Last Push Wall Shelving Blues: Sunday, April 30th!

Great literature is simply language charged with meaning to the utmost possible degree. -Ezra Pound [ABC of Reading]

Hi Patrick – I have you & Corinne booked for the barrel tasting on Sat., May 20th at 10:30, however you are welcome to come earlier if you wish. The event sold out quickly, so I opened another session at 9:45am on the 20th. This will be less crowded if you wish to attend at this time – just let me know please if you do.

Also I see we are holding Wayne Sutherland’s order for pickup and it has your name on it for pick up, as per an e-mail from Wayne. Did you know about this? Thanks. Dick Good Morning Gewurtz Richard! Thanks for note regarding barrel tasting. We'd be pleased to attend the earlier session so put us down for 9:45 am on Saturday, May 20th. Thanks.

With respect to Wayne's order, we understood that he was planning to have it shipped. However, he might have forgotten to notify you as they were very busy, around the release time, readying for an extended trip to Viet Nam and the Philippines. At any rate, we already have a case of wine we will be taking to them when we are driving to Vancouver in a couple of weeks. Consequently, I'll pop by, perhaps later today, to collect it. If not today, then early this coming week when we will call ahead. Trust this suits. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Patrick – OK, sounds good. Tasting room is open today Noon-4, and possibly Monday, but after that please call for appointment. Cheers. Dick.

Hello POB's, (Print Oriented Babes!)! I trust everyone has notified Dame Judith about attending and knows where to find her place. If not, please contact her so she will have plenty of Noble Ridge on hand to dampen the fiery debate that will likely ensue tomorrow evening. Look forward to seeing everyone and their cheese! Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Patrick, I have only heard from Hildy, Senka, you and Corrine. So 5 of us only.

Hello, Patrick: Thanks for your message and wonderful pictures. Life in Penticton sounds busy and good. Tomorrow we are already at the month of May, and you will be here very soon (around Mother's Day, it seems.) I do hope we can connect, even if briefly (understood that it might have to be so) and that you can check out the Fluid Alu Trainer. If not, it's been here for quite awhile and can wait a bit longer.

BTW, I'm not sure if you know about the new Arbutus Greenway, a nine-kilometre walking-and-cycling track that is pretty much right on my doorstep, running the length of the previously much-disputed CPR tracks from False Creek almost to the Fraser River (south of SW Marine Drive). It's one of my summer aspirations to cycle that path (no longer having the excuse of traffic). It probably seems like a ridiculously modest aspiration for a seasoned cyclist like you, but for me, it will be a significant step.

Greg is off on a three-week Spanish course in Panama at the moment, but I'll check with him regarding the possibility of a pick-up or drop-off (or both) in the Penticton area sometime in the summer. As I mentioned, Aeroplan possibilities are somewhat constrained by the fact of my continued work-schedule at VPL . . . but only having to plan for one-way air travel might open it up a bit. Anyhow, do let me know, roughly, some time frames that might work between now and mid-August (following which Sandy and David will visiting, and then Mum and I will be departing for Europe) and I'll continue exploring possibilities. I do like the idea of Okanagan cycling with no street riding!

Mum left on Wednesday for a short visit to England, to attend her "pseudo"-step-children's 50th wedding anniversary celebrations. (Reg and Dorothy, back in the day, spent years living in Africa, and two of their children arranged their weddings to coincide with Reg and Dorothy's home leave to the U.K. in 1967). Coincidentally, Mum's cousin John's wife, Jill, had a stroke last week. John, who always takes care of Mum -- meeting her at the airport, driving her wherever she needs to go -- is like a little brother to her, having lost his father to stomach cancer when he (the father) was only 28 years old, following which John was parked with Mum's family by his struggling widowed mother, who in any case was apparently not a very enthusiastic parent. John absolutely cherishes Mum, and sent a very email very fervently encouraging her to follow through with the visit, notwithstanding Jill's stroke. (It must be said that John and Jill's marriage has been quite strained at the best of times, making all of this that much more complicated -- long story).

Mum's trip was already in question, as she was on the end of a rather bad bout of pneumonia. Notwithstanding last year's dog attack and the enduring impairment to her jaw, she is very healthy (her heart is excellent) except for a recent diagnosis of COPD, or as she says, "aging lungs," which make her very vulnerable to complications if she gets a cold bug. Which is what occurred around the beginning of April. But she did get away in the end . . . . It will be a relief to see her back safely. I must acknowledge that, with Mum's health becoming more fragile, I am finding it a bit difficult to face her looming final transition. (See, I can't even say it!) I think it is awhile off yet, but I believe she is much more at peace with the prospect than I am. I guess I have some work to do!

On a happy note, the pilot popped out for an unexpected visit this week. He finished ground school and cockpit procedures training (in Winnipeg) and simulator training and the exam (in Toronto) and had a bit of a break before returning to Winnipeg (and in due course Thompson) to begin the job. So he went back to his home base of Lethbridge, and came out to the coast for a visit. Somewhat unfortunately, though, he had understood that he would not be starting work until after the first week of May, but when the schedule came out, it was to start TODAY (April 30). He arrived here mid-day on Wednesday and was trying to re-negotiate his start-date, but it remained in a state of unresolve on Thursday, so in his typically diligent style, he returned to Lethbridge on Thursday evening (he always gives himself large margins of time, because when he comes to Vancouver, it's always on passes, without a guaranteed seat). As it happens, I had to take four hours vacation on Thursday afternoon, in order to accommodate a tradesman (associated with my kitchen renovations) who couldn't be scheduled for another time. This coincidental timing meant that I was able to spend the afternoon with Jim before taking him to the airport. So that was good. A short visit, but from my point-of-view, a total bonus, so I was very cup-half-full about it.

The next stage of my renos (new cupboard doors) is TOMORROW, and I have to get busy, clearing stuff out and pushing things back, on account of which I'd better wind this up for now. Look forward to seeing you, soon -- I hope -- and to another summer visit, if we can work it out. All the best. Love, Janet

The powers that be decided in their wisdom to have me gather the 'interested' on this coming Thursday May 4th and to then explore Mt Hawthorne and possibly follow on trails already travelled but not necessarily, to the top and back in a loop. For those so wishing to embark on this Balsam Root extravaganza (hopefully!!) the usual meet up arrangements apply; 9am at Home Hardware and 8:40 at Summerland IGA to car pool into Penticton. The hike starts at Mahoney Lake and "Southerners" can meet the group there (9:15 to 9:20ish). It won't be raining this Thursday. Debriefing may well be at the OK Falls Hotel which is close to Tickleberry's for those who need to maintain a proper diet. Please email me to let me know if you're joining the happy wanderers. Cheers. Phil

Hello OFologists, Tomorrow we will be hiking Campbell Mountain under the capable leadership of Phil. We meet at Home-Hardware at 9:00AM, then make our way over to meet Phil at ~9:15 at the junction of Spiller Rd, Reservoir Rd and Greyback Mtn Rd, which is just past the entrance to the Landfill. Summerlanders please meet as usual at the IGA at 8:40AM to be able to be at the HH at 9:00AM in Penticton. See you there (pray for sunshine). Aart