PGH Early Morning Day Surgery Blues: Wednesday, February 8th!

When a man is wrapped up in himself he makes a pretty small package. -John Ruskin, author, art critic, and social reformer (8 Feb 1819-1900) 

Ewok Cat!

When the alarm went off at 6:45 am I was in a deep sleep, dreaming that the buzzing tone was made by a backhoe doing some landscaping in front of our house. Duke, of course, was right there and I was worried that he might be injured or worse, given what was going on. And then I woke up! No snow last night so I don't need to shovel or sweep  this morning. Not sure of the forecast but I think more flakes are on the horizon!

Hi Patrick We will be coming from Sicamous, so it is not a very long drive. However, we do not know how many wineries we might be lured into, so we might show up in the late afternoon/early evening. We can be easily led into temptation. -Colin Hi Patrick What weather! Great sun today and things look so beautiful! Love your cats! Too bad that Penticton was snowed in. Cheers for now Jo-Anne

Hi Colin and Jo-Anne! Just a bit of clarification regarding your "whirlwind" visit in May. I understand, from Colin's last missive, that you will be leaving from Sicamous on Sunday, May 28th. Trip to Penticton will take approximately 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic. If you leave around 9:00 am you should be knocking on our door around noon, unless you plan to do some wine-tasting beforehand. Is this your intent? That is fine, of course, but just wondering. You could come straight o our place, have a bite, whet your whistles and then we could accompany you to as many wineries as you have time for, or you could proceed on your own, as you like.

No need to tell you that you will have a drive of at approximately 4.5-5 hours, +/-, ahead of you, (Perhaps longer, depending on traffic, especially after Hope, through valley and into city, unless you drive like a bat out of hell, on Coquihalla, which is Chloë's preferred cruising altitude!), once you leave Penticton, no matter which route you take. Anyway, just let us know what you have in mind and we'll plan accordingly. No snow this morning so no shoveling so far! Believe some is predicted for later this afternoon and tomorrow. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick, As I had indicated, the trip from Sicamous to Penticton will be punctuated by numerous stops. Little Straw, Mt. Boucherie, Volcanic Hills, in the Westbank area, not to mention all those around Summerland - and so the time will fly. We don't expect to drive to Vancouver that night, but not to worry, we have already got a place to stay. -Colin Hello Wealthy Dunbarites! Are you staying here? If so, we'll join you! Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Patrick Would love to but no I don't think so. Cheers Jo-Anne Sorry, not vineyard, just BW.

Hi again, Colin! Sounds like a grand tasting plan so makes very much good sense. Again you are more than welcome to stay but if you'd rather, at the very least, please consider having dinner with us. Cheers, Patrizzio! Hope you are healing well. Cheers Jo-Anne

Hello Osoyoos! Any snow yet? Had to have a bit of minor surgery this morning. Lady Dar dropped me off at PGH and then came to collect me afterwards. I, in turn, dropped her off at The Shatford Centre as she had a GFA meeting. Came home to find Etta and Duke playing with my combo pills, Glucosamine/Chondroitin! Not content with drugs they next headed to the towel cupboard where we keep our "overflow" cases! Life in rehab! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: This morning's shenanigans! Note spilled powder from one of the capsules! Raid on the wine cellar! Lady Dar slugged me in the nose after I refused to light the fire and it took three stitches to close gash! Spousal abuse but she claims I bumped into my malt cabinet so cops let her off, giving ME a warning for drunk walking in my own living room ! They wanted to give me a breathalyzer test but I had put so much garlic in my breakfast fry-up that one of the officers fainted and had to be rushed to Emergency! Cops today! Talk about blame the victim!!!

Hi Patrick, At the beginning of every month I check into buildings that my clients
have properties in to see what is going on in terms of value. I remember seeing your unit in Cannery row and wanted to pass on that the values have shot up immensely in the last six months. Good news for you two. Are you two still planning to hang onto it? If not this would be an opportune time to capitalize on its value as there is very little inventory available and many buyers out there. Let me know your thoughts. Regards, Dave  

Hello Patrick I thought I should check upon your condition and situation - assuming that you have or are about to have a new body part inserted to replace a worn out original piece of equipment (a hip?). I trust all is well with you and your loved one(s).

