When on the Connector the highway was almost bare. Wondered what the Coquihalla had in store for us? I situated myself
at the very back, spread across three seats, next to the
Lavatorio/Washroom/Toilette, take
your pick! Mr Fritter/Nicotine Fiend just used facility. Must admit, I
didn't really wish to strike up a conversation with him as I think I
might have been barnaclized. I already know, as does the waitress in the
Cherry Pit, and both bus drivers, (Changed
buses in WK), and numerous other fellow passengers, that he is en route
to see his
amore in Victoria, telling her, very loudly, into his cell that her loves her very much. I wonder if she is a smoker as well.
An
hour or so ago, when making our way though the deep cuts to the top of
the Connector the snow clad trees were picture perfect. Sky is almost
completely cloudless, a piercing blue. Needed my sunnies even though
sun is not slanting in. Speeding along Coke now and right lane on both
sides, is bare, while left lanes have, from what I can tell, a thin hard
pack of snow. Overcast at the moment so much better for typing as scree
was hard to see in sunshine streaming in through the window. Driver is
rock and rollin' so I assume we will be on schedule unless conditions
deteriorate!
After
Ragin' collected me we made a brief stop at Coastal Ford, just around
the corner to see my friend, Steve Cobbin, one of the Service Managers
there. Steve shares an interest in wine and I wanted
to ask him if jhe wanted me to put together a case for him and bring it
down when Lady Dar and I will be back in the city again, for her
Library School class reunion, mid-May. He was very keen as he really
likes selection I had chosen last Fall.
On to MEC next to inquire about my Garmin odometre. Bought it in 2012,
in York, actually, and I think the battery is failing as it no longer
seems to hold a charge for long, even when fully charged according to
read-out. Anyway, my particular model has been
discontinued and replaced by a small unit for around $180, while next
step up is around $400. Not sure what I will do. Apparently, I can send
unit in to Garmin and an estimate will be provided. I think it'll
probably cost almost as much as buying the lower
end model!
Just
back from a short walk with Branko and Rebekah's dog, Juno. Rebekah,
(Ragin's' eldest daughter), left her with Branko yesterday as she is
working at a camp,
for the next three weeks, in northern Alberta. She is some sort of
medical officer and seems to work three weeks on, three weeks off.
Walked about four blocks or so, down to see if Mike Carter was home. He
wasn't. I'm going to the Sevens with him this weekend.
Back at the house for a few moments while Branko looked in on his Dad
and then we headed out to the Parthenon for appetizers and such, both
for our dinner at Branko's place, as well as for tomorrow night's bridge
pot-luck. Originally we were having two tables but through a series of
events, {Will fill you in on details on Monday!}, it has dwindled to
one. Still, it will be fun to see The Penguin, (aka Janet Scott, [She is
hosting at her place on Broadway and Maple.], and Fast Eddy McCorkle,
both friends from squash playing days. Not sure if I like the selection
at the Parthenon as much as at Minerva's, down a few blocks west and
across Broadway. However, Ragin' seems to shop at former and I hadn't
been there, literally since place first burned down, (I think it has
happened three times or more!), way, way back in the early '80's I
think, so I was curious to return. Must say that there is a fabulous
deli, not that far from our place, on Main Street, that Lady Dar first
discovered and it is certainly as good or even better, in terms of meat
and cheese offerings, as well as other specialty items, as some of the
places here in Vancouver.
Then on to Cheap Frills at 4th and
Dunbar, for some salad fixings and then back to Branko's place, 12th and
Stephens. While he readied dinner, (wonderful chicken breasts in
chopped sweet peppers over some sort of mixed grain rice), I digitated,
aided by a pre-dinner libation of Shelter Point, (Vancouver Island
distillery), Malt, 62.5%, one of the bottles I received before Christmas
from the malt offering that I was part of with friend, Jugos Dom
Pedro, the Naramatian, through the South Okanagan Whiskey Tasting
Society. When Ragin' had finished with his dinner prep I made a mixed
green salad and then we chatted, over a tad more malt, while his dishes were bubbling away.
Opened
the 2014 Township 7 Merlot, 13.5%, that we first tried last Saturday,
while we enjoyed the extremely tasty chicken concoction and I got caught up on
Branko's
life. Very complicated family dynamics with his aged, ailing, dementia
afflicted father, further compounded with a nasty legal issue brought
against Branko by his youngest son, Michael, having to do with the
father's estate. Too intricate to describe right now but suffice it to
say that this legal dispute is literally paralyzing Branko and adding,
immeasurably, to his already compromised health, ongoing heart and
significant arthritis related issues.
Since I've come to know him
better, over the years, it is very obvious that he has always had
difficulty adjusting to change and that tendency is, in my opinion, now
miring him in a slough of despond and inaction. A couple of obvious
examples: There is a large pile of stuff in the back yard, everything
from damaged furniture, to discarded wooden palettes to numerous, small
appliances, to a a broken lawn mower. I think it has been there for
years and yet Branko makes no effort to get rid of it. He talks about
doing it but, in the end, takes no action. I offered to help him, while
here, over the next day or so, to load it onto Rebekah's pick-up, (She
left it with him while she is away.), but he claimed he didn't have the
time! The sheer magnitude of clearing out all the junk that his pack-rat
father has accumulated over the years simply overwhelms him so he
buries his head in the sand and avoids the issue.
