Summerland's Christmas Tree Lighting Blues: Friday, 30th!

It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare. -Mark Twain, author and humorist (30 Nov 1835-1910) 

"Mexico’s Alfonso Cuaron’s thrillingly diverse career encompasses everything from Gravity to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Roma is his masterpiece. An evocation of middle-class household in Mexico City in 1970, this scintillating black and white film focusses on Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a live-in maid, who tends to the two children, and observes, discreetly, as her employers’ marriage falls apart." In Spanish so homework for Ragin'!] Lady Dar! This will be released on Netflix mid-December. I heard it reviewed this morning and it is supposed to be wonderful. We also need to watch the Coen Brothers' Ballad of Buster Scruggs, available now on Netflix. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Ragin'! Trust you are well. Haven't heard from you in some time so thought I'd jog your memory. Had a fab hike yesterday and a terrific ride, day before so cannot complain about life here. Off to the Christmas tree lighting in Summerland this evening so should be fun. Plan to buy our own tree on Sunday but not sure where we can cut our own as place we bought it from last year has been sold and it isn't apparent if new owners are selling trees. Might have to take a run to Spiller and lop something down! Let us know if you are making the annual winer trek. Stay well. Take care of yourself, Ragin'. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: Open House Invitation! Are you planning to attend?

Patriçio, Thanx para tu email. I was just about to report! Stuff has happened. Sorry, I don’t recall if I informed you that my Dad is now in a care home. Long story, … That has made a huge difference in my life. I am now, basically, alone in this huge house (aka “albatross”) - another $10K for the lower two roofs! Plus, on the social side, I feel very alone. Well, there is Juno. Did you know that rubbing a dog’s belly brings your blood pressure down? Unlike cats, which has the opposite effect. Rebecca is in town working, so I get to dog-sit a lot. She is going paragliding in New Zealand over Xmas(!!!). Gee Dad, it’s summer there, and I have lots of friends there! ANYWAY, a big turning point.

Well, your Xmas open house. I will be happy to attend, stay a few weeks, under the usual conditions of business class accommodation, with breakfast in bed, served with high end Italian espresso by the 3rd cheerleader from the left on the Dallas Cowboys squad. Hey them Italians make great coffee, they just don't know how to play football! Croatia does! How bout that Luka Mordic kid eh? Maybe 5’8”, 145lb (on a good day!) Golden Ball (World Cup), FIFA player of the year ... wow!

I digress. I have a couple of offers for you. I am taking advantage of the lower roofs being done to get a huge dumpster … but I have a lot of odds and ends of untreated wood, 2x4’s, 4x4’s etc … so I could bring you a truck load of firewood. And, if you want to do a couple of Spiller Rd runs I’ll put the side rails on the super truck. Also, small issue, but I cancelled my land line. I have a base unit and 3 headsets … you could have phone in every room! Well, that’s about it. Looking forward to some company and chat time, maybe some Bridge? Pic included: Juno, after a walk. Those big liquid eyes are saying ...“I don’t remember the prime rib bone with lotsa meat on it, or the bits of yummies as you were making dinner, but I’ve licked up all my bread crumbs, and I am still starved, haven’t been fed in months"

Hi Lonely Lumber Baron! Grand that you plan to attend the Fourth Annual Open House! Wouldn't be the same without you! Yes, we did know your Dad is in a care facility. How are things going with him there? Paragliding! Wow! Congratulations Croatia, Go Golden Boy Go! Any lumber you can bring would be much appreciated. I can give out kindling for bridge prizes! Landline ahoy! I need one in garage, one in shower and one in one of the bike lockers! When you figure out when you plan to arrive I'll arrange to have a bridge night to start your stay off with a Grand Slam! Stay well and say hello to starving Juno. All the best. Cheers, Il Conduttore/Patrizzio! Pics: Bridge this past Monday. New to group, Ann, is a very good player.

Hi Misty-eyed Compassionate Rhinohide! Pleased to hear that you enjoyed a hike with T Rex! I guess I understood that you were coming with King William and thought that something had come up when the "cousins" didn't appear! At any rate, your outing sounded as magical so everything worked out. I'm wondering if I will be in for any "criticism" for implying that pooches were more considerate companions even if possibility of food was motivator!

