Rosita's Bidding Blues: Wednesday, October 10th!

When small men begin to cast big shadows, it means that the sun is about to set. -Lin Yutang, writer and translator (10 Oct 1895-1976) 

Patrizzio, Although you seem to have no trouble moochin’ accommodation in Vancouver, I just wanted to remind you that now that my Dad is in a care home, you are welcome to abuse the 2 br unit downstairs, well for now, it only has one bed. Should the queen size bed be too squishy for your Russian mail order bride, there is a pull out in the lr. All amenities, including tv with Netflix are provided, but please, No loud piano playing after midnight. No shower, you will have to come upstairs for that.

On my side, I went to Sandy’s place in Roberts Creek for Thanksgiving, as it is rarely that I see all the kids. But I don’t think I will do that again. I am not welcome to stay overnight, understandable as it is a small (only about 4,000 sq ft) place. So I end up driving back in the dark, and yesterday, in the rain as well. Poor visibility, stressful, lousy signage on the highway, … and no one really talked to me that much. It may sound like sour grapes, but it probably is. Looking forward to the Kits Bridge Championship Tourney! Let me know if you want to stay here, so I vacuum and tidy up downstairs. Branko Hi Vacuum Man!

Thanks very much for you offer of accommodation but I've already paid handsomely for inferior digs at Harbour Terrace so you can put away your dust buster. However, you should know that "Moochin" is not something that characterizes my behaviour. "Freeloading" is the preferred and politically correct term so please refrain from using such foul guttersnipe language!

Speaking of staying overnight, in this case, at Roberts Creek, I must say that I can only reiterate my response when we last had a conversation about Sandy and your children. At the time we were talking about where you might relocate and you felt you needed to be closer to your offspring. I replied that they would visit you wherever you chose to live if you mattered to them. I'm sorry to say but I really think that they seem to take you for granted and, in my experience, often use you when it is in their own self interest. I am not trying to set you against your family, Branko, but from where I sit, you go out of your way to be generous and accommodate and yet nobody wants to lift a finger to help you.

My advice, once again, is to do what you want, first and foremost. You really have nothing to lose, given how you have been treated, to date. It's time for you to think of yourself and your own health and well being. Enough said but while I'm upset, and very annoyed, along with you, about your Thanksgiving weekend, I'm really not surprised. At some level, we all feel the need to be accepted and cared for but these feelings cannot be engendered in others if this love is not freely forthcoming but based on selfishness.

Collected Rosita and Chloë from the airport last night. Plane was on time so we were home by shortly after midnight. Clarisse looks simply wonderful and the two flights, [Winnipeg-Vancouver/Vancouver-Penticton], had gone well. She loved the new kitchen. We are hosting bridge this evening so looking forward to introducing her to the rest of group. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you, Ragin'. Cheers, Il Conduttore! Pics: Display in Lobby of Lakeshore before we attended the Mayoral Debate for coming municipal election last night; Jake, James Miller, moderator, and three of six candidates; Turkey bones on the boil, [With Rosita lazing in background! Behaviour her daughter obviously inherited!], and celery to add to stock once it's ready.

Dear Corrine and Patrick All is well with us in Toronto. Mags is Adapting to the city dog scene. We are getting the apt fixed up and furnished. We christened the kitchen with a thanksgiving feast!! The weather has turned and it is hot now. Glad a brought flip flops and t-shirts with me. Tomorrow we have tickets for a play. Friday we are going to the new musical about the temptations. Saturday we are going to niagra falls and Sunday I am on my way home!!
 
During the days, mags and I are walking exploring the many interesting neighborhoods, shops and cafes. Looking forward to meeting your mom and playing bridge on my return. Does the marriage mobile have room for a hitchhiker on the 15th for the potluck and bridge at Gil and phils? Hope this finds you both well and happy See you soon Xoxo Judy Looking forward to seeing you! Of course there is room for you to ride with us to Gill and Phil's on the 15th. Glad the mags is fitting in. Sounds like a busy time in the TO. Will to good to have you home. Give Vanessa a big hug from me. My mom and Chloe arrived late last night. Mom still sleeping. Corinne
 

Hi Big City Girl! Lovely to hear from you, Bridge Hitchhiker, and pleased to learn that you are having such a wonderful time in Toronto. I have always more than enjoyed the time we've spent in the city. For my part, I found cycling wonderful, especially along the lakeshore. Fondestos from her to you, JB, Vanessa and Magnum, of course. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick, Good to "hear" from you. As far as I can see, you're back on the track after this summer's misfortunes, which is just great. We don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Sweden, so I didn't feel the pressure to reply right away. In fact, I'm just about done adjusting to time difference, culture shock, and the like after returning to Stockholm a week ago. It's much about the same procedure every time, speaking Swedish, reconnecting with family and friends (very gratifying), rediscovering the gloomy atmosphere on the Underground (hardly anyone smiling, everyone staring into their cell phones), finding out that there are more Swedes in the Comox Valley than in Akalla, etc.
 

