Leap Year and the Deep Massage Blues: Saturday, February 29th!

Tact is the art of convincing people that they know more than you do. -Raymond Mortimer

Celebrate today in your own special way! ...the Pence strategy to contain the virus whilst Trump says all 'under control' 

 
Hi Colin and Jo-anne! Trust you are both well. What a wonderful skewering of Trump! He is running the country using Tools Explained as his political manual! Both would be even funnier if it wasn't so terribly, dangerously true! Especially with the latest news out of Washington State. Starting to feel rather too, too uncomfortably close to home, in terms of likely transmission across the border, given normal travel both ways. Fondestos to you both. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!
 
Hi Patrick...I thought I should let you know That I won't be attending the Jazz night with this fine group next Thursday evening March 5 th and also unable to join the hiking group this coming Monday It was so much fun last Monday and I was looking forward to more outings but... I am leaving for California tomorrow Sunday ... I will be away for a good month..My daughter has reached out to me for more support for Herself as well as the school break
 
Thus I'm on my way...also my granddaughter will be celebrating her 6th birthday and this will be the first birthday for me since her birth ... What can I say other than that I'm happy to be in a position to be able to come and go as I do Enjoy the outings and see you hope fully in April and May Cheers...Elle 🙏🤗
P.S....I have spoken with Marion 

Hi Murielle! Sorry you won't be around for the Jazz night but certainly understand your need to help out your daughter. Had a fabulous time at The Dream last night. Lovely to see Lou and Bonnie there as well. Enjoy your time in California. Travel safely. Stay well all. Cheers, Patrizzio! Thank you for the fabulous account of your experience at the Dream and for the photos...sounds like a delightful evening. Also Thank you the good wishes. Stay well and see you sometime on another hike or another outing Stay well...That Covid- 19 virus is starting to sound extremely menacing Hugs, Elle 🙏🤗

Hello Lake Balboa Lollygaggers! Trust everyone is well. Weather has been lovely over last few days, (pretty windy however), so I've been for a couple of great rides although I miss the Orange Bus Line dedicated lane and Santa Susana Pass Road!

After going to the bathroom, around 5:00 am, I had to close the door as El Diablo had knocked my floss and alarm clock into the sink! [Later on I found an earring wedged under the magazine basket, a victim of efforts to wake me up a few days ago!] Turned on the radio and went back to bed to wake up at 8:30 am and Duke was curled at my feet. [Tough love as they both have to survive on the crunchy dust which I sprinkle on top of reduced, new rations!] Both have been very affectionate ever since Lady Dar left, Duke, perhaps, more so than Etta, as she has always loved her full-body massages!

Etta wasn't around so after I fed Duke I zapped my java. He hopped onto the picture window ledge and when I went over to give him a stroke or two I noticed the large black cat, [almost twice as large as our felines], from somewhere in the neighbourhood, was sitting on the front door mat. He was there yesterday morning as well. Duke didn't seem all that fussed as he didn't growl but did watch him intently. When I opened the door he dashed off but Duke didn't follow. A few minutes later Etta sauntered in and squeaked for breakfast!

Had a wonderful massage with Alison this morning and had a pleasant visit with Brock beforehand. Told him all about life in La La Land! Alison is a lovely young woman and since she is from Northern California she is also quite familiar with LA. She is also a fan of The Dream and Pentastic. [She is also blown away by Dave Bennett!] I didn't realize until I related some of what I've described above that she sings as well and has been toying with auditioning for the Naramata Community Choir. I immediately encouraged her to do. Furthermore, she is a cyclist but somehow hasn't really pursued this activity ever since she moved from Vancouver. I told her I wanted her to be a member of NCC and be riding by my next appointment with her!

Plan to devote myself to shouldares this afternoon to give my legs a bit of a rest as I hope to go for a longish ride tomorrow, after Kid and I collect vanity from Rona. Must away as fire needs another log. Fondestos to one and all. Love and Cheers, Dad/Poppa/Patrizzio! Pics: Naramata Choir, Small Groups, at The Dream! GFA; Luigi, second from left, with friends; Patt Dyck, right, of Cannery Brewing; Bonita, right, from hiking group; Margot; Castefiore! Roger Rabbit's wife!

PS: Lady Dar please send snap to Lynn snap as I don't have her email address. Thanks. They'll miss you on Thursday. Murielle was supposed to join us for Jazz Night, with The Cousins and other friends, [Not sure if Josinta and Aaturos will be back from Calgary.], but just had a note this morning and she's off to Santa Barbara, tomorrow, [unexpectedly, I gather], to help out her daughter with grandchildren over school break.

