You’ve got to have something to eat and a little love in your life
before you can hold still for any damn body’s sermon on how to behave.
-Billie Holiday, jazz singer and songwriter (7 Apr 1915-1959)
Hello Patrizio, just a little hello, hope every thing is well with you and I am sure you are enjoying life. Lore and I are not coming again this year to the Okanagan. My friends in Oliver, moving into a smaller home, and having guest is not that convenient. I know we could stay with you, but we decide to do Tofino. I am fine, except I have a lot of dental problem, almost have no teeth left on the lower gums. But such is life, when one gets older.
I have been a bit depressed about it. But will march on. Masha's son Roman my beloved godson has a second boy born 9th of February. 2019. and we all have to work through the pain, of caring for a child with Down syndrome. Roman is devastated and has a very difficult time to accept that little fellow. My heart goes out to him. it is even more difficult, Tessa his partner, did not take the 10 weeks pregnancy test as it was recommended, she is almost 40. Roman hated her for that but it is getting better. Theodor is here and we have to make the best of it. He is a beautiful little babe. Roman does not see it, but we have to give him time. As you can imagine there is a lot for all of us to digest. Take care and all the best. Love Gisela
Pics: Olivia Rose, with great-grandmother; grandmother, [Ayn. We spent our honeymoon, May 1976, in Tofino and Ayn's aunt and uncle, Barbara and Eric, were staying at the original Wickininish Inn as well. They spoiled Ayn over the course of the weekend. Ayn and Corinne returned to Tofino to spread her father's, John's, ashes along with those of Eric's, with the rest of the Vogt family. You might know that John lived with Eric before and after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Ayn flew up from LA to see John shortly, literally hours, before he died. Unfortunately, he never ever showed any interest in her until the last few years of his life and couldn't understand why it was so difficult for her to accept him. It was very, very hard on Ayn for the time after he first contacted her. Terribly sad, for so many reasons, and John never knew his wonderful grandsons.], and father; at one month!
Hi Patrizio, always lovely to hear from and learn all the news in your life. You sure have a busy and interesting one. You have always some thing to say, as you have so many interest. And a fairly large family and many, many
friend.
Down syndrome, Roman has to find his own peace and we have to let him grieve. It sits deep with him, but in time I know he will love Theodor. it is not an easy road ahead but we have to take baby steps and cross the bridges when the appear and. jump the hurdles when they come. We are all different in taking pain and deal with it. Roman is still young (36) and at the moment he sees only darkness. But that will lift, he is a good and kind person.My heart goes out to him and I am hurting for him.
And now you and Corrine are great-grandparents, where did the years go, and when did the little ones grow so very fast. Yup we are getting a bit longer in the tooth. I read the book, EDUCATED, a while ago, a fascinating story. Well I say good bye for now, wishing you a speedy recovery. Give my regard to Corinne.
Love Gisela
Hi Patrick, Just wondering how many you have to play on Monday? Judy Hi JB!
We need you so trust you can still play. Dame Judith will collect me at 6:15 pm. Do you want us to pop by your place or will you come to Burns. Let me know and we'll plan accordingly. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Patrick: Thanks for your email . . . it is always good to hear from you and to see pictures, even when the message starts with a lecturing tone and litany of "you shoulds." As far as that goes, I will certainly endeavour to always be breezy and upbeat in future communications and never admit to emotions or describe experiences in a way that might be construed (or perhaps I should say misconstrued) as implying that I am not well aware of my extreme good fortune and the fact that the vast majority of people, past and present, could never aspire to luxuries such as a flush toilet and piped hot water.
I will also try to avoid writing anything that might incite comments (specifically statements starting with phrases like "you of all people") that leave me feeling baffled as to how I apparently stand out from my circle of family and friends in some particular respect. And as far as the particular matter of the bathroom renovation goes, apart from answering your question about whether I have my building permit yet (no), I hereby resolve to say nothing further about it until (if) I am able to send a triumphant report of its completion, together with pictures. (I do understand that it is not of surpassing interest in any case).
