Bench Market and The Katzenjammer Twins: Friday, August 9th!

Greetings noble Patrizzio!

We are soon headed your way.  Since I hadn't gotten a slice of life from you for a while, I thought I'd send up one from me to get the ball rolling.  Just bade a sad good bye to our Chinese daughter Xiang Lin, who stayed with us the last 5 nights. Her husband and son, off at a conference/scouting expedition to Boulder, will be back in a day or two.  She took refuge from a combative 95 year old Chinese landlady at their rental by staying with us. 

Last night, my swim pal and American granddaughter Bianca, who has been in Europe with her parents and 4 of her 7 siblings for several weeks, came by with her beloved Grant, whom I had never spent any time with before.  He was just a great guy, knows how to enjoy wine and food, and helped me polish off the (downstairs stash only) of the Asperul which arrived from France in June.  It was brought by Marc Boyon, whose father Gerard made this derivative of mirabelle plum liquor.  We stay with Gerard when we are in Lorraine. Marc brought his smart and handsome girlfriend Manon with him. They took a rental RV all over the American west and then stayed with us for a few days before heading back to their uncertain inchoate future back in France. I made vegetarian (nod goes to Bianca) lasagna and it won the usual recognition. I am probably not the only one in recovery mode today.  Donna Florida complained as usual that she drank too much wine. That is a frequent lament, but luckily it's a resolve that rarely endures til dinner.

I also played some tennis (first time in 40 years for me) with the very proficient Lin yesterday, and the backs of my legs are calling attention to themselves all morning.  I think I should stick to swimming (and walking), just about all I do these days.  I wonder how you are doing, with your shoulder. Whether you are back mounted on your trusty steed, or perhaps are able to swim again (THAT would be so cool!)  I know, I will find out in a few days.  I still cannot believe that Nancy not only agreed to, but proposed that we take the 6 AM flight.  Our neighbor Yoko, who cats sits for us just as we do for her, offered to take us to Oakland airport early, for which I am very grateful.  If we make the plane, we'll see you on Thursday. We missed our flight to Colorado to visit Krista and Brent back in May, so I know it can happen. There were lots of factors, but the TSA line was the true killer. I guess I shouldn't write "killer," as we have enough to be concerned about (I was about to write "paranoid" but I think every person in the world must feel a tiny bit of fear going about their daily life, going into a public place.  And nowhere more so than in the USA.  Well, I guess there are a few other places, like Syria or Afghanistan that merit a hotter fear factor.

I can't see into the crystal ball and imagine how we will spend our days, other than petting Etta and Duke should they care to make friends.  I so look forward to seeing the lake, the hills, and spending time with you guys. See you soon! Joel Gott 815 2016 Cabernet, by the way, after a tasty bottle of California grown Albarino. Yum Yum. Hugs and kisses Cactus

Buongiornio, Sweet Prickly Prince! Yes, indeedo, it has been a fair bit of hour glass since last we spake so thanks muchly for your flowing, (in more ways than one), brushstroke diorama of life in the hills and dales around Villa Vicente. Extremely pleased to learn that all goes well except for your aching tennis calves and Donna Florida's pounding, morning-after, temples! Such is life with friend filled days so never a high price to pay!

Many, many reasons for enforced radio silence, on my sluggard part, but delighted to report, all to the positive side of the scale. In the first instance, we have been inundated with a Tsunami of visitors and are still awash as I speak. First batch of August Freeloaders arrived this past Thursday. Kathleen, from Melbourne, up from Vancouver where she has been visiting twin grandchildren, now three years old, flew to Kelowna, [Airport destination of choice, it seems!], to have Lady Dar collect her, that afternoon. Originally, she and Stefano, her husband, were to fly to Penticton but something happened, [As you alluded in your memo!], to booking so no seats on that flight when they went to check-in at AC counter! She was not sure how Stefano would make it to Penticton or if he would even come up. Anyway, around 6:00 pm that afternoon, Chloë came over, after work, for dinner, as pre-arranged, to see K/S. 