Just a reminder to our members, the deadline for purchasing your tickets is March 8th. On that date I must give the final numbers to our caterers. If you have not purchased your tickets and are wanting to attend please do so before that date. Looking forward to another great tasting lead by Chad. He also has a few prices if you answers the questions ..... come and have an evening of fun. 

In Chad's Words: Please join us for an evening we are calling “What’s In a Tasting Note; Irish Style.” In an attempt to show just how subjective and personal whisky flavours and aromas can be, our Tasting Coordinator Chad will sample each of our whiskies ahead of time and prepare his own tasting notes. Your task is to attempt to match his tasting notes to their corresponding whiskies. We will be featuring 5 Irish whiskies and 3 Scotches. It’s all in good fun, but there are prizes to be won and fantastic whiskies to be sampled! Hope to see you there! Judi Ritcey, Event Co-ordinator SOWTS Looking forward to it! Kevin Hi Dame Judith and Kevin! I'm already doing my homework! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Now I could use a dram or two of this Patrick. I have been in bed with a terrible cold the last two days, this would open up those sinuses. Dame Judith Hi Dame Judith! Terribly sorry to hear that you are suffering with what seems like a very nasty cold! Duke and Etta send their best wishes for a speedy recovery. For my part, I'd be more than happy to come over and rub Vick's Vapour Rum on your chest to help open up your clogged sinuses and then you'd be able to smell the Irish Whiskey! Must away to have another swig of Method and Madness. I'll have an extra dram, or two, for you! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Sleeeeeeepy kitten and mini-Swiss cow bell!

Thank you for your kind offer of nursing however I think I will pass. However, a wee dram to ease congestion would have been gratefully accepted. What do you mean minus the cow bell. ........I have put you and Corinne on our table? Is that OK with you. I will be there to supervise your behaviour. When is Lady Dar back? We would like to have you both over for an evening of appies and alcohol once she is back. Can you confirm the dates that I will be house sitting please. Really enjoying American Dirt. Great choice. Can't wait for the next book club. Take care Dame Judith 

Hi again DJ! Somewhat disappointed that you won't take me up on home care as I was looking forward to your Vicks therapy! Your sight, as well as your sinuses, must be afflicted,as Duke is not minus his bell but is wearing a mini-cow bell. I bought two key chains in Geneva, with said bells and used them for their collars. You really need a snort or more! More than pleased to be sitting with the Hoi Aristoi of SOWTS so thank you for including us. Lady Dar and the Tinsel Town Two are back next Saturday, March 7th. As always, we'd love to join you of an evening so we can arrange time when they are back. Thanks. I'll ask her about the house sitting dates as I don't know exactly what she has in mind for coverage. Pleased you are enjoying the book. I will start it as soon as I've read the Tattooist of Auschwitz. At the moment I'm finishing off Ken Follett's A Column of Fire, and am enjoying it muchly. Must away as I want to watch an episode of Longmire, (Season 6), before I start reading. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hello old man, sorry for taking so long to reply to your spam email, but nevertheless a pleasure to find them in my junk mail inbox!

In all seriousness though, congratulations to you, Corinne and Chloe on the newest addition - fortunately, it looks like Rowan James got all of the good genes from Corinne's side. Life continues, and it is beautiful when it does, I'm so happy for all of you and I hope I will get to meet Rowan James in person soon.

Not much has changed since we last talked in the summer, just keeping busy but trying to figure out where to go from here, what the next challenge will be. I have not heard from my younger and less-apt cousin of mine, but through the magic of social media I can see that he is doing well and has grown a bit of hair on his chin (I guess we all grow up some day!)

You will be happy to know due to my increase in annual funds through my new job I have been able to climb up the Malt ladder and no longer will I bring porch climber/chain cleaner to our next gathering and you will also not find that in my small but growing cabinet. Mind you, despite my affinity and growing knowledge of single malts, my collection remains small but it is growing in size and age from 12 years to 15 years. I do appreciate the smoother taste that comes with those three extra years. Just bought a nice bottle of the 12-year Glen Grant as it was 10 dollars off at the government store and it wasn't bad, and as a lifetime freeloader nothing tastes better than a good discount!

We continue to toil away at VPL as well, and the more I work there, the more I realize how many librarians hate it there. As well, VPL continue their mission to make librarians a relic of the past by replacing us with non-MLIS staff. Still, I consider myself somewhat fortunate that I got into the system as a librarian before they stopped hiring new librarians.