We are off to hear the Tune-Agers this afternoon and then will take in the Summerland Tree Lighting festivities this evening, along with our other "cousin", Michelle, and her amore, Antonio. Will you be there? Hope so  as we've much to discuss about legal strategy! In this vein, have you seen The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, available now on Netflix. Have to keep up dark humour quotient! Cheers for now, Patrizzio! Hello Patrick, Yes, we will take in light-up as well tonight. Let's call each other on cell phones when downtown. Then we can engage in important discussions about below-mentioned topics. Possibly meet for hot chocolate or some such beverage at The Beanery? Cheers, Marian and Tim So let it be written, So let it be Dunn! Hi Patrick, Just realized we don't have each other's cell phone numbers. Here is our cell phone number, Marian

The sellers move Wednesday and they will clean Thursday Movers book for next Friday! Taking the Friday and following Monday off to have time to get settled and put the tree up as I think I will cook Christmas Eve as Alex will work I believe in Christmas Day. Getting excited! Love Ayn Hello Ecstatic One, et al!

Pleased things are falling into place for your move. However, I'd be far, far happier if you were "Becoming excited" as opposed to "Getting excited"! Otherwise, in spite of your grammatical laxness, trust you are well. Let us know if you are coming to Open House, Never Never! Must away as I want to collect latest release form Township 7 before we head over to the Shatford to hear The TuneAgers Christmas concert. Stay well everyone. Cheers, Patrizzio!

sounds great and sensible to take the days off to get settled. So wonderful to be in your own place by Christmas hugs Mom

Hello Concert Goers and Singers Alike! Thanks so much for a wonderful, wonderful concert. Loads of fun and Christmas joy. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Patrick, Happy to hear that you enjoyed the Tuneagers' dulcet tones👍 I a, sorry to have missed abridge last night. I don't have a full blown cold yet. I am just more tired than usual and I have a sore throat. Looking forward to Dec 15th. Pamela Hi Scratchy Throat Songster! What a drag to catch a cold anytime, let alone when you have to perform! Very sorry to hear that this is the case but trust you are feeling better by Sunday. Sorry I wasn't able to catch a shot of you during performance but too, too many "heads" in between! Stay warm and a speedy, full recovery for both book club and Open House! Fondestos from Lady Dar. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Roman Candle Watchers! Many thanks to Michelleka and Antonioni for the chauffeur duty to Summerland and back. Much appreciated as Lady Dar doesn't think much of her current driver! Lovely to be hosted by locals as well, even if staying together was well nigh impossible! [Picked up a huge snow globe at the Thrift Store for $5!] Anyway, loads of fun and a most pleasant visit with one and all. All the best. Cheers, My Snow Globe is Bigger Than Yours, Patrizzio! Pics: Fireworks and afterglow! Thanks for the photos Patrick. We had a time at Light Up. Cheers, Tim and Marian

Heritage Hills Up Up and Away Blues: Thursday, November 29th!

I just happened on this site tonight.  It requires weeks and weeks to explore.

A real treasure! Allen <https://archive.org/about/>

Yes it is. Since the 1990s one of my research treasures. Note that you can make Internet Archive content more incredible by force-archiving through your own request any current web page that you think may not be captured otherwise, for reasons such as (1) being mechanically/routinely designated no-go by the page's defensive server (2) being short-lived (3) lacking a link hierarchy that provides a discovery path (4) being redacted by Canadian or other government. Joe Jones

 

Somewhat hesitantly, I am bcc-ing a few family and friends with the link below to a survey on climate change education. It was forwarded to me by my very dear friend, Elena, who I believe many recipients of this email may have met (most likely at Canada Day gatherings). The survey is for educators AND the general public.

Elena, as you may know, is herself a retired teacher, and she forwarded it to me on behalf of a contact who sent it to HER, asking for help, as the response rate from B.C. has been low. I did the survey and it took 15-20 minutes. It was user-friendly and didn't involve anything ridiculous like creating an account or password. I hope you may consider completing it yourself. I do apologize for the incursion into your email box, as I know that surveys, unwanted solicitations etc. proliferate and can be very annoying! Thanks, Janet P.S. If you are inspired to forward to anyone else, so much the better!

With apologies for a SECOND email on the subject, here is the link that somehow got edited out when I was composing the first message:

<Canadian Climate Change Education Survey> (Thanks to the helpful correspondent who alerted me to this fact!)

Kids:Hi Rosita! A hiking friend forwarded these jokes to me so you can forward them to Sandee if you want. Perhaps she'll reply and tell you a bit about what they are up to! Off to two tables of bridge at Judy Blue's tonght. Love and Cheers, Patrizzio! Olly just phoned me she can't play tonight. Is it worthwhile for me to come tonight, with 1 or 2 missing? Jos

