Burns Street Open House Blues: Saturday, December 15th!

Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self. -Cyril Connolly, critic and editor (1903-1974) 

Dear, Dear Friends! Thanks so much to everyone for coming to the 4th Annual Burns Street Open House! [We missed, and terribly so, those of you who were unable to attend!] Many thanks, as well, of course, to everyone for so many wonderful, wonderful gifts, whether food or baked goods or wine or hootch or other delightful presents. Aside from this generous thoughtfulness, your presence was the largest, most heart-warming present under the Christmas Tree. Lady Dar and I thank you for your bounteous kindness and warm friendship and we wish all of you, and family, a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year! Cheers, Lady Dar and Patrizzio!

And thank you to you and Corinne, Patrick, for a great party.  Always lots of good food, good wine and good people.  Merry Christmas.  Dianne Great pics!

The girls look great in their holiday dresses. Been getting the living room together as I'll be hosting ribs on Xmas Eve for Alexander and Sam's family and then will host a traditional Christmas Day dinner with the Simi Valley cousins for a sort of house warming! Love to all! Ayn Hi Fancy Condo Owner! Place looks great, wonderful indeed! Oi Vey, already, and yet you should be entertaining terrible rich Simi Valley cousins, they can't host a poor Valley Girl anymore, I ask you or what, are you crazy, like Mrs. Maisel, already and enough, already! Housewarming! Housewarming! Your house should burn down with all those candles on that goyische tree and not even a menorah in sight! Oi Vey! Oi Vey!

Just a quick note before calling the rabbi and then heading to bed. As if I could sleep, already, with worry and tossing and turning and twisted sheets and terrible visions and nightmares of ashes with poor Alejandro coming to his mother's home to put out the fire and no water in the hydrant and having to use expensive bourbon instead! Oi Vey! Fondestos already, Love Yenta!

I am now in Santa Barbara as of yesterday...the drive went well and now able to enjoy a bit warmer climate..21*C..with my kids and grandkids Sorry I bailed out of the OF's Christmas party..chickened out due to the chill factor...as I was not wanting to take a chance to get a virus before leaving on this long drive. So I arrive here and my daughter and both grandkids have colds. I do wish I could get out to snowshoe once or twice this winter...I love being up in the fluffy fresh snow ...have a wonderful time...A Very Merry Christmas to you all and All the best in the New Year!...esp Good Health Hugs,..Elle🙏❤️ Hello Santa Barbara!

Thank you for the Christmas wishes, Murielle. Glad drive went well although sorry to learn about everyone having a cold! We missed you at our Open House. Fondestos to you, Murielle, and family. Cheers, Patrizzio! Dear Patrick and Corrine, Thank you both for a lovely evening. You both did an outstanding job making everyone feel so welcome. And the food was fab-u--lous!!!!! I had a great time! And, Patrick, I took another look thru the Christmas hike pics you sent, and there they all were, including the one of Terena and I..and Mr. Tony the tiger:))) I don't know how I missed seeing it the first time I looked😔 Your Open House pics were awesome, too! Finally--- it was really special for me to finally meet your Lady Dar. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Sharon

Hi everyone!  Sorry I am a bit late with the news, but the days seem to be flying by.  Here’s what’s coming up:

Friday, December 21^st is the Winter Solstice.  Our tradition is to toast the solstice in the evening, upon ascending Green Mountain on snowshoes.  Rick has volunteered to lead. You will: -meet at Home Hardware north parking lot at 1900 hours (1840 at IGA in Summerland) -carpool and drive to the trailhead for Green Mountain (the cattleguard at about km10 on the Apex Road). -snowshoe to the top of Green Mountain, perhaps have a short snowshoe around the summit, toast the occasion, and return to the vehicles. -return to Penticton.

Rick asks the following: -Please let him know if you are intending to join in  -Please remember to bring something hot to drink, to keep warm and to toast the occasion. -Dress warmly and bring extra layers.  It is usually very chilly!

Friday, December 28^th will be our annual Homecoming Snowshoe.  If you have family home for the holidays or friends visiting, consider bringing them along for a snowshoe.  We will endeavor to keep it fairly mild.  Plans are to begin at the Snowflake parking lot.  If some want to make it a bit more challenging than others, there is terrain for them, too We will: -meet at 0900 at Home Hardware north parking lot in Penticton (0840 at IGA in Summerland). -carpool and drive to the Snowflake parking lot -enjoy a few hours of snowshoeing and socializing. -decide on a location for debriefing and refreshment -head for the warmth of home.

You might want to bring along some of your leftover Christmas baking or some warm liquid to share around. I have a couple of old pairs of snowshoes if someone needs to borrow.  Just let me know. Please make sure you have winter clothes suitable for the weather.  It is important, especially if you bring a guest who is new to snowshoeing. Cheers, and Merry Christmas to all! Jim

Hi Patrick and Corinne, Thanks for the cute e-card and the Open House Extraordinaire! Have a very merry Christmas! Marian Thank you for your hospitality, open hart, and friendship we value so much. All much happiness and adventures for you and Corinne. thanks again. Mike 

No one should drive a hard bargain with an artist. -Ludwig Van Beethoven, composer (16 Dec 1770-1827)