Schönbrunn Pallazzo and the Walking Tour Blues: Sunday, September 1st!

Hi Kids! Trust you are not overdoing things, Chloë, with the move. We tried to reach you last night but no response. Don't overdo things. That is an order!!! Fondestos from Lady Dar to one and all. Stay well. Take care of each other. Cheers, Dad/Patrizzio! Looks like a lot of fun and I am so glad Corinne’s suitcase showed up. We didn’t overdo things and Chloe is mostly set up now. Thankful that Katie came to spend the night with her!! Keep sending the pics. Beckster

Wishing you a great holiday with lots of good memories. Safe travels. Judy
Xo Hi Judy Blue and Benny and The Jets! Thanks so much for your lovely wishes. Dame Judith is in residence at Burns Street so we hope that Duke has not given her too, too much trouble otherwise he and Etta will certainly be headed for the SPCA Fondestos from Lady Dar to you and Benny. Stay well. Take care of each other. Cheers, Patrizzio! Thanks Judy We are in Vienna just finished a day of site seeing. My suitcase never arrived from Montreal so had to buy a few things today. Hopefully it will arrive before we move on to Budapest.
Have a great month see you in October. Hugs Corinne
 

Dear 'Yer Majesty! Thanks so much for alerting us to Dame Judith's approximate whereabouts. I do hope that she has sorted out her printer problems by now! I trust El Diablo has not given her too, too much bother otherwise he and Etta will certainly be up for auction.

Just a quick note to fill you in on the  start of our trip. In Montreal, we didn't have al that much time to make our connection. We somehow missed a departure board and I asked an airline employee, pulling a flight bag, if he knew the location of nearest one. He told  us and we had to walk back a fair way to find out number of departure gate. At any rate, when we boarded, he was waiting for us at entrance to plane! I didn't realize he worked for Austrian Air and he didn't realize that we were looking for Departure Gate 67, his destination!

Loads of other things to relate. Off to an annoying tart as Lady Dar's suitcase did not arrive. Were able to determine that it left Montreal but not sure where it went after that! Of course we were hoping that it would turn up and be delivered to the VRBO Michele booked. Hallelujah! It was delivered about 10:00 pm last night! Off to explore the Schönbrunn Palace, main summer residence, of the Hapsburgs, this morning, with a guided walking tour before hand, near the Belvedere. Fondestos from Lady Dar to 'Yer Majesty, Dame Judithness, Lord Kevin of Mull and The Royal Felines, Princess Etta and Duke Duke! Stay well. Take care of each other. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Snapola while sipping my cappuccino, waiting for Flamin' and Sarge to arrive before we took a taxi to our apartment! When there, nobody to meet us so we had to wait across the hall with fellow travellers, Penny and Chris, from Melbourne. Had a very pleasant time visiting before the maid came to ready the place so we had to leave for a couple of hours. Took the opportunity to buy two day's worth of Big Red, Hop-on-Hop-Off, bus tour. Company gave us free rides on Friday so we were able to obtain a fairly good overview of city and this helped us plan rest of stay. 

Back home close to 5:30 pm to have showers and change into fresh clothes, [Lady Dar looked pretty spiffy in some of Flamin's clothes!], as we'd been travelling and sleeping in them for 26 hours. Just at the top of our street is a wonderful, wonderful restaurant so after some pre-dinner drinks and appetizers we toddled off there to enjoy an absolutely delicious meal. Andrew and Lady Dar. I wanted to take this snap as he was dressed a bit like me, [suspendares and tight jeans], when I met Cora Lee back in Winnipeg at Champs Motor Inn Pub, Halloween, 1971! On this occasion she scoffed, saying, "Oh, Patrick, you were not nearly as stylish as Andrew! Ordering veal schnitzel! Fabulous Austrian Syrah, 14.5%.

Walked, from our place, through the gardens of the Belvedere, winter palace of the Hapsburgs. "The Belvedere is a historic building complex, consisting of two Baroque palaces, the Orangery, and the Palace Stables. The buildings are set in a Baroque park landscape in the third district of the city, on the south-eastern edge of its centre." Lunch off the pedestrian mall. I asked waiter if I could buy a beer glass as I really liked logo and he said he would look the other way. Sarge just "stole" his!

PS: Single malt collection in Montreal wasn't overly impressive so I opted for a delicious dark rum from Martinique which goes down rather nicely after being out in the 30º sun on the top floor of the Big Red Bus!

