Hunt for the Perfect Christmas Tree Blues: Sunday, December 3rd!

 A story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end, but not necessarily in that order. -Jean-Luc Godard, film director (b. 3 Dec 1930)

Chloe Alexis Dunn Patrick James Dunn, Corinne Durston thought you would like to see this.

Patrick James Dunn Thanks very much! I think I heard a little bit of this clip, or something like it, on the radio some time ago but it was wonderful to actually see both of the brothers with whom I've dealt over the years. One of the many changes in the city, of course. Wonder what will be built on that lot. Cannot even imagine how much it went for. Anyway, I guess there will no longer be any Stocking Stuffers from Three Vets!

Patrick, You may use the wind descriptor at will and for no charge😊 Thanks for the offer of pulley device. I am sure that if Bill doesn’t have the device he has a reasonable facsimile thereof. We saw the parade assembling but decided on a beer and nachos at the Cannery instead👍 See you and Corinne tomorrow night at Lou’s. Do you have a headcount for tomorrow night? Pam Hi Nacho People!

Perhaps Parade should go down Ellis next year and then we could watch it from the comfort of either Cannery or Mile Zero! As far as I know, grand total will be seven tomorrow evening although I'm rather surprised you asked as I was lead to understood, unequivocally, that you "had all the information you required!"

Not sure if I mentioned that we will be heading out to cut our own Christmas tree this afternoon, at a farm off Naramata Road. Lady Dar wants to have it up and decorated for our Open House. A bit more "dusting" last night but, hereabouts, it didn't stick on roads or sidewalks, (hills look lovely, however), so if I'm able to discharge the long list of chores assigned by Lady Dar I'm hoping I'll have time for a ride! See you tomorrow, Royalty-Free Woman! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Caro Patrizzio: Thank you so much for your invitation. We have tickets for the Musaic choir Christmas concert next Saturday at 2.30 pm in Summerland. After the concert we need to go home to walk and feed our dog, so might not be able to get to your place until about 7.30 to 8, if that is all right with you. Could you please send us your postal code, so that we could locate your street on Google? Thanks. Spero che ci vidiamo, Rene’ Hi René! Wonderful that you and Terry can join us next Saturday. Don't worry about the time. Just arrive when it is convenient. We have tickets for the Musaic Concert on Friday evening. Funnily enough, Judi Ritcey, who sings in choir, is coming for dinner, this evening, with her husband,, Kevin. Do you happen to know them? Must away as we are heading out to cut our own Christmas tree shortly. Lady Dar wants to have it up and decorated for the Open House. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi there!! I made it to San Jose Saturday 1pm.. got checked in , met our tour guide Hector & our other G Adventures group.. total of 17 with guide
This is beating my expectations!!.. after our 1st meeting at 6 pm.. we all went out together for dinne Beer plus dinner was about $10.. at least 1/2 price of at home.

Today our 1st day on the bus .. coffee plantation!!.. plus lunch.. all included in our package.. then on to La Fortuna.... town at base of active volcano.. went to HotSprings heated by volcano.. kinda like a water park.. beautiful combo with hotel..this is a must.. went down this wildest water slide.. in lieu of white water rafting anyway on this tour anne & I are probably the oldest but some are in their 20's 30's 40's 50's& 1 ?? Maybe 60.. All very nice.. a couple from Wales another from England a gal from Australia, another from Holland a 19 year old from Switzerland 3 from US.. 5 from Canada.. so a real international group.. everyone so friendly & excited to be here!!
 

We are 2 nights at this hotel.. rooms & food are great. Now I understand why everyone loves Costa Rica.. so much to see & do!!...we all booked an activity for something tomorrow  The younger group are all doing the wild & crazy stuff like white water rafting & waterfall rappelling.. & mountain bike touring ..5 of us older & wiser are going on a rainforest wildlife tour on water kind of river boat with a canopy We. Are guaranteed to see wildlife .. birds monkeys butterflies iguanas The next day we hope to go zip lining & bridge walking..& night walk for night creatures The week is going to fly by Will send a few pictures tonight if the Wifi cooperates Stay well .. dream about coming to Costa Rica one day if you 'be never been Love to you all..❤️😎🙏 


Hi Costa Rica Woman! Your trip sounds wonderful indeed. Not sure if I mentioned it before but we are flying to Costa Rica, for a month, on January 7th. We will spend Christmas here, with our youngest daughter, Chloë, [She moved here, from Vancouver, at the end of September.], and then drive to Tinsel Town day after Boxing Day, to spend New Year's with Ayn, our eldest daughter, and two grandsons, Pierre and Alex. Alejandro is to graduate from the LA Fire Department Academy on January 6th and we will attend the ceremony and then fly out next day. Fondestos from Lady Dar, to you "older and wiser rainforest wildlife tour woman", [our sort of activity!], sorting through Christmas decorations in the Rumpus Room. Cheers, Paul Bunyan Patrizzio!

