There is no doubt that I have lots of words inside me; but at moments,
like rush-hour traffic at the mouth of a tunnel, they jam. -John Updike,
writer (18 Mar 1932-2009)
Hi Erika! How wonderful to have had such a long chat with you and learn much about your life since we last met, Summerland property, your relationship with Martin and family, etc. Do hope, given COVID-19, you will be able to visit this July.
Pics: Duke is not amused! Etta is not impressed!] Glad you and Amy are well especially so given the fact that we are facing such a world-wide crisis, let alone climate change! We are crossing our fingers that Chloë will be able to rent basement suite by May 1st, otherwise we will be walking, [low carbon emissions], to Winnipeg live with you and your clowder of cats! Must away as I'm planning another ride while The Sisterhood and Rowan James head for the boardwalk along Lakeshore. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you and Amy. Until next our paths cross, Dear DMCI classmate, stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Martin! Trust you and Shaney are well. Yesterday had a wonderful, long chat with Erika, [Here is her email if you'd like to contact her directly.], and she and Amy plan to visit this July, given COVID-19. As her place in Summerland is rented, they will stay with a cousin who lives there. I mentioned it would be great good fun to have a DMCI reunion if/when they are here, so just wanted to let you know, well in advance, given everyone's busy schedules. When you have a moment let us know what you think about a get-together this summer. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Patricio! Given the current, and probably lasting corona crisis, it is unlikely that I will be traveling overseas as was my plan, so I have alerted Rebecca to start looking for a good Squamish/Pemberton pooch for me. The attached pic accurately describes the difference between cats & dogs. On another note, Rebecca just passed her commercial pilot exam, and only needs 15 more hours flight timel … then, Air West, watch out! Branko
Hi again, Ragin', et al! Forgot to send our congratulations to Rebecca on her successful completion of the commercial air license. Bravo! As well, thought you might find some of these CORVID-19 precautions helpful and enjoy the ancient art of breaking wind, while practicing self-isolation! Watch out for those lentils! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: Latest cocktail craze! Lentil alert! Face masks required!
But, I am going to get my bike on the road in the next day or two -
it is on my work bench, stripped down to the bearings. I even
re-greased the wheel wells. Just needs a bit more clean-up, then I can
get some exercise. As you know, the Arbutus Greenway
is a short hop from my place, and I can get a decent ride in … all in a
straight line! Sigh!! Branko
Spent a goodly part of the morning answering messages and attending to the chores set by Her Imperiousness so it wasn't until just after 2:18 pm that I was able to set out. 'Twas a sunny, sunny day with wind out of the N at 20 km/h, gusting to 24 km/h, temperature between 9º C to 11º C so no compalins, whatsoever about riding conditions! As I was planning to join snowshoers next day, out of Snowflake parking lot, near Apex, to Molly's Hut, I didn't want to tax my legs, overmuch, so decided I'd stay on the flat of my nouveau route regulare. As I made my way to PTC I came across Judy Blue who was out for a walk but wanted to see if the Prague Café was open. She wanted to have a mug of java after her stroll. It was so she was pleased. Told her that The Sisterhood was out, with Rowan James, so she might come across them further along the boardwalk.
Spent the next fifteen minutes or so finishing my dipsy doodles around the marina parking lot and noticed a chap working on one of the houseboats wintered there. He was attaching a number of solar panels to the small roof covering the front of the top deck. He said they were connected to a bank of batteries as well as an inverter. Wonderful to see, of course.
Back along Lakeshore I noticed that the assembled lake gulls were not practicing mandated social distancing, huddled together, as they were, against the coolish breeze! In spite of the chilly gusts, there were quite a few folks, [families with kids and dogs, skateboarders, the elderly, some with walkers, some in motorized chairs], out enjoying the fresh air and glorious sunshine. even saw Judy Blue chatting with a friend but no sign of Rowan James and his minders! Anyway, I used the roundabout across from the SS Sicamous to slingshot me on the first of my three loops, [Seven circuits each of the shortest of the five I regularly use, to minimize the stretches I needed to ride into the head wind.], and, with auto-pilot on, I was able to let my mind wander while simultaneously enjoying the bracing air and bright sunshine. Was glad I was wearing my shades as I'd have been squinting otherwise.
