day so we set up the two tables in the living room.

Quick bit of vacuuming before a showering and changing. Lady Dar had done crab cakes and lamb burgers for dinner. I sliced and diced some cukes and tomatoes and we enjoyed our dinner before bridge hordes arrived. Only had seven players but Dummy moved between tables so everything worked out well. Naramata Goil, aka Pam, brought along a wonderful bottle of Noble Ridge's Meritage so it went down very smoothly after I polished off a glass of Cannery Brewery's Muse IPA!

Buona Sera Bidding Fiends! Lovely to see Naramata Girl after so many months, [Thanks of the fabulous Noble Ridge Meritage! Yummsters indeed!!!], and to have our newcomers, Susannah and Carolina, back for more punishment. We trust you are playing bridge on your cruise, Olga Polga! [Sorry I am not able to play bridge tonite. Tooo tired and feeling guilty about leaving mags alone after being gone all day Enjoy the cards Judy] Missed Judy Blue but she chose her boyfriend, Magnum, over us! Who knows where the wind blew Mad Michaelo. Bridge prizes turned out to be unlimited firewood from Spiller Road, so thanks to Phillipo and Gilliana.

No discussion of next's week game so I'm open to suggestions. I assume we will play on Tuesday, September 4th, at 6:30 pm, but not where. Anyone interested in hosting? Let me know and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Cards amidst the plastic sheeting! Sorry, I can't make it. Will still be in Calgary! Have fun everybody...Sheeting looks fabulous P and C. Fresh air greetings blowing your way. Jos Patrick, Thank you to you and Corinne for a fun night of Bridge and catching up. Your renos are awesome and zymurgy new kitchen will be such a pleasure to work in. I mentioned that I could possibly host next week but after checking my calendar I realize that is the first Tuesday of the Art Talks series at the art gallery, which are great by the way. Antonella is the speaker and she is charming and knowledgeable. 

Actually, every night next week is committed I just now realize, and the next week my son and his girlfriend are visiting from Toronto. So I am out of commission for the next two weeks. I should also mention that I am starting a yoga class on Tuesday nights at 5:30 (the only yoga class that I know of in Naramata so I don't have a choice of time unfortunately). Is Tuesday night for Bridge cast in stone or would another night work? For me Thursday night might work best. I agree with setting a fixed night of the week. I am off to work at Legend today. Have a great day! Pamela




Hi everyone: More encouraging news about Karl. Most of his tubes and wires have been removed which I take as a clear sign of his continuous improvement. I saw him today, he was in good spirit, talking, even joking. He has his lap-top with him, so he can send and receive e-mail messages. If you want to drop him a line here  is his address.

 

When I talked to him about this Thursday’s hike he replied that he will give it a pass this time, but warned me that his joining of the Slow Fart sub-group (only Jack Sr and me) will be short lived, as he has all intentions to leave us in the dust of his boots and march on with the Regular OFs. Cheeky little fello’!!! We wish him further rapid improvement and no more complications. Cheers, Al

Hi Karl! Very sorry to learn of your illness and resulting surgery. However, gather you are doing quite well, of late, so very pleased to hear this good news. Hope I'll see you out hiking. I haven't been on the slopes myself so perhaps we can make a comeback together. Until then, all the best. Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: I tried to send you the ecard below but apparently the address I have won't accept such mailings.

Hi all, I know I am late, but here it is…..This Thursday, we will take it a bit easier. The plan is to hike in the Bald Range, west of Faulder. We will: -meet at 0900 (note the later time!) at IGA parking lot in Summerland (0840 at Home Hardware north parking lot in Penticton). -carpool and make our way out to the Summerland-Princeton Road -ramble around the Bald Range -return to Summerland for debriefing and refreshment. Interested? Please give me a nod. Cheers, Jim

Washed Clean Overnight and Sunny Sky Blues;: Monday, August 27th!

Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion. -Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, philosopher (27 Aug 1770-1831) 

Today was as quiet as it has been for weeks as no tradespeople. Etta and Duke were happy. I spent much of the day doing various household chores while Lady Dar was feverishly working on wedding ceremonies. She has four weddings this coming weekend, starting on Friday!
Thanks Patrick! Those are all great suggestions! I recognise some of the ones we visited together. We’d love to have you along for whatever wineries interest you! We’ve told our friends that you have the gift of creating a party wherever you go!