It's funny how age and life has a way of sometimes changing your spirit in ways that you could have never imagined as a child. I hope life is good for you and despite all my truthful wisecracks at you, I love you and hope to see you soon Take care, V/VL

Dear Patrick Thanks so much for your update. Your biking and snowshoeing workouts sound terrific. Today was a beautiful day--did some work in the garden and then Colin and I walked to Dunbar Theatre to see Little Women. We enjoyed the movie very much. I am off to Edmonton tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. Too early. My stepmother Pauline is not well at all and just going there to help support my Dad and Pauline. Colin's mother in Qualicum Beach is also not well so I returned from the Island Friday night. Hard to leave her -- right now she is tentatively in a care home. Anyways please keep in touch. Stay well. Lots of love for now Jo-Anne

Hi Old Farts, Tim and Patrick have been keeping action alive, so the snowshoe frolicking continues. This Monday we will go to the top of Riordan, probably from the Snowflake parking lot. Meet to carpool at IGA Summerland at 0840 or the Cherry Lane lot in Penticton at 0900. We can decide at the end whether to stop for coffee at the Edge at Apex or come down the hill and we can decide a place for the following Monday – the snow down low is rapidly disappearing so it may be time for a boot hike. Hope to see you there. Cheers Tony

To Swim or Not Swim, or to Bike, that is the Question Blues: Friday, February 28th!

He who establishes his argument by noise and command, shows that his reason is weak. -Michel De Montaigne, essayist (28 Feb 1533-1592)

Celebrated pop culture icon and American artist, Bob Ross

The Joy of Painting Brown Bag Lecture @ Penticton Museum Speaker: Paul Crawford, Curator, Penticton Art Gallery Location: Penticton Museum + Archives (785 Main Street)*

Paul Crawford’s journey into the world of art has been anything but a traditional one, one that has built the belief that a work of art is a piece of social history and its cultural and commercial value lies in the stories it tells with each piece serving as a bookmark in time, documenting the life of its creator and the world in which they lived and worked. Growing up in a household with little interest and engagement in the arts, Paul’s education came through firsthand experience starting with a string of inspiring teachers, public art installations, community public art projects, stamp collecting and the connection between an object and its story. It’s been a non-conventional journey and one that when I started reached back to the foundations of our western tradition of art here in British Columbia right up to the present day.

Hi Ariane! Your lovely package arrived a day or so ago! Thank you so much for your generosity, as well as sending along gift form TNT! I haven't really looked at the items other than to have taken out the note to us. I chatted with the Tinsel Towners the day of the delivery and they were both most appreciative of your gifts. I took over the package to Chloë's place yesterday, to check mailbox and put out garbage and recycling bin for collection today, so it will be there for Rowan James when they are back on March 7th. Thanks again for thinking of Rowan James. Fondestos to you and your Three Lads! Take care of each other. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Latest from Tinsel Town! Rowan was three months old on February 26th.

Hi Patrick It certainly is a joy to see how happy your family is with Rowan! What a blessing. Looking forward to more FB posts as he grows up. It will be fun to watch his journey. We are starting our home renovation on March 7. I have been busy for 2 months already with the bedrooms and bathrooms. Tonight I am painting the foyer. Have the linen closet to paint too. After that I spend next week moving the kitchen and living room into the garage. April 1st we should be done- no joke 😂

Fingers crossed all goes well. My contractor seems to be very organized. Designer is awesome and kitchen company is fantastic. Looking forward to our new home. Keeping the wall you wanted gone but getting rid of the small one. Additional windows. Moving the door. Vinyl plank flooring. New stair rail. Painting the brick. New mantle. I think it is going to look so nice. All started because our dishwasher broke last April 🤣 Take care, Ariane 🍃🍁🍂🍃Hi Paint Brush Woman! What wonderful news about the plans for your kitchen and living room. Exciting indeed! Buona Fortuna!!! Maybe I should hire you to help me paint Chloe's basement suite when drywall is finished! The day you start your home renovation, March 7th, is the day The Tinsel Towners are back.
Happy prep! Stay well all. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Another morning taking care of the patient felines and enjoying my java while I digitated. Had to pick up a few groceries so headed out around 10:00 am to pick up what I needed at Wholesale Club. Back home I split firewood and kindling for about an hour or so and by the time I'd had some lunch it was close to 2:00 pm. Since I was selling 50/50 tickets at The Dream that evening, I knew that I couldn't do other than my "new" basic route, limited as I was by needing to be back at the Burns Street Bistro in time to ready myself for my shift. As well, the wind was pretty strong, if not fierce, out of the SSE at 29 km/h, gusting to 41 km/h, but the temperature was a toasty 9° C.