Hi Mom, Sorry move has been all consuming!! Friday was a hard day, movers showed up for 1:30 and didn’t get everything unloaded till 6:30. I had thought Rebecca was coming Friday to help but it was Saturday so it was just me and movers. I did a lot of up and down packing final things and directing them. It was a lot and definitely felt my body, my back and hip so was glad when they finally left although the house was a shambles!! The most awful thing is the air conditioner at the new house is not working!!! I spent a hot sweaty first night not sleeping as i had no fan and the house was 27 degrees!!!

Saturday was a better day, Rebecca and her stepmom Sandra helped me clean Sendero and then Rebecca and Anna unpacked the kitchen and took unneeded boxes to the basement. Katie came around 1 and organized the den and living room/dining room and we did errands and went for sushi. Also earlier in the day Rebeccas dad and Sandra came back and put together my bed and the spare bed.

I went my your place and got the Dyson fan and one from Rebecca for Katie’s room and had a much much better sleep!! Saw Judi and Kevin, chatted for a bit and Duke came racing to the window as I’d called him as i walked in and we had a snuggle. I’ll go back as a bought them both new reflecting collers and switch them. Judi mentioned Duke woke her up early for water.... little rascal!

It’s almost 6 am and i got up to pee and will try to fall back asleep but my today plan is to hang clothes in my closet and organize the linens and bathrooms. I’ll be own my own so will just take it slow. Hopefully the air conditioner will be fixed Tuesday but no one can or is coming till then. So am preparing to sweat as its been 30 each day and muggy with a rain storm yesterday.

How are you guys?? Did you get that email from Judi with the Vienna number to call about your bag?? I hope you have received it by now!! What a drag after all your careful planning. Love you, miss you. Give my love to dad and Michele and Wayne. XOXO Miss you too. Thanks for the update. Sorry that you had to do Friday alone. My suitcase arrived at 10 pm last night. It’s good to have my stuff again. It’s great that the house seems to be falling into place. Too bad about the air conditioning Good that you have Monday to do more organizing. Take care don’t work too hard. Love Mom
 
HAPPY LABOUR DAY EVERYONE! In absence of any other suggestions, here is mine: Karl and I are going for a short, slow and easy hike tomorrow. If you have nothing better to do, please join us. 8:00 am at the IGA in Summerland
Destination TBD, open to special requets Karl and I were planning to go to the Bald Range, starting at Km 2 on the Princeton road, just past Faulder Back by 12 Refreshments at a place of our choosing Let's celebrate the Holiday, the End of the tourist season, the Beginning of almost-autumn and the Mating season of grasshoppers. Al

The Belvedere and Big Red Blues: Saturday, August 31st!

It seems like the less a statesman amounts to, the more he adores the flag. -Kin Hubbard, humorist (1 Sep 1868-1930) 


Hi Chloe, Hope you survived the move. My luggage has not arrived. Luckily there is a washer/dryer here. Wearing a top of Michele’s. How are things with you. Hugs, Mom

Hi Pat, Mario & I will be around and very happy to see you again! Are you already on the road? Best wishes from Bern Nicole Hello Nicolina, Mario Andretti, [and Nadienka]! Lovely, indeed, to hear from you, Nicolina! Do hope we will connect as we will be in Bern from September 30th to October 5th. Zurich from the 28th so perhaps we can connect, Nadienka, while there. At any rate, let us know what might work best for you and we'll plan accordingly. Fondestos from Lady Dar, Flamin' and Sarge to one and all. Stay well. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Vienna, Ritazza Cafe and the Lost Blue Bag Blues: Friday, August 30th!

Hi Flash! Lovely to hear from you and belated 21st anniversary congratulations to you ! Hip Hip Hooray! Still remember the wonderful, wonderful wedding weekend. Pleased to hear all goes well with your "teens" and that your parents are fine. Not sure if you knew but Dusty died on May 5th, 2017. Going strong until pretty much the end so a good, full life. Rosie the Riveter is 94 and in the process of selling the place at Falcon Lake. Lady Dar flew back to help her pack, etc., in July, for almost two weeks. When place sells, she'll live with Corinne's brother, George and wife, immediately next door, at Falcon, but probably all will move to Winnipeg,  at some point.

Olivia Rose is more than a delight and Ayn has her own place now. [We helped both her and Chloë with down-payments. More below.] Pierre is living with her while finishing his engineering degree. Naturally, we are over the moon with Chloë's pregnancy but busy indeed. Already started as she is moving into her new place today. She sold her new townhouse in Sendero Canyon to buy another place, but about five blocks from us, to reduce her mortgage. Has an unfinished, [wired and plumbed already], basement suite which she will have developed with some of the profit from sale. She will need this mortgage helper when on maternity leave. 

