Second Home Summerland Blues: Friday, November 1st!

There is no rule more invariable than that we are paid for our suspicions by finding what we suspect. -Henry David Thoreau, naturalist and author (1817-1862) 

Hello Breakfasteers! Thanks to Joltin' James for organizing the terrific gathering. Wonderful to see so many of the gang I've not bumped into since not being able to hike. Hope to be back soon so run for them thar' hills! Cheers, Patrizzio!

I’ve moved to Hawaii ,so no longer need to be on the list. Enjoy your Winter, I sure will. Larry Norman Hi Lorenzo! Sorry to see you go, chasing the heat and waves, instead of snow and hills. PAG will miss you as well, I'm sure. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Went for an invigorating ride after I waved goodbye to the hikers. Before going home, stopped in at DeLong Studio,  in Trout Creek. Had first noticed the sign a couple of years ago when riding through the community and always wondered what it would be like. Last year, when chatting with the woman pouring at the tasting room at Moraine I complimented her on her bracelets. She happened to mention that she purchased much of her jewelry there so that peaked my interest even more. Had wanted to pick up something in Vancouver for our 48th anniversary of meeting but didn't find anything that caught my fancy. This being the case I was hoping to come across something at DeLong. 
 

After I'd parked and was walking towards the gallery itself I was greeted by a gorgeous tabby and thought it was Etta, so similar were its markings. At any rate, the cat followed me into the gallery and then I met the owner. She told me Roscoe was eight years old and a male so I invited him to come and meet his cousin in Penticton! Gallery is absolutely wonderful, filled with far more pieces of exquisite jewelry, displayed in extremely attractive display cases that line the entire space, than I ever imagined. Learned that she and her husband specialize in hand-crafted, original ... natural stones plus offering an extensive line of traditional silver jewelry. Apparently they work with a number of silversmiths in Taxco who set stones in designs they create. At any rate, I bought a gift certificate for Lady Dar so that she could visit the gallery and chose something that caught her eye. 

Saying goodbye to Roscoe and his owner I made for home and after suiting up went for a ride. Although my Garmin only registered wind out of the N at 4 km/h, and AccuWeather at 11 km/h, I'm sure it was well over 20 km/h, based on past experience, otherwise I would have headed north on Naramata Road to have it at my back on return leg. As it was, I choose to dipsy-doodle my way around my tried and true route regulare, (Ellis to PTC, then along Lakeshore and Riverside), to gerbalize myself with three different sets of loops, (7 apiece), off a number of streets off Power. With wind it was quite nippy even though it was around 6º C. Still, once I warmed up it was more than pleasant. Map and Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4213739402#.Xb0J8eD6dyc.email

When I was back from my ride Lady Dar was home and so I told her I had talked to Bill Sliva earlier and that there was one apple tree waiting for us. As soon as she'd dressed herself warmly, we set off for the orchard. Bill was actually pulling out of his driveway when we arrived so he told us gate was open and to lock it after we were finished. Thanking him we drove into the yard after Lady Dar opened the gate. Taking our bags we found the tree he had mentioned and started to pick and gather. I used the ladder to reach the fruit on the higher branches while Lady Dar collected the apples already on the ground. About an hour later we had eight large bags full of wonderful Galas.

Back home in time for a quick bite and then we were off to the Cleland to hear The Fred Ritchie Lecture, sponsored by First Things First, a terrific public lecture, Climate change and your health and well-being, delivered by Yellowknife physician and president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), Dr. Courtney Howard:

Her presentation focused on the physical and emotional impact of a changing climate on the populace in general. While working in East Africa, she dealt with malnutrition spurred by a changing climate. While working in Yellowknife, which she does to this day, she's seen and researched the physical and psychological effects of warming temperatures and increased wildfires. Currently an emergency physician, Dr. Howard is also a board member of the Canadian Medical Association, a member of the steering committee of the Planetary Health Alliance, a board member of the Global Climate and Health Alliance, and the North America co-chair of the World Organization of Family Doctors working group on the environment.

