Light Dusting and Miss Etta Sings the Upset Tummy Blues; Monday, December 2nd!

The question is whether or not you choose to disturb the world around you, or if you choose to let it go on as if you had never arrived. -Ann Patchett, writer (b. 2 Dec 1963)

Thank you thank you thank you! I had a lovely holiday with my family in Philadelphia- flying back today with my puppy in tow - she has become quite the good traveler! And looks just like the first pup in your sweet card! CONGRATS on your new grand baby!!! Much love from south of the border...and longing to return! xoxo, Jane Hi Never-Never! Pleased you enjoyed the card and that, more importantly, you enjoyed a wonderful family Thanksgiving, in spite of dreadful weather. Your new pup sounds like a seasoned traveler already. Here are a few more snaps of The Boxer, [He looks like a tiny pugilist when wearing the mittens Ayn sent!], aka as Rowan James, taken over last few days at Winnipeg Street! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Need to run a few errands myself today and then will pop over to Winnipeg to see how The Sisterhood are managing and find out if they need anything.

Hi O Susannah and Lady Di! I just talked to Judy Blue and Lynda cannot play this evening so with only three of us we can't play. I asked Chloë if Rowan could come over but she said it would be past his bedtime! Thanks anyway and I'll send out another message about next week. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Knitting Needles Woman! Yes, I'm a tad disappointed about bridge but nevertheless, I'll be home until about 10:10 am when I have a doctor's appointment, annual physical. I'll be home in the eraly afternoon after I pop in to see Rowan and Co! Let me know which times work best and will look forward to seeing you then. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! How about 2:30ish or 3? OK if later is better 4 u Susan Hi Mitten Woman! I plan/hope to be home by 1:00 pm so anytime, that suits you, after that. See you domani! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Patrick, I think Gerry said it all in his reply but I must add that he is a beautiful baby. We were so excited that we got to see Rowan and Chloe plus you and Corinne of course. Thanks so much for the FaceTime call. We look forward to meeting Rowan in person. Cheers, Dawn

Hello The Sisterhood and Independently Wealthy, Croesus Rich Terrace branch of the family! Just back from The Sherbrook Baths in Winnipeg where Rowan James was given a bath, [not total immersion but rather a good all over scrub with a cloth.], by The Sisterhood while I looked on. He really didn't fuss at all so a lovely experience for one and all. Must away to bed as I'm tired but probably not as exhausted as the 24 hour caregivers! Love and Cheers, Dad/Patrizzio! Pics: First bath for Baby Hippo, before, during and after; and sad cats! Hi St Hilary! You should fly up with Ayn, next week, and after you meet Rowan James, you and I can go wine-tasting! Cheers, Patrizzio! AWWWW! I would LOVE to!  Sigh. I definitely need to plan another visit VERY soon. Give that adorable grandson of yours a big smooch from me...and I hope to see you all soon! xo J.

Hi pat: Was away in midway last week……..it’s ok, the woods were cccccccold but silent! Ps. nice sideways video………..needs a bit of work? Chris Hello Deer Hunter and Media Critic! Thanks for best wishes and congratulations even if you don't appreciate my avant garde filmic techniques! Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! Beauty, Now, what am I missing? I thought Chloe lives in penticton? Not vinterpeg ck 

Vinterpeg! You haff relatifs in de old country, maybe? You may be able to hit a moose at 1000 yards but you obviously can't read the fine print on my messages! Chloë moved from Sendero Canyon to Winnipeg Street, about five blocks from us, so she is far, far better situated because she is now withing easy walking distance, not only of us, but also of most of the services she might need.