As you might discern, Patrick, I was irritated with the way your message started, but that's all right, as I believe (hope) we would agree that there is room for irritation against a bedrock of friendship. In our case, more than 40 years, as I've reflected recently on the fact that it is 40 years since I started my career in the library world in 1978, coinciding exactly with the first day that I came to work at the Curric Lab. Which, of course, was when and where I first met you, and shortly thereafter, Corinne. Chloë was just around 2 years old at the time.
Not a huge amount of news since I last wrote . . . but on Thursday, I made my 5th airport run in just over a week. Two of those were to pick up/drop off James from/to the airport. I also did the reverse (drop off/pick up) for my mother. And the remaining trip was to pick up a friend's daughter. Mum went to Ontario for a week, primarily to attend grandson Paul (my nephew's) school-year-end trumpet concert in Ottawa. Paul, despite being highly gifted (the education board's assessment, not his parents, who were never "pushers") was an
unmotivated underachiever at school, scraping through with minimal effort.
One thing he did well at for a time was music, to the point that he was invited to practise with the band at an elite private school when he was still in elementary school. But he gave that up and -- after belatedly graduating from high school -- started but abandoned a few things (e.g. a kinesiology program) until a couple of years ago, he somehow found his way back to music where he is now excelling in the program at the University of Ottawa, while also enjoying opportunities to pick up cash by playing fanfares, last posts etc. at local ceremonies. According to my mother, Paul was in great form and the concert was fantastic -- all good. Mum also travelled to Waterloo to visit a long-time friend, whose health is now severely compromised, before flying back from Toronto. Mum herself has become somewhat fragile and although generally a plucky and cup-half-full sort of person, was nervous about the trip . . . so it's success was quite a relief.
As for my friend's daughter, that was an interesting encounter. Linda, who I've known since Grade 2, has lived in Toronto for 30+ years and I had only met her daughter (now 22) a couple of times, most recently around 10 years ago. Aisha is relocating (or I should say, has now relocated) to Vancouver to attend Langara but has few local connections, so Linda called to see if I could pick her up and get her to the Airbnb where she is initially staying.
I duly headed out to YVR to meet Aisha, who I would never have recognized, as she now has a huge neck tattoo, secondary tattoos, various piercings, a very spotty complexion and is somewhat unusual looking to begin with. I'm also told by Linda that she has ADHD and is gay . . . so there is a lot going on! She's quite sweet, though, and also seems self-sufficient, having graciously declined an offer of further assistance (e.g. to scope transit, grocery stores etc.). I'll be helping her move to her next Airbnb on Wednesday morning, but otherwise don't expect to see a great deal of her, which is fine and to be expected, since I don't believe we have a natural affinity (and in any case, I am her mother's 60-year-old friend!) . . . but it's nice to be able to help her get started.
Otherwise, after a long day at the permit office on Wednesday, I took Sylvia (our long-time family friend, now enduring a mysterious growth on the side of her face) to see Hotel Mumbai. Being about the Mumbai terrorist attacks of 2008, it is not exactly the type of film to be "enjoyed" and there is no character development, but I was interested because of its Indian setting. It's an extremely violent and loud film, though, which Sylvia complained about throughout. Then we went for a quick dinner at a nearby restaurant, where, despite a large and varied menu, she wasn't able to find anything that she wanted to eat. Sigh!
BTW, as far as Indian-themed viewing prospects go, I had already noted Delhi Crime, which your positive review provides additional motivation to watch in the near future. My most recent viewing project (with Mum) was The White Princess (viewed on DVD, as it is not in Netflix, though I believe it is on Crave). The series is about Henry Tudor, Elizabeth of York and the Wars of the Roses (although apparently the preferred moniker now is "The Cousins' War"). It wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, but Mum and I are both English-history geeks and enjoyed it very much. We also found another recent series, The Great Fire, very watchable. As you might guess, it was based on the London's Great Fire of 1666, which was also the theme of a wonderful exhibition that I saw at the Museum of London in 2016 (marking the 450th anniversary of the fire).
