Dame Judith and The Bidding Blues: Monday, June 17th!

The ultimate sense of security will be when we come to recognize that we are all part of one human race. Our primary allegiance is to the human race and not to one particular color or border. I think the sooner we renounce the sanctity of these many identities and try to identify ourselves with the human race the sooner we will get a better world and a safer world. -Mohamed ElBaradei, diplomat, Nobel laureate (b. 17 Jun 1942) 





Hi Patricio, Thanks for the pics of Jim’s celebration. It was a very touching send off. Just a reminder, could you send me the email regarding the next book club meeting. I can’t find it anywhere so it must be long deleted, not sure why though! Take care. Lou Hi Luigi! I just wrote a note to remind myself to send along book club info and your message appeared in my mailbox! We will meet on Wednesday, July 24th. Senka offered to host but that has to be confirmed as she will be away on holidays and plans to be back in time. If not her, then Michelle Dunn will host. I'll let everyone know when I know.

The book is The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne. Lady Dar has read it and I am just about to start it. If you have difficulty finding a copy you are welcome to urs when I'm finished. Must away as I'm of to Monday night bridge! Thanks gain for the ride. Cheers, Patrizzio! Thanks Patricio. I’ve read the book but will get an e-book from the library hopefully soon. Lou

Hi Patrick We are ensconced at SBL surrounded by kids and would love you and corine to join us for dinner Friday evening, ( when some of kids will have left ). I picked up wine club wine at terra vista and moraine and should have some left by Friday, hopefully. Let us know if this works Mick the hearse

Hi Patrick: Well next week is fast approaching, I hope you are well enough to keep up with me on a bike, you do have a bike for me, don't you? I thought I had better remind you I am coming next Tuesday! I am excited to see you and Corrine, it will be fun! I am having a great time visiting with Al and Aline, and visiting a few friends. I am heading to Campbell River tomorrow to hang out with Gordon. Here's my flight info: Tuesday June 25th - AC Jazz arriving 12:12pm Lv Thursday June 27th AC Jazz 19:40 I hope you don't mind picking me up at the airport, are we riding bikes back to Penticton? Just wondering, I game for anything. I hope all is well. Love Rhoda 

Today we did the Great Wall and a Ming tomb. Went to the section of the wall at Mutianyu, which dates from 1368. Not as busy as sections closer to Beijing, but still aimed at tourists. Gondola or chair lift up and down, or if adventurous, a wheeled sled down on a special track. Wall was incredible.

Afterwards we went to the underground tomb of the 13th Ming emperor at Dingling. Appropriately named place as the emperor was a bit of a dingaling. Considered the worst Ming emperor, as he was drunk most of the time. His favorite concubine was his former wet-nurse, and she seemed to run things. Whether the wall or the tomb, stairs are everywhere. Tomb is over 9 floors down. Tomorrow is either the Summer Palace or the Lama Temple.

Nihiao Patrick and Corinne Yesterday was a great day! We went to Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. It was super--we took the chair lift up instead of the cable car as our guide said there were no lineups and that it would be less crowded at that part of the wall. It was excellent--felt like I was at Grouse except we were going up amongst the walnut, chestnut and apricot trees. Such luscious foliage and such different terrain. Unfortunately our day was very hazy as it had rained the day before. 

The wall was impressive--we (I couldn't do the steep walk that went off to the right at the top so we walked to about three sections that afforded us some pretty good views and gave one the idea of the wall extending some 5000 miles. Off to the right where we didn't go you could see a tower that actually was in some state of disrepair. You may wonder why I didn't take the tobaggan ride down?? I was tempted as it seemed you could control the small cars on the tobaggan run and it looked like fun. This would be a must ride for Eric and Olena. Eric would love it.

We then came down the mountain and headed to a small town to a tea house and visit to a jade gallery. We had our lunch there. Then we went on a very nice drive following a canal way to the area of the 13 Ming Tombs--we went to see Ding Ling tomb and underground palace. More steps--8 floors down fortunately the climb out wasn't so bad. More ointment today and another aleve as we head out to the Forbidden City and I want to go to the Capital Museum and also to the National Museum briefly as they have a Van Gogh exhibit there. Not sure we will get inside Mao's tomb. Although I think we should try--it is only open in the morning.

Our hotel has been a true delight. Except for one major turnaround where we got completely dumbfounded at our own subway stop we have managed very well with the subway. It is cheap and efficient. But what I loved yesterday is that when we came back from the Ming Tombs we drove through Beijing's business district--amazing architecture and stunning business presence--Pfizer, Minimentals, GalaxySoho and so many more that I don't know. We went past the very beautiful Velodrome created for the Olympics. We drove past the Lama Temple which we plan to visit tomorrow along with the Temple of Heaven as they are on the same subway line.

