April Fool's Easter Bunny Blues: Sunday, April 1st!

A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What one can be, one must be. -Abraham Maslow, psychologist (1 Apr 1908-1970) 

Happy Easter to everyone from Los Angeles!! Looks like Spirit Ridge is the place to be!!! Happy Easter! Yes Spring is in the air! I'm so glad. I'm tired of hiking in the snow! Cheers, Mother Teresa! Thank you for your Easter greeting, and the same to you all! Hans and I are back from Southern Spain, where the spring has arrived, as opposite to Scandinavia. We enjoyed swimming open water in the Mediterranean sea, as well as hiking in the lower hills of Sierra Nevada among olive and almond trees; endless processions of the Semana Santa, Easter week, with Ku klux klan like costumes, scary to look at, but has nothing to do with it. Thank you for mail about your travel plans, Patrick, I will re-read it and see if there will be possibilities to meet up some where. Happy Easter and hugs to everyone! ♥️😘 from Margareta 

Hi Steel Magnolia! Your holiday in Spain sounded fabulous indeed! When you re-read my message you will discover that I'd like to visit you in Aarhus! Anyway, let me know what you think, when you have a moment, and I'll plan accordingly. We had a long chat with Ayn a little while ago. She is fine. Fondestos from Lady Dar and Chloë to you, Hans and The Young Lads! Cheers, Patrizzio!

[From my bedroom window: Batchelor After the Snow] Looks like you are as busy as ever with trips, visitors and riding. I hope your shoulder isn’t too painful in the meantime. Kamloops is in the process of constructing a bike trail right through the heart of town. We can see parts of it from the Trans-Canada where it snakes through the steep hills of Peterson Creek Park. You will have to try it when completed. Have no idea when that will be as the terrain is quite irregular to say the least.
 
Today we are setting up Easter eggs hunt with lighted eggs to help Kian on his way.... a great analogy to show our daily focus ...Otherwise I have been spending time daily getting back into watercolour painting with some mixed media of pen and ink. I am still not where I want to be but it is slowly coming together and I mean slowly. Happy trails to you and fond regards to your womenfolk...will be happy to see you all again. 

[I am watching: Well actually this was part of one daily painting practice.  This is an eye of a good friend of mine] Hello Watercolour Woman! Which one of Picasso's extremely talented wives do you happen to be? The Womenfolk and I think your paintings are simply wonderful! Bravo indeed!!! Thank you for the fabulous windmill card! Pleased to learn about new bike trail in Kamloops. Would certainly like to explore it when finished. Sounds terrific from your description. Our Easter egg hunt is taking place one building away and three stories up, where Clan Sutherland are staying with four grandchildren! Kian's lighted eggs sound far more civilized, ie. QUIET! Fondestos from Lady Dar and Chloë. We'd all love to see you and Wally and Kian and Picasso. Now have even more friends in Kamloops, [two Sutherland children and their families], so many more reasons to visit. Take care of yourself until next our paths cross, Brenda Louise. Again, Happy Easter and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thank you for the kind words... if you knew how much paper ends up in our recycling you would know how much I struggle with painting.. Your trip is close now so wanted to wish you “Bon Voyage”. “May the wind be” .. etc etc.
My sister returns to Canada today after a month in Australia, Hong Kong, Tasmania and a river tour through the Three Gorges in China etc. She is ready now for a rest! We plan to fly out to see her in Calabogie and my brother in Ottawa this August. What with the new fire in Merritt being reported already I don’t have much hope for smoke free days here this summer. My best to all

Very impressive. I learned a long time ago that an artist develops their own craft through the understanding and appreciation of the work of other artists, followed by semi successful and sometimes disappointing attempts to emulate the work they are most impressed with. Eventually something finally stands out, i.e., the uniqueness and style of your own work. The end goal is not to be like others through envy and admiration, but to be inspired by their work while creating your own. That is the path. I have a brother that really understands!