I am currently recovering from a near fatal cold which Jean is now fending off. The weather has turned very snowy today (see attached photos from Monday morning and multiply by a factor of 6.5) with the prospect of warmer weather coming in tonight and the snow changing to rain. I am sure that somehow we will cope and survive. In fact I will be preparing my first batch ever of mulligatawny soup for this evening's repast which I hope will be both sublimely delicious and effectively therapeutic.

I should mention that I am adjusting well to retirement under the care and directions of Jean. I have even joined the board of the UVic Retirees Association and have assumed the editorship of the UVRA newsletter. I have also been preparing the good ship Commitment II for the upcoming cruising season although the cold weather has slowed progress considerably (but beginning tomorrow, if there is any fairness in the world at all, warmer condition should develop and sustain). I am confident that by late March all will be ship shape and ready for sea. Jean is back creating her story of dogs, gods, love and happiness (although, as noted above, currently slowed by viral intervention).

We are looking forward to the warmer weather of spring and perhaps a visit from the Okanagan hipster and his charming paramour, John 

Hi John! Delighted to hear from you but very sorry to hear about your obviously nasty cold! Trust with Nurse Jean's more than attentive care you are well on the way to a full recovery. Pleased you are adjusting to retirement and are busy, weather permitting, working on Commitment III. Come and cruise on Okanagan Lake!

Well, there you have it, Captain John! A bit of a window into the life of your almost snowed-in, wine-country cousins! Fondestos from Lady Dar, off to a flurry of meetings and run errands, to you both. All the very best, dearest of dear friends! Take care of each other! Cheers, Patrizzio Pics: My Jacques Plante face mask! I put some strips of tape over the stitches to keep them dry when showering! Joe Palooka 'ain't got nutin' on me! Table top gives some indication of amount of snow we've had, as does front yard! 

Hello friend! Arrived Nigeria on Feb. 3rd, and since been dazed by the heat in the country land. Everything looks the same if not worse economically. However little changes in development. I will return by end of the month, with a brief stop over visit in London and finally return to LA first weekend of March.

Flight to London from LAX was an interesting one, such that was diverted mid Atlantic to Boston due to a young British black kid who was hyper and extremely unruly. Boston PD came for him and he relentlessly called them names. Fuel was discharged to offset the aircraft's weight on landing. After an hour or so, we took off and had a safe landing at Heathrow international airport.
 

No bike rides for me in Nigeria, unsafe! All else is going smoothly and I'm enjoying this trip so far. Ate some good food already which I've missed for sometime now. Anyways, I'm sure you come to terms that I'm not as detailed as you with my stories but I trust you have the imagination to to cover this deficit lol.

How has it gone with your property initiatives?Best regards to you your wonderful family and thanks for being a friend! All the best in all you do... Sincerely, Adewole Williams

Hello Non-Biking Man! Terrific to hear from you, Wole! Extremely pleased, of course, that you arrived safely, after the mid-Atlantic diversion! Wow! Given the state of the world, I'm sure the incident certainly couldn't have been a comfortable situation for all aboard. In spite of Nigeria's heat, great that you are enjoying the food, even if you cannot ride to the restaurants! Don't worry about details as Lady Dar says my messages are far too long. She likes ones like yours that she claims the reader doesn't have to wade through!