Last night, Mum and I went over to North Burnaby, to join Karen and Mario's annual "Bortolin/Quercetti dinner" which usually takes place a couple of weeks before Christmas but was postponed this year due to scheduling challenges. It's a get-together for Mario's family (his surname being "Bortolin") and a related branch with the surname "Quercetti," who all trace their recent family origins to the Treviso area, near Venice. Happily for Mum and me, we are always invited too. The group is smaller than it used to be, as 5 of the "elders" have died during the almost-11 years that Mario and Karen have been married, while the younger generation is spreading its wings and apparently otherwise occupied. Still, there were 11 of us and it was a very pleasant gathering . . . they are a really lovely, interesting group who I always enjoy spending time with. (My culinary contribution was Lemon Linzer Cookies, Caramel Pecan Bars and "Chocolate Blossoms").
Interestingly, Mario bought a place in Venice several years ago, which he rents out for short-stays through a management company while reserving blocks of time for personal use. He spends more time there than Karen does, but she goes once a year. She is also working towards Italian citizenship. Mario, although born in Canada, was able to secure Italian citizenship awhile ago, due to his Italian-born parents. Karen can also get it, having been married 3 or more years to an Italian citizen. However, not being of "Italian blood" she also has to meet a language requirement, in pursuit of which she attends intensive classes while in Venice and takes online "live" lessons through Skype when she's not.
Speaking of Karen, I'm not sure whether I've previously mentioned that she has become a super-serious bridge player, attending classes and events on a very regular basis. Recently, Andrew and Betty and another acquaintance expressed interest in learning and wondered if Karen might be able to suggest where to take lessons etc. The upshot was that Karen, who actually aspires to become a bridge instructor, offered to provide lessons. So Andrew, Betty, Jerry and I have met with Karen a couple of times for this purpose and expect to do so again in the future. I'm very impressed and a little daunted by the level of skill and knowledge that Karen has attained! For my part, I have doubts about my aptitude but it is worthwhile and fun to try.
It sounds as if all is going well for you, with tastings, book-clubbing, gardening, new vehicle acquisition in sight, etc. And excellent news that your shoulder is healing. (You mentioned the stationary bike -- is that the one that I unloaded on you a year or so ago? Very pleased if it is proving useful!) You'll be out cycling again in no time, an endeavour that greatly appeals to me, and for which I am well-equipped, in a practical sense. Alas however, I am very nervous about cycling in the city, an apprehension which I may yet renew attempts to stare down. We'll see!) Hedgehugs to all. Love, Janet
Dearest, Oversensitive New Age Female! I apologize for irritating you as this was certainly not my intention. More of a tongue-in-cheek riposte to your litany of woe. However, that being said, I really do think that you need to develop more of a rhinoceros skin. As you mention, there should be room for "irritation" in any real friendship, especially, in one of over forty years. Your renovation blues response was a tad like your "mouse" debacle. Both upsetting and frustrating, I know, but working oneself into a tizzy doesn't really help, at least in my opinion. Enough said.
What an interesting time you've had as an airport chauffeur! Fascinating to learn how Paul has turned out. Pleased to hear that your Mom fared so well on her trip. Glad things with James seem to be back to "normal". Aisha sounds quite a combination and, I must say, you did sound somewhat "irritated" with Sylvia! Thanks for the tip on The White Princess, (We subscribe to Crave), and The Great Fire as I'm keen to see both. This evening, we started Traitors: Near the end of World War II’s European theater, Feef Symonds (Emma Appleton) is being trained as a spy by American officer Peter McCormick (Matt Lauria), getting her ready to go into the field along with her fellow Brits. But with the end of the war, she’ll be applying for a boring civil service job an Peter will be going back to his family in Iowa. Which is inconvenient for Feef, since the two of them have been having an affair.