Hi again, Paper Recycling Woman! Wonderful, informed support from your brother. Your own Theo Van Gogh. We better snag one of your early works so that we'll be billionaires when you are finally discovered! Sooner than later I trust! Thanks for best wishes for my trip. I better start packing soon or I'll be at the departure gate with nothing but a toothbrush! Cheers, Patrizzio!Hi again Paintbrush Person! Forgot to mention how much I enjoyed the sand painter! Marvelous talent. Fondestos and Cheers for now, Patrizzio!
  
Thank you, and a Happy Easter to all of you as well. I hope you are truly experiencing spring and renewal where you live. Love, Agneta  Thank you Guys, Have a wonderful Easter xx Hello Perth People!!Trust you are both well and enjoying the Easter weekend. Cheers, Patrizzio! Thanks so much for beautiful e-card- I love spring but only minuscule signs of it so far! Happy Easter to you all 💕 Penny and Mike xx Hope the Easter bunny was good to you!🐣🐇💐��🐥 Whoops forgot to say thank you & cheers from Frank & Maggie Lovely, thanks Patrick. I am in a good mood this Easter morning. Philip for whom I did a lot of lit searches will be inducted into the Cdn Medical Hall of Fame on April 12. I am very happy for him. He is 29! Hi Bev! Congratulations! What a wonderful Easter present. Terrific accomplishment for you both! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Lady Di and Patrizzio II! Happy Easter and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thank you so Much for the Lovely Card and Easter Greeting. Lots of Hugs from Hildi Hi Von Bingen! Glad you enjoyed the card. This past Thursday Lady Dar and Chloë drove down to Osoyoos  but I didn't ride down until Good Friday. Have been having a wonderful time at Spirit Ridge ever since. Check-out time is 11:00 am tomorrow so Lady Dar was wondering if you will be around, sometime around noon. If so, she'd like to stop by to take a look at your extension and other renovations. Let us know and we'll plan accordingly. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! HAPPY EASTER……………YES I HAVE NO PLANS SO FAR BY ALL MEANS POP IN.I’ll have a glass of wine waiting. Cheereo and hope you find some Easter Eggs in that Vineyard!!!!!!!:😊😊😊OR BOTTLES OF WINE 😊😊😊 Hi again, Von Bingen! Thanks! Lady Dar will give you a call when she's leaving Spirit Ridge tomorrow. Check-out time is 11:00 am so she will probably be knocking on your door before noon. Depending on wind velocity and direction I should arrive around same time but I'll need to leave sooner as I plan to ride. Thanks again. Cheers, Patrizzio! SOUNDS GREAT TO ME……………SEE YOU WHEN YOU GET HERE…………😊

Happy Easter to you Patrick and Corinne Autumn arrived today in our part of the world! love Tina(the one armed bandit) and Trevor (the household chief cook and bottle washer) xxxxxxxxxxx Hi Bandito Babe and Chef De Maison Man!
Trust your shoulder is healing Teens, and you are, otherwise, both well and enjoying the Easter weekend. I do apologize for not answering your question about my shoulder sooner. No excuses but plenty of reasons! Short version is that I will be having a full, right shoulder replacement. Projected recovery time is six weeks, like you, with no driving, etc., for that period. My specialist said that next to hips, shoulder replacements are far less painful, over recovery period, than knees. For some reason I had always believed that they were the most painful joints to live with after surgery. Anyway, I suppose I will find out in due course. 

This morning the gang will go to Easter Brunch at one of the restaurants here but I'm planning to ride Anarchist Mountain. Spirit Ridge is very close to its base and I rode up it last year, my first time. Good steady, continuous climb of about 15 km before grade levels out for a couple of km and then another 5 km or so until one reaches the top. Fondestos from Lady Dar and Chloë to you both. Take care of yourselves until next our paths cross. Happy Easter and Cheers, Patrizzio!