Dear Patrick, I really love how you wind your way through your community of activities. It is heartwarming to be sure that you are so connected. I am busily trying to ensure every one that attends our gala function is looked after. My friend Robert a British Geologist who just lost his wife after a life time of sickness will be coming to our open house and I am connecting him to close neighbors plus a friend through the University that is a prof. in counselling she too has just lost a friend. My good deed for the day. Grief is a terrible thing to go through and being alone is deadly, I am helping him reconnect and build his list of friends.

Today is my mother’s 101 birthday, unbelievable I must say her mind is so intact no dementia & still just as bright as ever. All her grandchildren and great grandchildren came over to her apt. to celebrate. You my dear have another birthday in three days, Happy Birthday, too! Hope you are having chocolate cake and a gaggle of friends over to celebrate. Love, Jean

Hi Jean! Congratulations on your Mother's 101st birthday! Hip Hip Hooray! Thank you for the early birthday greetings for my 70th! Still a way to go to catch up with your wonderful Mom! Had more early birthday greetings from a good friend, Tim, in Sydney . We met back in '92' when we stayed in Raratonga for a week or so, at the end of our first trip to Australia and New Zealand. 

Fondestos from Lady Dar, to you and Cranberry Rum Punch Man, sorting through Christmas decorations in the Rumpus Room. Cheers, Paul Bunyan Patrizzio!

Happy Birthday!

Dear Patrick, It's Your Birthday and Ella & Duke perform Their Kit Cat Boogie! Enjoy Your Day With Your Loved Ones. Happy Birthday! Love Jean, John, Benson & Tess Hi Jean! Thanks so much for sending along such a wonderful birthday card on behalf of Etta and Duke! Much appreciated! Duke is now turning his attention to our large, musical snow-globe! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Patrizzio, Just to confirm, all thrusters are working and the weather forecast looks fabuloso - for the next 2 weeks! Well, it’s a day late, (rained today) but clear skies are forecast for the next 2 weeks! So I will bring my cycle, although I must confess, I have been a bit inactive since my heart procedure - a combination of bad weather and general depression (*not* suicidal) about the status of affairs about my life. My Dad “misplaced” his canes. These are not needles in a haystack. Took me (and the health care workers) 2 days to find them!! The kids keep dumping tires, motorcycles, parachutes (etc …) in the basement / garage that I am desperately trying to clear out!

So if we do the Little Tunnel Run (which would be great) my stamina may be lacking, but if I have to take a break maybe you can go ahead and dipsy-doodle at the next intersection while I catch up. Anyway, please don’t go to any (or much) trouble on this, but I have a set of studded snows (on steel rims, nothing fancy) that came off Rob’s ’93 Ford Ranger. They are in great condition but I certainly don’t need to clack around Vancouver on studded tires! If you know anyone in Penticton - where I understand you do get actual snow(!), that would be interested in these, let me know, or connect me to assure they would fit the recipient vehicle. We’re looking at ~$500.

SO … (again) plan to leave here Thursday early, I’ll text Lady Dar (since you spit on your iPhone) with an eta as soon as predictable The included cartoon may strike a bell for you ...Branko

Hi Ragin' Bull, (aka The Steel Stud)! Just a quick word to let you know that The Sisterhood was not amused by the brochure extolling the benefits of an exciting Spanish Getaway! For my part I found it side-splittingly uproarious! However, it might be an idea to wear those studded snows as a Kevlar vest when you visit! Nevertheless, I'll make mention of the offer when I send out notes to my various bridge, book club and hiking groups, over the next few days. If I have any expressions of interest I'll put you in touch with individual(s).

Sorry I didn't respond sooner but we were out getting our tree at a small Christmas Tree Farm, The Trail Store, just off the KVR. It is right across the trail from the hop farm so you might recall seeing it. Loads of fun and the owners, Darlene and Rod, are a lovely couple. After I Paul Bunyaned, with Chloë's help, the tree it took longer to decide upon than to fell, we enjoyed a cup of delicious hot cider in the cosy store, chatting amiably. In addition to Douglas Fir, they grow Ambrosia apples and the cider is made from their fruit. Rod gave us two gorgeous specimens as we made our way to look for the perfect tree. Once home, (Placed it on the bike rack, with one arm up, so easy haulage!), we set up the tree in its stand on the front patio for the night. Will bring it inside tomorrow morning but will need submarine netting to prevent Duke from climbing it! He has already been trying to chew the tree lights and they are still in the bags they were stored in from last year! Is this Juno's fault?