Feef’s unique perspective on civil service gets her a job at the ministry of housing, doing boring studies about which kind of wood should be used to rebuild the bombed out towns around the U.K. But Peter has something more in mind for her; he’s part of the secretive Office of Secret Services (OSS) and he tells his boss, an aggressive agent named Rowe (Michael Stuhlbarg), that she’d be perfect to spy on her own government, whom Stuhlbarg is convinced is ripe for a Communist infiltration. It helps that her politics lean towards the Tory side, and she’s appalled that the Labour party — who Tories consider to be socialists — are likely going to gain the majority in Parliament and force Winston Churchill out of the PM’s office. Mixed reviews but I love the hugger-mugger of this period. Historical settings, costumes, etc., are wonderful.
Your culinary contributions made my mouth water! Do you send out care packages! You had mentioned Mario's place in Venice in an earlier message but not Karen's studying Italian and her move to acquire citizenship. Bravo indeed! I'm jealous! Not only of this but also of her terrific bridge accomplishments. I can remember her interest when we played a few times, aeons ago, and am more than delighted that she has done so well. We'd be happy to take lessons from her so mention that she and Mario should visit. Am even more pleased that you are availing herself of her expertise. Contrary to your silly protestations, I always thought you played well so now there will simply be no excuses for fitting into our bridge group when you next stay.
Yes, your Alu-trainer is my saviour, so thanks again for such a wonderful gift. I suppose you may well want it back after your renovations are complete and you have acres of new space! In fact, I must away to ride. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to you, Janet. Cheers, Patrizzio " How The Rhinoceros Got Its Skin" Person! Pics: Everest Etta! Friend's snaps from one of last week's hikes. Sad to be missing all the wonderful wildflowers.
Hi I have attached my itinerary so you can see my flight patterns!!! Your evening with Corrine’s Yoga teacher sounded delightful -maybe I can go to a yoga class with Corrine? I can try to fit in everything! How’s your weather? I just noticed a few crocuses are carefully showing their heads -yeah we may have a spring after all. However, there is snow in the forecast -I am hoping for warm temperatures when I visit you. Great to hear you are able and willing to go to a winery.
Ron and I are getting ready for the the world curling final tonight. I am really enjoying the curling this winter -nothing like a broken leg to make me appreciate curling. Tomorrow night, University Virginia is playing in the final March Madness game. Sam is doing his residency at UVA so we are excited to watch the team play in the final. Sam says the team is the topic of most conversations at the hospital -everyone is so keen about the bb team.
I’ve watched a lot of sports this weekend. By the way I’m reading “All my Puny Sorrows “ by Miriam Toews -have you read it? It’s dark, but has humour. It’s tough dealing with depression and talented people . Ok enough of that , I’m getting back to my curling. Take care Rhoda
Hi Hurry Harder Girl! Thanks for you detailed itinerary! We'll need kilometers red carpet to welcome you! Given your schedule you should be able to attend Lady Darjeeling's yoga class on Thursday morning. Classes are at 9:00 am so you won't arrive until after it is over on Tuesday. Perhaps I'll put a bike on the car rack and have a Lady Dar pick up your baggage. I'll ride to the airport and we can go for a jaunt so that you can work up a thirst for wine tasting.
You should be in LA where both Pierre and Alejandro would be watching March Madness. Lady Dar as read All My Puny Sorrows and and Miriam's latest, Women Talking was proposed for our next book selection. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to you, Ski. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hello Patrizio, just a little hello, hope every thing is well with you and I am sure you are enjoying life. Lore and I are not coming again this year to the Okanagan. My friends in Oliver, moving into a smaller home, and having guest is not that convenient. I know we could stay with you, but we decide to do Tofino. I am fine, except I have a lot of dental problem, almost have no teeth left on the lower gums. But such is life, when one gets older.
I have been a bit depressed about it. But will march on. Masha's son Roman my beloved godson has a second boy born 9th of February. 2019. and we all have to work through the pain, of caring for a child with Down syndrome. Roman is devastated and has a very difficult time to accept that little fellow. My heart goes out to him. it is even more difficult, Tessa his partner, did not take the 10 weeks pregnancy test as it was recommended, she is almost 40. Roman hated her for that but it is getting better. Theodor is here and we have to make the best of it. He is a beautiful little babe. Roman does not see it, but we have to give him time. As you can imagine there is a lot for all of us to digest. Take care and all the best. Love Gisela
Hi Gisela! How
lovely to hear from you but sorry to hear about your dental woes. Also
disappointed we won't see you and Lore, [Best wishes to her!], this
summer although a trip to Tofino is always magical. Upsetting to learn
of Theodor and distress this has caused. Corinne's sister, Patti, gave
birth to Rachel, a Down syndrome child, over twenty years ago now. At
the time, there was no routine pregnancy testing for women on the cusp.
