Eggs Benendict Blues: Wednesday, March 7th!

I dream my painting, and then I paint my dream. -Vincent van Gogh, artist (1853-1890)

Up just after 7:00 am to a frosty morning, although forecast calls for a sunny day, at least for most of the morning and early afternoon. Will have to see how things develop after we are back from breakfast with hiking group at The Nest and Nectar. Looking forward to seeing many of the gang as I've not been hiking since late last Summer. 

Just back from a lovely breakfast with hiking group. Great to see so many of the folks I've not seen since last Fall, given that I've not been hiking since then and then away south, of course. Plan to join gang tomorrow morning on a hike above north end of Skaha, part on the old highway which 97 now parallels, running south to OK Falls and beyond! Must away as I want to go for another ride while sun is shining. Chat soon. 
 

Hello Breakfast Bunch! Wonderful to see so many of you this morning. It was a wonderful, wonderful gathering and thanks to Joltin' Jim for organizing the event. Trust we'll see more of each other over the coming months. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Breakfast at the Nest & Nectar. Spiller Road Folk with Chuckerini and Gerd; Aarturo and Martini; Tiny Tim, Jack Rabbit and Mountain Man Eduardo! Tyrannosaurus Tinka and Mary Mary Quite Contrary, his long-suffering wife. Al started hiking group. Lady Darjeeling sips her special tea! Josinta with Gerd, a retired Lufthansa pilot. Jimbo with Pearly Whites. Former organizes Lens on Lent film series at Oasis. King Ottakar and his wife, Lavonne. He is a retired Penticton high-school teacher but with his son has a commercial fishing license with their boat moored at Fisherman's Wharf at Granville Island!

Thanks Patrick, nice memories! Jim Bryan Thanks, Patrick. Cheers, Jim French Pat-trick! Thank you for this view of the sweater folks...We swam today in the salt sea, but exited quickly because of a "Manta! Manta!" call by a fisher from the shore.. I am off to do my Book Exchange Duty in 30 minitos... See you in ten days or so... adios, DBJS Hi Manta Ray People! Your last message arrived a little more than a week, or so, after we returned to Penticton. Have only been on one hike since then. Chloë was pleased to see us as Duke and Etta had been more work than she assumed! 

Anyway, we were happy to be home and seem to have been very busy ever since. Lady Dar is envious of your swimming and she wants to go south again, next year. To this end she has investigated suites in La Peñita, (As you probably know, about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta), for January and February, 2019. Until next our paths cross, take care of yourselves, Vittoria and Book Exchange Man! Fondestos from Lady Dar. Cheers, Patrizzio! Thank you for this missive. DBJS 
 

Hello First Snow, Last Light People! Due to a very, very nasty bug, Dame Judith will not be able to host tomorrow evening's gathering. This being the case, Lady Dar and I will have discussion at our place so we will convene anytime after 7:00 pm. Look forward to seeing those of you able to attend. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! I am so appreciative of this help. With this bronchitis I have absolutely no energy. I will be there, dressed snuggly and am looking forward to discussion about this great book. Thank you for making my day by your generous offer. Dame Judith

Map and Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2541247363#.WqB8-1HU5ag.email
 
Patrick, I just re-read your email as it was sent so long ago I had forgotten some of what you said. You certainly had a lot of adventures this winter. The Sedona area really is beautiful. We spent time there with Cliff and Ashley and did several hikes and climbed a mountain looking for our vortex! While sitting on the mountainside we met a couple who had given up their professions and had taken on healing touch etc. and had books out. They told Ashley how to cure her sore thumb and demonstrated what to do - ‘and it really works’ as the wife said her husband had cured pains she didn’t even know she had. Some interesting people in the area. By the way Ashley’s thumb continued to hurt despite following the advice given. 

Many of the places you mentioned we also saw. We went to a park that was a beautiful hike along a winding river and there were 1000’s of Innukshuks built all along the way and a natural slide at one point in the river. We also visited a very old mining town that was way up in the hills, Jerome. The plant life in the area was interesting too especially the agave or Century Plant that only blooms once in it’s lifetime. All in all a beautiful spot. 

Well we returned from Hawaii well rested and perfectly satisfied - we sure love our spot on the Big Island. We were home for a couple of days then flew to Vancouver for a friend’s 75th, actually my Maid of Honour’s birthday. Was held at the RVYC with a delicious dinner and good chatter. Had dinner with the kids at Sean and Stacee’s then prepared to come home on Saturday. I had the day’s mixed up and we actually had our flight booked for Monday so had a few extra unwanted days in Vancouver. We experienced gorgeous blue sky days with crocus’ blooming etc. and a fairly substantial snowfall which turned the town upside down. Went for delicious dinners at Ana Lena and L’ufficio (tiny Italian restaurant at 4th and Alma). Flew up to Terrace on Monday night only to return to Vancouver as the plane could’t land which hasn’t happened in many years. So another unwanted day in Vancouver but home on Tuesday.


 

Finally made it up to the ski hill and went skiing after about 8 years. It was a most spectacular day - blue blue sky and perfect snow conditions. I was pretty apprehensive but managed to survive and each run got a little better. Gerry, of course, skied with his usual good form. We hope to go back again this Friday. Have had a few funerals to attend lately which is always a sad reminder that our days don’t go on forever. One was for a friend who’s son committed suicide. I can’t imagine the agony of losing your child that way.And that dear Patrick is our life in a nutshell. I have included a couple of shots of us. Give your lovely wife a kiss from us. Cheers, Dawn

Hi Donna Maria and Elite Ski Bum! Your last message arrived a little less than two weeks after we returned to Penticton. Chloë was pleased to see us as Duke and Etta had been more work than she assumed! Anyway, we were happy to be home and seem to have been very busy ever since. Your plane troubles reminded me of flying up to Terrace second year I did so. Think I'd like to return to Sedona as I found it such a wonderful place to ride and hike. Lady Dar wants to go further south and to this end has already investigated places in La Peñita, (about an hour north of Puero Vallarta), for January and February, 2019. Until next our paths cross, take care of yourselves, Donna Maria and Heraldo. Fondestos from Lady Dar. Cheers, Patrizzio!