Since your plan is to arrive reasonably early on Thursday I will arrange to have at least one table for bridge that evening. Picked up a lamb roast at Costco last time there but will save it for Sunday evening so that there will be more time for you to prepare feast! Trust this sits well with you. Busy time until you arrive. Cheers, Il Conduttore, aka Paul Bunyan Patrzzio! Pics: We're All Lumberjacks and We're Okay!

Still weak cos of anemia. Can’t seem to be vertical for too long. Improving every day. Surgeon tomorrow. Physio Tues. M Not very used to doing this. Took a few before got all my face in pic, lol!! M ❤️ 3/12/17 Hi Selfie Woman! Sorry to hear about your anemia. Buona Fortuna with physio. Fondestos from Lady Dar, to you and Francesco, sorting through Christmas decorations in the Rumpus Room. Cheers, Paul Bunyan Patrizzio!
 

Old Farts Happenings:

Thursday, December 7^th

There will be a snowshoe outing, probably in the direction of Panorama Ridge, near Nickel Plate C.C. ski area.  Tony Cottrell will be leading it.  You will:

-meet at Penticton Home Hardware north parking lot at 0900 (0840 at IGA parking lot in Summerland).

-carpool and drive to the trailhead.

-snowshoe to your heart’s content

-gather afterwards for refreshment and debriefing.

Thursday, December 14^th.  Old Farts Christmas Picnic

First, there are some changes this year.  The venue is changing.  We normally trek up to a site on Cartwright Mountain,  This year, we have chosen a location west of Faulder.  It is about a half hour hike from Faulder, with minimal elevation change.  Also, there is a picnic table where we can place much of our food, and an outhouse nearby.  Sounds very civilized, eh?

We will gather at 1000 at IGA parking lot in Summerland (0945 at H.H. north parking lot in P’ton), carpool, drive to the trailhead, and hike in to the picnic site.  Our gathering usually lasts between 2 and 3 hours, and may include a bit of a hike if anyone is interested.

We will be able to scrounge some wood for a fire, but we are asking that anyone with some spare firewood bring along some kindling to start the fire and perhaps a piece or two of wood to burn.  If there is snow, we will have a toboggan to haul any heavy wood.  An axe or bow saw might also be useful,

Please bring:

                -your spouse and/or friends (the more, the merrier)

                -your own “main course” (meat, bun, whatever else you desire).

                -appies or dessert goodies to share, potluck style.

                -a beverage for yourself or to share (there is always more than enough home brew and wine!).

                -your best voice, as we always have a few songs or carols to sing.

                -your festive spirit!!!!

If you are interested, I ask that you let me know.  I’d like to have an idea of numbers.

Looking forward to a fun outing, as usual.

Thursday, December 21st.  The Annual Winter Solstice Snowshoe Event

Yes, I know that the Solstice is actually on December 20^th.  So what???

This is our yearly snowshoe up Green Mountain by headlamp to greet the winter season.  Rick McKelvey will lead.  You will:

-meet at Penticton Home Hardware north parking lot at 1900 (that is 7:00pm).  Folks will gather at 1840 at IGA parking lot in Summerland

-carpool and drive to the trailhead.  It is at the cattleguard just before Rock Oven Pass on the road to Apex.

-snowshoe to the summit of Green Mountain.  Once there, expect to share some hot refreshment and perhaps some seasonal nibblies, and also a snowshoe around the summit area.

-return to the vehicles and make your way to the warmth of home. 

This trip requires that you be prepared.  Dress warmly with layers.  Have a reliable headlamp.  Have a reliable pair of snowshoes (who am I to talk?).  Good poles are highly recommended.  Bring some food and drink for yourself and perhaps to share.

 Sunday, December 10^th  The TuneAgers Choir and Orchestra

This is another shameless advertisement for the TuneAgers “Christmas Visions” performance.  It takes place at 1430 (2:30pm) at the Shatford Centre in Penticton.

Tickets are available from The Dragon’s Den (P’ton), The Beanery (S’land), The Shatford Centre, any member of the TuneAgers, or at the door.  Just thought I’d mention:  Aart Jonkers and Jim French are members and will gladly sell you a ticket.

And that, my friends, is plenty for now! Cheers, Jim