and Happy Easter to you as well! Lovely card showing us yet again the promise of spring. Jane Thanks..Happy Easter to you all! Thank you. I love the withered stalk that commences the drama, reminding us that all that grows will come to the end in death and renewal. The eternal rite of spring, and where all our holidays at this time of year spring from. Hope your day is lovely and that if there are squirrels in the hours ahead, that they do not run under your wheels or in other ways exact their noxious toll upon human contentment. A bit cranky? Hi Cranky Cactus! Glad you enjoyed the eternal rite of spring even if you have it in for the squirrel folk! I'm planning to ride Anarchist Mountain shortly. Almost like attempting Grizzly Peak but not nearly as steep! Fondestos from Lady Dar and Chloë to you, Prickly Pear and The Floridian! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Happy Easter from the Seymours!  Xx Hi again, Cornwall! Thank you for the simply spectacular colouring book! Breathtaking images indeed! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Patrick, thanks for your card, return best wishes to you all. I guess Spring is busting out all over, hope yr enjoying it. The Vancouver World Tour has been in Harcout North Resort for a few days, the Floor Show left nobody unenchanted. Miriam has a few sniffles but bearing up. You know anyone who wants once-used maxi lego, twin playpen, 4-note pianos (two: in tune, one yellow, one purple, key of A major), twin holiday cots (on second thoughts Old Oak will retain for arvo naps), sundry bangers, blowers and baubles (all verified indigestible), etc? Email orders, pay with Bitcoin multiples of three.

We're preparing for arrival May 26. Sarge has graciously invited us for initial stay of a few days until we settle our 3-month accommodation (not confirmed yet, know any serviced campsites?). House sitter this year are former FIHN guests who will spend the 3 months house hunting - Christina has a job setting up a biochemistry lab at Latrobe. This is their first move to a regional area. Great folks - opera singers with NY experience for several years.
Look forward to seeing you soon. Lots of love. SnK Hello Magical Mystery Tour Impressario! Great to know that the bookings are going well! Guess I'll see you in July when I'm back from Europe, (July 10th), until after Folk Fest weekend. Will let you know if we hear of any campsites but rather out of loop now, especially with Chloë in Penticton as well. Fondestos from Lady Dar and Chloë to all the performers in the Circus! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Not up until 9:15 am to find Lady Dar on the living room couch. She curled up there around 4:30 am to finish her book. Chloë joined us a short time later and we wished each other Happy Easter. For his part, The Easter Bunny had brought them hedgehogs and mint eggs, along with a new black soda maker to match her planned kitchen renovations, while Chloë, who already owns a white one, received a fancy carafe in which to serve the soda water. The Sisterhood were joining Clan Sutherland, at 10:30 am, for Easter Brunch at the restaurant here but I wanted to "attack" Anarchist Mountain so once they left I fixed myself some tasty overlefts, fuel for the challenge ahead, and replied to various Easter messages until 11:30 am.

Day was quite sunny and far warmer than it had been on Saturday, although the wind stil had a bit of a bite to it. Having first done this climb a number of years ago, I knew the distances I was facing, from the start of the incline to where the highway finally levels off, and some of the slighter grades in between. This being the case I rode from Spirit Ridge to the highway to take it about a km south towards Lakeshore Drive which parallels Osoyoos Lake. Riding to the end of this pleasant street I turned back so that when I was essentially at the bottom of Anarchist I already had 10 km on the clock. Then my work started as it is a steady pull of 7.5 km to a tiny pull-out where there is a lookout, providing stunning views of Osoyoos itself, the lake and the surrounding hills, all capped with snow about a third of the way down their slopes. 

There is a passing lane to within a km of this pull-out so I was able to ride just on the edge of the shoulder on the outside lane. Traffic was very light so I didn't feel at all uncomfortable. Quite a bit of sand and small pebble mix almost completely covering the paved shoulder so I stayed away from this treacherous surface. Had forgotten how many twists and turns the highway takes as it snakes up the mountain side until one reaches the first bit of "relief", the painfully short respite of the flat of the lookout, and then the steady climb begins again. No passing lane for the first km after this but shoulder was relatively clean here although I was much happier when I reached the double lane. 

More switchbacks and twists and turns until the grade flattens out at about the 12 km mark of the climb and I was able to shift into a slightly higher gear so that when I stood up to pedal I had enough resistance to stretch my legs, from time to time. Again, had forgotten how far it is to the top, always thinking, hoping, more like, that the much looked for flats would be just around the next corner or at the end of the next long grade stretching ahead to infinity! There are a number of housing developments near the top of Anarchist and when the service roads to the first one came into view I knew I was finally making a dent in the climb. Still, quite a bit of climbing remained and around the 14 km mark I thought I felt a few raindrops, only to look down at my jacket sleeve and see it was peppered with drops of snow! Bit like a rain shower with sun shining brightly. Flakes didn't stick on the road or on me but I was glad I was wearing full riding gloves. Although I was toasty with the layers under my jacket, it was nippy, particularly when the road wound through large trees or around huge rock faces and I was denied the warmth of the sun.