Most informative and very frightening, it must be said. Only wish that we had brought Flamin' and Sarge along as we had a very heated argument about climate change, this past Wednesday, when we'd had dinner at their place! They, along with Joanne Trueman, a neighbour, are climate change deniers, [along with Donaldo the Dangerous Dope!], in spite of the fact that they all have six grandchildren each. Sat with Tim and Marian so had a good visit with them before and after lecture. Hi Gail and Jack, aka Perspiration People! Glad you enjoyed the card. Trust you are both well in spite of heat. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you, Gail, and to Jack. Stay well. Cheers and Arrivederci, Patrizzio!

Thanks for the card. Hope u had an enjoyable Halloween. We had a quiet one..too far off the road for the kids. :( Heading south soon. We have snow and it's getting cold. Luv to u both..Louise

Thanks for the pics! See you at Caroling for a Cause? Marian and Tim Hi Kids!

Glad you enjoyed snaps. I'm hoping to attend the GFA event however I bought tickets for Stephen Fearing at the Dream that evening, so things are more complicated. Lady Dar thought caroling was on Thursday, the 21st, when I asked if that date was free! Anyway, probably won't eat there so hope to support Cause before "dashing" to the Dream. Think she will do the same, if slightly later, depending on how events unfold on Main. Off to The Dream this evening to hear Alex Cuba, along with your Summerland compatriots, Josinta and Aarturos. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Climate Change!
 

Clover!

Thanks Patrick!!...nice to see all those friendly faces! I wondered what had happened to all the pictures and reports of the hikes I didn't realize that you were still recovering from your shoulder surgery I take it that you are well on your way to being back with the Old Farts I too had another sabbatical from the hiking group At the end of April ..I succumbed to another leg injury that resulted in 2 rounds of 2 different antibiotics...it was simply a nasty puncture wound via a dry pruned juniper branch It went into my leg after stepping into it in the wrong position as I had bent down to pull a weed...leaving an open gap about 1 X1 cm wide...I was concerned at how quickly it changed color with swelling so was at the Dr.'s within 24 hrs When it finally scabbed ....it did not fall off for at least 5-6 weeks... 

I was in Quebec visiting my daughter , granddaughters ,...sister and nephews from June 4th -26th...then my California daughter with her two came to Summerland for 10 days and within the week...I started driving to Santa Barbara and was there until Aug.8 Was home maybe 6 weeks before I returned to Santa Barbara once more and have been here since....so since end of Sept.
It's a good thing I am free to accommodate her to help out with the grandkids
Now that explains my choice of remaining single😂😂
 

Adelle(my daughter in Ca) started back to Santa Barbara College last January ...first semester Went til May 15th ..then she took 3 weeks to do the Phlebotomy course in Oxnard in July..and now is Doing her second semester ...
She will then be able to apply for the nursing program next May after her microbiology courses Are complete She is eventually wanting to get her BSN after her RN's She is getting straight A's and getting excellent reports from her profs Being a single parent is no picnic as she is finding out ...but she couldn't come to terms of Being Married to someone she couldn't trust...Having a good career is her ticket to a more secure future 

Scheherazade and Sultan Shahryar, 1880

Art: Ferdinand Keller

So your daughter Chloe is having a baby??... That's really exciting for you and Corinne😄 Sounds like that will be happening soon👍 That's going to change your world considerably as from what I gather she is a single mom and
Probably counting on a lot of your support...How fun!! Anyway must get on with the day I have been going to the gym faithfully for the last 5 weeks...trying to make up for all the lost time in the spring and summer..Today is my 2nd go at yoga...they offer different levels and types of routines at the gym Hopefully today's is more up to my speed I used to be quite capable 10 years ago when I was that much younger...Hiking,...walking, aquasize ,the elliptical,...treadmill and rowing machine just does not cut it Much work to be done to keep this aging body in shape I really have problems with my knees when it comes to knee bends ...so will see if I can avoid Surgery or stem cells down the road
 

Rupestral engravings in Twyfelfontein, Namibia

Photo: Willem van de Kerkhof

All the best to you and your family and Thank You for the Jacquie Lawson Cards and the Breakfast photos..As Always,...Elle🙏🤗 Hi Jet-Setter!