Dear Heritage Hills Himalayans! I would like to thank His Royal Highness, King William XL, (a far, far more agreeable, benevolent dictator than Tyrannosaurus Rex LXXX, I might add! Long Live The King!), for leading the simply astounding outing today. For my part, I had never been to Heritage Hills so exploring this magnificent rock formation and the surrounding landscape was pure delight, if not to say an oxygen deprived enterprise! While we hiked through quite heavy mist for most of the trek this only added, as far as I am concerned, to the sheer magic of the day. Although a small group it was a pleasure to be surrounded by such cheerful, interesting, considerate companions, Bruno and Sam, always concerned for my well being, unlike most of their human counterparts, ever intent on leaving me behind, to lose my way in the mist-shrouded forest! Still, I wouldn't have missed it for the world so thanks again for including me. I remain ever amazed at how unbelievably fortunate we are to have such wonders, literally, in our backyards and on our doorsteps. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Great photos Patrick, We too went into the misty, but with Al up Rattlesnake Mountain where we seemed to have even more fog. Unfortunately, we did not see any goats but the colour of the rocks, stumps and trees was absolutely stunning. With the heavy mist and low visibility, it was very magical. Cheers,  
Tim Awesome pictures Patrick..appears like an interesting area to be hiking
Sorry I missed it Elle. Hi Murielle! Glad you enjoyed the snapolas. Cheers, Patrizzio!
 
Hello Thursday Night's Wild Bidders! A terrific thank-you to Judy Blue for hosting such a lively, pre-Christmas bridge gathering, (Although, it must be said that the bar service was extremely slow and often quite surly!), tonight. The nibblage was wonderful even if Jos's bidding was abominable, [How did she end up with a prize?], at best! Olga Polga where are you when you are needed? Many thanks, as well, to St John Ann for making seven so that we could have two tables. We do hope you will become a regular member of the group.

Evening is open for next week's gathering. Lady Dar and I will host so please let us know which evening suits and we'll plan accordingly. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Patrick Great pictures from yesterdays hike, they always tell a story. Bridge for me would be the best Monday night. Could play Wednesday but not hosting Wednesday. Hope it will be Monday! Jos Thanks Patrick. Only Monday or Tuesday work for me but it's a busy week so do not mind missing if those days don't work. Dianne

Lady Dar Returns to Rule The Roost Blues: Wednesday, November 28th!

The reward for conformity was that everyone liked you except yourself. -Rita Mae Brown, writer (b. 28 Nov 1944) 



The Zoo Keeper let the wild animals out of 5:00 am and then retired back to his warm bed until just after 8:00 am. Up then to zap their pumpkin portions and fill the now depleted crunchie bowls, no sign of either Etta or Duke. Taking out the compost container, Miss Etta surfaced, sliding under the patio fence to wait for me to open both doors for her. No hesitation about shaking a paw for pumpkin now and once she was enjoying her first course I opened the front door and El Diablo was waiting on the mat. Of course, he is always "hurt" when Etta is fed first so I had to bring his breakfast to him where he stood on the rug, just inside the door. Glad Lady Dar will be back this evening as I need help caring for these High Maintenance Sensitive New Age Felines! 

Photo: Thomas Hawk

Good morning Patrick! Are you and the cats behaving in Corrine 'a absence???
I am wondering what the count is for tomorrow...If we don't have enough for 2 tables I may see if I can get more Let me know See you tomorrow Judy Xo Hi Judy Blue! While I've been a very good boy the same cannot be said for Etta and Duke! By my precise calculations, two tables tomorrow evening as have seven confirmed. I think Carol is still away but if you can rustle up one more player that would be grand. If not, Dummy can move. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Miss Etta keeping close and cosy as I scribed, a few days ago; Miss Etta's new spot: Lady Dar's "office" chair, in Rumpus Room, while Duke looks on from his perch!

Thanks for update. I see that you have no trouble keeping busy and having fun. Your fur babies are soo lucky to have both of you as parents. I will see if Ann would like to come over to make 8. I am trying to ready my place for guests tomorrow. Have a dentist appt at 130 and then a few errands! Enjoy the rest of the day. Greetings to Corrine on her arrival and see you tomorrow Judy
  
Hello Duhlink! Trust you have not been washed away! The forecast looks great for a ride today so later this morning I plan to head out, probably to OK Falls as wind is out of the South so I'll have it at my back, (I hope!), on run home! Just had a call from Dr Specs and your glasses are ready for pick-up. I can pop by to collect them so that you can try them. Owner said you might want them adjusted so let me know what you'd like to do. I have to do a bit of grocery shopping so I'll be out anyway.

Looks like two tables tomorrow evening at Judy Blue's. Must away as I have to vacuum the red carpet to take to YYF for your royal arrival! Fondestos from The Boy who just finished drinking from the kitchen sink and Miss Bengal, sitting on the picture window sill. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Vancouver. Love, Patrizzio!