Duke and Etta were happy to see her and we'd just told her about airport kerfuffle when who should pull up in front of our house, in an EVO, [BCAA car share program], but the inimitable Aussie! All's well that ends well, Horatio! Anyway, we enjoyed a wonderful reunion over dinner, courtesy of BBQ Queen, Lady Darjeeling. Up early Friday morning to meet Flamin' and Sarge at the Bench Market for breakfast. They were en route to Kamloops with The Katzenjmmer Twins, Avery and Ashlynn, to stop, en route, in Vernon, at a water park to celebrate Jaxon's fourth birthday. He is eldest child of Nicole and Marvin. She is currently on maternity leave with Ailya, eight months old.

Speaking of maternity leave, I think you might know that Chloë is six months pregnant and all goes very, very well with her and child. Other than being tired at times she has not suffered any nasty side effects from pregnancy. Due to her age it is anticipated that she will be induced sometime mid-November although she is clinically due in early December. Added into this mix is the fact that she decided to sell her place in Sendero to both reduce her mortgage and move to a place on but two levels. All of this happened over last weekend so she will soon be living jsut a few blocks away from us on Winnipeg Street, of all things!

Her boss has been extremely supportive and will allow her to keep company car, [and gas card!], while she is on maternity leave, as well as keeping two or three buildings, [as she is able], to top up her maternity leave, [60% from Federales], pay. A plumbed/wired, but otherwise unfinished suite in basement but she should have enough money, after reducing mortgage/assorted fees, etc., to turn it into a decent mortgage helper. Since we are flying off to Vienna to travel with Flamin' and Sarge on Augsut 28th, we won't be here to help wih move. This being the case, Lady Dar has already started helping her pack and we will continue to do as much as possible before we depart. Things are pretty much under control so everyone feels quite optimistic about this pretty hectic time.

After breakfast we took K/S to see new place, [from outside only], on Winnipeg and then to Sendero as they had not been before. Then back home as Lady Dar had a wedding rehearsal to prepare for, later that afternoon. Kathleen went downtown to stroll and shop while Stefano and I came home, Stevealimo to read while I embarked upon my shoulder exercises. Pleased to report that I'm making steady, if slow progress, with flexibility and movement, so try to be quite disciplined about doing exercises physio prescribed. No pain whatsoever so really am chuffed with surgery.

When the Marriage Officiant returned The Gang of Three went for a dip while I finished off set of exercises I doing lying down. Refreshed and reinvigorated The Sisterhood set about stuffing our own home green peppers with fried turkey mince for the final touch on the grill. Also enjoyed Swiss Chard in a delish cheese sauce, again, picked from front raised bed. This and terrific beets and their greens, have been tasty additions to many meals. Stefano and I finished off the evening with a couple of snorts of Islay after the womenfolk went to bed.

Must away as I am marching in the Peach Festival Parade with Richard Cannings our MP, [NDP], shortly, waring my orange Crocs, [NDP colour!]. I'll wave, as per Her Majesty, to assembled throngs and after wards we'll all stroll the Farmers' Market. Then a bit of wine tasting on The Bench but not overly much as Lady Dar has the wedding at Painted Rock Winery, an upscale spot, favoured by many for weddings, given the stunning views it affords of Skaha Lake, at 3:00 pm. S/K return to Vancouver, [time yet to be determined], tomorrow and Colleen and Al, from Vancovuer, arrive that afternoon, staying until Thursday when you will be winging your way to Kelowna Whew! I need to go back to bed!!!

Really looking forward to seeing you both and showing you our "backyard" and all the changes that have taken place since you last visited here. On the entertainment front, get ready to hit the ground running as we have tickets for dinner and a show at The Dream Café, here in town, Qristina and Quinn Bachand, [Google them and Dream and you can see coming line-ups]. We can walk to the venue so won't have to worry about hootch levels. Fondestos from Lady Dar, out watering front garden with Miss Etta and Il Diablo supervising. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Latest batch of dehydrated peaches! Basket Case Cat! Kathleen with Chloë and then Flamin; Stefano with Sarge; The Sisterhood! Guard Cats!