Given all these facts it didn't take much thinking to choose to put my Trek in hamster mode and then I just sat back and enjoyed the ride over my route regulare! By the time I'd finished all my gerbil wheel loops off Power and the surrounding streets I felt like I was one of the rides at LocoLanding Adventure Park adjacent to the SS Sicamous. Still, it was probably the best way to discharge the distance I wanted and avoid the worst of the fierce headwind, battling it up White, to the very last as I made for home. Had invoked the AllTrails app on my iPhone when I set off just for fun, now that I know my Garmin is recording, to compare stats:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/recording-feb-28-5-20-pm-1ba922a?p=-1

Garmin Map and Stats for ride: 

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4601625954#.XlnCO15hI-8.email

As mentioned, I was selling 50/50 tickets at The Dream, that evening, with the Naramata Choir, Small Groups, preforming. I assumed that this would entail mini-versions of the full choir but in fact it entailed performances by individual choir members. Was quite a range of talent, [akin to The Tuneagers, in terms of strong and weak voices], but overall it was really a very, very entertaining with some simply remarkable performances. I thought I might well leave after a few numbers but ended up staying for entire evening so compelling were the acts.

Started out selling tickets, of course, and Luigi was there, along with a group of her fellow Narmatian hiking/skiing friends so it was fun to meet them as I've heard about them for some time now. As well, Bonita, from our hiking group was there. She's not been out, of late, as apparently her husband has not been well. [Some spouses actually stay at home to care for a loved one!]. In the same area, at the back, opposite the bar, Lynn, with two other GFA, were seated. They asked about you, Lady Dar. Had a great visit with them as they were having loads of fun. Was pleased to see Lynn enjoying herself, in the aftermath of her husband's death.

Sold almost all the tickets Hazel had put in the 50/50 purse and didn't realize, at the time, that many of the people who bought tickets were actually performing. Last year there was only one evening and Hazel mentioned that quite a few friends and relatives could not get in so group asked for two nights this year. Truly wonderful to hear such a deep pool of local talent. Margo, [from Oasis], was one of the performers and she did a very moving rendition of a Jan Arden number. Another young woman, [her first year with the choir], did a hilarious, hilarious number from a Leonard Bernstein opera, [I'd never even heard of it before.], dressed appropriately and adorning herself with glitzy costume jewellery as the aria proceeded. Bedecking herself with yet another and another bauble had the house roaring! [At one point she twirled a long string of pearls like a lasso!] Her voice was probably the strongest of the night, [I assume she may well have had, or is still undergoing, training for singing opera.], and her number was perfectly acted. Her striking voice and expressive gestures created a magical, side-splitting tableau.

Another performer, a middle-aged  woman, sang Volare, (one of my Italian pop favourites), which I enjoyed muchly, reminding me of when I first heard it, in 1958, sung by Dean Martin, and then in 1960, by Bobby Rydell and others. While her pronunciation and enunciation of the original lyrics was masterful I found it rather amusing that she performed number as if it was a Flamenco dance. Didn't really detract from her polished delivery but disconnect, for me,  was a tad funny. Another woman, of similar age, performed two numbers, one in each set. First was with a male partner and they did a João Gilberto, [The Girl From Ipanema, made famous by his wife, Astrud], song which was most enjoyable. However, after the break she did a solo of a Cuban torch-song which was steamy sultry and really showed off her voice. Furthermore, she had the dress and the figure to pull it off!

Justin Glibbery, who is the Artistic Director of The Naramata Community Choir, was the keyboardist and was wonderful in his own right. I chatted with him during the break and learned he runs the music programs at Penticton Secondary. This being the case, he knows many in the hiking group, although he had never heard Jake called Jake! All in all, an extremely entertaining evening although I had my doubts, after the first two acts, by older men, with voices probably past their prime. To give you some idea of their age, Justin had to run after one of them to keep him from walking off the stage with the hand-held microphone. Don't know what might have happened once he reached the end of the cord. He might have been yanked back into the limelight, reeled in like a fish! Still, everyone was genuinely supportive/congratulatory throughout the evening as both audience and performers were just having great good fun.

Home to find the kittens asleep in our bedroom, Duke on the blanket, Etta on the chair. They both roused themselves, once I was preparing a bite to eat, and went outside. I watched a couple of episodes of Longmire and when I went to brush and floss both were sound asleep, having changed spots! Duke didn't even join me while I brushed, waiting to play with floss, but as soon as I had pulled the covers over myself, Etta settled on top of my legs! Fortunately, I had planned ahead and had my feet outside the sheets. Woke up at 5:00 am and she was still there! With such a busy, full day, no time to miss The Tinsel Towners as they live the glitzy life in La La Land! Cheers!

Hi Dreamers! Lovely to see you and friends there last night. If you are joining hike on Monday, Luigi, would you be able to pop by to collect me, en route to Cherry Lane? Don't worry if you will be doing something else with your Naramata Sisterhood as I can drive myself! Just like riding in Luxury! Sheer Luxury!! In a Cadillac, avec Bruno! Stay well all. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: The Dream!