Yes please pick up my glasses see you at airport love corinne Your wish is my command, Countess Corinna!  Hi Chloë: Hope nobody is shouting at you today! Cheers, Dad! So far so good but a meeting at 6:30 so we will see if I make it scott free today!

This morning the forecast looked great for a ride so I suited up close to noon and headed out, OK Falls my destination, as wind was out of the SSE at 19 kph  so I'd have it at my back, (I hoped!), on run home! Heading down Ellis I swooped along and knew that I had a slight chance of attaining an AVG of 20 kph for the ride as when I had made the Lakeshore/Riverside loop and was back at PTC I had logged 10 km and had about thirty seconds to spare and had attained that mark. Also knew that this would drop on my way up the KVR to Vancouver and then on ride south along Government and South Main to Eastside Road. Nevertheless, I soldiered on and felt pretty good, in spite of the strong head wind, by the time I passed turnoff to Blasted Church, (noting, for the first time, as I had not ridden or driven this route for quite a while, the two new road signs that had been posted, (Seek and Ye Shall Find" and This is Your Sign), in keeping with the winery's name, I presumed!

Up a short climb past Matheson Creek Farm and then, just before the McLean Creek Road turnoff, to the left, I took a right onto Devon Drive, a street I'd never explored before. Following it as far as Camberly Cove, where I doubled back, I was quite surprised at the extensive housing development there, having thought most of the dwellings were off Eastside. At any rate, on way back to Eastside I said hello to a doe and her yearling and fawn, munching on somebody's lawn, before I was pushed along, quite nicely, by the wind, still out of the S/SSE. However, given the coming long, slight rises in grade, particularly along South Main and Dawson, ahead, and the available remaining distance home, I understood that my goal of breaking the 20 kph AVG I had earlier wondered about, was not a real possibility. Nevertheless, I put my best foot forward and was reasonably pleased to find that I had managed to clock an AVG of 19.5 kph, my best since starting to ride, post-hernia surgery. Hip Hip Hooray! Map and Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3192033262#.W_8ex5OtJco.email

Making a Murderer Binge Watching Blues: Tuesday, November 27th!

Use only that which works and take it from any place you can find it. -Bruce Lee, martial artist and actor (27 Nov 1940-1973)

Hi all We closed today officially! I am a homeowner! Thank you Mom and Dad for such a wonderful gift that allowed me to make this happen!! Love Ayn Congratulations Sissy!!!! Can’t wait to visit and see your home!!! Me too!! Thank you Chloe xoxo congratulations wonderful news! hugs mom Hip Hip Hooray! Can hardly wait to see the "Alcove" where we'll be staying for months on end! Congratulations and Love, Dad/Patrizzio!

Lazy day for me today as I watched all of the remaining Making a Murderer episodes. I know Lady Dar and Rosita didn't find it all that engaging but I think it is a truly remarkable indictment of the US system of justice. It also includes an implicit  condemnation of the media and such talk shows as Dr Phil. This story is far more Peyton Place and The Young and The Useless than one can imagine. One is left hanging as both Stephen and his nephew, Brendan, remain incarcerated in spite of countless appeals, over-turned twice, by higher courts, in the Brendan's case. The fabricated case against Stephen is being unraveled by an exceptional wrongful conviction lawyer, Kathleen Zellner, but the process takes years. According to the coverage I read Season 3 might well not be released, if produced at all, until 2020, given how long it takes the courts to respond and rule. Anyway, I think Lady Dar, and others, should watch this series. 

Parley aboard the Black Pearl
A scene from the film Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Photo: PotC Wiki

Chloë popped by after work. Talk about a soap opera! Anyway, I put hooks and a wire on the back of the lovely beach picture that she wanted to hang but was unable to do as fixture on frame simply didn't work. Of course, Duke was helping, batting the wire and trying to flip the hooks out of the case onto the floor. Once I'd finished I held him and Chloë cut his "needles". He actually gave her a puncture while she was playing with him before the trimming. I invited her for dinner on Wednesday but she has a strata meeting. Thank you so much, Patrick! We are grateful for your friendship.