It was quite a lovely coincidence, in terms of the name, as both sides of our respective families are from Winnipeg, although Chloë is only one not born in Manitoba. We took the bus to St Paul's as back in 1976 we didn't own a car. Corinne was born in Dauphin while St Boniface was my place of birth. My Mom had gone to Nursing School at the hospital, of the same name, there and worked in the Outpatients Department once she graduated. She stayed for a couple of years until she applied for another job, in Favourable Lake, a fly-in mine-site there and met my Dad. The rest is history as is often said! My first house was a log cabin! You should have been around as you could almost hunt from your back porch, I have been told. Trust the backstory helps. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Proving yet again why I should not text or use emoticons……….. Smiley faces be damned All clear, I knew she lived up the road, yet you threw me with the ‘Sherbrooke pool’ mention Talk soon grampa Xoxo Chris Hello Perth! Thanks for best wishes and congratulations on Rowan James. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Anna Maria Tremonte! Thanks again for all your good wishes. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Deep Water Walking and the Lakegull Blues: Sunday, December 1st!

Michelangelo was put out to nurse by Lodovico in that village with the wife of a stonecutter: wherefore the same Michelangelo, discoursing once with Vasari, said to him jestingly, ‘Giorgio, if I have anything of the good in my brain, it has come from my being born in the pure air of your country of Arezzo, even as I also sucked in with my nurse’s milk the chisels and hammer with which I make my figures.'

Giorgio Vasari, Lives of the most eminent painters, sculptors and architects

Hi Rowan James' Feeding Crew, et al! Here are last night's photo ops! Must away as I'm off to the pool! Love and Cheers, Winnipeg Street Dishwasher!

Pics: Sweet Baby James sings the Blues! Lonesome cats!

Illustration: Leah Palmer Preiss

When I checked to see what time the pool opened, I was delighted to see that it was at 8:30 pm. I arrived there a few minutes after that time to find that that pool was completely empty and I assumed cars in parking lot belonged to people using the gym until I reached desk and lady on duty informed me that pool didn't open until 10:00 am! Didn't realize time I found referred to facility and gym, in particular. Anyway, I then hied myself to Winnipeg Street to see how Rowan was managing with his handlers. They'd had a very good night although when I arrived he was fussing about his breakfast feeding. Chloë wanted another foot stool to rest her foot on when feeding so I returned to Burns to pick up one she wanted. On way back I stopped on Lakeshore to feed the Lakegulls. A week ago, or so, Lady Dar had brought back to bags of bread ends, from Soupateria, that would otherwise have been thrown away. Not a gull in sight where I parked but as soon as I threw the first piece of bread into the air one gull swooped to collect it. 
 

Illustration: Leah Palmer Preiss

Soon the air was filled with hundreds, seemingly, of shrieking, diving, arguing gulls and I enjoyed watching the remarkable mêlée. Then back to Winnipeg to deliver the stool and find Rowan James sleeping peacefully by this time.

Had a grand time at the pool. Bumped into Grizzy Guillermo as he usually swims on Sunday mornings. I had decided to do 90 minutes of deep-water walking first. Started out with a steam and then a hot-tub session before hitting the pool. Quite enjoyed being back in the water and my shoulder felt wonderful so I think I'm making progress with all the stretching, etc., I'm doing. Another session in the steam room and hot tub before returning to the Slow Lane to swim a quarter of a mile, [16 widths, 8 sidestroke, 8 backstroke], and then one last session in the steam room and hot tub.
 

Illustration: Leah Palmer Preiss

Once I'd showered and changed I made for Chloë's place and found The Little Chap sleeping in the bassinet, downstairs, having been fed an hour or so ago. Lady Dar left me in charge of Rowan while she ran a few more shopping errands for Chloë. She wanted to have a shower so after I did the dishes I watched an episode of Longmire and was just about to start another when Lady Dar returned. SInce it was now Feeding Time at the Zoo, I headed home to do a few household chores as well as the three sets of shouldares specifically geared to relax my pectorals, ones I'm supposed to do after riding and similar such exercises. Had just started a fire when Duke went into the bedroom with a poor Chickadee, in his mouth. When I barked at him he dropped the corpse and since I still had fire gloves on I took the tiny body outside to dispose of it before he had a chance to spread feathers, and such, all over the house, something both he and Etta have done in the past!
 
Must away to finish my shouldares and then return to Winnipeg, for dinner. Will take a broom so that I can sweep sidewalks around Chloë's place. Did the same at our place once I was first back this afternoon. Not sure it will help as I think it will keep snowing, even if lightly, all night!