However, her boss has been very accommodating and she can keep her company car and gas card while on leave. As well, she'll keep a number of buildings to manage so that her income can be "topped" up. He would like her to manage the Penticton office when she is back so he obviously values her commitment and expertise. Along with Kid Chelene and Beckster, [F's/S's middle child and daughter-in-law], we have helped her pack up most of her things so move should go reasonably well.

We rented a car and drove to Kelowna at 2:30 am yesterday morning to fly to Vancouver, then Montreal to Vienna. At the moment we are in Rittazza Cafe waiting for Flamin' and Sarge to arrive, around noon, local time. We will stay in Vienna for four nights and then pick up a rental car to wend our way to Budapest and Ljubljana before hitting the Dalmatian Coast, driving south to Dubrovnik. We leave them there, after three weeks as they fly back home, via Rome, for a few days.

We will fly t Prague and then make our way to Zurich and Bern, to see former boarders, before Valence where we will stay with more friends. Then to Paris for last four nights, joined by two close friends from London, for a couple of those days. Then back to Penticton by October 12th!

Had a whirlwind of social activity for three weeks before we left, finishing off with Cactus and Donna Florida so it was lovely that they could spend a little over a week with us. Lucy sounds adorable and we enjoy our felines, Etta and Duke, immensely. I think of you four every time I use the wonderful broom you presented us with, back in 2015! Will need to replace it soon as it has been used almost daily for all those years! 

Loads of other things to relate but must away as Lady Dar's suitcase did not arrive and we have to hit the Lost Baggage counter to fill out a form. Know that it left Montreal but not sure where it went! Hoping that it will turn up and be delivered to the VRBO Michele booked. Fondestos from Lady Dar to one and all. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: The Sleepy Cats! Baby scale from Colleen and Big Al; bocce at Township 7 when The Sisterhood trounced us! Lady Dar's latest acquisition, hung by Big Al. Beckster with her step-mom and Kid Chelene, at their youngest's 3rd birthday party, last Sunday. Late Wednesday night before we took off for Kelowna; In Montreal, waiting for connecting flight to Vienna.

Hello Grüner Veltliners! Thanks for the best wishes and the tip! [Had a lovely note from Flash which I will forward after I send this message.] Chloë came over around 10:00 pm on Wednesday evening to say goodbye. We had picked up our rental car earlier that afternoon. At the moment we are in Rittazza Cafe waiting for Flamin' and Sarge to arrive, around noon, local time. As I think you know, we will stay in Vienna for four nights and then pick up a rental car to wend our way to Budapest and Ljubljana before hitting the Dalmatian Coast, driving south to Dubrovnik. We leave them there, after three weeks as they fly back home, via Rome, for a few days.

In Montreal, we didn't have al that much time to make our connection. We somehow missed a departure board and I asked an airline employee, pulling a flight bag, if he knew the location of nearest one. He told  us and we had to walk back a fair way to find out number of departure gate. At any rate, when we boarded, he was waiting for us at entrance to plane! I didn't realize he worked for Austrian Air! Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Snapolas while sipping my cappuccino! Note "Chloë" at top of banner in second last pic.

Hello Sunshine Valley! Just a quick note to fill you in on the  start of our trip. Chloë came over around 10:00 pm on Wednesday evening to say goodbye. We had picked up our rental car earlier that afternoon and drove to Kelowna at 2:30 am yesterday morning to fly to Vancouver, then Montreal to Vienna. At the moment we are in Rittazza Cafe waiting for Flamin' and Sarge to arrive, around noon, local time. As I think you know, we will stay in Vienna for four nights and then pick up a rental car to wend our way to Budapest and Ljubljana before hitting the Dalmatian Coast, driving south to Dubrovnik. We leave them there, after three weeks as they fly back home, via Rome, for a few days.

We will fly to Prague and then make our way to Zurich and Bern, to see former boarders, before Valence where we will stay with more friends. Then to Paris for last four nights, joined by two close friends from London, for a couple of those days. Then back to Penticton by October 12th!

In Montreal, we didn't have al that much time to make our connection. We somehow missed a departure board and I asked an airline employee, pulling a flight bag, if he knew the location of nearest one. He told  us and we had to walk back a fair way to find out number of departure gate. At any rate, when we boarded, he was waiting for us at entrance to plane! I didn't realize he worked for Austrian Air!

Loads of other things to relate but must away as Lady Dar's suitcase did not arrive and we have to hit the Lost Baggage counter to fill out a form. Know that it left Montreal but not sure where it went! Hoping that it will turn up and be delivered to the VRBO Michele booked. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!