When I'd ticked off both Dyns and Churchill I made for Westminster and the Riverside Mall so that I could continue my loopage on Burnaby. Once this circuit was discharged, I crossed Westminster to start another round, using the SOEC parking lot. Was rather eerie, to say the least, as it was almost completely deserted. I counted but three vehicles in the entire lot and there were only seven in the smaller space next to the Cascades Casino, both facilities closed, of course. Felt like I was in a sci-fi movie, a post-apocalyptic landscape devoid of human activity. Still, made it easier for me, inasmuch as I really had the place all to myself. Even the pooch guarding a house on the corner of Creston and Comox, didn't bark at me as I rode past. Usually he creates a fuss so I assume even he is somewhat unsettled by these uncertain times.
[David Kessler It's also eerily empty of traffic down here in SF East Bay. But lovely to stroll in, puffy clouds and muted light bringing out the colors of all the springtime blooms. Passersby greet each other and trade anecdotes on occasion. So, this is what it's like to be under house arrest? We are lacking only our monitoring bracelets. A taste of things to come?Ah, but it's for an excellent purpose-this time. Nancy Mennel At least you are now protected from invasive American visitors!!! Patrick James Dunn Yes indeedee! Noxious weeds we certainly don't need. Apparently, they started to take a hold back in the Draft Dodger Days! Once established these damn hippies sowed the seeds of the now thriving cannabis industry in BC! Monitoring bracelets arriving soon by Amazon's Expedited Shipping! Please pay, upon delivery, with a case of Coffaro for each bracelet or Pistachio the Parrot will be in touch! He refuses to get off his high horse so don't mess with him!]
[David Kessler It's also eerily empty of traffic down here in SF East Bay. But lovely to stroll in, puffy clouds and muted light bringing out the colors of all the springtime blooms. Passersby greet each other and trade anecdotes on occasion. So, this is what it's like to be under house arrest? We are lacking only our monitoring bracelets. A taste of things to come?Ah, but it's for an excellent purpose-this time. Nancy Mennel At least you are now protected from invasive American visitors!!! Patrick James Dunn Yes indeedee! Noxious weeds we certainly don't need. Apparently, they started to take a hold back in the Draft Dodger Days! Once established these damn hippies sowed the seeds of the now thriving cannabis industry in BC! Monitoring bracelets arriving soon by Amazon's Expedited Shipping! Please pay, upon delivery, with a case of Coffaro for each bracelet or Pistachio the Parrot will be in touch! He refuses to get off his high horse so don't mess with him!]
Once I'd completed this lonely section of my ride I made my way across Westminster to Riverside/Lakeshore, beginning the return leg, dipsy doodling on Veterans Way to Front Street, Backstreet Blvd to cross Ellis on Nanaimo. Then I simply followed my nose up Van Horn and the other side streets thereabouts to our back driveway, pulling up, at the back door, at around 5:45 pm. No car in the driveway so I knew Lady Dar was still out, Inside I discovered a note informing me that dinner was to be at Chloë's place so I hopped into the shower. Squeaky clean, I dressed quickly and strolled over to Winnipeg to read a few bedtime stories to Rowan James. Little Chap is going to bed around 7:00 pm and sleeping all night, often not waking until 6:00 am or even 7:00 am!
Bade him sweet dreams and left Chloë to settle him. Lady Dar's crock pot chicken stew was waiting and as soon as Chloë joined us we helped ourselvs and then settled down to watch Bombshell, a 2019 American biographical drama, starrins Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie, and is based upon the accounts of the women at Fox News who set out to expose CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. Simply fascinating, and disturbing, of course, especially in light of similar allegations against Trump and the start of the #MeToo movement. Cheers! Garmin Map and Stats for ride:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4671098782#.XnLGOhJvCc4.email
AllTrails Map and Stats for ride:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/recording-mar-18-5-45-pm-34ed066?p=-1
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