Hi, Patrick and Corinne: It's been quite awhile . . . hope this finds you well and that you have had a good summer. (Did you make it down for the Folk Fest?) The wild fire situation doesn't seem as extreme this year, though I've heard quite a bit about the Oliver fire.

I've been thinking and wondering about Chloë and how she's been getting on, as the news of her pregnancy was very fresh when we visited at the beginning of June. And what about your new tiny great-granddaughter in California? Our little twin girls (Karen's granddaughters) are coming up to their first birthday (August 25th). They were low birth weight and very tiny when they were born, but are now thriving, chubby little cherubs.

It's been a strange sort of summer here, dominated by my bathroom project -- now almost complete. In fact, it's pretty much there now, except for a few things like a grab bar that was missing from the accessory order and light fixture that arrived with a crack and needs to be replaced. I believe the wrap-up will take place on Monday, after which I will send a few pictures (notwithstanding that I do realize that it's not of surpassing interest to the universe). I moved back in about two weeks ago and am very happy with the results, which pretty much match or exceed expectations. It was a silver lining, getting to spend all that extra time with my mother, but it is good to be back in my own nest.

I did find the whole thing quite taxing while it was underway -- I was out of my place for two full months -- despite my awareness that this sort of project is definitely a first-world "problem." Luckily, I had taken quite a bit of time and effort (and invested a great deal of anxiety as well, alas!) in selecting a contractor, and I think that paid off. The most stressful aspect was dealing with the City of Vancouver over the permits. On the other hand, Andrew Martin was MASSIVELY helpful to me in all sorts of way -- I'm so blessed to have him as a close friend.

James was here (and approved the new bathroom) last weekend. He just started a new flying job with Keewatin Air, which apparently mainly involves flying judges, lawyers, sheriffs and prisoners around northern Manitoba. The nice thing is that he is on a rotation and they will give him a confirmed ticket out (probably from Thompson) every couple of weeks (as opposed to his having to use his retiree Air Canada passes and depend on uncertain seat availability).

I don't really have a ton of other news at the moment. The next big thing on the horizon is a trip to Yukon with Karen, Sandy and Mum (August 19-25), inspired by the success of our trip to Newfoundland in July 2018. Mum is a bit apprehensive, because of her fragile health, but she actually does amazingly well for someone closing in on 89. Well, this is short . . . but I guess a short message is better than NO message. Look forward to hearing from you soon. Love, Janet

P.S. I believe that Andre has purchased -- and now taken possession of -- a condo over on Balsam, about a block away. He called awhile ago at an inconvenient time . . . said that he'd call back in a couple of hours but didn't. We've exchanged a couple of brief emails since. I guess we will connect in due course. I'm a bit wary of Andre, I have to say, though my own occasional interactions with him have been fine. He's a long-time friend of Dan's, who can also be difficult.

Hello Super Renno Woman! 

Yes, indeedo, it has been a fair bit of hour glass since last we corresponded so thanks muchly for your flowing brushstroke diorama of life in the hills and dales around Kerrisdale. Extremely pleased to learn that all went so well with your bathroom project and that living with your Mum was enjoyable. Also pleased to hear about your coming trip to the Yukon with your sisters and indomitable Mama! Onward! Fight, Doreen!!! In a similar vein, my Mom went to Yemen when she was 80 and their driver was astounded when she told him her age. He had mentioned that he had to help his 60 year old grandmother into the jeep so Mum asked him why he didn't help her. He said she was so spry that she was obviously too, too young to require assistance! Anyway, what a wonderful family trip. Hello to everyone.

 

Many, many reasons for enforced radio silence, on my sluggard part, but delighted to report, all to the positive side of the scale. In the first instance, we have been inundated with a Tsunami of visitors and are still awash as I speak. First batch of August Freeloaders arrived this past Thursday. Kathleen, [LS classmate is how we met.]from Melbourne, [LS classmate is how we met.],up from Vancouver where she has been visiting twin grandchildren, now three years old, flew to Kelowna, [Airport destination of choice, it seems!], to have Lady Dar collect her, that afternoon. Originally, she and Stefano, her husband, were to fly to Penticton but something happened to booking so no seats on that flight when they went to check-in at AC counter! She was not sure how Stefano would make it to Penticton or if he would even come up. Anyway, around 6:00 pm that afternoon, Chloë came over, after work, for dinner, as pre-arranged, to see K/S. 