HEAR YE! HEAR YE! The Queen is pleased to announce that Dame Judith has taken up her fall residency at a location unknown but rumor has it she is in Canada, in the South Okanagan. The Queen requests that she be left in private to rest and enjoy Okanagan Wines. She has received an offer of purchase for the two resident cats, she is deliberating. NOW TO THE IMPORTANT QUESTION: Your printer is printing with white lines all through it. Any suggestions? Would it be the ink? Dame Judith.

The cats are priceless. A King's ransom. I think you need a new cartridge there is one by my printer in the rumpus room. If not use my printer. Have no luggage suitcase did not arrive. Give cats a stroke for me. Hugs Corinne

Dear Yer Majesty! Thanks so much for alerting us to Dame Judith's approximate whereabouts. I do hope that she has sorted out her printer problems by now! I trust El Diablo has not given her too, too much bother otherwise he and Etta will certainly be up for auction.  

G'day Patrick You met Chris & Penny Jose in Vienna. Hello Budapest! Trust you are both well and enjoying the city. Thank you again for the "kindness of strangers!" Lovely to meet you both and we will reciprocate when you visit both Vancouver and Penticton! Fondestos from the once Homeless People to you both. Please keep in touch. Stay well. Travel safely. Take care of each other. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Early, Early Highway 97 Morning Blues: Thursday, August 29th!

Hi Flash!

Lovely to hear from you and belated 21st anniversary congratulations! Hip Hip Hooray! Still remember the wonderful, wonderful wedding weekend. Pleased to hear all goes well with your "teens" and that your parents are fine. Not usre if you knew but Dusty died on May 5th, 2017. Going strong until prety much the end so a good, full life. Rosie the Riveter is 94 and in the process of selling the place at Falcon Lake. Lady dar flew back to help her pack, etc., in July, for almost two weeks. When place sells, she'll live with Corinne's brother, George and wife, immediately next door, at Falcon, but probably all will move to Winnipeg,  at some point.

Olivia Rose is more than a delight and we are over the moon with Chloë's pregnancy, of course.

Last Ditch Final Packing Blues: Wednesday, August 28th!

Hi Pat, Another summer has blasted by, of course. Wanted to touch base and say hello - see how you guys are doing. Instagram and Facebook have provided a few details about your lives - I see Alex had a little girl - she’s delightful, and I see David and Nancy came and visited.…I also saw that Chloe is expecting - I could do the math but it looks like some time in November? Great news!! You are going to be rather busy in the next while.

We, as always, are rolling along. Our 21st anniversary was last week (Gregg and Francesca’s was the week before - amazing how we’re getting old) and things are generally the same. We have Lucy, our chocolate lab, who gives us ample reason to get out and explore the city (and the woods, and every single body of water anywhere, any time). The kids are great. Margot is 16 and going into grade 11; Elise is 13 and heading into grade 8 at Templeton this year. My folks are well. Not much to report aside from that.

Just wanted to say ‘hello’ and send our warmest wishes to you and your (ever increasing) family. Give our love to Corinne, of course! It has been a while since we saw everyone last. -A. 

Everyone thinks of beer, but Nancy points out that there are fabulous wine bar/restaurants in Vienna. For example, https://www.eulennest.at/ Hope you make it to that one because they really know their Austrian wines! AND hope you make it to the airport!!!!!!!!!! love, D & N

Brock and the Royal Bank Blues: Tuesday, AUgust 27th!

Too many parents make life hard for their children by trying, too zealously, to make it easy for them. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, poet, dramatist, novelist, and philosopher (28 Aug 1749-1832)

Fall Kindling and the Skill-Saw Blues: Monday, August 26th!

No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots. -Barbara Ehrenreich, journalist and author (b. 26 Aug 1941)

Hi, Thanks for the pics!!  Wishing you an awesome trip and we look forward to seeing you in October. Regards, Delton Thiessen Hi again, Lettuce Mogul! Glad you enjoyed the snapolas and thanks for good wishes. Will check-out the various lettuce sellers for you and compare your product to that of EU sellers! Perhaps you can ship to Britain once Boris Brexits the UK! Hello to Jaunita and best wishes to you both! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Rainy Day Deconstruction Bed Blues: Sunday, August 25th!