With respect to real estate, as things turned out our agent called the day before we were to take a look at an interesting property to inform us that the seller had decided to take the house off the market. Nevertheless, we are still moving towards selling our property in Vancouver with the idea of then investing in property hereabouts. As these things go, probably need to wait until spring when real estate prices are typically better for sellers. Well, there you have it, WWW, [aka Wonderman Wode Williams]. A bit of a window into our life in wine-country! Fondestos from Lady Dar. All the very best, dear friend! Take care of yourself! Travel safely. Cheers, Patrizzio

 
Those pictures were fantastic.....every one told a story; especially crawling from under the cabinet.....but the last photo of a poor guy’s nose being battered well, that could be a quite different story. Glad your o.k., and not “cuffed” wow, close call. We have snow here, but dusting.....not severe yet; but they say more could come. Sorry your more into the heavy stuff we hear. Don’t work so hard sit back and enjoy a glass of that stuff in the cupboard.....but be careful....love, Arv & Sandee xxxx 

I love hard ball! I'm in it to win it and get you guys top dollar!! On a side note, is lady Dar getting fed up of you taking photos of her while she's on the phone? lol. I know that look, I get it from my Lady Tracy all the time. I look forward for a chance to win your business! All the best, Dave

This cat has the right idea!!

Old Oak Via Peachland Blues: Tuesday, February 7th!

The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile. To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else. -Theodore Roosevelt, 26th US President (1858-1919)

Patrick and Corinne, It was nice to met you finally. If you are coming this way, please let us know so you can come for coffee. As promised, please find attached the 16 day itinerary for the Tibetan New Year’s Festival. The cost for 2017 was 28,900 RMB which is approx. CAD $5521 . The airfare in China was 2,800 RMB or CAD $535. It is a fabulous trip. Susan Trimble is an expert on China travel and has been doing this trip for well over ten years. Given the costs involved you may want to extend your stay in China or elsewhere in Asia to see more. Cheers, Nancy 

Hi Nancy! Lovely to meet you as well and learn a bit about your exciting life in so many parts of Asia. Thanks, of course, for the itinerary and for the invitation to pop by. Hope we will do so in the not too, too distant future, when everyone's busy schedules allow. 

Yesterday, shortly after you left, on my way to the pool I had to stop at an intersection, a few blocks from our place, to allow two large deer to cross Ellis. Female driver on the other side of the intersection was laughing, as was I, at the spectacle. Penticton, where the great outdoors is right downtown! For my part, have never seen these creatures in this part of town during the winter, although they are quite prevalent in many residential areas in the other seasons, as I need not tell you. First summer we were here one was even nibbling at shoots in our small vegetable patch. Of course, this year we will have guard cats! All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi, Patrick! And Hi, Clara, Corinne, Chloe, Ayn and Pam! What fun photos!!
Thank you for all the arrangements and suggestions! They fit perfectly for me!
I appreciate that Chloe would pick me up at the airport and letting my large luggage at her place! And please don't worry about me during Chloe's work days. I will be flexible and go around Vancouver with buses or Sky Train. Remember?! I used to be an bus expert when I lived in Vancouver! Thank you!!
In Okanagan, lots of snow! It's interesting to imagine you shoveling snow. I'm coming to Canada in less than a week!! Love, Toshiko 

 
Hi Toshi! Glad everything, as outlined for Vancouver, is agreeable to you, Toshi. We knew you'd be just fine, navigating on your own. Do you still have friends in the city? In an earlier message I had intended to ask you if you might bring a couple of small knives, (Make sure they are not in your carry-on!), as we really like the Japanese style. Not as big as the wonderful ones you brought last time but something that you might use for vegetables. Thanks so much, in advance. See you soon. Travel safely. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Snowshoeing up at Riordan: Sharing some pics from an awesome snowshoeing day at Nickel Plate. Here's a link to some pics from today. Good 'shoe!!

http://photoshare.shaw.ca/view/29626041328-1486509014-87366/0

Hi Motorized Mary! Thanks for the fabulous snapolas. What a Winter Wonderland indeed!  I gather Paolo will have mentioned that we bumped into each other at the pool, along with Wild Bill. Latter was just finishing his laps and I was doing my stretch exercises, against the deep end side, after 2.5 hours of deep-water walking. Then we all gathered in the steam room for a good chat. Look forward to seeing everyone on Friday. Is Lady Dar hosting Mah Jong? If so, guess I'll see you twice that day! Either way, see you soon. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Kelowna Bound and Back Blues: Monday, February 6th!