LOVE the kitchen and rug. It will be great to have things settled and back to making those wonderful meals. And of course the pic of the kitty. I was ready for his death – he had cancer of some sort (never bothered to find out exactly what bc the vet said there wasn’t much they could do, so why put them through the stress and pain of a biopsy). But yes I still miss him – he was a very “cool” cat. A black and white. My fav. OJ the orange male tabby is also an interesting cat but as they say, most orange male tabs aren’t’ the sharpest tools in the shed – but he’s loveable (and very vocal)!!

We haven’t really visited the Similkameen for wine but have had some nice ones. Funny you should mention Fairview – we did visit that one last time but the winemaker wasn’t there. He’s a good friend of a colleague and oenophile in Montreal. I do love his whites!

Talk to you soon, and enjoy the rain – we are looking forward to some here – had a measly 2 mm on Saturday! Need a good drenching. Counting down to retirement on Friday!! Champers time J Luise

Received a sweet thank you from Marlo today for the package I sent. She is watching the movies and taking it all day by day and staying positive. She is a true Durston xo Not good news on Marlo's fight. Mom/Nana Marlo is back at the emergency at Seven Oaks tonight. Extreme pain stomach, back pain & nausea. Going to be very late night. Only saw Doctor at 1:00 am & awaiting more test results. Going to bed now. Barb sleeping upstairs as Quinn was very very upset & saying “Did want Mommy to go to heaven” Emmett also crying! Bad night here. Hope hospital can identify the problem & deal with Marlo’s pain. On med’s that should normally mask the pain. Good Night George Praying for Marlo xoxo
 
Glad the kids have their grandparents for support but thinking how hard this must be for everyone at this time. I know she is fighting.

Greetings from Cowichan Bay! Not sure if you’ll be around September 13th?
We have a hotel booked, and had hoped to see you guys and Dan & Una. They will be away, so we’ll head down to Lake Chelan after our stay in Oliver, unless you are around. If we miss you this time, we’ll catch up again down the road...
Hope all is well! Gregg & Francesca Hi Gregg, we are here and have you penciled in for the 2 nights, the 13 & 14, I think you mentioned in an earlier email. Hope we get a chance to visit. Cheers Corinne

Penguin Paperback Blues: Sunday, August 26th!

During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act. -George Orwell, writer (1903-1950)

Now that all of Chloë's and kitchen boxes were no longer in my office, I spent a goodly part of the morning and afternoon vacuuming and dusting most everything in it. I had piles and piles of Penguins stacked on the tea trolley so that I could move the bookshelves beside the Murphy bed into the hallway, outside the guest bathroom, part of the Musical Furniture Dance orchestrated by Lady Dar. Was able to transfer them into the right side of the wall shelving moved from the living room to my office. 

Pleased to have more storage space as well as being able to put various ornaments on the top of the shelves. After I'd moved the books I cleaned off my computer desk, dusting and then using Windex on all the surfaces as well as the printer. Even though we had the door closed during the various construction stages dust found its way over and into everything, everywhere. 

With the tea trolley now free, I cleaned and dusted all the Telus boxes that had been on the book shelves. While I was doing this I bundled up the mare's nest of cables and wires that were all jumbled together. Now they are neatly secured with small Velco fasteners. While all the TV's and computers are working, our landline isn't. Don't know what the problem could be as I've checked each phone and all are fully charged. Display says to check the telephone line but I don't have a clue what that means. If it is a loose connection, I cannot find it so we'll have to phone Telus tomorrow to see if they can help or send out someone to take a look if they cannot walk us through procedure. Fortunately, Lady Dar's cell phone will keep us connected. Important with all the renovation work that is still to be finished. After I'd done what I'd planned for first stage of re-organizing office, I went into the garage to vacuum the steps of the back patio. 