Right now, I'm tidying up my house (long overdue), i.e. throwing out 30% of my clothes (taking them to Sally Ann). A total shock to realize how much I have gathered over the years. Also, I'm starting to look at tickets to go back to the Island. The offering seems to get slimmer every time, and more expensive. Don't know why. And Jane is looking at alternatives for going south in January.
 
You are talking about Christmas! Oh, boy! But, as a matter of fact, they are already playing Christmas music in some stores around here. I just feel sick about the commerce. Bestestos and fondestos to you and Corinne, Marcello
 

Hi Mr Gloomy! Lovely to hear from you in spite of your seeming discontent with Stockholm! Seems you needs must return, forthwith, to the felicitous shores of the Salish Sea or the sun-kissed vineyards of the Okanagan! Sell your old clothes to pay for your one-way ticket! Didn't have turnip puff for our Thanksgiving dinner and one of guests complained so I picked up one today for Saturday's meal. Rebecca, non-turnip puff complainer, is coming to dinner with rest of Clan Sutherland, (Vancouver and Kamloops contingents, arriving to help, so all 280 of them!), as Beckster and Kid Chelene are moving into their home this weekend and Lady Dar thought they might appreciate not having to cook and having ready access to free hootch! 

Spent some of this morning readying Thanksgiving's turkey bones and other scraps to make soup, under Rosita's watchful, most experienced eye, while Lady Dar was on a merry-go-round of never-ending meetings. Fondestos from her to you, Our Favourite Nordic Pessimist, second only, by a long shot, to Joan "The Moody Finn" Whitney! Cheers, Il Conduttore/Patrizzio!

"Pessimist"??? You read me wrong again, dear friend. I'm not cheap (😉), and I'm one of the most blue-eyed optimists that ever walked the surface of the earth. Do you really think I would gone to Canada and back for almost twenty years if I wasn't??? But I desperately try to be a realist, some would say with limited success. And I see what is happening to the country I grew up in. It gets even clearer after three months in Canada. Take care, and keep in touch! Marcello Hi Cockeyed Optimist, aka Pollyanna! Sorry I misjudged you, twice, Dom Marcello, but pleased to learn that your sky blue eyes see things clearly, not through rose tinted glasses! Fondestos from Lady Dar. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!  
 

Hi Guys and Gals, We have taken the plunge to start planning for 2019 and have made a reservation for sailing and bike trip on the Frisian Sea starting on 7 and finishing on 15 September 2019 details attached so you know the boat and you can get on the net you are cordially invited to join us if you would like to. We have no further plans for the about 3 to 4 week trip other than the following options; Bruges to Amsterdam comfort class barge and bike trip from about 23 September for 8 days OR train and hotel trek around Holland and perhaps NE of Belgium until about the end of September this mean no stress about driving drinking etc.. We are guessing at the moment we will arrive in Holland either on the day we start the sailing trip or perhaps 3 or 4 days before so we can have a look at Amsterdam and try a few cookies or coffee. Though I am sure the RMCP may disapprove of this activity but we are old enough to know better. We can’t book the flights for another week or so. Cheers from Greg and Claire

So far all we have planned is flying into Vienna on august 30 and leaving Rome on September 22. our thinking was Vienna , Budapest and Croatia for 2 weeks. We have a villa booked in Tuscany for Sept 14-21. Send details on the biking barge. Patrick and Corinne are planning on joining us although they may stay later as they are retired after all and have lots of money left over from major kitchen renovation. We must find some time to connect even if the bike trip doesn't mesh. Corinne is not a biker but may enjoy the journey. M

Hi European Bound Antipodeans and Fellow Freeloaders! Be great if we can manage to hook-up. Will discuss plans this weekend with Flamin' and Sarge! 

Fondestos from her to you, Grogg, and Claire, not to mention The Professional Freeloaders! Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Kids! Great to see everyone on Monday and meet adorable Lexi. See everyone this coming Saturday. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Thanksgiving! Great pictures! Thanks for sharing my granbabies!