 The tragedy in the lives of most of us is that we go through life walking down a high-walled lane with people of our own kind, the same economic situation, the same national background and education and religious outlook. And beyond those walls, all humanity lies, unknown and unseen, and untouched by our restricted and impoverished lives. -Florence Luscomb, architect and suffragist (6 Feb 1887-1985)

Gustave Flaubert

Art: Eugène Giraud (1806-1881)

Blame Chuck, it is his idea. If any of you, who will open this mail and be suitably inclined to join us, Chuck and I will be going on a SHORT AND EASY snow shoe hike here, in the valley, somewhere W of Summerland. Those for whom Jim's longer and more difficult version is too much are welcome to join us. Meet at the usual place, Summerland IGA parking lot at 9:00, tomorrow, Th. Feb. 9th
Carpool and drive to a trail head - to be decided, but close Frolic for 3 hrs max.
Coffee at a suitable watering hole  Let's see how many people are opening their e-mail more often than once a week. Cheers, Al 

Hi Al, This sounds good. While we enjoy the Three Bears hike, we have a lot of shovelling to do, so this will be perfect. Thanks. See you at IGA at 9:00. Tim and Marian Photos from Al: S of Trestle, Another lovely day:  https://goo.gl/photos/ReUuJYcaipkbqb8E8
  
Wow Pat!! It's wonderful to hear, that you both are so well.Yes, Max indeed is only drinking interesting and superb wine. Therefore I really enjoy eating at her places on Sunday evenings

You don't have to feel badly for not having written. We can feel the same about it! Not long ago, Heinz and Evelyne asked me, whether I've heard from you. So I can tell you for sure all the best from them and lots of love and greetings, also to Corinne.

I'm very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed my time with Annie also very much and thought she was a very lovely woman. So great, that Clara and Dusty are well. I hope to see you all again. Okanaga seem to be a superb palce! And Mexico has even warmer weather - not to be distained. Especially as they will soon be separatet from their annoying northern-neighbour.. Do you know this videos? http://everysecondcounts.eu/ I'll go back to work, but read you soon! All the best to you and Corinne and much love, Fiona                  Hi again Fiona and Fellow Cruel Swiss! Thanks for the link to the more than hilarious, bitingly satirical, well-deserved  "everysecondcounts.eu"! I had not seen it before, although Lady Dar had seen a few of the clips I thought the one from Mars was side-splitting but all the rest are devastatingly funny as well, if not for the very serious, critical point that what they ridicule is fact, not alternative fact or false news, so to speak!

Penticton and environs is a Winter Wonderland indeed! I have attached a snap from a snowshoe outing on Monday, sent along by friend in hiking group I have joined. Had it not been for my hip rehab I would most likely have joined them.

Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: Very, very belated congratulations from Lady Dar and I to Sabine and Simon on the birth of Max Paul! I do apologize for not being in touch sooner! No excuses but plenty of reasons, as I have to say, far too, too often, I'm afraid!!! Our congratulations extend, it goes without saying, to the very proud grandparents, our more than generous Host Parents in Bern, Evelyne and Heinz! Hip Hip Hooray!

Pics: Snowshoeing near Summerland, in the Penticton Alps! Looking east across Okanagan Lake towards Naramata with Penticton, itself, to the south, out of the picture. Woman at very front is Marian Dunn, no relation, unfortunately! I have met more "Dunns" since we moved here, in May 2015, than ever before, literally, in my entire life, but no relatives!  

Thanks Corrine and Patrick for hosting this Wednesday. I'm in and hoping there we will be playing. Hugs, Olly Hi Olga Polga, et al!
 