Hi Patrick, Great photos of the ladies singing their hearts out on a cool Friday night. I have got my legal team in place: Robert Shapiro, Johnnie Cochran, F. Lee Bailey, Alan Dershowitz, and Robert Kardashian. That’s my dream team! Remember, the Zalmer tried unsuccessfully to sue some of my friends for depicting him ripping the wings off of flies while he was successfully ripping off British Columbia. See you Thursday. Use real colour and not fake Lady Clairol in your photos. For my part, I will try to look more upright while walking uphill. Cheers, Harsh Critic Hi hikers, My response to Patrick's photos was meant to be tongue and cheek. I enjoy his photos and humourous commentary and have exchanged several emails about this with Patrick. I apologize for my subversive parody. I think that I have watched too many Coen Brothers and Quentin Tarantino movies. See you hiking. Cheers, Tim

Dear Walter! I thought that you would have learned your lesson by now! Beware, even with the most innocent of motives you will be inexorably drawn into a vortex of forces well beyond your control! I always have to chortle over those who cannot understand that the sparring and jabs are meant to tickle the funny bone and not bring psychological or emotional upset. At any rate, I've a rhino hide, impervious to even well-meaning criticism. For my part I feel that if we cannot laugh at ourselves and each other we are in deep trouble. We all need to be reminded of our foibles and idiosyncrasies if we are to remain healthy and compassionate. 

Trump is a terrible case in point and I'm sure you had many, many occasions, when teaching, of people who took everything far too, too seriously. I experienced this, particularly towards the end of my career, at the UBC Library when Christmas parties, organized by the staff, were banned, as the administration, (paranoid as it turned out), could not understand that the skits which were put on, lampooning new systems or various policies, were not attacks but outlets for genuine, unavoidable workplace frustrations.

Must away as I have an urgent meeting with the Coens and Quentin, (two of my favourite directors, as well, bye the bye!), and then my lawyers! Cheers, Patrizzio!PS: We'll have plenty to chat about on next hike. Are you going on Thursday? Hi Patrick, Thanks for the kind reply.  We will have plenty to talk about tomorrow on the hike if you are going tomorrow.  If not, we will see each other soon. Cheers, Compassionate Rhinohide Hi Chloë:Thanks for added info on Argon.

Dear Neighbors, Friends & Family, Hope you are all well and have not contacted that dreaded flu this year. Well I am going to tell you a little story.  I decided to go to Winnipeg a few weeks ago and take my mom, my older sister and my niece to a Spa week at the “Inn at the Forks”.  You see it is my Mom’s 102nd Birthday.  Extraordinary as it may be, she has never been sick other than the occasional cold and had been unfortunately knocked down when she was out walking and ended up in a wheelchair. 

 

She is incredibly alert with a most amazing memory. At only 4ft 10in. and weighing 100 lbs. she is incredibly strong being the farm girl that she is she has fallen dozen of times and has never broken a bone. Young at heart, exuberant and full of resilience it was such a pleasure spending girl time with her getting to do her hair and putting on her red lipstick which she loves. At the end of the week I invited all her grandchildren and great grandchildren to come and enjoy their Baba’s  birthday cake.  She had three glasses of wine and numerous pieces of chocolate cake.  Unbelievable indeed.  It has been a pleasure knowing her for such a long time.

Just to let you know we won’t be having our annual New Year’s Day Open House but next year John & I turn 75 so I promise we will have a Gala Birthday Party.

Thinking of you all. Love, Jean & John Hi Jean! What a wonderful, wonderful story! Your Mom looks fabulous and I'm so pleased to hear you were able to celebrate her 102nd birthday with her and other family members. Hip Hip Hooray! For She's a Jolly Good Fellow!! Hip Hip Hooray! Since you won't be hosting your Annual New Year's Day Open House this year, perhaps you should come to our Christmas Open House in mid-December.

Lady Dar has been in Vancouver since last Friday when she flew there, with her Mom, (Rosita will be 93 in January!). She saw her Mom onto plane back to Winnipeg and then stayed to see friends, as well as attending her book club there on Monday evening. She flies back to Penticton tomorrow evening. Chloë was over for dinner on both Saturday and Sunday so we enjoyed pleasant evenings together. Looks like two tables of bridge Thursday evening at friend's, Judy Blue's, place. Before that will join the gang for a hike above Skaha Bluffs. Need to work on my hiking fitness.  Hello to Big Bad John and Love to you, Jean. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: Open House Invitation.

Hike the Cartwright Mountain Hills Blues: Monday, November 26th!

We haven’t yet learned how to stay human when assembled in masses. -Lewis Thomas, physician and author (25 Nov 1913-1993)

Hello Everyone! Trust everyone is well. Just a short note as I must away as I'm joining the hiking group this morning. Didn't set the alarm as I knew Duke would wake me up at 7:00 am. Right on time he jumped on my chest. Both hungry as blazes and Duke started eating his pumpkin out of jar before I had spooned it onto their dishes. Cats today! Fondestos to one and all. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Lady Dar! There was a message from Chris saying that he needs your photo ID and changed bank account now that we no longer use McDonald Branch.

