Walk-in Closet and Imelda's Shoe Collection Blues: Wednesday, January 2nd!

We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. -E. M. Forster, novelist (1 Jan 1879-1970)

Hi everyone! I got password today. Did Agneta’s 9am yoga class and I didn’t wake up until 7:25 this morning. Did some more shopping and got a phone. Here is my number. Got a cheap phone and a plan for 60 days. Overcast today but still warm. Feeling domestic might cook up the meat I bought. Have found a fish place and butcher. Met a nice couple from Saltspring that live around the corner from me. Love to all, Corinne Hi Mom Sounds like you're getting all set up! Send pics! Love Ayn 

Pictures of Agneta’s cat. Could be Duke’s older brother. He is 7. Watering the plants and having a cup of tea. Overcast still. Love to all
Corinne      

Hello Fancy-Smancy Apartemento Dweller! Can see that you will be more than extremely comfortable in La Peñita de Jaltemba! Especially since you have Duke The Elder to keep you company! Place looks simply wonderful and you'll be playing bridge on the deck and howlin' at the waves! 
  
The Boy was up to his old tricks in the bathroom today. Shortly after I was up he managed to flip your ear-ring box on the floor, spilling a number of pieces onto the rug. I put it and enamel one into my medicine cabinet for safe keeping! Obviously wasn't at all pleased that he had to wait so long for me to turn tap on. Then, when I was having a bowl of my fabulous turkey soup he started to worry the turkey wishbone I had on counter, in a small dish, under a small silicone cover. He managed to flip it free but I didn't want him to chew it as I was worried it might splinter. Anyway, it is now in safe keeping in pantry shelf. I'll probably make a wish with Chloë when she is next over.

 

Last night Flamin' came over around 7:30 pm and we had a lovely time, chatting in front of the fire. Had a delish 2015 Black Widow Syrah, 14.1% and I put out some cheese, salami slices and crackers. She nibbled but I had had a late brunch so wasn't peckish. She left around 9:45 pm and then I stir fried some broccoli and cauliflower and ate my dinner while watching La Mante, on Netflix, and watched first two episodes. Quite an interesting twist, of course:

Decades after she was captured, imprisoned serial killer Jeanne Deber is asked by Paris' police commissioner to help solve a series of unsolved murders being committed by someone who is copying her crimes from years earlier. Jeanne -- who was known as "The Mantis" during her days as a criminal -- agrees, but only if estranged son Damien -- now a detective -- works alongside her. He reluctantly agrees so that they can try to end the copycat's crime spree. Time is of the essence because as the investigation goes on, the number of victims continues to rise.

Started out with Tim Roth in Tin Star, on Amazon, but really didn't like it. Seemed quite wooden with stereotypical, cardboard "bad guys/villains", laughable cowboy locals and poorly realized secondary characters. Even the indigenous could have been out of The Lone Rangerwith Tonto. Quite disappointed as Tim has usually been involved in much more interesting film work.

Spent a goodly part of the day straightening out the towel closet. When you are back I'd like you to decide which towels we should rid ourselves of, perhaps to the SPCA or some shelter. Also a large number of older tea towels which I'm sure Soupateriacould use. Also straightened out your closet, Imelda! Put an old beach towel down where the kittens usually curl up as there were a number of large woven bags there, [Not quite sure what they are for.], as well as clothes that had fallen off their hangers. Next project is your new printer!

Took a break around 3:30 pm as print shop called. Picked up the Quail and the Mexican print and they both look terrific. Then to PPL to return Wilson book. Was able to check it out myself as there were no holds on it. Pleased as I found first few chapters riveting. Then to Garden Worksto return Crocs. Picked up two metal hedgehogs, in exchange, and Duke has already sniffed them and he is pleased to have them here!

Just talked to Chloë and she was still at work but she was tired so was planning on heading home before too, too long. I'll probably make a run to return recycling tomorrow and then head on up to her place to deal with her tree. It is on her deck at moment. I'll cut off branches and put them in her yard waste bin, just as I did with ours.
 

Must away as I want to make a salad before having a quick shower and then it's Rumpus Room for more La Mante while I dine. After that I'll probably lie on couch so Duke can curl up on my tummy, while I nibble Rosita's shortbread for dessert. He did so last night and he sure is a little hot-water bottle. Same for Etta, last night, so at least I haven't been abandoned by my felines! El Diablo sends regards to his older brother, although he cannot remember his name! Much Love and Cheers, Patrizzio/Dad! Pics: Flamin' unhappy about lack of appetizers! Duke unhappy about wishbone!  Etta unhappy about everything! New frames. New Hedgehogs! New closet!

Patrick, please come and do my closets! 😂 I just might start watching La Mante tonight! Ciao Patrick did my closet on our first weekend together. C No wonder you kept him Lol!! Ha ha ha. Ayn beat me to it!  

Just in time --- before all 12 Days of Christmas have passed -- I am
belated sending a picture of my Christmas front door. As you'll see, it
features the hedgehog-themed piece of art that I commissioned from Dusty!

The New Year has gotten off to a wobbly start for me as I have been
sick. After being rather ill on the weekend, I thought I had turned the
corner and went out on New Year's Eve, having been invited (along with
Karen, Mario and his daughter Rebekah) to an event at River Rock Casino
. . . a buffet dinner followed by a concert featuring tribute bands
(Fleetwood Mac, Rod Stewart, The Guess Who). The meal was great and I
enjoyed much of the music (the Rod Stewart avatar wasn't quite so
good). 
 

