Slept in until 7:00 am this morning and then headed straight for Summer Kitchen to brew my java. Spent a goodly amount of time paying bills, some for appliances Lady Dar purchased for new kitchen, some having to do with costs incurred with having my bike shipped to Denmark. Once we find out how much or many of Lady Dar's expenses, (air fare, hotel, etc.), will be covered, by my travel insurance, I will need to reimburse her. Already know that I owe her about $550 for my return airfare. Best deal for both of us was Economy Premium, under circumstances. AC waived $300 change fee, returning from Berlin, rather than Paris, so at least that was a bit of a saving. Her ticket as $2,400 but she thinks insurance will cover half as well as allowing $300/day for expenses, while in Berlin. Anyway, not an inexpensive "extraction" operation which I would most certainly rather spend on hootch!
Speaking of which, yesterday, I chatted with Grant Stevely, owner of Dubh Glas Distillery, at his booth at the FM, and our malt will be ready for release mid-June, 2019, so there is light at the bottom of the cask! Must away as I want to work on rearranging the garage, again, not very well organized by The Sisterhood when moving items to be stored there while renovation work is on. Let me know what next weekend's schedule looks like for you and we'll make plans to meet. Fondestos from Lady Dar, just off to Upper Bench to collect latest wine release and accompanying cheese, and Student Chloë, poring over her books and notes outside my office. Lovely day, not overly warm, so great weather for all the GF participants. Cheers, Il Conduttore/Patrizzio! Pics: Black Panther Duke this morning, doing tricks on sidewalk and then sleeping in shade of geranium plant.
After I had a tasty sandwich for lunch I watched Episode Two of The Vietnam War. What another simply riveting documentary by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick! Had seen snippets before but wanted to see entire series, from start to finish. Simply remarkable historical analysis of origins of conflict, from French colonial oppressors to following US involvement, civil unrest in States and political oppression in South Vietnam. Interviews with North and South Vietnamese combatants, as well as with US journalists, covering various key engagements, US military personnel, and often their family members, etc., add an immediacy and undeniability to horrific war footage, given how overall press coverage always suggested US was winning war in spite of on the ground body counts and evidence to the contrary. Propaganda and lies in the extreme.
What a shameless, unimaginable displacement of millions, not to mention
the unthinkable loss of lives on all sides and in neighbouring
countries.
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Agnostic Cemetery
Cartoon:
Dan Piraro
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Needed a bit of an antidote after I had done a bit of reorganization of garage, simply storing many of the items, moved from elsewhere in the house to make room for kitchen renovations, that had simply been shoved into any available space, so watched a tiny bit of Stage 2 of the Tour. Didn't have much time to enjoy coverage as we were off to dinner at Judy Blue's that evening. She had invited another couple, Kathy and Ian Swan, so it was a very pleasant evening. Judy's hors d'oeuvres and dinner, [fresh corn-on-the-cob and a tasty Middle Eastern stew, with a cherry crumble for dessert], were delicious, as always. After being introduced Ian and I let The Sisterhood bond while we chatted away, most amiably. I soon learned that he spent the first part of his career as an officer in the Merchant Marine, virtually traveling all over the world, and then was a ship's pilot, based out of Newcastle. For five years he and his wife ran a pub there so I was in heaven, questioning him closely about all and sundry.
They moved to Middle Bench, to a cul de sac, just before Johnson, where I often turn around, when cycling, if I'm doing the Middle Bench/Upper Bench Loop, in 2000 so they have been in Penticton for quite a bit longer than us. Over the course of the conversation we discovered that Ian belongs to the South Okanagan Whisky Tasting Society so malt was another thing we had in common. I believe Lady Dar had met them a year or so ago at another social gathering Judy had hosted but I'd not been around. They both ride the KVR so I hope to enjoy some outings with them once I'm back in the saddle.
By close to 9:00 pm I was starting to flag so we thanked our generous hostess and bade goodnight to one and all. Back home I watched Episode 3 of the VNW, even more gripping as the conflict escalates. Flopped into bed once it was over as it had been a long, full day. Hi Judy Blue!
Just wanted
to let you know how much we both enjoyed the wonderful evening we spent
with you, Kathy and Ian. Thank you so much for the delicious, nay
scrumptious appetizers, tender, fresh corn-on-the-cob, fab
Middle-eastern stew and cherry crumble. Any bookings for tomorrow?
Lovely to meet your charming freinds and hope I can ride with them on
the KVR once I'm back in the saddle. Fondestos to you, my favourite bridge partner, (Sorry, Rosita!), from
Lady Dar! Thanks again and all the best, Judy Blue.
Cheers, Patrizzio
Pics: Lady Dar with Ian
at dinner table; The Swans with our fabulous hostess, just before we
left. Thanks for update and pics. I can tell you are on the road to recover!!! Yeah!!! Happy you enjoyed yourself here on Sunday We will do it again!! Judy Xo
Greetings from Denmark Hi Patrick! I hope you are getting well fast and soon will be back on your bike! I think it was right to return home under the conditions given, pneumonia and head trauma are nothing to joke about.
We are having the hottest summer this century, it just goes on and on. Spent app. a week in Sweden and now on our way to Hamburg to fly to Split in Croatia for more heat and ocean swimming. Johan and Hans' 19 yr old daughter Frida are with us. Peter is at home, and will tell me when your bike has arrived, which it hasn't yet (hopefully you sent it to the address below?)
Now take care, regards to Corinne and Chloë. Hans and I have started a talk on travelling to Canada /Vancouver next summer, I'll keep you updated on how this talk and plans evolve. Much love, Margareta 😘
Well when you are all fixed up will have you over for dinner. With my
retirement will be missing the captive audience for dinner. Mend well,
and quickly, I am increasing exercise too, sucks being old! See you
soon.
Danielle is off next month and coming home, as she is having her other
foot operated on, with a screw put in from broken foot from a few years
agol Now it will be the other foot, for a month! Heal quickly, see you
soon, Judy
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