You do get around! Bravo!! Never a dull moment it seems. However, very sorry to hear about your more than nasty leg wound. In your own yard, no less, as opposed to an accident while hiking which would seem more likely, given often steep terrain. One of main reasons I have not been hiking since shoulder operation although now I'm planning to start up again. Anyway, pleased to hear you are back doing yoga and that your Santa Barbara daughter is doing well with her studies. Not easy I'm sure. Chloë will certainly be finding out about "no picnic" aspect of being a single parent, although, as you say, we are close enough to be as supportive as possible.

Shoehorn by Robert Mindum, 1600

Photo: Legviiii/Wikimedia

Will be at The Dream Friday evening to hear Alex Cuba, with Josinta and Aarturos. Then more 50/50 ticket selling on Saturday, for me, with Chloë's baby shower on Sunday. Whew! If it's Tuesday it must be Santa Barbara! Fondestos from Lady Dar. Stay well. Cheers and Arrivederci, Patrizzio!

Thank you for sharing the pictures from a breakfast we had to miss. Nice to see all these happy familiar faces. Cheers, Jos Hello Summerlanders! Glad you enjoyed the snapolas. Wonderful gathering so too, too bad you were away. Anyway, wondering if you two would like to come to our place for a drink before we head to Dream to hear Alex Cuba. We usually plan to arrive around there by 6:45 pm, to have a bite to eat before start of show at 8:00 pm, so if you will come to The Burns Street Bistro, anytime around 5:30 pm, or so. Let us know and we'll plan accordingly. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Happy hiking. Cheers and Arrivederci, Patrizzio!

Hello hello from Summerland, Thank you Patrick and Corinne for the invite for drinks tomorrow at your place. We will be there around 5.30 pm, and look forward to see you all and listen to some good Cuban music. Is there anything we can bring? Cheers, Jos and Aart Hi again, Los Cubanos!Great that you can come before Alejandro. Just your friendly, warm selves is all that The Burns Street Bistro requires. Fondestos from Lady Dar, talking to a couple, from Alberta, whom she will marry at Meyer Family Vineyards next September, to you both. Once she's finished we'll watch another recorded episode, [KCTS 9], of Vera. Terrific plots and wonderfully acted, plus not overly violent for a crime series, in case this is an issue for some. In its tenth season so plenty to watch if you are interested. See you domani. Cheers, Patrizzio!

WE'RE BACK: The Kincade Fire has been in the national news for most of the week as it threatened much of Sonoma County. We are back at the winery safe and sound and with power. Our hearts go out to those who are not so lucky and were severely impacted by this fire. We are profoundly grateful for all of your thoughts, prayers and kind words during this crisis. All of our staff are safe as well, though they were scattered around the state due to the evacuations and it still may be a day or two before they get completely settled in their homes.

Evacuation warnings and orders for most of Sonoma County have been lifted and power has been restored. We are re-opening our tasting room on the weekend and will be back to our regular hours henceforth, barring any further issues - fingers crossed! Our internet and phone lines have now also been restored.

We will be resuming all regular winemaking activities today and will begin to pack up our wine club shipments also today, finishing up as soon as we can! We expect to be able to get a FedEx pick up on either Tuesday or Wednesday, November 5 or 6, for all shipments that were originally scheduled for this past Monday October 28. Also this coming week of November 4th, we will plan to send all Futures shipments requested for the weeks of October 28 and November 4, with FedEx tracking notifications to follow.

For those Dave’s Wine Club members who had previously requested a delay until the week of November 4 and beyond, we are planning to stick to that schedule. If we are unable to complete all shipments scheduled for next week, we will be in touch on a case by case basis.

If you have attempted to contact us by email or phone in the past week, we have tried our best to respond using internet at our various displacement locations. If you have made a specific request and have not received a reply from us, please write to Pat prior to November 4th. Please do no write or call if we’ve already replied as we are still trying to make our way through hundreds of emails which we have received since we lost our power a week ago. It has been a trying time and

difficult time for us, our staff, family and friends as well as millions of people who live in Northern California were affected by these high wind events and wildfires. We’ve appreciated the outpouring of best wishes and notes of concern. We very much appreciate your understanding and patience through this very stressful and disruptive time. In the meantime, open a bottle of Sonoma County wine and continue to show support for our local, family owned businesses.  Pat and Dave Glad everyone is safe. Thanks for this. Take care Glasgow