When I returned to Winnipeg Street I did sweep sidewalks around Chloë's place. Had done the same at our place once I was first back this afternoon. Started snowing just as I reached the Community Centre, second time! The Sisterhood ate salmon burgers and roasted broccoli while I finished up overlefts of two green salads, topped off with Feta and a sliced sausage. While The Sisterhood were feeding and changing Rowan James I watched almost two episodes of Criminal: UK. Taking place exclusively within the confines of a police interview suite, police officers and suspects engage in intense mental conflict as they both wrangle for the psychological upper hand

Finished the third, [Plan to watch three other series set in France, Germany and Spain.], when they brought him downstairs to sleep in his bassinet and catch up on paperwork which Public Helath Nurse has asked them to keep so that his well-being can be tracked. I'm sure this is all well and good but I wonder how our other children survived as none of this was done when they arrived home from hospital! 

Around 10:30 pm, after putting away dishes I'd done earlier, I kissed The Babes and The Babe goodnight and made my way home. After starting a fire I repaired to the Rumpus Room to watch Longmire. I knew Duke had been missing "lap" time with Lady Dar away, so Isat in one of the large armchairs, my feet on the coffee table and an afghan on my legs. When he came in, from outside, he had a bite to eat and then settled on me. Before I knew it I had watched three episodes and it was 2:20 am! Fire had long gone out and I was pleased I'd already brushed and flossed so was in bed as soon as I'd turned out all the lights, Dear Reader!

Hi Patrice, Some how this last email (pre-birth) went undetected so sorry for the lag. Hope all goes well with you and the enhanced family!. Colleen, Clover and I are having a couple nights in the Valley and spending our time putting up some decorations etc. as we will not be back up until Boxing day. I don't know if we told you that we are going to Mazatlan with Gerry, Sue and the kids from Dec 11th to 18th. I had said to Colleen that I would really like to have come up for your Christmas due not realizing it was on the 14th. 
 

Alas we will have to get up in the New year to visit as I need to finish a few outstanding jobs before Christmas and then the vacation pretty much takes us right through to then. Of course mentioning jobs for others strums a guilt chord as i know you are still waiting for your wood rack and I have not forgotten! It is a balmy -12 here but the sun is coming out and looks to be another beautiful day! Give our love to the family and ttys. Cheers, Al pics. of the power up bench in progress and a fireplace cover for someones out door fireplace. 

Hi Guilt Ridden, Shiny Stainless Steel Man! Your latest projects look fab, even if they come at my expense! Hee Hee! Wonderful to have seen mock-ups for power-up bench and then see the the bench after you turned into reality! Am pleased to hear that you will be enjoying Mexico with Sue and Heraldo and lads. As it turns out, Lady Dar has changed the date for our Open House Bash to January 1st so perhaps you can celebrate New Year's Eve here, install the wood rack and then attend the party as well! [I know you usually have a big splash at Sunshine Valley.] Anyway, Ayn will be flying up on December 12th and Corinne wanted to have uninterrupted time with her as she is only in town for the weekend and we won't be travelling to LA for Christmas this year. 
 

Also she felt it was a bit too soon to have Rowan exposed to many people who might not have had certain shots, particularly the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, (DTaP), vaccine. Fondestos to you and Marilyn. Please send our love and best wishes to Sue. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Is there bridge this week ??? Susan Not to my knowledge Judy Blue Love the pic of corinne and rj I can ask Lynda if she wants to play I have other plans this Monday so count me out, gramps patrizzio! Jp Count me in Susan Great pictures Patrick, and what a wonderful boy! I a still fighting a cold and will not be playing tomorrow. Have fun everybody. Jos. Sorry, I can't make it. But am getting better. Enjoy your beautiful grandson and the cards Cheers, Olly

Cuba Michaelao!