Had a grand hike today so was pleased to be back in the hills again! Very, very windy at times and back home the planter at front was blown over twice so I've put it against the house, in the corner by the door, for time being. I think a large stone should keep it upright. Etta and Duke just went out and I've laid a fire since I didn't start one when I returned from hike. Had a lovely nap for an hour or so! As well, no message from floor people. I might go to Kelowna with Chloë to collect her car before you return so let me know what you'd like me to pick-up. Hello to one and all. Love, Patrizzio! Pics: A few snaps from today's hike.

I get in on Wednesday at 6:50 pm Air Canada flight Our bank acct has not changed Told Chris that Off to meet Catherine for dinner before book club
Lady Dar Hello, More Than Terse Lady Dar! Guess you are too, too busy to send other than an Executive Summary of your time away from your lovely cats who simply cannot understand why you have abandoned them! At the moment, Miss Etta is looking at your silver ornaments, two of which have been blown off the tree by today's fierce winds. Thanks for flight information. I'll have dinner ready so that we can eat once I've collected you. I gather that rain has been almost torrential in Vancouver. How have you managed? 

  

On another matter, are you interested on coming on the Christmas Picnic on December 6th? It won't be much more than a few minutes walk on the KVR to where picnic will take place. I need to let Jim know about numbers, etc. It's a jolly gathering and most of the gang have been asking about you. Much love from The Lonely Cats of Burns Street! Cheers, Patrizzzio! Pics: Miss Etta keeping close and cosy as I scribed this afternoon; Miss Etta's new spot as I watched Netflix! 

Hello Happy Hikers! Just a quick thank you to the real leader of today's hike, Sam! St Killian was supposed to be in charge but in true Tinka style, Terrible Tyrannosaurus took hold of the reins and led his charges a merry chase over hill and dale. So many thanks to The Usurper for such an engaging and invigorating outing, especially from me, as this was my first hike since the early spring. Hip Hip Hooray for The Duct Tape Dictator! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Great Photos Patrick! However, some were very crooked, tilted into clearly unnatural positions while others drained the colour out of people. Hanging ghoulish Christmas ornaments into trees did not seem to be in the spirit of the upcoming season, though it was perhaps suitable for the person trying to claim crown land as his own.  Imagine trying to scare seniors with threats of trespassing on private property, especially since Halloween has been over for several weeks.   The group could have confused the squatter since several of them were still dressed in their bright orange pumpkin costumes. Nevertheless, the hike was lots of fun and ended with folks tricker treating at the Beanery.  

Dear Harsh Photojournalist Critic! Are you in Trump's camp, accusing me of spreading false news? You should write the script for future albums and then I could concentrate on framing and colour saturation! However, I fear that your "colourful" accounts may well exceed even my "exaggerated" descriptions. Be ready for civil lawsuits. I have 33 pending!!! Five each, from Tyrannosaurus and Pearly Whites alone! Fortunately I have engaged Saul Goodman to represent me so feel confident that these spurious legal actions will come to naught. On happier matters, are you planning to join Thursday's outing? I intend to go. Need to work on my camera tilt as well as my hiking fitness! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: GFA Caroling!

 

Always nice to relive the great moments of the day. Thanks for the pictures that tell an adventurous story. Cheers, Jos Hi Josinta! Glad you enjoyed the album. Have you planted the cactus on the water-slide? Should help to stabilize slope and also deter people from wanting to use the attraction! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi All, Here are a few of Murray's and my hike, above the beaches in the Algarve.... See you sooooon! Sharon Hi Principessa! What fabulous pictures! Gald you are hiking in such a glorious, incredible landscape and seascape. Plan to forward them to Lady Dar and couple we are planning to travel with next year as Portugal is definitely a country we'd like to visit. Planning to join this coming Thursday's hike above Skaha Bluffs. Need to work on my hiking fitness. All the best. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! Hello Clan Sutherland! These snaps are from a friend in hiking group, on holiday in Portugal. Album is from yesterday's hike out of Summerland. Hello and Best Wishes to Hawaii gang! Cheers, Patrizzio!

  

Hi all, I am not available for this Thursday’s hike, and I have not heard from anybody who might lead it.  So, if you are willing, select a destination.  Then let me know, so that I can put out the info soon.  Otherwise, we will take a pass this Thursday. [This just in!!!! Bill Therriault is willing to lead a hike on Thursday. He is suggesting the Skaha Bluffs area, possibly the Pictograph route. He says it will be mostly trails and not overly strenuous. Funny, but I’ve heard that before. I will let Bill fill you in on details. He asks that you contact him if you are interested. Please let him know soon so that he can decide on times and plans. Many thanks, Bill! Cheers, Jim Hi Bill! Thank you for agreeing to lead this hike. I'd like to join the group so please let me know, at your convenience, details. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Great 9am at HH.