I am reluctant
to psychologize but it seems to me that his tendency towards depression
prevents him from making a start, no matter how small, [I suggested we
take many of the small appliances to the recycling depot, off Terminal
Avenue, as a way to begin process but he resisted even that. Would only
cost a bit of time and effort but he seems to think that since he
doesn't have the money to hire somebody to remove everything at one
time, he can't do anything himself.], that would allow him to begin to
take more control over his life and a situation that is not a happy one.
The only time I see joy and enjoyment in him is when he is walking
Juno, or talking about her. The rest of the time he speaks quite angrily
about his Dad, his caregivers, his son Michael, of course. Much of this
anger is probably well placed but it is not changing the situation and
certainly taking a heavy toll on him.
Unfortunately, the other
three children are not particularly supportive. The elder son, Robbie,
actually lives in the house and could certainly help Branko with rubbish
removal, at the very least. for my part I simply cannnot understand why
he doesn't take some initiative in this regard. At any rate, I feel so
badly for Branko it almost makes me weep. By his own admission, he is
certainly not enjoying his retirement and that is a shame, overall, but particularly
from the point of view of where he lives and the value of the property,
(4.5 million), once sold. Somehow, he is all tangled up in the mix
between his dad and Michaelo and cannot bring himself to make any
meaningful decisions about his future.
Hello Duhlink! Trust you are enjoying the fire and felines! Just read a message
from Janet and the water in her building will be shut off from 8:00 am -
6:00 pm on Thursday so I guess we'll have to use empty wine bottles! Will say goodbye for now as Lisa is calling. Fondestos and Love, Patrizzio! Pics: Early morning shots! I somehow recorded a short clip!
Hi Pat FYI I have sent this from my Telus account
and would ask that you update you info for me. I don't know why my
iCloud account pops up every now and then. FYI. We are having our hot water tank replaced and so of course Thursday they are working on that and I won't
have water from 8 to 6. So maybe let everyone know( in only the way you
can do it) to ensure they come with empty bladders
and clean hands! I will try to remember to fill a bucket of water
in the morning though. They fingers crossed the water turns back on as
planned. Cheers J
Hello Water-Less Penguin! How will you survive? Any snowbanks left for you to frolic in? Thank goodness we can drink wine! Guess Ragin' Bull will have to bring his own bucket! Early start to the day for me. Have noted change
in your email address. Will probably give you a shout this evening. Buona Fortuna with water woes! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hello Bridge Fanatics! Trust everyone is well. This just in from The Penguin!!! (See above!) This being the case, I suggest we all arrive with clean bladders and empty hands so that we can drink all of The Penguin's hootch and then use the empty bottles to save our vital bodily fluids, just like Howard Hughes, lo these many years ago, when he stayed at the Bayshore, he and his Kleenex and fingernails and bible toting, white-shirted, Morman Yes-Men! Cheers, Patrizzio!
Lost WiFi half an hour ago, (so used Word for a bit), as we were over summit and descending through avalanche
territory! [With any luck will be back on-line closer to Hope, I hope!]
Then we needs must see what Fraser Valley has in store for us. Snowing
heavily here as we plummet! Glad I’m not driving but wouldn’t mind a
seat-belt. Thoughts of that poor truck driver, Goody, from PEI who
survived two days, pinned upside down, against the steering wheel, in
the cab of his truck, for two days, before being found and rescued.
Initially he was reported to have only suffered two broken legs but
terribly sadly, died in hospital, presumably from severe internal
injuries.
At any rate, I won’t have to go on the bobsled at
Whistler as I feel like Eddie The Eagle, competing at the Calgary
Olympics, flying down the slope of the Coquihalla like it was the ski
jump! From my perch at the rear, I can see the driver’s face in the
mirror, above and to the right of his head, and he seems not at all
concerned about the road conditions, happily chewing gum and reading a
book! Why worry as it is The Marco Element, the fourth in Adler-Olsen’s
Department Q series, so what better way to have an accident than that!
Just looked out the window and snow has been replaced by rain. Still
very misty. Back online now. Pics: Snow and mist!
Hi Patrizzio, I was just going to write you to confirm our appt. when the Burnaby Hospital called with an appt. for tomorrow at 10am! I think we’re just going to have to postpone our visit with you until the next time you’re in or we’re out there. I have been continuing to have all kinds of tests a couple times a week as they try and figure out what’s attacking my body.