Hi Restless Bidders! Rowan James and I apologize for not sending out an email earlier. I'm happy to host tomorrow, Monday, December 2nd. If I recall, at the end of last week's ferocious match play, Theresa, O Susannah, Lady Di and I were on. I believe the Summerlanders were planning to play but one knows how unreliable those north of Penticton's city limits are! Olga Polga and Josinta, please let me know if you are both planning to play. Judy Blue, do you think Lynda would like to join gang? There would then be seven and Dummy Moves. Once I hear back from one and all, I'll let everyone know what evening looks like. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Pic: Rowan James started playing Fish on Tuesday, shortly after he was born. He soon graduated to bridge and yesterday he bid 2 No Trump and his partner, Lady Dar, passed! Fortunately, O Susannah doubled, much to Lady Di's dismay, and he made 7 No Trump! Since they vulnerable, he racked up 1,750 points: 420 for for doubled game; 800 for four overtricks; 500 for vulnerable game and 50 for insult! Well played, little chap! Hi Diane and Theresa! Are you both on for bridge Monday evening. Please let me know one way or another. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Patrick. I am on for bridge. Cheers. Dianne Patrizzio: I am not sure I will be make it tomorrow. The forecast is of more snow and I am not comfortable driving on wet and icy roads at night. Sorry, my friend, I hope you have enough for a table. Theresa

 

Doris Day!

Greetings from a cold damp Vancouver. We had a really fun evening last night at Wayne and Michele’s - you were both sorely missed along with Chloe and Rowan naturally. Hope mother and son are doing well. I will await Patrick’s regular updates of their progress plus no doubt numerous family photos.

Renovation continues and I am always covered in sawdust. The chop saw in the middle of the living room so adds to the ambiance of the apartment. I leave on Saturday & Andre next Monday. Lots to do beforehand & it is then London, Brussels, London and finally Barbados for me. Looking forward to living in one place for a month, being in hotel style luxury along with finally finding time to catch up with my reading.

Take care my friends. You now have additional responsibilities being grandparents once again. Have a wonderful festive season 🥂 and look forward to seeing you again in the spring of 2020 along with meeting Rowan James for the first time. Much love 💕 to you all, Rosemary XXX

 

Photo: Bernard Tey

Hi Chop Saw and Sawdust Woman! Pleased to hear you enjoyed an evening with Flamin' and Sarge. Michele will be here this Thursday, for the weekend, and she may well join us for my birthday dinner, that night, at Sushi Heaven, although my actual birthday is next day. Saturday, Lady Dar and I will be at The Dream Café to hear Big Hanks's Tribute to the Blues Songs of Christmas. I'm selling 50/50 tickets so we'll only need one ticket. Looking forward to hearing this Christmas music, as opposed to that playing in malls now. Thanks for all your good wishes. Fondestos to you both. Travel safely. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!

If God exists, I hope he has a good excuse. -Woody Allen, author, actor, and filmmaker (b. 1 Dec 1935)

Lady Dar's First Walk from Winnipeg Blues: Saturday, November 30th!

 



Wondering how baby and chloe are doing? Home yet? I just spent morning at walk in clinic (Bladder infection) Bennie on top of ladder watching downhill skiing I am off to the shoreline shortly Love to all Judy Xo Hi Judy Blue/Benny and The Jets! When does Benny enter his first ski competition? That rascal!!! Sorry to hear about your bladder infection. Chloë has been similarly uncomfortable, for other reasons, obviously, [pain killers, in the main], over last few days but her "pipes" seemed to be returning to "normal" yesterday afternoon so she was more than pleased, as you can well imagine.

Until Rowan James and Chloë fall into a routine Lady Dar will be staying with her. She walked in the door, [Emily, Chloë's doula, was there for a couple of hours after LD left], close to 10:00 am and showered/changed and packed up some more clothes before I drove her to IGA for a G & M. Then back to Chloë's place. Chloë had been alone for an hour or so but all well on the new mother new baby front. Before I left Lady Dar and I moved a swinging bassinet from her bedroom downstairs to the living room. She uses a smaller, flat crib, [actually an "insert" for bassinet.], on her bed, during the night and wanted to have Rowan up off the floor when in kitchen, etc. Must away to do my shouldares. Hello to the warden and inmates at The Shoreline! Stay well. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Mother, gran, and RJ all look wonderful. It is quite brave of Chloe, though I am not 100% sure of her age 😉 It must feel quite special to be grandparents again after what 20 years? Short email today as I have much organizing to do in the Vail house before leaving on Monday. Kisses to the new mother and baby for me please.  Hope to visit one of these days! P.S. I go to San Diego / LA a few times these days.  Let me know when y'all go see Ayn! XOXO