At any rate, Rachel, while she has had many health issues, as you might
imagine, has lived an incredibly active and productive life.
She has won
numerous medals, for swimming, in the various Special Olympic
competitions she has competed in over the years. Just had a note from
her grandmother, Clara, Corinne's mom, now 94, that Rachel has a new job
at a local Boston Pizza in Petawawa, where family live. Before that she
worked for another pizza parlour where she put toppings on the crusts.
One morning when she went into work, by taxi, there was nobody there and
taxi driver was concerned about leaving her. She promptly told him not
to worry as she had her own key and proceeded inside and got right to
work!
Of
course, from what I've said, you can see that she is quite high
functioning. She can read and has an immense collection of DVD's which
she knows by heart. She uses and iPad and is wonderfully loving and
takes part in all the family gatherings and events, often amazing
everyone with her insights and observations, not to mention her
independence. A few years ago when Patti, her mom, said she had to do
something she replied: "That might be your agenda, Mom, but it isn't
mine!"
Obviously, things are often difficult and nobody would ever deny
the considerable time and energy required to care for her, for one
reason or another. Certainly not an easy road to travel but love and
compassion make everything possible. Rachel remains a family joy and
delight and constantly reminds us, with her unconditional affection, how
caring we need and ought to be to one another. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to
you, Gisela, just off to Oasis United. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Pics: Olivia Rose, with great-grandmother; grandmother, [Ayn. We spent our honeymoon, May 1976, in Tofino and Ayn's aunt and uncle, Barbara and Eric, were staying at the original Wickininish Inn as well. They spoiled Ayn over the course of the weekend. Ayn and Corinne returned to Tofino to spread her father's, John's, ashes along with those of Eric's, with the rest of the Vogt family. You might know that John lived with Eric before and after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Ayn flew up from LA to see John shortly, literally hours, before he died. Unfortunately, he never ever showed any interest in her until the last few years of his life and couldn't understand why it was so difficult for her to accept him. It was very, very hard on Ayn for the time after he first contacted her. Terribly sad, for so many reasons, and John never knew his wonderful grandsons.], and father; at one month!
Hi Patrizio, always lovely to hear from and learn all the news in your life. You sure have a busy and interesting one. You have always some thing to say, as you have so many interest. And a fairly large family and many, many
friend.
Down syndrome, Roman has to find his own peace and we have to let him grieve. It sits deep with him, but in time I know he will love Theodor. it is not an easy road ahead but we have to take baby steps and cross the bridges when the appear and. jump the hurdles when they come. We are all different in taking pain and deal with it. Roman is still young (36) and at the moment he sees only darkness. But that will lift, he is a good and kind person.My heart goes out to him and I am hurting for him.
And now you and Corrine are great-grandparents, where did the years go, and when did the little ones grow so very fast. Yup we are getting a bit longer in the tooth. I read the book, EDUCATED, a while ago, a fascinating story. Well I say good bye for now, wishing you a speedy recovery. Give my regard to Corinne.
Love Gisela
Hi again, Gisela! Yes, as you say, where have the years gone? Next selection for our book club is Kristin Hannah's The Great Alone: Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed
and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive
decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live
off the grid in America’s last true frontier.
Fondestos
from Lady Darjeeling to you, Gisela. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Patrick, Just wondering how many you have to play on Monday? Judy Hi JB!