NB it will probably be about 14k w some up and down but no bushwhacking 

Bill Thanks No-Bushwhacking Bill! Cheers, Patrizzio!]

Hi Patrick, Good to see you back on the trail, and happy to see you were wearing your long pants, you certainly wouldn't have survived long between my needles and the others. I will go on Thursday's adventure under Bill Therriaults leadership. Enjoy the day! Jos Hi Needle Woman! See you at HH. Cheers and Yipee Ki Yay from The Cactus Cowboy, wearing chaps if not long pants!
Next up will be December 6^th, our annual picnic.  We will: -meet at 10am at IGA parking lot in Summerland (0940 at Home Hardware parking lot in Penticton)

-carpool and make our way to Faulder corner on the Summerland-Princeton Road. -park and hike up the KVR to the west. The destination is a few minutes up the old railway line, where we should come upon a picnic table and a biffy. -picnic, sing, sample some libations, and have a pre-Christmas get together.-return, when done, to the cars and homeward.

Please bring your own bun(s) and meat to burn over the fire.  Also, a potluck item to share.  It might be an appy, salad, dessert, Christmas baking….the possibilities are endless. Please feel free to bring friends and/or significant others. And definitely feel free to bring some liquid to toast the season.

You might consider bringing a lightweight folding chair or table if you have such a thing. If you have access to Christmas song sheets, bring them along.  Likewise, if you have a musical instrument which might enhance (or drown out) some singing, feel free to tote it along.

  

Just so I have an idea of numbers, I would appreciate it if you would let me know that you re intending to come, and how many “you” might be.  Much appreciated. Have I missed anything?  If so, please remind me of it.  And I will put out this notice again before the picnic date. Cheers, Jim

 

 

Chalk off the Long Chore List Blues: Sunday, November 25th!

  Assumptions are the termites of relationships. -Henry Winkler, actor (1945- )

Buongiorno Signora! Good, I've replied to G. Little that the date and time are fine. On another matter, I had a lovely message from Jane so I think it would be wonderful if you are able to arrange to see them before you return.

[Patrick James Dunn Want a date, Babycakes?}

Other than that, all goes well. This morning kittens went out, Duke at 4:45 am, Etta not until 6:00 am! She sidled to food bowls first time so I went back to bed until she squeaked! The Boy just finished drinking out of the kitchen sink and left, Etta is curled up on shower mat. I'm to go over to Sendero around 10:00am to help Chloë move her patio table and then try to open a kitchen drawer which someone has managed to jam. I gather it was too full with something or other is preventing it from opening all the way. [It was too full and a box of tin foil was preventing it from opening all the way. I took a long wooden spoon and simply moved it sideways and Voila!] She plans to walk the KVR afterwards, hoping to see if Christmas trees are still for sale at place we bought ours from last year and come for dinner again. I mixed her two hot lemonades with rum last night as she is still quite congested. She liked the drinks and I think they helped her feel better.

Must away as I've a long list of chores. First off, I'm going to try to salvage string of lights by cutting off length which doesn't light up and reattach wires to end plug. If this doesn't work I guess we'll need a new string. Hello and best wishes to Elaine. How is Nicole? Fondestos, Love and Cheers, Patrizzio, Keeper of Cats and Tender of Fireplaces!

I went over to Sendero around 11:00am to help Chloë move her patio table and chairs under cover of her covered deck and then did a bit of shopping for tonight's dinner. 
 

Back home to re-arrange the cupboard in Rumpus Room where we keep preserves. Then sat down to send a few messages and after a few moments I heard a couple of bumps and assumed it was a log on the fire. Didn't seem likely but went back to digitating after I checked fireplace. Same again but this time sounded like a feline jumping off something onto floor. Assumed it was El Diablo as he has a habit of climbing all over furniture, exploring! Couldn't see him anywhere in living room but when I walked around counter towards sink I spied Miss Etta on the rug playing with a poor dead sparrow! [Guess I shouldn't telling bird watchers!] Anyway, pieces fell into place as when Ruthless and Ricardo were here last time I found a lone bird's wing on their pillow, on cabinet Murphy bed in Rumpus Room, shortly after they arrived, obviously Etta's present to the guests!

Must away as I need to steam the kartofellage, prepare the Brussels sprouts and then the salad, Belgian endive, [Is Maigret coming for dinner as well?], and Radicchio, topped with blue cheese from local winery, Upper Bench. Have an Orofino, (Cawston), 2013 Beleza, their meritage of Merlot, Cabbage, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot, 14.2 %, so Lady Dar will be beside herself when she hears about choice! For pre-dinner drinks we are having rum and eggnog, with grated nutmeg on top! Chloë brought the eggnog as it was on special at Safeway. She was there to pick up some soy coffee creamer for work. Now relaxing in Rumpus Room catching up on Outlander.

