Tara Westover's Educated Blues: Thursday, April 4th!

There are no persons capable of stooping so low as those who desire to rise in the world. -Lady Marguerite Blessington, writer (4 Apr 1789-1849) 

My pedicure was great! Thanks for the wonderful bd gift. I enjoyed our lunch yesterday Corrine. It was good to catch up. The tulips are in various locations thru out the house bringing spring cheer. Patrick I am able to play bridge on Monday if needed! Enjoy the sunshine Judy Xo Good Morning Pedicure Person! You will now be able to hold you're winning bridge hands with your toes! Yes, we'll need you on Monday. I will send out another note, as soon as I know how many are coming from Penticton, so that carpooling can be arranged.

Good Morning Pedicure Person! You will now be able to hold you're winning bridge hands with your toes! Yes, we'll need you on Monday. I will send out another note, as soon as I know how many are coming from Pentagon, so that carpooling can be arranged. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling, just off to do the downward facing feline! Cheers, Patrizzio, gazing at tulips and drinking in the sunshine streaming through the window! Hi again Patrick. Judi agreed to fit me in....but she has not gotten back to yet about the time. What time are you getting yo her place? Thanks. Dianne Hi Hitchhiker! She is to pop by our place by 6:30 pm. I guess you will need to be at here place 10 minutes or so before that, unless you come to our house. Cheers, Patrizzio! I will/must come to your place. Thanks Patrick. Dianne 

Lots of questions, is the Hyundai all electric ? Where are the solar panels going ?
Weather here still cool going down below freezing every nite The flood watch people are happy because it is a slow melt so flooding Wouldn’t be so bad ,lots of snow south of the border to melt & come Down the river into Manitoba
Did all my tests for my surgery so now is just the waiting. Pam coming out this weekend, she will be in Van on the 8th of April & Then going over to see Monique for a few days & then home by the 15 th Carly was on TV last nite talking about food at the Fairmont , especially The lunch menu, she got another raise, they are afraid they might lose Her so want to keep her happy. 
 

Mar is working 2 days a week now ,one at home & if she is up to it a day
At the office ,who would have thought a year ago that would be happening!!!!
She has a treatment every 3 weeks now ,hormone mixed with Chemo
How long that will last I don’t know, will see the cancer Dr soon to see how things are progressing
 

How is your shoulder coming along? Pat said Rachael has a job at the new Boston Pizza opening up in May In Petawawa,they are booked for their flight to Frankfurt May 20th Coming home June 11th They are on a tour starting May 25 th Still lots of snow to melt here but roads are dry ,very slippery out so I don’t
Go out just to get into the car Take care Clara 

Hi Rosie! Thanks for the newsy message. The Hyundai Kona is fully electric with a range of about 416 kilometers when fully charged. We haven't charged it since we picked it up last Monday. Lady Darjeeling will probably plug it in over the weekend to get some idea of how quickly it charges attached to an outdoor outlet. This is the slowest of all possible charge stations but there are a number of tier 2 outlets around town. We'll just have to go wine-tasting at Poplar Grove and stay there for an hour while we "fill up", both on wine and electricity!

 

The solar panels, (16), will be placed on the south facing the roof. When we can afford it we may well add more panels, (14), to the north side. The infrastructure will be set up to allow this so when the time comes it should be a relatively easy installation. Work is to begin at the beginning of May and a tier 2 charging station will be part of the package. Contractor will run an electrical line from the end wall of the rumpus room to the meter at the front of the house. 

 

Again, at some point, we hope to put up a carport over the side entrance to the garage. Not only will it protect any vehicle from summer sun and winter snow, but will prevent the baking sun from shining into the rumpus room, there-bye keeping the house even cooler. Last summer we didn't even hook up the portable air conditioner as the shade from the duplex made a significant difference. Now, of course, this building prevents what otherwise would be a higher harvest from the panels. Always something but we feel it's well worth the investment. One small green step for Burns Street towards counteracting global warming.

This evening we had a fabulous book club discussion, [Tara Westover's  Educated], at the gorgeous home of Pamela and Bill Webster, just above Marichel Winery, in Naramata. Next meeting will be at our place when we will discuss The Great  Alone so thanks for the suggestion. Lady Darjeeling made a great case for it and I will be starting it today.

Pleased to hear about how well Marlo seems to be doing and that Carly is such a highly valued employee. Can't keep those Durstons down! Terrific that Rachel has started her own pizza franchise! Does she deliver to Penticton? Also pleased to hear that the flooding threat appears to be less catastrophic than first thought. Not out of the woods yet, of course. Seems somewhat similar here in the Okanagan. Just had a note from Linda Ervin informing us that Jim Hilson arrives on May 6th so looking forward to seeing him. Flowers are starting to come up in the front planters and both Etta and Duke are happy to be racing around the yard. My shoulder is coming along very nicely and I'm looking forward to beginning physio in three weeks or so. Pretty much used you having my arm in a sling and it really doesn't restrict me from much but obviously keeps most of the stress off the new joint. I assume I might well encounter a certain amount of pain when physio begins, stretching muscles and tendons, but up until now I've experienced no discomfort whatsoever. Can hardly believe it. 
 