Patrizzio .........Thanks to all of you for taking the time to share your most excellent news. Rowan is a beautiful baby and Chloe looks amazing especially after all she went through. Special times for you guys and we really appreciated being able to share a few minutes with all of you. Give James a hug from us.
Gerry

Hello Trailer Trash People! Thanks for the lovely thoughts and best wishes for both Rowan and Chloë. It was terrific to see you and chat and know all goes well. You both look wonderful so it must be life in a trailer park that is responsible! As you heard, Rowan James and his entourage, were discharged last Friday so action has now shifted to Winnipeg Street. Fondestos to you both. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Here are a few of the snapolas from last afternoon and then, last two, later that evening, at hospital; What Rowan James will look like in ten months! Hi again, Kids! Here are a few more snaps of The Boxer, taken over last couple days at Winnipeg Street! Cheers, Patrizzio!
 
Hello Fartos, This Monday we are going to enjoy the Peachland Look-Out under the capable leadership of our seasoned Chuck Fletcher! This will be a true Monday style hike. We will gather at the Summerland IGA parking lot at 9:00AM. Pentictonites will need to assemble at 8:40AM at the NE corner of Warren and Atkinson (see attached). Upon completion of this happy outing we will relax, socialize, hydrate, ponder on next week's outing at a venue of your choice, TBD! See you Monday, Aart Bard

Rowan James Makes the Move to Winnipeg Street: Friday, November 29th!

The natural power of breastfeeding is one of the greatest wonders of the world. It is about real love. It is about caring and celebrating the wondrous joy of nurturing a new life. It is about enjoying being a woman. Anwar Fazal

If I can do no more, let my name stand among those who are willing to bear ridicule and reproach for the truth's sake, and so earn some right to rejoice when the victory is won. -Louisa May Alcott, writer and reformist (29 Nov 1832-1888) 

Hi Grizzly Man! Please send along your gmail account, [as well as Rita's so Lady Dar can communicate directly], so that I can send larger files. Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Chris! If you have a personal email account I can send, if you'd like, larger files. Tried yesterday but message was not able to be delivered. Cheers, Patrizzio! Here is the link to the short video I took yesterday afternoon. Rowan James looks like a tiny pugilist with the mitts used to keep him from scratching himself with his fingernails.

I'm just a Patrizzio wannabe, til the end of November! Here is the email you can send to. Rita, since retiring has elected to piggyback upon our vip email account. Now for the 2 km morning mail trek. And two - count 'em - two - baby sitting gigs today. Bill Rocky II and More! I'll try to call you when I expect things will have settled down, at least a little. Then again, I'll be leaving for the Island on 27 December. Fondestos di ritorno, Kjell

Hello Famiglia Durston! I collected Rowan James and his entourage around 11:30 am this morning to take them home, to Chloë's place. I stayed there while Lady Dar went to do a host of errands, picking up things Chloë needed. While there I held RJ and helped Chloë whenever she needed assistance. [He's such a delightful little chap and now really doesn't fuss or cry except when being changed and is hungry. Then he can shriek with the best of them! In between changes and feedings he sleeps quite peacefully, either when being held or in his bassinet.] I also cooked up dinner, (ground turkey for burritos), when I was released from RJ duty! When Lady Dar returned I headed home to do two set of shouldares before I returned to Winnipeg. The Sisterhood had already eaten so I opened a bottle of wine and enjoyed the delish turkey while we watched Four Weddings and a Funeral. Although I we had seen it when it was released, around 1994, I believe, I was delighted to see it again as I had forgotten most of the wonderful dialogue, even if I knew the basic plot. 