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

Here is the schedule for the last few days in August. Seems like everyone is away (Patrick/Greta/Manisha) or busy, consequently still looking for quite a few volunteers for September.Carole

OK Folks…My company has left for now. Time to hit the trails. Thursday should be fairly hot according to the forecast, so I am planning to head for the high hills, specifically Brent Mountain. We will: -meet at 0800 at the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre employee parking area ( on the northeast corner of the Atkinson St.-Warren Ave intersection). Please remember this change! -those in Summerland meet at the IGA parking lot at 0740 as usual. -carpool and drive via the kilometre 4 forestry road to the Brent Mountain trailhead -hike to the Brent summit and return -decide on a suitable location for debriefing and refreshment. Are you interested in joining us? If so, let me know. Lost and Found! I have received a lost small day thermos, stainless steel, with the Sony logo on it. If you have misplaced it, please let me know. I’d love for it to find its home! Cheers, Jim

 

Hello Sendero Famiglia!  Just a quick note to thank Ashlynn's parents for hosting such a great "adult" birthday party! Lovely indeed and Lady Dar and I were both quite distressed to have to leave early! Anyway, all the best until we are back in mid-October. Stay well. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to one and all. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Boithday Bash! Who needs kids, anyway!

Have a great trip Patrick! ~Stephanie. PS: I am going to the Dream cafe on Thursday! I am popping my cherry on a new experience to see your communities lovely cafe! Hi Mountain Maid! Thanks for best wishes. Great to hear you are off to The Dream! I listened to Lindsay Beaver's number, [link included in Café post], and am sorry we will miss performance. Say hello to Hazel, (hostess/manager), and tell her I was sorry not to say goodbye to her last Saturday. Lady Dar and I will toast you both with a glass of Grüner Veltliner, [a typical Austrian white], when we land in Vienna. You'll be groovin', along with Lindsay, and we'll be washing down Sachertorte with above mentioned hootch! Best wishes to Silas and Happy Windexing! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Lindsay Beaver

PS: Give Chloë, [our youngest daughter], a call as I mentioned you to her and there might well be some work having to do with some of the buildings which she manages for Pacific Quorum. [Please send my finder's fee when you close a deal as I really need cash for coming trip!] Pics so that you both won't think the other is a serial killer! Chloë and Lady Dar at far right; Kid Chelene with The Sisterhood!

Hi Patrice! Thank you for the great pictures and fond reminiscences!. We had a wonderful time with you guys and very much appreciate the wonderful hospitality!.. We not only enjoyed our time with you but also thoroughly enjoyed our drive which on the way back could not have been more beautiful and in fact I feel the nicest drive we have ever had along the Hope Princeton. Between the great weather and top down taking in the amazing views plus a couple nice stops along the way, one for fruit in Keremeos and then for a nice coffee and snack at the historic store in Hedley it was most enjoyable and a pleasant contrast to some of the other white knuckle and much too long and hot drives with less than perfect vehicles and trailers we have experienced!.

We had a full week with work moving along at a brisk clip on the Blue cabin project : <https://www.facebook.com/events/2325050591042504/permalink/2350096655204564/?notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic&notif_id=1566750157076830> and we also got an offer on our cabin for sale and yesterday we closed the deal so although somewhat sad , also relieved as a lot of financial pressure and many misc. mental distractions will cease in a couple weeks. We got a good price and did very well for our three year investment and especially because for the most part our expenses were fully covered plus a buffer through our Airbnb work. Now trying to get paperwork done for my bookkeeper done and then a few domestic tasks before we head down to the P.N.E. to see Styx tonight 😊.

I guess you guys are heading off pretty soon and look forward to seeing and hearing of your up coming adventures. Take care for now and we will talk soon. Cheers, Al I meant to add this to the last email but I think you will see it on the link I sent. This, for me is an amazing shot because it shows the former B.C. pavilion which I did extensive work on back in ‘84/’85 but the new project in the foreground some 25 years into the future from them. Surreal really! Cheers, Al

Hi Blue Cabin Boychik! Congratulations on the sale of Sunshine Valley cabin! Hip Hip Hooray!!! [I am really, really pleased to hear about sale as now I won't have to send you the money we had planned to pay for all the work done at the Burns Street Bistro!] Also delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful drive home. What a life! As well, Blue Cabin looks terrific. Is it in place or is that just a rendering?

Ashlynn’s 3rd Birthday Bash!

Just a quick note as so much to do before we head out to Kelowna, at 2:00 am, Thursday morning. Have to meet with lawyer Tuesday morning to sign all the mortgage documents, etc., and then last minute errands before we finish readying house and do last minute packing. I have vowed to travel "lightly" this time so that I don't have an albatross of luggage around my neck, filled with things I never even use or wear. Will take a reasonably large backpack, (to check), and my camel pack, sans bladder, for my computer, small toiletry bag and reasonably healthy snacks for flight. Am being "ruthless" as to what I pack so you might see me in the same few outfits over course of trip! Of course, Lady Dar has three steamer trunks full of shoes! How I love you, Imelda!!!