Bill Webster underwent a left knee replacement three or four days before my surgery. Saw him briefly last night and he is still in considerable pain. I imagined that this would be the case because I've many friends who have had the same surgery and were still taking pain killers a year later. Bill cannot yet ride a stationary bike so I am very lucky to be able to do so. 

Fun dusters, [Fondestos!], to you Rosita and love to all and sundry. Cheers, Your Favorite Son-in-Law, Patrizzio! Pics: Our planter and outside Amanda's fence; Sibling wars! Lady Dar's tulips! View from Pam's place; Luisa, Dame Judith and Taffy; Lady Diana, et al; Pamela and Von Bingen; The Sisterhood, Senka, owner/winemaker of Terrravista, second from left. Von Bingen helped them bottle day before.

Jim Hillson arrives May 6th, departs May 7th or 8th. Party time. Linda Hello Linda and Zircon! Delighted to learn that Medicine Hat we'll be visiting if only another whirlwind stop! Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Linda, I can do the dinner on May 6th. Or will the 7th be better. Do you know when he is arriving?
Cheers Corinne Not sure so will try to get him to be more specific. Linda

Ok, let me know.

Hi Ms Moneybags! Thanks for the cash! Duke and I can now go to the Cannery for fresh growlettes! He loves the cheese on the nachos there! Cheers, Dad!

 

Hello Patrick, I hope you are enjoying this sunshine! I’m running around today in Summerland and Penticton doing site visits. Corrine mentioned that I would be able to swing by and pick up a deposit today? Is there a time that works best for you this afternoon? Cheers, Southside Jonny 

Hi Dean! This is the first payment for deposit I talked to Southside Jonny about. Amount could not be processed. Will send full amount tomorrow. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! RBC no longer prints cheques on demand. I can have a bank draft as soon as funds appear in my account domani. Hi Patrick,Sorry about all this. Didn’t think it would be that big of a deal to get some funds. Lol. You can E-Tranfer instead if that’s easier for you. Not sure the amounts you can send but if you like that option you can E-Tranfer. Let me know what you would like to do. I’m available by phone. Just about to get on another roof. Cheers, Southside Jonny

Hi Southside! I can only transfer a certain amount per day according to RBC policy. Do you want me to transfer increments over next four days or have a bank draft made out to Argon for full amount of deposit? I can have draft today. Let me know and I'll plan accordingly. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

WHAT A GREAT EVENING!  Tasty munchies, great wines and very animated discussions.  Would we recommend folks reading "Educated" - you betcha. Lots of great book suggestions for our next  read. AND THE WINNER IS! The Great Alone - Kristin Hannah: In Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone, a desperate family seeks a new beginning in the near-isolated wilderness of Alaska only to find that their unpredictable environment is less threatening than the erratic behavior found in human nature.   

NEXT BOOK CLUB:  Tuesday, May 21, 2019, TIME:  7:30 THEME:  A dessert and wine night PLACE:  Burns Bistro, Patrick and Corinne Thanks Pam for your hospitality tonight. Judi Ritcey (Dame Judith) Buonasera Round Tablers! Let me echo Dame Judith's thanks to Pamela for hosting the more than wonderful evening. As well, thanks to Secretary, pro tem, Dame Judith, for her stellar efforts in sending out book list, next selection and date for next discussion. Enjoy the weekend. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Was this a book club discussion or a bacchanal? 

Thx for update. Hip is great! Sciatica so so!! Chiro helps. Take it easy with that shoulder. I’m sure you miss your biking!! Off to AB 17th/18th for 10 days over Easter with the family. I can’t wait to see them. It’s my only issue with living on the island. Spring is here & it’s lovely but $$ to get off. No work pension. Live off investments, increased with the market but at same time go down too!! Can’t imagine living our life on CPP & OAS! Life is good! We’re blessed! Gas here is 141.9!!! Yikes!!!! Our oldest dtr, Alli, 42, is separated from her husband of 8 years. There’s no hope of reconciliation. It’s been hard on their 2 kids, 10 & 7, especially Indi, the elder. Jake is a good Dad but has mental health issues!!
 