Rowan James slept peacefully, cradled in his Grandmother's arms, for most of the film and when it was over it was determined that it was time for a diaper change, before feeding time at the Zoo. Since I was not needed for any of this activity, I repaired to the kitchen to put away the dishes I'd done earlier and then I headed everyone goodnight. Back home I replied to a few messages, [while sipping a 14 year old Tomintoul, a most pleasant Speyside which I think most would find rather appealing], and as soon as I sent them along, I hit the hay. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Rowan James moves into Winnipeg Street with his huge feet!!!

Hello Arthur's Pass People!  Thanks for congratulations and best wishes, especially from New Zealand! What a wonderful trip! We were first there, [With Clara/Dusty and Chloë], in 1992, after five weeks in Australia. However, we first explored South Island before crossing from Picton to Wellington. Pleased your weather has been terrific.

Not sure what our Winter travel plans will be until Rowan James and Chloë fall into a routine and she feels comfortable enough to be left alone. For next few weeks, Lady Dar will be staying with her. Ayn is flying up on December 12th, for the weekend. We will not be driving down to LA for Christmas this year but more likely later in the Spring. Again, will depend on all sorts of things related, in the main, to Rowan James. Travel safely. Stay well. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Rowan James on his last afternoon and evening at the hospital; Then, using his  huge feet, he moved into Winnipeg Street!!!

Spending Thanksgiving with Adrian in Vail, after apartment shopping in Denver tomorrow. Adrian starts his new job there Jan 1. All excited about the move!  Miranda is now a de-greed therapist. Still going through licensing requirements etc. I recently committed to working full time again as CFO of a fast growing mortgage lender. I am helping them expand to other states.  The owners love me and threw a lot of money at me. Since there are no worthy men in sight, I might as well LOL ...Trust you guys are doing well. XOXO Ruth Chang

Hi CFO Ruth! Congratulations to you, Ruth, on your new job! Hip Hip Hooray! Pleased to hear about Adrian's move/new job and Miranda's qualification as a therapist. All the best to both of them. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you, Adrian and Miranda. Travel safely over Thanksgiving weekend, especially given blizzard conditions. Stay well. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Dear Patrick and Corinne, Congratulations! You are Grandparents to your daughter Chloe’s firstborn son. Rowan James. You all must be pretty proud and the love shows on your faces. I am happy that the little guy’s birth went well and mother Chloe can indulge in giving her son her unconditional love.

I just got back from a trip to Wpg. to celebrate my Mothers 103^rd birthday. She still is in amazing good health and plans to stay a little while longer. The picture is of my brother Dan’s children and their children. For years my mom would bring her grandchildren here for a visit since they were five years old. Now they have their own children. I thought I would go early in November to beat the freezing cold. Well I hit a snow storm in Calgary, the flight was diverted to Edmonton there to endure more delays. After a fifteen hour flight I crawled into bed early Monday morning Sept. 11^th and managed to get a few hours sleep before the birthday party at the Inn at the Forks.

Today we are spending the day observing Tree Arborists trimming all the trees on our property. They are in the midst of hoisting themselves up to the tops of trees with their ropes. Amazing to watch. They are both from Winnipeg.

John is in the kitchen perfecting his pizza dough and sauce for our Friday night treat. John taped the history of Country Music and we are into our fifth night. The talent of these performers and their lives is extraordinary. How talented  was country music that they were able to express themselves with so much emotion. You certainly can’t find that emotional expression in rock and roll or in today’s music. Their stories were amazing and most of the performers started at very young ages. They were incredibly poor farm children growing up in the twenties and thirties perfecting their talent.

I have finally finished writing my book after ten years. Fifty-five thousand words and twenty-two chapters:  a God a Dog Searching for LOVE. It is a Fantasy. A philosophical, psychological story of an Olympian God who takes you through the extremes of love and chaos. The dialogue is of a God a Dog and his excursion into the collective mind of both. The God becomes a hero. Transformation saves his family from death. He travels through centuries searching for love in a new Godden Age. Guided by Socrates who says, Zeus, “The unexamined life is not worth living, you must know thy self.” In his search for love he is guided by the wisdom of Saint Leonard (Cohen) in the Tower of Song on his new Mount Olympus. It is narrated by Benson an immortal Dalmatian. It is a love story, romantic, sexual and erotic.