 

Blow The Winds Southerly, Southerly Blues: Thursday, February 27th!

The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun. -Ralph Nader, activist, author, speaker, and attorney (b. 27 Feb 1934) 

Leave your inhibitions at the door! Vancouver Writers Fest’s Incite series will be hosting an elevating evening with Dr. Jen Gunter, author of The Vagina Bible and the internet’s favourite OB/GYN. From debunking junk science around anatomy and function to calling out celebrities and ‘health gurus’ for blatant misinformation, if you’ve got a question (or a pet peeve) Dr. Gunter has you covered! With an interview conducted by Saleema Noon, Vancouver’s resident sex and empowerment educator, this Incite is certain to stimulate some raucous discussions and laughs. Wednesday, March 4, Alice MacKay Room, Vancouver Public Library 350 West Georgia Street, 7:30 pm

Nana and Pierre out at the club❤️

Hello Deanna! I was unable to open the authorization form as an interactive pdf document so I have scanned the printed, completed form and attached it with our credit card information, etc. Please confirm that such a submission will enable you to discharge the amount owed. Thanks, Patrick Dunn/Corinne Durston. Outstanding Balance for Unit 120A Hi Patrick, I have opened the file and it works fine, so I have given it to our accounting team to process. Please let me know if you need anything else at all. With care, DEANNA Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Tinsel Towners! Wonderful Snapolas of The Boy and Los Horridos, Olivia Rose, etc. In one of his "Three Months" he looks as if he is dancing in Swan Lake! In others, an LA rapper! Does he have an agent yet? I've already arranged with Hazel to book a gig at The Dream when you are back!

On another matter you will see that I have attached a shot of the Oro Mezcal I tried at Pam Webster's place. You might ask Los Burritos if they know of any specialty stores that might stock it as I'd really like you to pick one up, if possible. Not a big deal if you can't find it but see what you can do. Thanks. 

I know you are all pretty busy but I think you should try to phone Wole, or reach him via email, to see if you can get together. I know he would be delighted to introduce you to his wife and child and meet Rowan James.

I paid the daily limit, via E-Transfer, to Mike for latest invoice. [Hi Chloe, Please find attached the invoice for work completed. Thanks, Mike] Told him I'd make similar payments over following days until total is discharged. While I was so doing, I noticed amount that had been deposited in Joint Account. [Hi I've put money in joint acct. So put half on credit line from joint once you have put in your share. Spending day at home. Will go for a long walk. Had a nice time visiting with Alex yesterday at lunch. Need down time this eating and shopping is tiring. Love you Corinne Hi Moneybags! What is exact amount to stay in Joint Account. Please advise during your "down"time! Tough life indeed! Wish I had such a hardship posting! Love and Cheers, Patrizzio The Poor!]

Is this what I need to put in as well? [The idea is that $500 would go into line of credit. C] Please advise so that I can put cats up for sale! Great that you are spending like drunken sailors while I'm here eating spoiled fruit and rotten avocados. Even have to spread cat's rejected venison on my sandwiches. Doesn't taste too bad, actually, especially after it has marinated on their dishes for most of the day! At least I won't have to return the cans to pet store!

On a far more difficult note, I forgot to mention that when I dropped rum and empty Soda-stream containers off at Sendero, a few days ago, Kid Chelene told me that his mom had had a very disturbing scan result. Apparently her brain has shrunk, [Clinical opinion is that this is probably due to concussion!], and that she has the brain of a 70 year old. Could be that she is at risk for early onset of Alzheimer's/dementia. Not sure if you had been in touch after this diagnosis. I'll ask him if he knows anything more when I see him this weekend. If doctors are right, a pretty tough hand to have been dealt, of course.

At any rate, must away as I have to make sure Etta isn't in the closet in spare bedroom. She and Duke were investigating it earlier and I want to make sure I don't lock her in when I'm out riding. As well, found one of Lady Dar's earrings on the runner in the kitchen this morning! Think next time we take them to SPCA will have one of his ears pierced. He'll look great as Pirate Cat! Fondestos to one and all. Love and Cheers, Dad/Poppa/Patrizzio! Pics: Mezcal; Movie for Rowan James! He can do Boss Baby version!!!

The movie is fabulous! There is a specialty liquor store nearby that may have your tequila so I'll swing by and inquire! Xoxo Ayn Hi Movie Lover! Glad you enjoyed the clip. It would really be great if you could feature Rowan James doing his version in next Hallmark blockbuster! If women can kiss on-screen why can't infants break wind? However, hope you don't get fired for making this elevator pitch! Thanks for scoping out Mezcal. Must away to apply for a job as Greeter at Wallmart to help pay for basement suite! Love to you and rest of Exhausted Tourists! Cheers, Dad/Poppa/Patrizzio! Pics: Rowan James call home!