Now that we have moved, and emptied, most of the tubs we were using for the Summer Kitchen I wanted to tidy up that space. Did so and was going to have a ride on my stationary bike but it started to rain! While I was pleased at the precipitation, [Day was the clearest, without smoke, that it has been for weeks, and one could actually see blue sky, between the clouds, as well as the surrounding hills. Sights we have not seen for so long that we almost expect the blanket of grey that has been our cross this summer.], I didn't really want to ride in it so I moved the trainer and my Brodie under the louvres, deciding to take off the back wheel and replace it with one from my Trek. I've had it kicking around since I put two new tires on it after a catastrophic spoke failure, a couple of years ago now. Anyway, I was stymied as I couldn't figure out how to remove the wheel, held in place by the brake pads. No quick release that I could see and didn't want to start fiddling in case I did something I couldn't undo. Decided I'd take it in to Freedom tomorrow and let them tell me what a dope I am!
 
Must away as I'm on deck for a salad, [Lettuce is from our own garden!], and then a quick shower. Chloë just popped by, back from Vernon where she was visiting Katie, still grieving over the death of her Dad. Want her to take the runner we bought in Turkey, in 2003, with Elaine and Ted, as it is too long for space between sink and island in new configuration. Lady Dar thinks it will fit her third floor hallway so I think she should see what it looks like. If she doesn't even want to entertain the idea, I'll bundle it up and store it somewhere. 

Oh my brings back memories from when we redid our kitchen in Newfoundland! Good and bad, but the finished product will be super! Looks lovely. And love the pic of the cat! We are down to a single feline – OJ. Our old black and white died in May when I was away teaching a field course in Newfoundland. So sad, He was my baby. We did manage to rent the Black Window cottage/house! We’re very excited about our trip – and of course we must have a meal/visit! Also any suggestions for vineyards to visit would be welcome. The smoke has cleared here and we can actually see the mountains now. Before it like a wall of greyness. We be in touch soon – and good luck with the final stretch – it always feels like it takes forever for those last few things to get done! Luise 

Hi Luise! Pleased to hear that you managed to book Black Widow. Will be most curious to hear what cottage is like. However, very sorry to learn about the death of your male cat. We become so attached to our pets that it is very, very painful to lose them. On a brighter note, [funny now that it might ordinarily seem], rain today, late afternoon, was absolutely, absolutely wonderful!

With respect to kitchen, place is quite livable now but it will be terrific to have last few things taken care of, before your visit! Speaking of which, here is a list of some of the wineries we like. You may well know some/many. They are spread out, from north of us to Summerland and Kelowna and then south of us to OK Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos, right on the US border into Washington, to Keremeos/Cawston, in the Similkameen, west of Osoyoos. I assume you will be driving here so I suggest you come via the Crowsnest Highway 3/Hope-Princeton. This way you can taste in the Similkameen before you continue north, via Highway 3A E and Okanagan Highway/BC-97 N, to Penticton, (Stop in to say hello and have a tour, with drink in hand!), before home to Naramata and Black Widow's cottage.

You can take a look at their websites to see if their product might be of interest. Of course, feel free to be in touch and ask anything you might have questions about. I won't bother to provide locations, within regions mentioned above, at this point. Here goes: Ex Nihilo, Quail's Gate, Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards, Silk Scarf, 8th Generation, Upper Bench Winery Estate Winery and Creamery, Roche, Poplar Grove, La Frenz, Little Engine, Terravista, Deep Roots, Bella, Elephant Island, Township 7, Synchromesh, Meyer Family Vineyards, Blue Mountain, Liquidity, Noble Ridge, Wild Goose, Stag's Hollow, Nighthawk Vineyards, (Dubh Glas, a craft distillery), Cannery Brewing, a fab craft brewery just a few blocks away from us, Le Vieux Pin, Bartier Brothers, Stoneboat, C.C. Jentsch Cellars, Intersection, Hester Creek, Cassini, Checkmate, Culmina, Lariana Nk’Mip Cellars, River Stone, Orofino, Clos du Soleil, (Twisted Hills Craft Cider), Vanessa, and Corcelettes Estate Winery. Some of the most interesting reds come from Oliver, C.C. Jentsch, in particular, and Fairview Cellars, although winemaker is rather eccentic. I'm not a fan of either Burrowing Owl or Black Hills, now that Senka is not winemaker at latter. She and her husband Bob, now own Terravista, but you might have a different opinion. Both off Black Sage Road, towards Osoyoos. We tasted at Church & State, in same area, a week or so ago and was very impressed. Must away now as I have scads of things to do. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you and Dave. All the very best. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Dear Pat and Corinne I am glad to hear from your. I am glad your cycle time is going well and you might be able to look forward to some time on the road, and not just on the back deck. The reno project sounds like something that would definitely do me in. I know that living in a duplex from the last century is really very primitive and there are times I think my guests must be thinking something like, "I didn't know people still lived like this!"
 