Great that you can play, Rolly Polly! Naramata Pamela said she was in this week so we are on for sure. If Josinta and Michaelo are planning to play, even better as I think Lady Dar can ask someone from The Flatlanders as well. Maybe we can even persuade Spumoni to join us and then we'd have a legitimate two tables! With seven, as you know, Dummy will have to play at the other table. That's fine but I think it would be grand to have two tables. Anyway, let me know if you'll be playing on Wednesday and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Just back from Kelowna as we had to drive Chloë and Pamela to airport as all the weekend flights into Penticton were cancelled due to snow! Took the opportunity to do a Costco run so now we don't care if we are snowed in until Spring! Pics: Duke and Etta waiting for me to shovel the walk this morning! The Sisterhood at Kelowna Airport.

Hi Patrick, Yes I plan to play. See you on Weds and thank you for hosting. Pamela Hello bridge friends, I will not be playing this Wednesday, but can host next week's event. Please let me know who is planning to come, and I pick and choose doorprizes accordingly. Jos Hi Pamela and Olga Polga! There will just be the four of us as Josinta won't be playing and since I haven't heard from Michaelo, I assume he won't be coming either. I gather Spumoni has held fast to her desire not to play this week. Anyway, look forward to seeing you both tomorrow. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Corinne and Patrick, Thursday will be a long snowshoe, starting from the snowflake parking lot. It is probably safer to meet at Zia's where we have reservations for 6.15 pm under my name. Marian and Tim will be coming as well, and our common friends Paul and Charlotte from Troutcreek. Very much looking forward to it. We are planning to have a bite there as well, since we will be hungry after snowshoeing. Hugs from Jos. Hi Snowshoe Folk! Have a grand time snowshoeing. We'll see you at Zia's. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Dear Patrick What adorable cats and sisterhood! Look forward to seeing you in May--for a quick visit. We will be enroute home from Edmonton. Schedule is tight as usual and please know that we are coming for a short visit--hopefully can sit on your patio and have a nice glass of wine. Thanks for your generous invitation but as is the usual with our jaunts to Alberta we will not be staying with you as we will have to press on to Vancouver. We did at least want to duck in to see you and Corinne and those darned cats. 

Take care--too much snow! Lovely though--trees coated in white. Warmest wishes Jo-Anne Hi Jo-Anne! Sorry, of course, that you won't be able to spend more time with us but understand completely. We can certainly offer you a glass, or two, or more, of wine, or malt or local gin, vodka or beer, [The choices are endless!], but will also have something to eat to help soak up the hootch for the road, since you must be on your way. Do you have any idea of when we might expect you? Where will you be leaving from? Not a big deal but knowing, roughly, when you estimate you will be in Penticton, will help us better plan our day. You can always call from the road, when you have a better idea of your probable arrival time. Anyway, if you decide to change your plans, you are always welcome to stay.  Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Jake! Trust you and Vittorina are well! I gather that Bill did not call you. He came over a little more than a week or so ago to leave Penticton Remembers Vol II with us. He was off for Hawaii next day, for a month I believe. At any rate, you can pop by if in town or else we can arrange a time I could drop it off.

I'll be sending out a message, shortly, about Book Club. Have you any suggestions for titles and meeting times? So far, looks like Thursday evening seems to work for most of those who have responded. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Susie has snow also: attached+trump Hello Dry Creek! Terrific to hear from you and see that Susie is still protesting in spite of the snow! Onward!! Fight!!!



I think I may well have mentioned that Lady Dar and Chloë are "scheming" to sell our loft in Vancouver. To this end, Cora Lee has been looking at various "view"  properties and had set up an appointment for last Saturday when Chloë was going to be visiting. As things turned out our agent called the day before we were to take a look at the interesting property to inform us that the seller had decided to take the house off the market. Nevertheless, we are still moving towards selling the property in Vancouver with the idea of then investing in property hereabouts. As these things go, probably need to wait until spring when real estate prices are typically better for sellers.



Well, there you have it, Patrizzia and Grumpy Winemaker, a bit of a window into the life of your almost snowed-in, wine-country cousins! Fondestos from Lady Dar. All the very best,  dear friends! Take care of yourselves! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Snow Flakes Keep Falling On My Head Blues: Sunday, February 5th!