Had a jolly time, at Ashlynn's 3rd birthday bash this afternoon. Later that evening we had Dame Judith and Kevin over for dinner that evening. She will live at our place to take care of Etta and Duke while we are away. Apparently Kevin will make conjugal visits! Anyway, all the best until we are back in mid-October. Will definitely coordinate a stop at SV as we are driving into Vancouver week of October 27th. Stay well. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Pics: Beckster with her step-mom, Sandra; Lucia and Javier, children of Sue, with her Dad, visiting from Ottawa, and The Sisterhood; Anna, nanny, from Germany, with Beckster's sister; Beckster with her dad, John; Beckster with some of her colleagues from work; Kid Chelene with The Sisterhood! Dame Judith with her son Neil and granddaughter Kiko. He brought her by as Judi was taking her to Victoria for a few days. Kevin, et al.
 

Hi Victoria and Penticton! Just a quick note to say how much we enjoyed Sunday evening and meeting your lovely granddaughter! Thanks as well for calling Taffy. Anyway, all the best until we are back in mid-October. Dame Judith/[Colin], you can always give Chloë a call if you have any questions about "kittens" or house or basement suite. Stay well. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to one and all. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

PS: DJ, regarding garbage, yard waste and recycling collection, this is what I do. With recycling and our compost bin we really don't produce much actual garbage so I put a paper bag, [You can use a plastic bag, if you so desire, and I have left a supply on top of work bench in garage.], in container in kitchen which I then put in a relatively small plastic bag, [Supply just behind fence gate next to firewood, at back of house. (Kevin, further along is a full tank of propane, should one attached to fire-pit run low.)], recycled from earth we used for front planter, to put in garbage container in lane. 

Garbage collection is every week, on Monday, so I roll container to bottom of driveway, Sunday evening, away from utility pole. Unless you do any extensive gardening you probably won't accumulate much, if any, yard waste so don't move that container from where it is and collection service will not empty it there. Same goes for recycling bin, unless you empty malt cabinet and wine fridge! Speaking of which, there are a number of empty boxes/bags, behind work bench for beer/pop cans/tetra-paks, wine bottles, glass jars, styrofoam platters, etc., which I return to recycling depot when I have enough to make a trip worthwhile. 

Furthermore, in bottom drawer, underneath TV, is where we keep containers for "overlefts". When Kevin has a date night you can send him home with an empty yogurt or Feta container full of night's dinner fixings, not highly prized Rubbermaid or Ziploc containers! 
 

Kevin might well be different but any of the latter never manage to make their way home again! In past, home and struggling to pay for travel just undertaken we've had to spend thousands we simply don't have, replacing lost containers! Furthermore, take a picture of each drawer and cupboard in the kitchen so that you can replace each piece of cutlery, kitchen utensil or frying pan where it lives! If you don't promise to do so, we'll paper house with Post-it notes and won't return your damage deposit! Tough love, Babycakes! Pics: SOWTS comes to The Burns Street Bistro! Your charges to be!

Hello Duhlink! Just wanted to let you know that we booked Ibis Budget Paris Porte de Bercy, [€307.04], for four nights, October 8th, checking out on the 12th. Let us know what you plan to do. Hello to Madcap. Stay well. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic:  Duke helping Lady Dar pack!

Jake and The Farmers' Market Goodbye Blues: Saturday, August 24th!

A certain amount of opposition is a great help to a man. Kites rise against, not with, the wind. -John Neal, author and critic (25 Aug 1793-1876)

Hello Donna and Vincenzo! Pleased you are home, safely and soundly, even if studiously ignored by uppity feline! Etta is on her favourite chair, outside on back patio, while Duke is sleeping on our bed, having investigated Lady Dar's packing there! 

I echo her sentiments about having enjoyed your visit immensely. Hip Hip Hooray! Just wanted to send along this album as clock is ticking, as you well know. Must away as I'm off to The Farmers' Market and then to run a number of errands before returning to start on myshouldares! I'm selling 50/50 tickets at The Dream tonight. My last shift until October. Going to be a very busy, busy last few days befoer we follow your tracks to Kelowna! Fondestos from Lady Dar, busy confirming dates with a number of friends we will see in France. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: The Sleepy Cats!