Hi Janet and Laird (and Elle and Patrick), Janet and Laird, it’s great that you can join us for Jazz Night! You might want to pick up your tickets ahead of time in case they sell out. It’s usually a pretty popular event. I bought ours ages ago.
Tim and I can pick you two up around 6:00. Elle, we can also pick you up around that time as well, if you wish. We will need your address, Elle. Patrick can meet us there and we can have a leisurely dinner before the music starts at 7:30. I’ll phone The Barking Parrot and make dinner reservations for six people at 6:30 on March 5th. Does this plan sound okay for everyone? Cheers, Marian Hi Social Coordinator! Thanks for doing all the hard work. I'll see everyone at The Barking Parrot at just before 6:30 pm, on Thursday, March 5th! Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Barrel Tasters! Would love to join you in March but will have to wait until May! [Pleased you enjoyed Valentine, Patrizzia!] Coincidentally, had been thinking of you both last Saturday, for another reason: Banff and The Wardens. Don't miss seeing them when you are back in Canada, although you could catch them, closer to home, in Montana. They will be doing a two week tour of the state, shortly, with twelve gigs booked. Next day they held a benefit concert for a local charity at Roche Wines, almost next door to Upper Bench. Have also included a few snaps of Tinsel Towners as they have been there since last Thursday. Fondestos to you both. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Rugby 7's: Are you planning to come into the city next weekend? Sarge Hi Sarge! Trust you are well. No, I'm not going to 7's this year. The Tinsel Towners return on Saturday, the 7th of March, so I need to be here to collect them, as well, I'm hoping to paint the basement suite next week, if drywall is put up and filled, before then. Will you be up earlier than the Easter weekend? Cheers, Patrizzio! That's too bad. As of now I have no plans to be up that way before April. W Say it 'ain't so, Sarge! I need help, from a tall person, painting Chloë's suite, so come on up for a few days, [over a Monday so that you can join our bridge evening!], and perhaps you can even come snowshoeing with gang, if interested. Life in Paradise!!! Or bring your bike and we can cycle KVR. 
 

By the time I was ready to roll it was almost 2:00 pm. [Wind was out of the SSE at 22 km/h, dropping to 18 km/h by ride's end, temperature 11º C when I left but dropping to 9º C by the time I was back home.] In spite of the strong head wind on way south, it was a wonderful ride. Since I've now upped my basic minimum to 61 km, in order to do this distance today I dipsy-doodled my way around Skaha Lake Park and surrounding streets so that I had just over 42 km under my belt by the time I hit 97, making first for large parking lot near a sketchy trailer park on the banks of the Channel, before the turn-off to the airport. Then on to Airport Road on which I rode past the airport to the Penticton Air tanker Base to turn around, [It's as far north as you can go.], to retrace my steps back to 97, poking my nose, just before highway, into what can only be described as a derelict trailer park with most of the lots empty and overgrown with weeds. All of the few buildings, RVs or mobile homes looked to be in need of much repair, some showing signs of fire dm. However, didn't seem to bother three deer feeding on the grass near the entrance!
 

Then for a short distance on 97 to turn off on road which leads to either Play Winery or Skaha Meadows Golf Course. I stayed right to cycle past the golf course on Old Airport Road, [Private Road announced a sign as I know it belongs to Penticton Band!], all the way to Green Mountain Road, passing some of the housing, a school and a church of Penticton Indian Reserve 1, where I turned left to head towards Apex. However, I was only going as far as Westhill Road where I turned around and zipped downhill most of the way back to Channel Parkway. Caught the light there and then dipsy-doodled off Industrial to then follow Atkinson, Okanagan and Cherry back to Government, really whizzing along here as wind was pushing me along. 

Was just opening the door to garage when Amanda, my neighbour, said hello over the fence. She had passed me on Government, on her own way home, and we had a pleasant chat. Haven't seen her for almost two weeks as she is just back from Maui. She wondered if we were missing a cat toy as she found one on her porch. When she showed it to me I didn't recognize it so Roman, her feline, must have purloined it from some other neighbour. Had a good ride yesterday, 61 km, [Which is, I think, second or third ride after  setting this distance as minimum for basic ride.], although my Garmin did not record it. Not sure why. Damnation! Oops, Tarnation, Dear Reader!!! 