We need you so trust you can still play. Dame Judith will collect me at 6:15 pm. Do you want us to pop by your place or will you come to Burns. Let me know and we'll plan accordingly. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Patrick: Thanks for your email . . . it is always good to hear from you and to see pictures, even when the message starts with a lecturing tone and litany of "you shoulds." As far as that goes, I will certainly endeavour to always be breezy and upbeat in future communications and never admit to emotions or describe experiences in a way that might be construed (or perhaps I should say misconstrued) as implying that I am not well aware of my extreme good fortune and the fact that the vast majority of people, past and present, could never aspire to luxuries such as a flush toilet and piped hot water.
I will also try to avoid writing anything that might incite comments (specifically statements starting with phrases like "you of all people") that leave me feeling baffled as to how I apparently stand out from my circle of family and friends in some particular respect. And as far as the particular matter of the bathroom renovation goes, apart from answering your question about whether I have my building permit yet (no), I hereby resolve to say nothing further about it until (if) I am able to send a triumphant report of its completion, together with pictures. (I do understand that it is not of surpassing interest in any case).
As you might discern, Patrick, I was irritated with the way your message started, but that's all right, as I believe (hope) we would agree that there is room for irritation against a bedrock of friendship. In our case, more than 40 years, as I've reflected recently on the fact that it is 40 years since I started my career in the library world in 1978, coinciding exactly with the first day that I came to work at the Curric Lab. Which, of course, was when and where I first met you, and shortly thereafter, Corinne. Chloë was just around 2 years old at the time.
Not a huge amount of news since I last wrote . . . but on Thursday, I made my 5th airport run in just over a week. Two of those were to pick up/drop off James from/to the airport. I also did the reverse (drop off/pick up) for my mother. And the remaining trip was to pick up a friend's daughter. Mum went to Ontario for a week, primarily to attend grandson Paul (my nephew's) school-year-end trumpet concert in Ottawa. Paul, despite being highly gifted (the education board's assessment, not his parents, who were never "pushers") was an
unmotivated underachiever at school, scraping through with minimal effort.
One thing he did well at for a time was music, to the point that he was invited to practise with the band at an elite private school when he was still in elementary school. But he gave that up and -- after belatedly graduating from high school -- started but abandoned a few things (e.g. a kinesiology program) until a couple of years ago, he somehow found his way back to music where he is now excelling in the program at the University of Ottawa, while also enjoying opportunities to pick up cash by playing fanfares, last posts etc. at local ceremonies. According to my mother, Paul was in great form and the concert was fantastic -- all good. Mum also travelled to Waterloo to visit a long-time friend, whose health is now severely compromised, before flying back from Toronto. Mum herself has become somewhat fragile and although generally a plucky and cup-half-full sort of person, was nervous about the trip . . . so it's success was quite a relief.
As for my friend's daughter, that was an interesting encounter. Linda, who I've known since Grade 2, has lived in Toronto for 30+ years and I had only met her daughter (now 22) a couple of times, most recently around 10 years ago. Aisha is relocating (or I should say, has now relocated) to Vancouver to attend Langara but has few local connections, so Linda called to see if I could pick her up and get her to the Airbnb where she is initially staying.
I duly headed out to YVR to meet Aisha, who I would never have recognized, as she now has a huge neck tattoo, secondary tattoos, various piercings, a very spotty complexion and is somewhat unusual looking to begin with. I'm also told by Linda that she has ADHD and is gay . . . so there is a lot going on! She's quite sweet, though, and also seems self-sufficient, having graciously declined an offer of further assistance (e.g. to scope transit, grocery stores etc.). I'll be helping her move to her next Airbnb on Wednesday morning, but otherwise don't expect to see a great deal of her, which is fine and to be expected, since I don't believe we have a natural affinity (and in any case, I am her mother's 60-year-old friend!) . . . but it's nice to be able to help her get started.
Otherwise, after a long day at the permit office on Wednesday, I took Sylvia (our long-time family friend, now enduring a mysterious growth on the side of her face) to see Hotel Mumbai. Being about the Mumbai terrorist attacks of 2008, it is not exactly the type of film to be "enjoyed" and there is no character development, but I was interested because of its Indian setting. It's an extremely violent and loud film, though, which Sylvia complained about throughout. Then we went for a quick dinner at a nearby restaurant, where, despite a large and varied menu, she wasn't able to find anything that she wanted to eat. Sigh!