Poor is the power of the lead that becomes bullets compared to the power of the hot metal that becomes types. -Georg Brandes, critic and scholar (4 Feb 1842-1927)

Hi, Patrick and Corinne! Thank you so much!! It's so nice of Chloe to be with me if the time is early! I could book my flight between Vancouver to Penticton.
On 14th, Corinne is leaving for Winnipeg, so is it better for me to leave early flight or on 13th at night? I can still change my flight without any extra charge.
Do you want anything from Japan? If you do, please let me know! Every time, great photos! I attach some photos from our seminar and with colleagues. I am usually in charge of operation for our seminars. Love, Toshiko

Hi Toshi! Your flights look just fine. Chloë will pick you up and after you spend some time together she'll either take you back to the airport or put you on the Sky Train, depending on weather, traffic, etc. Good time to  arrive in Penticton as we'll have supper waiting, if you can stay awake! Corinne leaves around 2:00 pm on the 14th so I wouldn't change your flight back to Vancouver. You can stay longer that day, if you wish, it goes without saying. 

If you leave, as scheduled, Chloë won't be able to collect you that day as she will be at work but we'll give you a key to her place. I suggest you leave your large luggage at Chloë's when you arrive and only bring a small case to Penticton. Chloë can lend you something if you don't have a carry-on or a knapsack. That way, when you return to Vancouver you wouldn't necessarily have to go to Chloë's place and could spend the day as you see fit. Anyway, just a suggestion. Of course, you are welcome to go to Chloë's place and stay or leave from there. The Powell Street bus will take you right downtown and is a very good service.
 

Anyway, looks as if things are well set. Back in from more than hour of shoveling. It snowed all night again and Chloë was just talking with Air Canada. Not sure if flights will make it in today, as of this point! Maybe she and Pam will still be here when you arrive! Etta and Duke love the snow, chasing snow flakes and wading through the drifts! Loved the snaps of you and your fellow workers! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Last night with Etta and Duke and The Sisterhood! Duke this morning. Table top shows how much snow has fallen!

Hi Sarge! Were you at JT's for dinner last night? Guess you'll be watching the Super Bowl today. At your place? Probably as everyone will be snowed in if deck shot is any indication! All of tomorrow's flights are already fully booked, (as a result of earlier cancellations), should they even be able to fly, so Pam and Chloë won't be able to get on any if they don't make it out tonight! Will inquire about Kelowna and also bus options! Maybe they will still be here when you are next up to Spirit Ridge! How's the supply of salt in the city this time around? Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thought you would enjoy these!  Rae didn't tell us when she was going to take the picture so these are pretty funny!  Nobody looking :) Take care, Ariane

�������� Hi Sun Peaks Folks! Great snaps indeed! Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Robert! Great placard indeed! How are you faring in Vancouver with most recent snowfall? All the best to bridge lads. Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Patrick, All is great here and the snow does not seem nearly as bad as yours. Fortunately we have no flights planned for the immediate future. I will give the boys your best on Monday. Take care and have fun (if those are compatible). Cheers. Robert.
 

Hi all: I will be going on a short and easy boot hike tomorrow (Mon., Feb. 6th). Starting at the KVR trestle, heading S, part way, or all the way to the shooting range, dropping downhill and walking back somewhere between KVR and the hwy bluffs. If free and interested, I could do with some company. Meet at the usual IGA parking place at 9:00 (the Southerners meet at 8:40 at the Pent. HH)
3 hrs max Gaiters and poles highly recommended, expect up to a foot of snow
Coffee at a place of our choosing, depending on the numbers. Al  
 

Hi Big Al! Wonderful to know you are out and about again! I quite enjoyed your photos of hike to Little Tunnel so thanks for that. With respect to tomorrow's hike I think I would be tempted to join you as from what you describe, I think I could manage it without risk of falling and doing something to my new left hip! However, with all of the snow of late I have to drive Chloë and Lady Dar's sister, Pamela, to Kelowna tomorrow. They flew into town on Thursday and that was the last flight since! They were supposed to leave this evening but due to all sorts of de-icing backlogs, in Vancouver, it was very unlikely that flights would land in Penticton today, weather aside, apparently. Anyway, Pamela has to be in Vancouver for business this coming week so, all things considered, they decided to bet on Kelowna.