 

Duke and Etta were happy to see her and we'd just told her about airport kerfuffle when who should pull up in front of our house, in an EVO, [BCAA car share program], but the inimitable Aussie! All's well that ends well! Anyway, we enjoyed a wonderful reunion over dinner, courtesy of BBQ Queen, Lady Darjeeling. Up early Friday morning to meet Flamin' and Sarge at the Bench Market for breakfast. They were en route to Kamloops with The Katzenjmmer Twins, Avery and Ashlynn, to stop, en route, in Vernon, at a water park to celebrate Jaxon's fourth birthday. He is eldest child of Nicole and Marvin. She is currently on maternity leave with Ailya, eight months old.

 

Speaking of maternity leave, thanks for inquiring about Chloë, now six months pregnant. All continues to go very, very well with her and child. Other than being tired at times she has not suffered any nasty side effects from pregnancy. Due to her age it is anticipated that she will be induced sometime mid-November although she is clinically due in early December. Added into this mix is the fact that she decided to sell her place in Sendero to both reduce her mortgage and move to a place on but two levels. All of this happened two weekends ago so she will soon be living just a few blocks away from us on Winnipeg Street, of all things!

 

Her boss has been extremely supportive and will allow her to keep company car, [and gas card!], while she is on maternity leave, as well as keeping two or three buildings, [as she is able], to top up her maternity leave, [60% from Federales], pay. A plumbed/wired, but otherwise unfinished suite in basement but she should have enough money, after reducing mortgage/assorted fees, etc., to turn it into a decent mortgage helper. Since we are flying off to Vienna to travel with Flamin' and Sarge, on August 28th, we won't be here to help with move. This being the case, Lady Dar has already started helping her pack and we will continue to do as much as possible before we depart. Things are pretty much under control so everyone feels quite optimistic about this pretty hectic time.

 

After breakfast we took K/S to see new place, [from outside only], on Winnipeg and then to Sendero as they had not been before. Then back home as Lady Dar had a wedding rehearsal to prepare for, later that afternoon. Kathleen went downtown to stroll and shop while Stefano and I came home, Stevealimo to read while I embarked upon my shoulder exercises. Pleased to report that I'm making steady, if slow progress, with flexibility and movement, so try to be quite disciplined about doing exercises physio prescribed. No pain whatsoever so really am chuffed with surgery.

 

When the Marriage Officiant returned The Gang of Three went for a dip while I finished off set of exercises I doing lying down. Refreshed and reinvigorated The Sisterhood set about stuffing our own home green peppers with fried turkey mince for the final touch on the grill. Also enjoyed Swiss Chard in a delish cheese sauce, again, picked from front raised bed. This and terrific beets and their greens, have been tasty additions to many meals. Stefano and I finished off the evening with a couple of snorts of Islay after the womenfolk went to bed.

Saturday I marched in the Peach Festival Parade with Richard Cannings our MP, [NDP], wearing my orange Crocs. I had a blast,  waving, as per Her Majesty, to assembled throngs and delighted many kids along the route, throwing handfuls of candy into the air above where they were sitting on the curb. Afterwards we strolled the Farmers' Market. Back home around 1:00 pm as Lady Dar had a wedding at Painted Rock Winery, at 3:00 pm, and had a few things to do, preparing for ceremony. 

Funnily enough, Chloë bumped into Kathleen's sister-in-law, Leslie, at the FM and told her that she and Dan, her husband, were staying in Penticton for the weekend, along with very close friends from the Hunter Valley, Noreen and Mark. Kathleen knew they were planning to visit the Okanagan but wasn't sure of exact dates. Anyway, she called Leslie and arranged for them to come for dinner, along with another friend, Linda. This being the case, Kathleen offered to do up a huge batch of risotto so she worked away on it while I did my shouldares and Stefano read the Globe & Mail. After risotto was ready she and Steve went for a swim and Lady Dar was back jsut as I was finishing my exercises. Time for a quck shower and change before guests arrived.