Hi Guys and Dolls, We are having a bit of trouble getting our collective thoughts around the European odyssey for September 2019. So are starting to develop an alternate plan. We will still be in Dutch land in September however can see some issues trying to as it were hook up. We will certainly be there till at least 2 or 3 October so timing is tight given your collective plans to try and catch up. 
SOOOO we are now also looking at a trip to Canada in about May to do the inside passage on a small boat from Injune to somewhere and aback so a we might be looking to catch up with you all in Vancouver and the eastern frontier. So will work on that option and let you know. Cheers From Aus 
 

Hi Guy and Doll! Trust plans for a visit to Canada come to fruition as it would be wondrful to have you visit The Okanagan. I've bikes for you both but start thinking about complaining as they are not feather weights like your speedsters!

Fondestos from Lady Da to you both. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Almost set to go. Two more stents for 4 blockages. Maybe this aft. Someone more critical. Disappointing. Means may have to stay another night. Will keep you posted. Maggie Hi Maggie! Sorry to hear about delay with stents. Trust procedure will happen soon.  Fondestos from Lady Dar to you, Maggie, and best wishes for a speedy, full recovery. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick, I trust this gets to you we will be chatting with friends on Tuesday to work out what they intend to do next year so we can make decisions about perhaps catching up with you all whilst you are in Croatia or in Europe generally in September we shall see. So if we are unable to visit you in Canada in 2019 we will plan for 2020 and most certainly we would love to travel a bit east to catch up. My daughter Lynda is in the middle of a major renovation at her place so all a bit chaotic over here at the moment. Claire and I were going to go camping next week but the forecast is for rain with intermittent rain followed by rain so we are staying home. Being semi-retired means this is not a problem. Will keep in touch re plans fro next year. Cheers from Greg and Claire

Pat, Sounds like a good, social Thanksgiving once the effects of the surgeries had worn off. Hope they have provided some long-lasting relief. Like Corinne, we have been enjoying a good crop of garlic, and the bulbs for next year have been in a few weeks already. I save the biggest from the previous year for re-planting. Sylvia included garden turnips with our Thanksgiving dinner and they were delicious. Sylvia is off to Minneapolis soon for her aunt's funeral. I have watched Silent Witness but it was a few years ago. I hardly watch any TV but I would look forward to that new series. Off to pick up Mike Carter soon to play outdoor pickleball at Dunbar. Neither of us are moving well but Mike's play is very good with his tennis and squash background. Ray

Hi Pickleball Man! Trust your game went well. Glad your garlic crop was a good one. Very, very pleased with my hernia surgery recovery so glad I decided to have it done. Didn't have turnip for our Thanksgiving dinner and one of guests complained so I picked up one today for Saturday's meal. Rebecca, non-turnip puff complainer, is coming to dinner with rest of Clan Sutherland, (Vancouver and Kamloops contingents, coming to help, so all 280 of them!), as they are moving into their home this weekend and Lady Dar thought they might appreciate not having to cook! Fondestos from her to you and Sylvia. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Great to hear from you - and you are correct - never received your August missive! Thank you for your congrats. It's really exciting and at the same time, so much still to worry and think about. Appreciate Lady Dar's willingness to drive down for the ceremony - wouldn't that have been fun! Kate and Bryan have a friend on duty for the ceremonial part of things :). Seems like you had a great Thanksgiving celebration! Did I hear something about a new kitchen? Thanks for all the photos and updates - I'll try to get back to you with some tidbits about what's going on here when I can! Pat Hi Patrizzia! Not sure why you didn't receive message. Will resend to see if goes through this time. Backstory! Fondestos from Lady Dar to you and Mr Grumpy! Cheers, Patrizzio!  

Hello Burns Street Bidders and Others! Great time this evening. Thanks for fab wine to both Olga Polga and Susannovitch, Arneis and Sovereign Opal, respectively, two little known varietals, in my experience, and both devastatingly delicious. Thankyou, Rosie-the-Riveter, for joining our group and making the evening as much of a success as it was. Terrific play from everyone and look forward to more of it this coming Monday on Spiller Road to bid farewell to Giliana and Phillipo. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: One table but loads of bidding activity! Thank you for hosting. My brain is fillling up. Cheers, Carol thanks again for greetings Gill Hi Ruthless! Great time with bridge group this evening. Cheers, Patrizzio!  

Hi all, A huge 'thank you' to both Corrine and Patrizzio for hosting the Bridge games last night, and for the delicious dinner that you treated me to. Corrine, it was enjoyable meeting and visiting with your mom....truly a gracious lady. 

Mike, I'll meet you at IGA at about 25 mins. to 5pm on Monday. Jos, perhaps you will want to carpool ride with us. Please let us know. Meanwhile everyone have a great weekend and we'll see you Monday. Hugs to all, Olly Hi Olga Polga! Pleased as punch you could join us for both dinner and bridge. The Arneis was fabulous so thanks for that! Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!