Good Morning everyone. August is slipping away ... where has the summer gone? It was very nice to meet Janine last night at the club. I am getting there but still haven't managed to meet you all. Maybe near the end of September we can get together with the 'Poster Volunteers' for a Saturday or Sunday brunch at the Cafe. Will keep you informed. Following is the schedule that I have so far for September. You know the drill …. fill in your choice and please send it to "reply all". Thanks again for volunteering your time for "live music". 

 

Hi Carole! As I think I mentioned, in an earlier message, we will be away until October 12th so I might be able to fill in a few spots, if not already filled, by the time we are back, in the weeks toward the end of October, if someone can't take a shift already signed up for. Until then, stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hello Farmers' Market Famiglia! Just a quick note to send some of the snapolas that I have taken over the last few weeks and to welcome handsome Silas and his minder, Stephanie, hailing from near Chicago, to Penticton and environs. As I may well have mentioned, Lady Dar and I are winging our way to Vienna and beyond, this coming Thursday, to scope out many of the Farmers' Markets in Europe. This being the case, you won't have me to kick around until mid-October! Nevertheless, I'll be back with a vengeance then so be prepared!! Until then, stay well. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Farmers' Markets, August 10th, 17th and 24th!
 

Hello Patrick wow, long time no hear (also from my side:( ) Happy to read that you will be in Switzerland, even in Zurich, on Saturday, September 28th - and guess what. I am here :) I am really looking forward seeing you after such a long time!!! Great. Of course you will be our guests, plan accordingly. I am about to leave for dinner with Maryam (wife) and her sister who just arrived from Iran. Take care and let me know your time plan, ok? Great to see you again!! Cheers Stefan

Hi lovely Patrick! It's sooooo nice to hear from you! It sounds like that you are doing as fantastic as usual, enjoying your life with your family, lots of friends and visitors! and... Wow! Chloë will be Mama! What a fantastic news! Hope she is doing well. The well-being of motner is the most important during the pregnancy. My life is kind of crazy right now. Where should I start?!?
 

My dad passed away last October and since then I've had to go through hard time. My dad left us peacefully and I could spend last 10 days of his life together. Even so losing my dad hit me much harder than I expected, he was my home, and the only reason I visited Japan. My mom, who is 85, doing well and my sister, (58), lives close to my mom, is living her life only for her dogs.

I went through a terrible depression for about 6 months until June. I've lost 4 more friends to cancer. It was not easy. I needed a some change and input I went to Peru for a Breathwork Treatment, also called a Trauma Release Retreat for women and I have to say, it saved my life. I came back with new hope and willingness to change my life, and am finally out of my "comfort zone". And I'll lose my job at the end of this year (yeah, my boss Stefan, fired me, LOL) and I've just turned 50 this year... Holy Moly, so I decided to "reset" and try to get organized my life.
 

As the part of "de-cluttering" my life - I've been busy letting go of many feelings and things, including my apartment. I won't be able to afford the place from January 2020 so I've just terminated my contract. I am not looking for a new place to live, yet, because I don't know where my new job would be located. I am willing to relocate myself for a job! My contract will be terminated at September 27th, and I'll be in California (SF and LA) for 30 days staying with friends and dog-sitting. When I come back in November I'll use airbnb and move place to place and look for a job. I'll go gypsy, LOL! Will see, Inshallah!

I'd love to host you here in Zurich but I am moving out of my apartment on Sep.27th! If you are looking for place to stay I'm sure Stefan will be here. I might be also around, we can meet up! So looking forward to seeing soon! Love, Nao xox



 

Cactus and Floridian Hard Nose The Highway Blues: Friday, August 23rd!

It matters not how strait the gate, / How charged with punishments the scroll, / I am the master of my fate: / I am the captain of my soul. -William Ernest Henley, poet, critic, and editor (23 Aug 1849-1903) 

Power Outtage, Piano Moving and More! Hey Patrick, No problem at all. I think we should be able to use FaceTime. I’m just sorting out how I can record that. I do have an iPhone and use it often, but strangely enough recording FaceTime call conversations is not built in and seems difficult to do on phones. I’ve been using my school laptop for Skype, but it’s a Windows PC so doesn’t do FaceTime. I can use my desktop which is a Mac - I don’t have a webcam on that, but Diane lives close by and they have several. I’m going to head over get one to borrow later this morning.

Oh, and one other problem - we seem to have a power outage here this morning! So, all of the above is contingent on power being restored. I’m not sure when that might be but I’ll email or text once I know more. Here is my cell number. Eric 😃 Hi Eric! Unbelievable! The Great Balzarini would love this! Yes, I'm home all day so just give me a call when you are "plugged in"! I also tried to FaceTime the phone number you supplied but system said your number was not on FaceTime so not sure if you have initiated it or not. Anyway, we can always chat on the phone as a last resort. Buona Fortuna! Cheers, Patrizzio!