John is doing the second edit. We both have dialogue in the story. My niece’s husband has designed the book cover. My childhood friend Ilena will be doing the audio on the book. She is a professional singer and sang at my  mom’s 100^th birthday. Thank you for connecting dear old friends. Do send us updates on your life. Love, Jean and John

Hi Over The Salish Sea People! Congratulations to you, Jean, on your Mother's 103rd birthday! Hip Hip Hooray! Congratulations on your book, as well. Pleased that everything seems to be coming together with respect to publishing, with an audio version in the works as well. Multi-media! Wow! Cover looks terrific!

Thanks for congratulations and best wishes on Rowan James and to Chloë. It has really been quite a remarkable, remarkable pregnancy and safe birth, given the fact that it seemed, over a year ago, that it would not be possible for Chloë to conceive. And yet, Rowan James is now living proof of the exciting new life we have been fortunate enough to be blessed with. 

 

Both Corinne and I congratulate Chloë for her strength and perseverance over the course of her pregnancy, one which, due, primarily, to her age, was not always easy or without concern. Yet she always remained strong and ever optimistic and did what ever was required to ensure the health of her unborn child.

Until Rowan James and Chloë fall into a routine Lady Dar will be staying with her. [She just walked in the door and will shower and change and pack up some more clothes before I drive her downtown for a G & M and then back to Chloë 's place. Emily, Chloë's doula, is there now, for a couple of hours.] Ayn is flying up on December 12th, for the weekend. We are looking forward to seeing her as we will not be traveling to LA for Christmas this year. Stay well. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Rowan James and his giant's feet, which he put to good use when he walked all the way from the hospital to Winnipeg Street!!!

Wanted: Someone to lead the Old Farts hike this coming Thursday. You get to: -choose the destination -lead the troops -even choose the location for coffee. And….I will put out the notice for you. Please let me know soon if this position is right for you! I can be reached here. Cheers, Jim

 

Making the Digital Ping Pong Switch from Telus to Shaw Blues: Thursday, November 28th!

There are three reasons for breast-feeding: the milk is always at the right temperature; it comes in attractive containers; and the cat can't get it. Irena Chalmers

Milk Happy Rowan!

Hello again, Dear, Dear Friends! Thank you all, so very, very much, for the extremely warm wishes and expressions of love and congratulations sent to Chloë and Rowan James, and to both Corine and I. [I trust, as time allows, that I will be able to send everyone an individual message, in the not too, too distant future. To better facilitate this I plan to hire Rowan James as my Secretary!] 
Many of you know that it has really been quite a remarkable, remarkable pregnancy and safe birth, given the fact that it seemed, over a year ago, that it would not be possible for Chloë to conceive.

And yet, Rowan James is now living proof of the exciting new life we have been fortunate enough to be blessed with. Both Corinne and I congratulate Chloë for her strength and perseverance over the course of her pregnancy, one which, due, primarily, to her age, was not always easy or without concern. Yet she always remained strong and ever optimistic and did what ever was required to ensure the health of her unborn child. For They Are Jolly Good Fellows! Hip Hip Hooray!!!

All of the pictures, but one, were taken by Katie, one of Chloë's marvelously supportive friends, Tuesday evening, November 26th, about an hour or two after Rowan James was delivered. The last one shows a very sleepy lad, in a milk stupor, after finally figuring out how to latch, this morning! Of course, this has been critical, and now that the process seems to be understood, and acted upon, we look forward to taking both mother and child home, probably this coming Saturday. Given the fact that Chloë underwent a Caesarean, she is, quite understandably, sore and tender, and staff want to make sure that healing goes well, in this regard, before she is discharged.
 

All of us couldn't be happier with Rowan James and are grateful for his safe delivery and healthy condition. I know I speak for Chloë and Corinne when I reiterate our thanks to everyone for the best wishes and affection you have so generously offered and expressed. Must away as I've been charged with preparing a large salad for Chloë, when I head back to the hospital shortly. Apparently I don't have to worry about Rowan James now as he has signed up for Meals on Heels! As Irena Chalmers observed: There are three reasons for breast-feeding: the milk is always at the right temperature; it comes in attractive containers; and the cat can't get it. Fondestos and Cheers, Poppa "Hemmingway" Patrizzio! Pics: Tuesday evening; Milk Bar Boy!