At any rate, I'll be thinking of you as I race past the IGA parking lot tomorrow morning. Look forward to seeing you and gang in the not too, too distant future. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

I realize that you and Corinne, (aka Lady Dar), are cat people. Sally and I once owned a cat, but now we're strictly dog people, although we don't actually own a dog at this time. Have you ever encountered a rastafarian dog, complete with dreadlocks? 

 
Hi Dog People! Great snaps of pooches and kids! How are you faring in Winnipeg, so far this winter? Pam and Chloë decided to book a flight out of Kelowna. Still, not even guaranteed that this will happen either. Life in the Sunny Okanagan! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi All! I don't feel like playing bridge this week! Thanks Patrick and Corinne for offering to host. I'm just not into it this week, so I hope enough of you want to play so it can go ahead. cheers, Pam 

Hi Pat, Lots of snow up here too! Bitterly cold and forecast to get even colder over the next few days! Not sure whether I will make it to Penticton - fresh snow forecast this week will make skiing conditions too good to miss. The following week I have a friend coming from Calgary for a few days so I have pretty much run out of time! Maybe next year?

It was great to catch up with you and Corinne then Gregg and Francesca last week; that was the first time for a long time that just the 3 of us have been able to sit down and have a good old fashioned chin wag (and a few tipples while we were at it)! Gregg looked great - it was good to see him looking and sounding so well. Fondestos to Cloe and Pam! Ooroo for now Trevor 

Hi Trevorino! Glad you enjoyed a good visit with Lurch and Grogg. They'll be here next weekend, as you know. As it turns out, our former boarder, Toshi, from Osaka, will be flying into Penticton on Saturday. Just heard from her a few days ago and she'll be in Vancouver, on business at Whistler, so she is coming to visit before Lady Dar heads out to Winnipeg. Never a dull moment!
 

Understand about running out of time and the fact that snow conditions will be so good. Of course, we'd loved to have seen you here but next time for sure. Have passed along your greetings to Chloë and Pam and they asked me to send along their best wishes. Must away to sweep front walk as it has finally stopped snowing, for the moment, at least! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Duke earlier this afternoon after supervising snow removal! 

 
Hi Old Farts, Let’s bet back to snowshoeing this Thursday. We will: -meet at Home hardware north parking lot at 0900 (0840 at IGA for folks from Summerland) -carpool and make our way to the Snowflake parking lot -snowshoe from there around the west side of the Three Bears and gradually make our way up to the top of Mama and Papa Bear -return to Snowflake by a route to be decided -stop for coffee and debriefing Are you interested? Let me know so that we have an idea of numbers. Cheers, Jim

Alleged portrait of Terrence

Image: Codex Vaticanus Latinus 3868/Wikimedia

Hi everyone; At our recent ski day at Apex we had a turnout of about 10 folks who collectively decided they would like to try another ski day this time at Baldy Ski Area near Oliver. So a date was decided upon to go on Wednesday Feb 15th so mark your calendars now if you would like to go. The plan would be to meet at home Hardware in Penticton at 800 am and Summerland folks can carpool from IGA at 740 am. This would get us to Baldy about 930am and on the snow around 1000 am which is probably fine for everyone. The good news is that Baldy is selling lift tickets for only 5.00 bucks on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the month of February. It’s now on their website. I think their rental package runs about $35 for the works……great deals and with the snow we are getting conditions should be favorable. At these rates we could even buy our lunch there and support their business at the same time. Of course you are also welcome to bring your own lunch if you prefer.

For those who have not been to Baldy it is an easier beginner/intermediate ski area with mostly of green and blue runs. I would be happy to show everyone around as I have been there several times over the years and once this season for their opening weekend. If you are interested please respond so we have some idea of the numbers. Cheers…Kilian