Overall, though, from my perspective, I tried to look at it as a
cultural experience. I usually spend New Year's Eve in a very low-key
way and although I was pleased to be invited along, I have to say that
huge crowds and a noise volume so loud that it's difficult to have a
conversation is not really for me. AND . . . I relapsed literally as the evening progressed and was really quite sick yesterday. Maybe finally beginning to recover today . . . fingers crossed. Also, not that it's of surpassing interest to the universe, but I'm not
sure if I've updated you concerning James. He's visited twice since the
beginning of November and is likely to be back mid-January. Everything
seems to be back to the previous status quo. The summer rift has hardly
been acknowledged, let alone discussed. Since he was the one to step
away, I think the ball is in his court, so I'm leaving it at that. 

I was quite distressed at the time, but I endeavoured to be respectful
of his seeming decision and to give him the space he seemed to want. I
also never pleaded with him to reconsider. That's how it was from my
perspective. Anyhow, he seems to be back now. I do find it a bit
mysterious, though! (Patrick, do you have insights to offer concerning
the workings of the male psyche??? :-):-):-)). Now that we are in 2019, I am really trying to get my bathroom reno going (having some difficulty with getting estimates and the like -- contractors etc. who seem over-extended and aren't great about following
up). Travel prospects are also coming into focus. 
 

In April, my Polish friend Zeb will be visiting (he's in the U.S. this year, on a Fulbright . . . in Alabama). He'll be coming here for Easter, then we'll travel east to spend time in Niagara Falls, Toronto, Montreal and finally, Ottawa, where I'll stay on a bit longer to visit with Sandy.

Also following the great success of our Tomkins sisterhood (+mother) trip to Newfoundland last July, we are planning a joint summer trip to Yukon. And Greg might come along too. Mum is really nervous now about travelling outside the Canadian healthcare system (and the health
insurance is exorbitant) but seems quite positive about Yukon, since this isn't a consideration. I'm also exploring ideas for an international (European) trip in the fall. And planning to return to India (my fourth trip!) in January/February 2020.

I have to say -- it's great to be retired and to be unconstrained by
limited vacation time (although I never had any real complaints about it
when I working -- it always seemed quite generous, especially with the
long-service leaves factored in). Hope this finds you both well. Hedgehugs,
Janet 

Hi Hedgehugs Girl! Lovely to hear from you and thanks for sending along snap of Dusty's Hedgehog Elves! Just under the wire. However, sorry to hear that you have been so ill. Trust you are well on the mend by now. I can sympathize as I came down with a nasty cold/cough about a week ago. While I didn't really feel too, too poorly I did lack my normal energy and was left with a persistent cough which always manifested itself, more strongly when I lay down to sleep! Two nights ago I suffered a horrible bout of coughing for almost an hour or so. Poor, loyal Etta stuck with me throughout, curled up on my lap even though I was racked with spasms every minute or so.

This evening I made myself a stiff hot lemonade and rum, with a dollop of Purdys Ginger Syrup, given to me by Chloë in my stocking. Wonderful stuff indeed! Drank concoction while I watched the last episode of La Mante. At any rate, I slept like a baby all night and didn't cough at all so I trust my ailment is on the wane. Still have a bit of a stuffy nose but not really much of anything. Will need another excuse for hot rum toddies!

With respect to New Year's Eve event I couldn't agree more with you about huge crowds and noise level. What is the point of going out if you can't even talk to people you are with without shouting. For my part, after I'd gone to Sendero, [Chloë was in Vernon.], to wish Clan Sutherland Happy New Year I came home to spend evening with Etta and Duke watching first few episodes of La Mante before trundling off to bed, happy as a clam.

Pleased to learn that things seem to have worked out with James. I really don't have any subtle insights into his psyche other than to say that, with a bit of time and distance, perhaps he came to realize how much he did care for you in spite of some of the obvious differences you mentioned. I suggest you don't overthink things and enjoy each other's company as long as the relationship is rewarding for both of you, without having to relinquish strongly held beliefs. Compromise if this doesn't lead to an imbalance in power. In my opinion, your individuality is paramount, equal to James', of course, but not to be relinquished. Pretty straightforward, I would think, so follow your own instincts. Buona Fortuna!
 

My advice with respect to bathroom renovation is to go reasonably slowly until you find someone you like. Good idea to ask for references for a number of previous jobs. Did so with contractor we found for our kitchen and Mike turned out to be simply wonderful. Good Luck with this as well!

Your travel plans sound simply marvellous, all of them. Perhaps our paths will cross this fall as we are off to Vienna, and elsewhere in late August. Lady Dar was most keen on your blog description ofLjubljana so I think it will be on our itinerary which so far is to include Bratislava, Budapaest, Ljubljana, Pula, Split and Dubrovnik. 
 

We will be travelling with Flamin' and Sarge for three weeks, by car. They will probably fly to Rome from Dubrovnik and then home while we might well fly to Prague or Kraków. From there to Denmark to continue my "interrupted" journey. Hope to fly home from London, stopping in Amsterdam, en route, but these plans are still not firm, as of this writing.

Lady Dar is more than extremely comfortable in her apartamento La Peñita de Jaltemba! Especially since she has Duke The Elder, (Agneta's 7 year old, male black cat!),to keep her company! Place looks extremely well appointed and comfortable! Fondestos and Cheers, Hedgehugs Goil, from Patrizzio, Geek, Closet Organizer, Relationship Counsellor and Zoo Keeper!  

deatr Patrik, thank you so much for this lovery Card. we wish you and Corinne all the best!!!! Annamaria and Rudirudenheimer