  

Weather was simply wonderful with a bit of wind out of the SSE at 22 km/h, gusting to 30 km/h, and temperature rising from 9º C to 11º C over course of ride, almost like being in Tinsel Town! Since I was worried that something might be wrong with my Edge Touring I dug up my older Edge 200, charged it, and took it along as well. For backup, to my backup, I also invoked AllTrails on my iPhone so I now have three different records of ride!

Edge Touring, Map and Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4598503533#.XlhxmxQod5o.email
 
Edge 200, Map and Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4598503533#.XliQqosfYAo.email   
 
AllTrails, Map and Stats for ride:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/recording-feb-27-5-23-pm-09a69de?p=-1 

What is really interesting is the difference in the stats for the two Garmin recorded rides. The distance is trivial but the 200 has the ride almost 10 minutes faster than the Touring, hence almost 18 km/h AVG even with more elevation gain! The Hamster Cage Blues, [Round and round and round on the streets off Power and Westminster, day before.], ride was added manually, as best I could remember distance over 61 km and time out so those stats are a bit fuzzy! AllTrails results are closer to the 200 but this app shows an elevation gain of 878 m! Lies, damned lies, and statistics!

I'm selling 50/50 tickets at The Dream on Friday when The Naramata Choir, Small Groups, will perform. Looking forward to hearing them as I've not heard them before. Quite highly regarded, I understand. Kid Chelene will help me collect the vanity, being held at Rona, for Chloë's basement bathroom, on Sunday morning. Going snowshoeing on Monday, to Mount Riordan, near Apex. Which reminds me, you really should try skiing at Apex. Apparently the conditions are terrific and have been for some time. Have I convinced you yet, not to wait until April! Fondestos to Flamin'. Take care of each other. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!


Hi Guys I checked out the bald range this afternoon and it is getting much too slushy there now. I suspect the upper Carmi area is getting similar. And there seems to be still a lot of snow lower down to make boot hiking great. I was thinking of higher up again – has anyone done Riordan recently? Do you think that would be OK and would either of you like to lead it? Cheers Tony Hi Tony, The Riordan is a good snowshoe and not too brutal. Between us we should be able to find our way to the top. Patrick, are you good with the Riordan? Cheers, Tim Hi TTT and TT! I'm fine with Riordan although I don't think I've been before. How is the terrain relative to Moose Hut? Cheers, Patrizzio!
 
It's a bit more elevation but as Tim says not brutal. If you are OK with it, I will send out a notice. Tony Hi Tony! Thanks for all your work. Yes, Riordan sounds terrific. Looking forward to it. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Rowan James Turns 3 Months Old and the Big Eyes Blues: Wednesday, February 26th!

Knowing exactly how much of the future can be introduced into the present is the secret of great government. -Victor Hugo, poet, novelist, and dramatist (26 Feb 1802-1885)

Milestone day!

Chloe Alexis Dunn is at Lake Balboa, Los Angeles, 26 February at 11:56 Three months today! Where have the months,weeks,days,hours,minutes and seconds gone? The nights can be long, the naps too short but the cuddles and smiles and noises Rowan is making are perfection. ❤️🥰

I have an appointment at RBC at 11:00 am. Want to put a small investment,  inherited from my Mom, into my tax-free account and Tina, my advisor, will go over various options. Then back home to suit up for a ride. Forecast looks wonderful.
 

Hi Pam! Thanks so much for snap of bottle. Much appreciated. Figured I'd give it a try since Lady Dar is in Tinsel Town and I'm hoping there might be a few specialty stores that might stock it. Have also included a few snaps of Tinsel Towners. Thanks again. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: The Wardens; Rowan James and friends!

Hamster Cage Blues: Hi Lady Patrizzia and Sir James! Simply wonderful to have chatted, two times in a row and pleased that new travel arrangements have

worked out! Had another good ride today, 61 km, [Have now set this distance as minimum for basic ride.], although my Garmin did not record it. Not sure why. Weather was simply wonderful with a bit of wind out of the SSE at 22 km/h, gusting to 30 km/h, and temperature rising from 9º C to 11º C over course of ride, almost like being in Tinsel Town! Fondestos to you, Sir James, and Lady Patrizzia. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!
 

3 months today!!

The first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993 was Toni Morrison who died on August 5, 2019. Born Chloe Ardelia Wofford she developed an impressive oeuvre. When she began writing her first novel, The Bluest Eye, she woke up every morning at 4 am to write:

"Ohio-born Chloe Ardelia Wofford (b. 1931), who became Toni Morrison, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993, the first black American woman to be so honored, has produced ten novels and a good deal of ancillary work.

"One of her novels, Beloved (1987), outstrips Invisible Man in terms of celebrity and shares with it a basic theme. Ellison's controlled, unnamed protagonist, continually possessed, acts out with more or less success roles others give him. 'For the next few months our new brother is to undergo a period of intense study and indoctrination under the guidance of Brother Hambro.' 

