Avery and Ashlynn SIng The Hrbour Terrace Blues: Friday, February 23rd!

The theory of democratic government is not that the will of the people is always right, but rather that normal human beings of average intelligence will, if given a chance, learn the right and best course by bitter experience. -W.E.B. Du Bois, educator, civil rights activist, and writer (23 Feb 1868-1963) 

Boreas Abducting Oreithyia

Art: Giovanni Francesco Romanelli (1610-1662)

Hi Eyob and Janet! As Janet knows, we hit town around 3:00 pm yesterday afternoon. Janet and I chatted a few minutes ago and, unfortunately, with respect to meeting, she is working today and tomorrow. Given our commitments, while here in Vancouver, it now seems it will really not be possible to arrange even a brief get-together, unfortunately. Again, as I mentioned to Janet, I will be back for the weekend of March 8th through 12th so perhaps we can arrange for a "reunion" at some point. Take a look at your schedules and let me know when you might be free for a coffee or a lunch, or something else, and we'll plan accordingly. Fondestos to you both from Lady Dar. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!Thanks, Patrick, for letting us know, you are a busy family, good on you. There is always next time, and it is not far to drive to Penticton. Safe drive, till next time. Egn

Hello Snow Bound Cornelius Pass People!Thank you again, for the lovely, lovely stay and marvellous visit and all the more than considerable care and feeding of the Canadian Freeloaders! Friday morning we went to the bank to transfer money to Ayn's account, did a bit of grocery/hootch shopping and then a quick visit with Jo-Anne and Colin Naslund. Jo-Anne was a colleague at UBC. Then on to St John's hospice to see our friend Ted Keating, and family. 

Very, very sad situation, as you can well imagine. Nevertheless, he is surrounded by their three daughters and five grandchildren. Elaine, his wife, has been with him ever since he was moved, from their home, two weeks ago. Hospice is an extremely comfortable and well appointed facility, staff are very sensitive and caring so Elaine has been as comfortable as possible, (not to mention Ted's competent, unremitting clinical monitoring), under such unbelievably difficult and trying emotional, psychological circumstances.

We spent about an hour visiting with Ted, as he surfaced, on and off, out of drug-related pain-relief, into consciousness. Disease has affected his ability to speak so conversations were difficult but we held hands and tried to connect, as best we could. One of the bright spots of the afternoon was to see two or three hummingbirds outside his window. Poor, poor things were freezing, I'm sure, and I have never seen them sit still for so long, either on the feeders or nearbye tree branches. Quite a contrast to what we experienced in Costa Rica, with respect to these incredible creatures. 
 Anyway, we made our sad goodbyes and then I dropped Lady Dar off on Main Street and 27th, to have lunch with a close friend, Robyn, who lives nearbye. I returned to Harbour Terrace and suited up to go to the gym to use elliptizer. Back home to shower and change and then a lovely dinner of Flamin's fabulous jambalya! Greetings from Flamin' and Sarge to you both and Fondestos from Lady Dar. Thanks again, dear, dear friends for your enduring friendship and unstinting hospitality! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Michaelo changing appointment; Arrivederci! Ragin's computer help! Jo-Anne and Colin; hummingbird; Elaine with her new granddaughter, Sloane, and Ted; Ashlynn & Avery, grand-daughters, then with Flamin' at dinner table.