BTW, as far as Indian-themed viewing prospects go, I had already noted Delhi Crime, which your positive review provides additional motivation to watch in the near future. My most recent viewing project (with Mum) was The White Princess (viewed on DVD, as it is not in Netflix, though I believe it is on Crave). The series is about Henry Tudor, Elizabeth of York and the Wars of the Roses (although apparently the preferred moniker now is "The Cousins' War"). It wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, but Mum and I are both English-history geeks and enjoyed it very much. We also found another recent series, The Great Fire, very watchable. As you might guess, it was based on the London's Great Fire of 1666, which was also the theme of a wonderful exhibition that I saw at the Museum of London in 2016 (marking the 450th anniversary of the fire).
Last night, Mum and I went over to North Burnaby, to join Karen and Mario's annual "Bortolin/Quercetti dinner" which usually takes place a couple of weeks before Christmas but was postponed this year due to scheduling challenges. It's a get-together for Mario's family (his surname being "Bortolin") and a related branch with the surname "Quercetti," who all trace their recent family origins to the Treviso area, near Venice. Happily for Mum and me, we are always invited too. The group is smaller than it used to be, as 5 of the "elders" have died during the almost-11 years that Mario and Karen have been married, while the younger generation is spreading its wings and apparently otherwise occupied. Still, there were 11 of us and it was a very pleasant gathering . . . they are a really lovely, interesting group who I always enjoy spending time with. (My culinary contribution was Lemon Linzer Cookies, Caramel Pecan Bars and "Chocolate Blossoms").
Interestingly, Mario bought a place in Venice several years ago, which he rents out for short-stays through a management company while reserving blocks of time for personal use. He spends more time there than Karen does, but she goes once a year. She is also working towards Italian citizenship. Mario, although born in Canada, was able to secure Italian citizenship awhile ago, due to his Italian-born parents. Karen can also get it, having been married 3 or more years to an Italian citizen. However, not being of "Italian blood" she also has to meet a language requirement, in pursuit of which she attends intensive classes while in Venice and takes online "live" lessons through Skype when she's not.
Speaking of Karen, I'm not sure whether I've previously mentioned that she has become a super-serious bridge player, attending classes and events on a very regular basis. Recently, Andrew and Betty and another acquaintance expressed interest in learning and wondered if Karen might be able to suggest where to take lessons etc. The upshot was that Karen, who actually aspires to become a bridge instructor, offered to provide lessons. So Andrew, Betty, Jerry and I have met with Karen a couple of times for this purpose and expect to do so again in the future. I'm very impressed and a little daunted by the level of skill and knowledge that Karen has attained! For my part, I have doubts about my aptitude but it is worthwhile and fun to try.
It sounds as if all is going well for you, with tastings, book-clubbing, gardening, new vehicle acquisition in sight, etc. And excellent news that your shoulder is healing. (You mentioned the stationary bike -- is that the one that I unloaded on you a year or so ago? Very pleased if it is proving useful!) You'll be out cycling again in no time, an endeavour that greatly appeals to me, and for which I am well-equipped, in a practical sense. Alas however, I am very nervous about cycling in the city, an apprehension which I may yet renew attempts to stare down. We'll see!) Hedgehugs to all. Love, Janet
Dearest, Oversensitive New Age Female! I apologize for irritating you as this was certainly not my intention. More of a tongue-in-cheek riposte to your litany of woe. However, that being said, I really do think that you need to develop more of a rhinoceros skin. As you mention, there should be room for "irritation" in any real friendship, especially, in one of over forty years. Your renovation blues response was a tad like your "mouse" debacle. Both upsetting and frustrating, I know, but working oneself into a tizzy doesn't really help, at least in my opinion. Enough said.