Our middle dtr is in love!! She has a friend, Drew, of a year now! Steph, 41 in May, has 2 sons, 14 & 6. Elijah’s father passed at 29 of an aggressive Myelogenous Leukaemia when Elijah was 8 mos. Steph & Jeremy Boodt never lived together. Elijah’s last name is Carr. Adam Champagne is Griffin’s Dad. Adam lived with Steph about 3 years. He had a mental breakdown almost 3 years ago threatening suicide & more!! It was very scary!! He has gotten help & they share some custody (not through any formal arrangement) with Steph having the lion share, physically & $$$$!! She’s done well!

Elijah is a great kid!! He’s a gymnast of 9 years. Sadly, he will end his gymnastics career this year after Nationals. The massive cost of coaching, training & travel has been far too much for a single Mom. His last competition will be in Grande Prairie this weekend, his last chance to make up .115 points to mobilize to level 5, natl ranking in Trampoline, his only event of 3 at Olympics. He is nationally ranked in both Tumbling & Double Mini Trampoline. He will go to provls & natls. Hope he finishes on a high!
 

Elijah is an honour student, +80%, in gr 9. Last year, he made honours with distinction, + 90% average. The year before, he only missed by 1% at 89%!! Currently, his goal is Medicine. Of course, that could change but gr 10 is a big adjustment. He has applied to the the AP program at Scona High, a prestigious school. Unfortunately, it’s not his designated school. Sadly, his acceptance is made by lottery!! Recommendations & his exemplary record/average do not factor. The same thing happened when he applied for late French Immersion at a different jr high. He did not make it as it was luck of the draw. He was 1 of 25 applicants for only 15 spaces. 
 

If he doesn’t get in to Scona, he’ll go to his designated school, Harry Ainlay & try for their IB program. Ainlay is a real pot pourri of cultures!! He will fit in as his father was of Jamaican descent. Hopefully, his geekiness will stand him in good stead, away from the gang culture. We helped raise Elijah after he was born from age 6 weeks to 5 years. He was in a Day Care but with Steph in a Hair Salon, we had to pick him up on Thursdays, her late night & cared for him every Sat. I don’t play favourites but he is a special kid!

Youngest dtr, Beth, 36, is doing well since her cancer treatment ended in Aug. She’s been in counselling with her husb of 11 years since December. It’s been a rough year!! Their trial 6 mo separation is nearly over. It’s been amicable & they are working on making it better. Hopefully, all will work out. We like Terry! He’s a great Dad. They have 3 kids- 11, 9 & 5. His folks live in Nanaimo & we see them socially once a month or so. 3 of the grands, the 11, 10 & 9 year olds will come to us again in July. Last year, Elijah flew out for a week on his gym break. We’re hoping he’ll come again with our $ help! The cousins adore him & he helps us!! It’s a busy time but I love having them. Beth’s 2 go back & forth to the other grandparents. They often include Indi, Alli’s dtr; gives us a break. Hi to Cor!! Hi Steel Magnolia!

Thanks for the newsy message. Quite a family tree! You should be proud of your offspring!Fondestos, to you Maggie, from Lady Darjeeling. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Patrick: How is the shoulder? When will you resume hiking? You don't want to miss all early flowers. Here are a few shots from my solo hike. The group went to the other side of the valley and had equally nice hike. Do you like puzzles? Look at the very last picture and guess what the device is. Speedy recovery!!! We miss you. Al <https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nz39sJX5Q1JVbxGN7>

Hi Big Al! Thanks so very much for the remarkable album of spring flowers! Wow! Thank you for your kind words, as well. Unfortunately, for me, I cannot even begin to think about hiking until I see my specialist on April 25th, six weeks from initial surgery. At this time he will see if I'm ready to begin physio. Until then I try to be quite disciplined about doing my tri-daily, simple, gentle arm/hand exercises and am able to ride my stationary bike for 90 minutes/day, watching various Netflix series all the while. 

 

I cannot complain as I've experienced absolutely no pain whatsoever. I assume this might change once physio begins as I know it will involve stretching long-unused muscles and tendons. Still, I feel extremely fortunate that I have been able to have such surgery and look forward to re-joining your wonderful company when cleared to do so.

As for the "device" I assume it is a specially designed Tyrannosaurus road block meant to dissuade/prevent hikers from taking a boring road route as opposed to bushwhacking through almost impassable thickets and over/under fallen logs! Again, thanks for the marvellous virtual hikes which take much of the sting out of not being able to be along, especially given the glorious weather. Fond regards to one and all and I look forward to being back in the fold as soon as possible. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!
  

Hi all, What a beautiful day today! Spring has sprung, with great amounts of buttercups, spring beauties, and yellow bells on the south slopes of Mount Parker. I will be away for the next three Thursdays (April 11, 18, and 25). So, I am looking for people who are willing to: -make plans for a hike (you get to choose the location) -put out the information to all (I will make the email list available) -lead the hike or arrange for someone else to lead the hike I would really like to have this arranged in the next few days. So, if you are willing and able, please let me know. Many thanks, Jim