OK, sounds good. Yes, he would like this - I was thinking about the story of his battery lights during the great New York blackout! That number is my cell and the one I use for FaceTime, but probably says I’m unavailable because we don’t have wifi right now. I’ll call once we’re up and running. Eric 😃 Cheers!

Return to The Similkameen Blues: Thursday, August 22nd!

"Do you ever read any of the books you burn?" "That's against the law!" "Oh. Of course." -Ray Bradbury, science-fiction writer (22 Aug 1920-2012) 

Save The date for our Pizza Pick up Party!

 

Orofino Collector's Club:It's almost time for our Fall On the Farm pick up party! Come by and pick up your Fall Collectors Club case and enjoy some pizza and wine in our beautiful courtyard. Peter Barclay, from Pete's Za in Osoyoos, will be here cooking up some amazing pizza in our wood fired oven and we'll be serving it alonside our delicious wines. It's always a fun time and we hope you can make it! Hi Spirit Ridge Goil!

Would you like me to make reservations for you and three guests? Let me know what you think and I'll plan accordingly. Unfortunately, David left his wallet at Orofino on way home as we stopped to show them the winery and he bought a bottle of Riesling. He and I will drive back down to Cawston after my physio this morning while Lady Dar and Donna Florida visit the Art Gallery and probably have lunch somewhere. Love and Cheers, Dad!

 

 

Orofino and The Bye Bye Al Lerman Blues: Wednesday, August 21st!

I have no respect for people who deliberately try to be weird to attract attention, but if that's who you honestly are, you shouldn't try to "normalize" yourself. -Alicia Witt, actress, singer-songwriter, and pianist (b. 21 Aug 1975) 

Up at just before 8:00 am to creep into the kitchen to put on a cup of cask strength java! Lady Dar was asleep on the couch and I assumed Cactus was already doing laps in the family pool. However, he came out shortly after the percolation had completed itself and poured two cups, one for Donna Florida and one for himself. Gang will go on the desert walk this morning while I shouldare myself into greater flexibility. Once back we'll have brunch, using up overlefts, before we pack up and make for home. Lady Dar has her book club to ready for as she is hosting while Vinnie, Floridian and I will take in Al Lerman at the Dream Café.

Hi Marilyn and Big Molly!

Trust you are both well! I do apologize for not being in touch sooner but haven't had a moment with latest batch of Freeloaders! We drove down to Osoyoos, late on Monday, to begin our two night stay. Had a wonderful time wine-tasting before a delicious lunch at Masala. Wanted to go to Lariana, right on border, but it was closed so we hit Young & Wyse, close bye. Lorraine, lady behind counter told us about Here's The Thing, a recently opened, tiny winery, so we went there next. On our way to Kismet so worked out well. Terrific spot with terrific  wines, extremely reasonably priced. [Had their Cab Franc last night and wished I'd bought a case, so fine it was!] On to Stoneboat, just down the way and another marvellous tasting.

Chloë joined us for lunch at Masala, at 1:00 pm and we had a feast, indeed. I opted for lamb curry, "hot", and I am pleased to report I could stand the heat! Back home for others to lounge around pool while I did my shouldares, on bed, afterwards, doing some of the standing ones in the pool itself, as well as in steam room, so was chuffed. Lady Dar's fab ribs on the bbq and all was more than well for dinner.

Up at just before 8:00 am to creep into the kitchen to put on a cup of cask strength java! Lady Dar was asleep on the couch, [She claims bth Chloë and I snore too, too loudly!], and I assumed Cactus was already doing laps in the family pool. However, he came out shortly after the percolation had completed itself and poured two cups, one for Donna Florida and one for himself. Gang will go on the desert walk this morning while I shouldare myself into greater flexibility. Once back we'll have brunch, using up overlefts, before we pack up and make for home. Lady Dar has her book club to ready for as she is hosting while Vinnie, Floridian and I will take in Al Lerman at the Dream Café.

Must away as I need another shot of café industriale and want to start on my shouldares soon. Fondestos from both Chloë and Lady Dar. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: I'll be sending a couple of other messagios in order to accommodate most of the snapolas I took over the course of your stay! Pics: Sunshine Valley Freeloaders in action!Hi again, Kids! Series starts with Meyer Family Vineyards, then "rout" by The Sisterhood, playing bocce at Township 7, followed by picnic at Nichol. Last batch! Sky hook and arrivederci! Tasting, and more, with Berkeley Freeloaders!