Thank you for the report on Corinne's marriage ministry. I think I heard her use vocabulary that made it sound like a personal calling and a ministry, and I am sure that she lends occasion and dignity and ceremonial depth to every one of her weddings. Keep up the good work Corinne. You didn't mention other family news--like the health report from Corinne's niece. I hope that means there has been no really awful turns in the progress of her illness. Please know that my primitive hospitality will still be open to you because you are people who have been so good to me and I continue to care deeply about.
 

I would be glad to receive contact information for Chloe. She has never been in my contacts--but if she agrees, I think it might be time. Take care. When you get back on the road, do take care of your body and never let the wheels get ahead of your wits. Love to you all Jim

Hello Patrick and Corinne, It is likely that your renovations are proceeding faster than our new sundeck railings and cover! We were told it would only take 3 weeks to a month, but we've passed the two-month mark. Apparently they're waiting for ordered materials to come in. Summer will be over before the deck is finished!
 

We're still planning to be back in the Okanagan from Aug. 31 - Sept. 2 to attend the Blue Mountain harvest dinner along with our friend from Huntsville, Alabama. We have a pretty packed itinerary but hope that you are available late Friday afternoon. Wayne has wanted to visit the new Time Winery and Kitchen. We’d love to get together in the tasting room and if the wines are decent, over a bottle of wine (or two) with appies in the Kitchen. Does this work out for you? Hope we're able to meet up. Cheers, Dana Hi Dana, Patrick thinks he can meet you. Have included him here. C

Hi Corinne and Patrick, Labour Day weekend is always a busy time, but performing wedding ceremonies is such a wonderful way to be occupied! And what joyous news about your first great grandchild. Congratulations! Patrick, if you give me your cell number, I can text you when we head to Time. If it works out for you, it would be great to see you. If it doesn't, we'll be in touch next time we're back. Cheers, Dana Hi Dana! Sorry that it has taken me so long to be in touch but life has been exceedingly busy, with kitchen renovations and more, so I do apologize. At any rate, I would be delighted to meet up with you and Wayne and your friend(s) at Time on Friday afternoon. Ayn will be flying in to Penticton, from LA, late Thursday night, for the weekend so she will be joining me, (along with Chloë, I think. Not sure if she has a strata meeting or not.), while Lady Dar is busy tying marriage knots in Kelowna! 

As I'm a Luddite, I don't have a cell phone but Ms Tinsel Town has one implanted in her wrist so here is her number, as well as Chloë's as a backup. Depending on when you plan to go to Time, Corinne might well be back in time to join us later. At any rate, look forward to seeing you both again. Call Lady Dar when you hit town and we can confirm plans, perhaps pop by to see new kitchen if your schedule allows. Travel safely. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi all, I can take hikers round the 5 lakes in the Mahoney Lake area. It's a reasonably gentle stroll of about 3.5 hours. Meet at Home Hardware in Penticton at 9am and we'll car pool to the yellow gates at Mahoney Lake and start the hike there. We can also meet folks at the yellow gate (approx 9:20). Should complete the trip by about 1:30 or so. If the smoke returns in quantity, we'll cancel. Hope to see you there. Cheers. Phil

Greetings to all: I am happy to report that after a few very rough days Karl is doing much better. There has been a great improvement in his situation. It is all great news. His pain has lessened, is well under control and most importantly, his digestive system seems to have started working again. Some problems, however, persist. I saw him this evening and he asked me to send you an update. 

Here are the goods: He welcomes visitors again, but please · Make it brief · Do not force him to talk to you by asking questions. It is very difficult for him, so you do the talking. · If he talks for a short while he suffers from uncontrollable and very uncomfortable, even painful hiccups. He and Pat are both very hopeful that he has turned the corner and his recovery will be progressing at least satisfactorily, perhaps better than that. His hospital stay will last a few more days, perhaps a week or so. We all wish him well and keep him in our thoughts and (some of us) prayers. Al