By the time I had logged a total distance of 23 km I reached the start of Osoyoos Mountain Estates, the second housing development thereabouts and was truly on the long awaited flats. Knew I needed to clock another six km so that I'd have the distance I had set for the day's ride. Now, although I was back in top gear, the wind became a factor without the grade of the hill to shield me from its full force. Still, I was happy to have it to deal with and enjoyed stretching my legs, standing up on the slight downward grades beyond the true flats. Found a small service road to turn around on when I'd 29.5 km on my trust odometre and girded my loins for the long descent ahead. 

Given temperature and conditions on the shoulder, ride down was actually far more uncomfortable and nerve-wracking than grinding ascent. Most of the time I was at speeds of between 30 km - 45 km so felt wind chilled all the way to the bottom. Furthermore, since there is no passing lane I had to pay particular attention to the grit covered shoulders. Didn't want to hit a patch of sand or gravel at any speed, let alone at 48.2 kph, top speed I achieved. In fact, wind resistance acted as a brake, so I was thankful for that aspect of the ride, even if my fingers were tingling from the cold.

Once I left the highway and turned towards Spirit Ridge I felt like I was basking in the one of the resort's hot tubs. Wind was now at my back and the air temperature must have been five or more degrees higher than when whistling down the slopes of Anarchist. The slight climb up to the resort was almost welcome, given what I had just done so there was a large smile on my face when I pulled up in front of Sagebrush, the building housing our suite. Hip Hip Hooray! Cheers!!! Map and Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2594625147#.WsFecjryEH4.email

This came in on April fools day. Am I missing something on the screen? Beautiful images. At last some wi fi. Take care Hi Glasgow! Glad you enjoyed the card even if it wasn't an April Fools' joke! How was your Easter weekend? Were you on Pender, without WiFi? We had a lovely time at Spirit Ridge. Had a fab ride down on Friday and an exhilarating one up Anarchist today. All the best to you and Cathereine from Lady Dar and Chloë. Take care of yourselves. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Truly spring is a blessing! Thanks so so much for sending this. Hope you, Corinne and Chloe are well and enjoying the Easter weekend. Sending you our warmest thoughts and lots of love. Jo-Anne and Colin  Hi Marps! Glad you enjoyed the card especially since it wasn't an April Fools' joke! Weather did play a joke on everyone as it was, overall unseasonably cool every day except for Friday. How goes your weekend? Take care of yourselves. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hey Patrick & Corinne - Happy Easter - we had both Passover and Easter, we ignored both. Luckily we had no snow here, but it is an early spring. Next week Italy. Cheers, Amos & Pat  Hello Italy Bound Folk!Pleased to hear that you studiously avoided both religious holidays! Bon Voyage and Cheers, Patrizzio! Thank you, likewise enjoy the holiday, and your travels with fame and friends. Happy Easter. Hi Eyob! Trust you and your family enjoyed the Easter weekend. Thanks for the best wishes. Cheers for now, Patrizzio! 

Muchas gracias to one and all for the Easter greetings. The start of the card reminded me of my own garden at the moment, lovely mix of dead leaves and tulips coming up! Hope your Easter has been happy! Deborah  Hello Adult Leisure Swimmer! Your account of the community pool experience was hilarious and almost mirrors many of the adults using the pool here! I had my left hip replaced in September 2016, right in May, 2010. Once my right shoulder is replaced, successfully, wothout complications, I trust, I plan to start swimming again. Now I can only do the Lobster Claw, if that! Then Bionic Man will slice through the water. I have fond memories of High Park as I'd cycle through it down to the bike path along the lake. Are you still designing clothes? Thanks for the best wishes for my cycling trip. Cheers for now, Building Superintendent! All the best, Patrizzio!