No word from Squamoids, so presumably they were whisked away by the iron cage of their schedule. Ruth, Rick, Alex and ??? I imagine the young women have other obligations by now! PBread in the oven on this end, to be replaced with eggplant Parmesan. Enjoying a Portuguese jug an Alentejano that I picked up at Vino earlier today. I guess if you have cats, you are going to have corpses. So be glad I guess that they are not as frequent as they might be. The only exception I've ever seen was our loaner cat, the late Marcus. A most methodical hunter of mice, he would catch, kill instantly, and devour all but tail. No show off he. You will need Belgian chocolate perhaps? Cactus (Do look at my Facebook post about my friend Ben's photographer grandpa when you get the chance....)

good photos and thanks for your communications. good thanksgiving here with friends. We're back climbing though still only easy things. Biking, only 1-2 hours every day for me, road or mountain style and Phil doing lots of long hiking days.
We're off to Yuma Dec 10 and will be away for 10 days going back via Tuscon to bike in their bike friendly places. Please say hi to Corinne and hugs to you both. Gill Hi again, Last Train to Yuma! Glad you enjoyed the snapolas and that you had a pleasant Thanksgiving. Fondestos to you, Jack Rabbit, and Phillipo. Stay well. Keep biking and hiking. Cheers, Patrizzio

Hi Patrick, I know it would have been fun and delicious but unfortunately it was out of reach. I will be hiking with my Naramata friends as usual on Monday. We have a hike/lunch thing going which always includes wine; quite different from the Thursday group! It’s good to mix things up a bit don’t you think? I enjoyed your open house last year and hope to attend again. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to meeting Rene and discussing “...Adrift”. It seems I’m experiencing several holocaust reminders including the recent Kitchen Stove film and the murders at the synagogue. See you on the sixth, ( we should also think of car pooling, maybe Pam and you guys could join me on the drive). Take care Luigi.

Hi Luigi! Unfortunately, we already have a full car for book club so perhaps you and Pam can car-pool. Dianne might wish to hitch a ride with you as well. I'll be seeing her this coming week, at bridge, so I'll ask her about her plans for getting to Summerland. Like you I seem to have been "inundated" with Holocaust reminders this past week. Didn't see you at the PAG Kitchen Stove film series on Thursday. I think your Monday hike is just an excuse to eat fine food and drink wine! Better not cancel your wine club memberships! For my part, I'm planning to join gang tomorrow. Must away  as I'm to go over to Sendero to help Chloë move her patio table under cover for the winter and then try to open a kitchen drawer which someone has managed to jam. I gather it was too full with something or other and this is preventing it from opening all the way. I took a long wooden spoon and simply moved it sideways and Voila!

She plans to walk the KVR afterwards, hoping to see if Christmas trees are still for sale from the tiny store just off the trail, across from hop farm. The couple were selling place so don't know if new owners are still in tree business. We bought ours from them last year and it was one of best we ever had. Didn't drop but a few needles and we had it up for more than a month. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi O Susannah! Thought I'd say hello after I read the Travel Club Newsletter. Trust you are well. Rosie and Lady Dar left on Friday. Had a simply wonderful visit, (six weeks), with Clara, cooking and baking and playing bridge and will really miss her company. I didn't even drive her and Lady Dar, [She was seeing her Mom onto plane in Vancouver for return trip to Winnipeg, and then staying until Wednesday, book club, friends, etc.], to the airport as I had an early morning breakfast, in Summerland, with about twenty of gang from hiking group. Chloë drove them there at 8:30 am.
 

Must away as I need to steam the kartofellage, prepare the Brussels sprouts and then the salad, Belgian endive, [Is Maigret coming for dinner as well?], and Radicchio, topped with blue cheese from local winery, Upper Bench. Have an Orofino, (Cawston), 2013 Beleza their meritage of Merlot, Cabbage, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot, 14.2 %, so Lady Dar will be beside herself when she hears about choice! Fondestos to you and Marnie. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Last few bridge gatherings with Rosita. Thanks for the update and Love to all! S

Hi again, Jane and Jack! Glad you enjoyed the card. Thank you for the holiday wishes. I spoke to Lady Dar this morning and mentioned I'd heard from you and I believe she will give you a call. Fondestos to you and Jack, from Chloë. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! Christmas Cat on the Prowl in Reykjavík, Iceland: <http://icelandreview.com/news/2018/11/24/christmas-cat-prowl-reykjavik> Hello Dunbar! I think that Etta is related to Iceland's infamous Christmas Cat! Fondestos to you, Colin, and Marps. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!