We had actually met Noreen and Mark in 2012 when we visited the Hunter, travelling with Flamin' and Sarge. They manage a top-end resort/restaurant there and Mark had been the manager of Hastings House on Saltspring in the mid '90's, before they returned to Australia to pursue other ventures. Lovely to see them again as they are a very interesting couple. Their friend, Linda, had worked as a set designer in Vancouver's film industry for over thirty years so it was fascinating to hear about the business from her point of view. Sadly, a rare kidney disease forced her to have to stop working, about four years or so ago.

S/K returned to Vancouver around 10:00 am this morning. Chloë popped by to say goodbye to them before she went to walk on the KVR. After Lady Dar put the sheets in the washer she left for Sendero to do more packing. I did three sets of shoulder exercises and tidied up house as Colleen and Al, from Vancouver, are to arrive this afternoon, around 5:00 pm, staying until Thursday, August 15th, when Nancy and David, from Berkeley will be winging their way to Kelowna. They will stay until August 23rd. Whew! I need to go back to bed!!!

 

Really looking forward to seeing them and showing them our "backyard" and all the changes that have taken place since they last visited here, back in 2011, I beleive. On the entertainment front, told them to get ready to hit the ground running as we have tickets for dinner and a show at The Dream Café to see Qristina and Quinn Bachand, [If interested, Google them and Dream and you can see coming line-ups]. We can walk to the venue so won't have to worry about hootch levels.

On the Andre front, yes they now own a condo just around the corner. I must say, speaking frankly, that I am increasingly unable to enjoy his company. For her part, Chloë won't even come around when they are visiting, or if so, only briefly to say hello to Rosemary. I quite enjoy her company but Andre is so "prickly" and "difficult" that it is hard to have a normal conversation with him. I don't know if his earlier heart problems have caused some change in personality or simply exacerbated tendencies that were always there. Nevertheless we plan to spend a few days with them before we train to Paris for four night before flying back home. I have a few things there I'd like to collect as I left them when I set off for my trip trips, fully believing I would return to Chabeuill afterwards. As you know, I flew back from Berlin, rescued by Lady Dar!

Pleased James has a new job. We are quite familiar with Keewatin as it neighbours Kenora and Falcon Lake is about an hour and a half west of there. Pam, Lady Dar's youngest sister, has a cabin at War Eagle Lake, not far from the ouskirts of Kenora. When visiting Falcon we would ofter drive into Kenora for the Farmers' Market or to go to a movie if weather was poor, raining buckets. I've ridden, from Falcon, to the bridge connecting Keewatin to Kenora, as part of cycling to War Eagle when we've stayed with Pam and Greg. Quite an enjoyable ride as highway was nicley resurfaced and widened, about five years ago, so surface was silky smooth.

Had a much needed downpour last night so all our rain barrels are full again. Gardena dn other plants received a good soaking so pleased, of course. Also, much cooler over last few days so the wildfire out of Oliver is reported to being almost under control. Have had a bit of smoke, from it, but nothing nearly as dense and pervasise as what we experienced over last two years. Thankful for that, it goes without saying. We did, however, cancel first week of our booking at Spirit Ridge as smoke was a real factor in Osoyoos for last couple of weeks. We hope to spend some time there with David and Nancy so we might well drive down next Friday.

Must away as I'd like to squeeze in a couple more sets of my shoulder exercises. Fondestos from Lady Dar, catching up on The Young and The Useless! Stay well, Janet. Send a psotcard from the Yukon. Travel safely. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Pics: Latest batch of dehydrated peaches! Basket Case Cat! Kathleen with Chloë and then Flamin; Stefano with Sarge; The Sisterhood! Peach Festival Parade, start and finish; Avi. one of vendors with wrap, [just finished], I gave to Lady Dar for her birthday.