Happy Easter to you folks. We have a houseful this weekend. Cheers, Tim and Marian  Hi Summerland Cousins! You sound as if you will have truly enjoyed your Easter weekend with its full household! Cheers, Patrizzio! Happy Easter to you and family !! Thanks for the e card! Hi Joan! Trust you enjoyed the Easter weekend. All the best, Patrizzio! Happy Easter to you too!! Thank you for sending the pretty card, sara Hi Sara Jane! Glad you enjoyed the card. Cheers for now, Duhlink! All the best, Patrizzio! Happy Easter to you and your family! We look forward to seeing you soon. Wishing you lots of chocolate and fun. Lots of love, Julia and Ross Hi West Vancouver! Thanks for the chocolate wishes! All the best, dear friends, until our paths next cross, in the not too, too distant future, we trust! Cheers, Patrizzio! Happy Easter to you and yours! Hanneke and Doug

Happy Easter to you all. I have some crocuses in bloom outside my back door.. although not like the spread on your lovely card... but iy gives me faith that spring is actually here... Bill Hi Wild Bill, aka The Crocus Kid!! Trust you enjoyed the Easter weekend, William.All the best, dear friend, until our paths next cross, in the not too, too distant future, we trust! Fondestos from Lady Dar and Chloë. Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: Had a note from Brian Covernton and he and Bruce McFarlane are playing in the Canadian National Doubles in Vancouver in April. If tournament is on the weekend before I fly to France, (April 16th), I hope to pop by to see them. 

Hi Patrick Have a wonderful long week-end with your family...and friends. Happy Easter to you and your family!! Jozita  p.s. I enjoy very much reading all about your adventures and your travels with your special beautiful wife. The pictures were just perfect...thank you for letting me see it. St Patrick's card, the dogs cute and special...thanks again and all the best. J. Hi Jozita! Pleased you enjoy the cards and even my messages! Thanks for the Easter wishes. All the best, dear friend. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Patrizzio, thanks for connecting with us about the new wine club options and, of course, with all of your Easter weekend updates. Here, we are just enjoying the weekend, like any other - no plans for the holiday. Susie is here visiting us. But Kate and her new fiancé Bryan are skiing in the Lake Tahoe area this weekend.

Since you primarily purchase futures every year, your best bet is to join our new Futures club as you will receive two cases of your choosing for a mere $384! Seems like we're going to owe you $16 from the $400 "deposit" you made with us in February. Probably best to just credit that to a bottle of wine on your next visit - what do you say?

Then in order for you to make your selections for the 2018 pre-harvest vintage, you'll need to create an account on our new website. I'll send you an account invite later today. Once you create your account, I will go ahead and set you up in the Futures Club and we'll be contacting you shortly with directions on how to select your 24 bottles.We are still in the "beta" stage of the Futures Club, so if you have any questions, let me know. Cheers and Happy Easter (thanks for the Jacquie Lawson card too)Pat

P.S. I've been wanting to let you know that when you send messages to both Dave and I - for some reason, only Dave gets them - then if he remembers to tell me, no problem. Sometimes he forgets. Maybe in the future, you could send two separate messages - am not sure how much trouble that would be. But sometimes I miss your messages altogether :(


Hello Patrizzia! Lovely to hear from you. Trust all goes well. Thanks for the Easter wishes. Glad you enjoyed the card. Sorry I have not replied sooner. No excuses but plenty of reasons! Thanks as well for advice on Futures Club. I just placed my order, (confirmed), but I gather there are still some bugs as "mere $384" appears as $408 on invoice! Not worried but just pointing this out as you mentioned you are still in "beta" stage. As well, I see new system was designed by Trump as no Canadian provinces or postal codes allowed! Yes, I'll just use the $16 "cash overpayment" towards another bottle when we collect wine.



Fondestos from Lady Dar and Chloë to you, Patrizzia, and The Grumpoid! Has he fully recovered from his nasty car accident? Hope so. Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: I'll let you forward this message to Dave, since you are not as forgetful as he is! Furthermore, he may find it too, too long, with his short attention span, and I don't want to incite his wrath! In future, I'll send separate messages!