What an interesting time you've had as an airport chauffeur! Fascinating to learn how Paul has turned out. Pleased to hear that your Mom fared so well on her trip. Glad things with James seem to be back to "normal". Aisha sounds quite a combination and, I must say, you did sound somewhat "irritated" with Sylvia! Thanks for the tip on The White Princess, (We subscribe to Crave), and The Great Fire as I'm keen to see both. This evening, we started Traitors: Near the end of World War II’s European theater, Feef Symonds (Emma Appleton) is being trained as a spy by American officer Peter McCormick (Matt Lauria), getting her ready to go into the field along with her fellow Brits. But with the end of the war, she’ll be applying for a boring civil service job an Peter will be going back to his family in Iowa. Which is inconvenient for Feef, since the two of them have been having an affair.
Feef’s unique perspective on civil service gets her a job at the ministry of housing, doing boring studies about which kind of wood should be used to rebuild the bombed out towns around the U.K. But Peter has something more in mind for her; he’s part of the secretive Office of Secret Services (OSS) and he tells his boss, an aggressive agent named Rowe (Michael Stuhlbarg), that she’d be perfect to spy on her own government, whom Stuhlbarg is convinced is ripe for a Communist infiltration. It helps that her politics lean towards the Tory side, and she’s appalled that the Labour party — who Tories consider to be socialists — are likely going to gain the majority in Parliament and force Winston Churchill out of the PM’s office. Mixed reviews but I love the hugger-mugger of this period. Historical settings, costumes, etc., are wonderful.
Your culinary contributions made my mouth water! Do you send out care packages! You had mentioned Mario's place in Venice in an earlier message but not Karen's studying Italian and her move to acquire citizenship. Bravo indeed! I'm jealous! Not only of this but also of her terrific bridge accomplishments. I can remember her interest when we played a few times, aeons ago, and am more than delighted that she has done so well. We'd be happy to take lessons from her so mention that she and Mario should visit. Am even more pleased that you are availing herself of her expertise. Contrary to your silly protestations, I always thought you played well so now there will simply be no excuses for fitting into our bridge group when you next stay.
Yes, your Alu-trainer is my saviour, so thanks again for such a wonderful gift. I suppose you may well want it back after your renovations are complete and you have acres of new space! In fact, I must away to ride. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to you, Janet. Cheers, Patrizzio " How The Rhinoceros Got Its Skin" Person! Pics: Everest Etta! Friend's snaps from one of last week's hikes. Sad to be missing all the wonderful wildflowers.
Hi I have attached my itinerary so you can see my flight patterns!!! Your evening with Corrine’s Yoga teacher sounded delightful -maybe I can go to a yoga class with Corrine? I can try to fit in everything! How’s your weather? I just noticed a few crocuses are carefully showing their heads -yeah we may have a spring after all. However, there is snow in the forecast -I am hoping for warm temperatures when I visit you. Great to hear you are able and willing to go to a winery.
Ron and I are getting ready for the the world curling final tonight. I am really enjoying the curling this winter -nothing like a broken leg to make me appreciate curling. Tomorrow night, University Virginia is playing in the final March Madness game. Sam is doing his residency at UVA so we are excited to watch the team play in the final. Sam says the team is the topic of most conversations at the hospital -everyone is so keen about the bb team.
I’ve watched a lot of sports this weekend. By the way I’m reading “All my Puny Sorrows “ by Miriam Toews -have you read it? It’s dark, but has humour. It’s tough dealing with depression and talented people . Ok enough of that , I’m getting back to my curling. Take care Rhoda
Hi Hurry Harder Girl! Thanks for you detailed itinerary! We'll need kilometers red carpet to welcome you! Given your schedule you should be able to attend Lady Darjeeling's yoga class on Thursday morning. Classes are at 9:00 am so you won't arrive until after it is over on Tuesday. Perhaps I'll put a bike on the car rack and have a Lady Dar pick up your baggage. I'll ride to the airport and we can go for a jaunt so that you can work up a thirst for wine tasting.
You should be in LA where both Pierre and Alejandro would be watching March Madness. Lady Dar as read All My Puny Sorrows and and Miriam's latest, Women Talking was proposed for our next book selection. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to you, Ski. Cheers, Patrizzio!
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