Tomorrow it’s a visit to an oncology specialist. Sure it sounds much worse, but we have an entire team Pitchford working on my case. Where’s “House” when you need him. I will keep you posted and let you know what happens. The good news is that all the doctors and specialists are in agreement that whatever it is that it is treatable and possibly curable. Really apologize for the late notice. Charlie
[Oh dear. thanks for sharing (hope that Charlie was OK with that). I'll be sending healthy thoughts his way. J Hi again, Janet! I wouldn't have done so had I not known how close he and O Susannah feel about you, and did, about Gladys. Bridge and travel and more. Anyway, I feel so badly for Charlie as he's such a great, great guy and really deserves to enjoy the life they've mde for themselves. Chat soon. Cheers, Il Conduttore!] I sure hope he is OK. When you had told me that he and Suzanne were not able to come, I was hoping it was because they were off travelling somewhere. It is always scary when you don't know what is wrong so I hope he gets a diagnosis very soon and a treatment plan, whatever that may be. J
Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Champagne! Very
sorry indeed to hear we probably won't be able to have a visit, (Please
FedEx bridge prizes to Sarge's!), but am more concerned that you are
able to get to the bottom of this. Buona Fortuna.
Back online just as we were coming into Chilliwack. Stepped outside for some fresh air and a stretch. Caught the Nicotine Fiend just after he shot up and stubbed out! On his way back to the bus he stopped to say that he was going to phone his girl friend from the ferry to get ready! Get ready for what, I ask you? Breath that makes coal tar smell like Chanel #5! Anyway, wish him well.
Cruising along highway towards Abbotsford so unless we run into particularly heavy traffic, I think we should be right on time. Sun is back brillianting the meadows alongside the turnpike so I need my sunnies again. Just in
and out of Langley and still blazing along. Let me know how things go if you have a moment. Fondestos to my Darling O Susannah. Take care of yourself, Champagne! Onward! Fight!! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Each stage of the stagecoach journey!
Hi Bud! Thanks for your concerns and understanding.
BTW, the way you experience and share your journeys is truly interesting
and unique. We need more “travellers” in the world like you and Lady
Dar vs. tourists. Be in touch! Charlie P.S. Someone broke into our house
the other day. Interestingly enough all they took were the bridge
prizes. My emails must be monitored at a higher level. Sorry. Hello Bridge Prize Conspiracy Theorist! Just onto First Avenue just minutes
ago. Guess I'll have to drop by with Ragin' and drink some of your Bailey's to make up for lack of bridge prizes ! Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hello Baldrick and The Sadistic Surveyor! Trust you are both well. I must apologize for not replying sooner to your Christmas and New Year's wishes! No excuses but plenty of reasons. Disappointed, of course, that you are not part of the malt consortium but understand completely, if disagreeing indubitably! I am, as I scribe, en route to Vancouver, and take it we three will meet again, (along with other, mutual friends and fans), I trust, a the Sevens on Saturday! Unfortunately, you two will not be invited to the private tasting of my Shelter Point Malt, at Il Palazzo di Carter, since you elected not to join the elite Consortium Coduttorium! No never mind, I've brought along cases of Coffaro for last triip south! Can you hear me? Fondestos to you both. Take care of yourselves. Look forward to catching up. Cheers, Il Conduttore!
Hello Pat, Great to hear you are down for the rugby again. I will be at the Sunday games but not Saturday so am hoping you will be attending both days and we will be able to meet. I should have joined the consortium and then we could have met earlier!! Am playing golf tomorrow with Mike and Andrew (if the weather is agreeable) and I will find out from Mike what your schedule is for the weekend.
From the length of your dissertation you had guite a bit of time to fill in on the bus - and you did not sample the Shelter Point Malt on route - probably not legal on the bus!! Hope this finds you still awake and hope also that we can meet some time during your visit. Cheers, Ricardo
Greetings Conductore, Welcome back to Shangri-la! I look forward to catching up with your continued news and a hip-flask sampling at the rugby this w/e! Cheers! Baldrick
Most honourable arrivee. I am back online now and will attend at the bus station at 1:30 unless otherwise advised. Hi Ragoon! (A nod to my Mother!) Just
over Port Mann, ((A nod to your Father!), so should be right on time!
In and out of Coquitlam. Cheers, Your Most Royal Arriviste! (A nod to
Lady Dar!) Meow, (A nod to Juno!)
Thanks Patrick for such a nice travel diary, I almost felt like being just next seat to you :-) How long is a trip? If you drive by yourself it wouldn't take longer than 4 hours, would it? Unfortunately we won't create a Groźny Zespół because Phil opted out. I will try to convince him tonight, but given he was originally planning to go wit Gill, and decided not to, my chances are rather slim.
Szczęśliwej drogi (drive safe) :-) Cheers Mike
Hi Michaelo! Glad you enjoyed the travelogue. Just over Port Mann so should be right
on time! In and out of Coquitlam, just minutes ago. Overall trip is
about seven hours. Highway time is fabulous but all the intervening
stops eat up the clock. Lady Dar require car. I don't mind as with WiFi,
I have plenty to do, as well as reading and napping. Don't have to
worry about parking in Vancouver, either. Let my friends be the Uber
drivers! I do hope Phllipo will play. I have no idea why he is so reluctant, particularly when he is such an accomplished player! Cheers, Patrizzio!
Etta peed on the bed tonight. She does not seem to want to use the box. Just saw Duke using it. I'm not happy with the wet bed.