 

Tell me what I’m thinking?

Morrison's Sethe, by contrast, being a single black woman, is below the radar of the con­trollers, not written off but simply unacknowledged, and thus paradoxically in a place where she can be free if she can summon the strength and will to find her own identity. 'In this here place, we flesh; flesh that weeps, laughs; flesh that dances on bare feet in grass. Love it. Love it hard. Yonder they do not love your flesh. They despise it ... hear me now, love your heart. For this is the prize.' The key words are flesh and love.
 

Look at me!

"'What is exciting about American literature,' Morrison says, 'is that busi­ness of how writers say things under, beneath, and around their stories. Think of Pudd'nhead Wilson and all these inversions of what race is, how sometimes nobody can tell, or the thrill of discovery?' Always, too, there is Faulkner, how in Absalom, Absalom! he 'spends the entire book tracing race and you can't find it. No one can see it, even the character who is black can't see it.' "Though she returned a publisher's advance for an autobiography on the grounds that her life was not of sufficient interest to sustain such a book, as a novelist she is content to have her fiction considered as personal narrative along­side memoirs and autobiographies. 

 

Baby photo shoot!!

She is 'deadly serious,' she insists, about establishing 'the milieu out of which I write and from which my ancestors actually lived.' She has in mind the slave narratives in which milieu entails 'the absence of the interior life, the deliberate excising of it from the records that the slaves themselves told.' Those voices, which reach us filtered by the white me­diums who transcribed them, she tries to coax alive. 'Like the dead-seeming cold rocks,' Zora Neale Hurston said, 'I have memories within that came out of the material that went to make me.' This licenses Morrison's fiction: out of the hitherto mute soil of self it grows, truthful, if not factually true.

 

Channeling Micky Mouse!!

"Her first novel, The Bluest Eye (1970), grew out of a short story she wrote as an undergraduate in a writing group at Howard University in segregated Wash­ington, D.C. The story stayed with her as she completed her MA at Cornell (her thesis being on the theme of suicide in Faulkner and Woolf) and into her teach­ing career in various institutions. It was published when she was working at Random House in New York. It surprised her colleagues, who had no idea that this editor of, among others, Toni Cade Bambara, Gayl Jones, and Angela Davis was herself an author until her book was reviewed in the New York Times. 

Hi there!!

Her editor at Holt took her on, she surmised, because in the late 1960s a lot of black men were being published, and he thought to take a risk. 'He was wrong. What was selling was: Let me tell you how powerful I am and how horrible you are, or some version of that.' Her book was quiet by comparison, well made. She was a slow writer and her third book, Song of Solomon (1977), established her as a writer. It was the main selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club, the first book by a black woman ever chosen, and the first by a black writer since Rich­ard Wright's Native Son in 1940. It tells the life story of Macon Dead III (nick­named 'The Milkman' because he breast-fed into his childhood) from cradle to maturity in Michigan. His best friend and eventually his possibly fatal en­emy is Guitar, a Huck Finn sort of boy to Macon's Tom Sawyer, but their boy­hoods pass too quickly for this story to build. Here and in her other novels she reveals the end at the beginning, so that the reader is curious not about what but how, attention trained on process. 

Shouldares!!!

"Beloved is Morrison's fifth and most popular novel. Though she is not inter­ested in 'real-life people as subjects for fiction,' there is a real-life figure, Marga­ret Garner, behind her protagonist Sethe. '

 

I really don't know anything about her,' says Morrison, though a name is something and the fact of her tragedy is something too. These are adequate occasions and do not entail appropriation. She read, in fact, two interviews and said to herself, 'Isn't this extraordinary. Here's a woman who escaped into Cincinnati from the horrors of slavery and was not crazy. Though she'd killed her child, she was not foaming at the mouth. She was very calm; she said, I'd do it again. That was more than enough to fire my imagination.' Too much knowledge would have stopped the novelist's mouth: 'There would have been no place in there for me. It would be like a recipe already cooked.'" Excerpt from: The Novel, Michael Schmidt, The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2014. 

Morrison's portrait on the first-edition dust jacket of The Bluest Eye (1970)

Interdigitate: MEANING: verb tr., intr.: To interlock like the fingers of two hands. ETYMOLOGY: From Latin inter- (between, together) + digitus (finger, toe). Ultimately from the Indo-European root deik- (to show, to pronounce solemnly), which also gave us judge, verdict, vendetta, revenge, indicate, dictate, paradigm, diktat, dictatress, dittohead, fatidic, hoosegow, and interdict. Earliest documented use: 1847.

Photo: Adobe Stock