Clo's address please, Maya, Have you had the DTAP shot for diptheria and whooping cough? thanks Corinne Hi Kids! With the birth of Rowan James, Lady Dar is staying with Chloë, in the hospital, probably until Friday, as she delivered by Caesarean. This being the case I have a ticket for today's showing, at the Landmark. If any one is interested or knows of someone who can use ticket, let me know and I'll plan accordingly. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Kids! Here is link to video I took this afternoon! Must away to pick up Sushi! Cheers, Burns Street Take-Away Driver! Link: https://youtu.be/UfuHy7TZ8tU What a great video I've never seen Chloe looking more beautiful and Rowan is simply wonderful!! I've watched this ten times Lol Hi Ms Tinsel Town! Thanks for the glowing endorsement as I was severely chastised for posting because Rocky's Kranky Mom hasn't done so yet! 

Palooka Joe, [I adore the mittens you sent as I think they are perfect boxing gloves for the Feather Weight Class he qualifies for right now!], was in fine form this evening, complaining loudly as he was nekkid and left all alone on hospital bed while we had a feast of food from Sushi Heaven and he only had stinkin' formula beforehand! Word of Advice: I think I'd wear a HazMat suit when next changing him as he might well give The Sisterhood a little squirt as a way to let them know he was not amused! Kid's cajones are bigger than mine so watch out, peoplages! 

Chloë, and her entourage, will probably be discharged tomorrow so action will shift to Winnipeg Street. Staff at PRH have been extremely attentive and helpful so Chloë is well prepared. Of course Super G-Nana will be there for continuing help and emotional support, although I must say that one of the nurses, Erin, [lovely, lovely young woman, with four children, (two are twin girls), who lives in Sendero Canyon, close to townhouse where Chloë used to live!], had to show her how to hold the Boxer, more  appropriately, when feeding him. That being said, her diaper changing skills are still top drawer! 

Must away to attack a bottle of malt that has been crying out from the cabinet since well before Rowan James made the scene. Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. Much Love and Affection, Burns Street Bistro Grossly Underpaid Food Delivery Driver, Über-Grandpère Patrizzio! Pics: From this afternoon and then, last two, this evening; What Rowan James will look like in ten months!

Hi Kjell! Thanks for the best wishes and congratulations. I do deserve to be severely admonished as I had fully intended to reply to your earlier request for contact information, etc. No excuses but plenty of reasons, mainly that the business of every day life somehow seemed to come between me and my good intentions. At any rate, FaceTime, if you desire live contact, is probably best way to communicate, using my email address. I seem to have some sort of trouble with my Skype account. Not sure why but is isn't working, at the moment. Here is our home number while this is the one for my cellulare.

Just back from the hospital. I had picked up Japanese take-away beforehand as The Sisterhood had decided that was what they wanted. Trust you are well. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Elaine! Thanks for the glowing endorsement of red heads! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

   

Pat, thanks for the txgiving wishes! Laury and Nora
 

Thanksgiving Grace 2019

Mankind’s toughest trials lie straight ahead. And if we fail, our species ends up dead Pure suicide: How we divvy up our wealth Bears no relation to our planet’s health.

Could anything be more clear? We cannot any more Mindlessly make weapons and wage our endless war There has to be international cooperation To keep a habitable world in operation. Our very survival hinges on our making peace- Fair play and trust can provide the needed grease.

Behold our buoyant clouds, deep rivers and dark woodsThe light, the blossoms, nature’s myriad moods: No world more beautiful exists!

Can we not change our patterns and thereby persist? It’s up to us or, poof, humans go extinct- A possibility, alas, now far too distinct.

But let’s give thanks because, imperiled, we’ve still got a chance. If not? Our sweet dear molecules re-join the cosmic dance. But enough with these rough, recondite ruminations! It’s time for us to feast with copious libations! -David Kessler