Must head off now--it is a sunny day so this means it will be hot! We were lucky yesterday as it was not super hot for our wall climb. Need to do some major stretches before we head for breakfast. Hope you are well! Lots of love for now Jo-anne

Thanks for your card, Patrick! I hope you have now recovered from your shoulder surgery. AND I hope to see you in the summer, whereever. I think I can say Jane and I have pretty serious plans to gate crash you and your lovely wife. Hope you have the same in store for us! Cheers, Kjell
Thanks for keeping it live! Mr Grizzle!

https://electricliterature.com/librarians-are-secretly-the-funnest-people-alive/

Hello One Table One No Trumpers, et al! Thanks to Dame Judith for hosting such a lively evening of bidding, as well as for the almondos, olivettis and cheese, not the mention the fabulous, fabulous bottle of La Frenz 2015 Shiraz. Wowsa! Mama T has very kindly offered to host, [Please send out your address to group, MT], next Monday, so let me know if you plan to play in The Naramata and we can arrange to car-pool/convoy from Burns Street.  Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Chloë Alexis and The Father's Day KVR Walkin' Blues: Sunday, June 16th!

The [Nobel] prize is such an extraordinary honor. It might seem unfair, however, to reward a person for having so much pleasure over the years, asking the maize plant to solve specific problems and then watching its responses. -Barbara McClintock, scientist, Nobel laureate (16 Jun 1902-1992) 

Hi Patrick, As Tim’s secretary, I’m thanking you on his behalf for the great Father’s Day card. I enjoyed it as well! Hope you had a wonderful Father’s Day with good food, good company and some relaxation. By the way, would you mind forwarding your pictures from the “Stride to Turn the Tide” walk? I’d love to send one or two to my supporting friends and family. Thanks, Marian 

Dear Girl Friday! Pleased that your always demanding boss enjoyed the card! Have attached the snapolas from terrific walk. Cheers, Patrizzio! Thank You...
DBJS




Hi everyone, Sorry something has come up and I am unable to play and host tomorrow. Also with family and travel plans this summer I think I will take a break and perhaps return to playing Bridge in the fall. The rest of you folks have a great summer and enjoy the fun and sun. Hugs, Olly

Summertime and the Livin' is Easy! Seems like our numbers will be dwindling for the next few months as, most recently, Josinta and Rolly Polly have both elected to take a break from power bidding, over the rest of the summer. This being the case, with others away, we will only have one table tonight, hosted by Dame Judith, at 7:00 pm. If Mama T and O Susannah will come to our place by 6:45 pm, the three of us can car-pool. Lady Dar would like to sit out as a good friend happens to be in town and she'd like to catch up. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! I will be there Susan. See you then. Theresa Patrick, What is your street address, please.Theresa Hi Mama T: We live on Burns Street, between Eckhardt and White. See you this evening. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Is there room for me tomorrow? Chooch No room at the table! Hi Chooch, Chooch, Choocheranian! Sorry to say that there isn't as we are down to one table now and I've already told other three that they are on. I apologize as I'd really like to have you play. Anyway, next week, on Monday, if you are around. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Ok. Possibly not available till July then. I should be well rested by then. Have fun! Carol

Hey P: got your card aboard the train Toronto to Montreal. Simulating trip so far, stayed with great friends in Guelph - remarkably prosperous place.
Eastbound train crewed by Winipeggos - all knew you of course, told us how you drained their uncles' hooch cupboard last time they let you in. I told em you'd reformed and will bring cases of Yellowtail next visit. Halifax tomorrow eve, then a few days on the road back to Ottawa. K in Kits poring over a sizzling notebook n delighting G n M. We'll see you over Summer. Love to C'rinne the crooner. 🚉

Hi, Made here safely on Friday. Eric had booked us a lovely hotel near a subway station. Took the subway to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Went to the National History Museum. It was immense. Over 2 million square feet. Saw stuff that was truly ancient. Bowls and tools over 10,000 years old. Plus items from all the Imperial Dynasties. Might visit some temples tomorrow. Monday we go to the Great Wall.

Here we are. Our second full day in Beijing. It was rainy and the weekend (massive crowds), so we decided to miss major sights and make it a shopping day. Our first stop was the Xidan area. High rise shopping mall after high rise shopping mall. Every store you could imagine. Even a Gallerie Lafayette, with an ersatz copy of the Paris ceiling. We then took the subway to the Panjiayuan Antique Market. Not so much antiques as a massive flea market. 100's of stalls selling beads. 100's of stalls selling polished rocks. 1000's of stalls in total. Don't get it. Who buys all this stuff? Ended up walking over 12 miles. Somehow we are supposed to do the Great Wall tomorrow.  
Had a wonderful Father's Day. Started with a four hour trek, with Chloë, on the KVR. We drove to Arawana Station, just off Arawana Road, and hiked to the Little Tunnel and back. Fair bit of cloud cover so day wasn't as warm as it might otherwise have been. Gorgeous views and plenty of chats with other walkers and bikers. Have taken to using the AllTrails app on my iPhone as Garmin doesn't accurately record distance, time or other stats when walking, [Perhaps I'm too, too slow!], although it does provide a detailed map record of outing. Hence, you, Dear Reader, will now be bombarded with even more data, at least until I start riding again! Map and Stats for walk:

AllTrails:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/recording-jun-16-1-41-pm--4?p=-1

Garmin:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3754802749#.XQbqQU1DPGI.email

Chloë dropped me back home and then went to her place to shower and change. She was cooking dinner for Father's Day. Since I had my hiking boots on I spent an hour or so re-arranging stones in front yard. Back inside to start on my shoulder exercises and finished ones I do sitting and standing. I was in guest bedroom, doing ones on my back, on bed, when Flamin' and Sarge arrived to say hello. They were up at Spirit Ridge for the weekend. She will stay for the week to help out with grandchild care while Sarge drove back to Vancouver later that afternoon.

We visited for an hour or so before they left and then I returned to finishing my exercises while Chloë and her Mom started on food preparation. Quick shower and change and then it was time to enjoy first course:Caesar salad with Chloë's home-made dressing, topped with bbq'd shrimps, courtesy of Lady Dar, Grill Queen of Penticton! Next came wonderful steaks, again, on bbq, with a delicious cauliflower, from Saturday's Farmers' Market, with cheese topping. Chloë had also whipped up a lemon pie but all of us were so stuffed by dessert time that we decided to save it for later. We ate in the Rumpus Room watching two episodes of latest Season of Bosch. Great to see Harry back in action again! Then straight to bed as with terrific 12km walk under my belt, I was wonderfully tired.

Thank you Pat. I'm somewhat slowed down else I'd be trekking off to your neck of the woods. I was going to go to the emeritus luncheon last month but I had a bad case of runners knee and was hobbling around on a sawed off hockey stick. I hope you and your crowd are OK, well and thriving. Al  

Thanks for the e-card...Curiously we celebrated father's day yesterday at Scott & Kaitlyn's & enjoyed burgers & chicken skewers. Cheers Pat! 

Happy Father's Day to you as well. Roma & Leonard 

Happy Fathers day to as well my friend! I hope you have a fabulous day and hope to see you soon. Cheers, Al  


...... but who will do my ironing? Glasgow

Hope you are being spoiled by all the lovely women in your life!! Judy Xo 

Thanks you for the E-Card. All good wishes to you Father and Grandfather and Great Grandfather. I hope all is good in Penticton. You are a good friend and I can hardly wait to get some revenge for our last meeting over a deck of cards. Love to Coreen and Chloe. Have a great day. Jim

Yes Portugal seems to be one of those forgotten European countries discovered all over again by masses of tourists. We were shocked by the numbers everywhere we went! Interesting story about your first experience with the burl! Yes we did own our property when you had your encounter in 1983. We bought it in 1979! I didn't know there was burl in Porto - I thought only Port wine! We did see acres and acres of cork trees, though, just outside of Lisbon near Evora. Did you know that a cork tree has to be 43 years old (precisely) before you can harvest its first crop, and then the tree can be harvested only once every 9 years thereafter. At least that is what we were told on our tour of a small cork factory in Evora (see attached). Patrizzia Portuguesa

There is a Thursday outing this week. Rick has offered to take interested folks up Brent Mountain. You will: -meet at 0800 at Home Hardware north parking lot in Penticton (0740 at IGA parking lot in Summerland) -carpool and drive to the Brent Mountain trailhead at the end of the Kilometre 4 forestry road -hike up Brent Mountain and return -find a location afterward for refreshment and debriefing It is still early in the season, so there is a possibility that there will be snow patches. Please come prepared (gaiters recommended) Interested? If so, please let Rick know. Enjoy the day on Thursday. I’ll be thinking of you and wishing I were there. Cheers, Jim

Hi all, Below is a note from Rick about Thursday’s hike. Read and heed. Cheers, Jim It appears the weather might change to much cooler at elevation on Thursday, Jim. Could you send a note suggesting participants have some warm clothes with them, unless it is sunny on Thursday, and it turns out the weather guys were confused again, please? Rick 
Hello Fartograms, We will be exploring the Shaha Bluffs tomorrow, not sure which one, I'll decide today sometime, or we can decide when we get there. It will likely be an easy one and not too long. There are many trails to choose from. As usual, we will meet in Penticton at 8:00AM at Home Hardware. Summerlanders should meet at 7:40AM at the IGA parking lot, then carpool to Home Hardware. It should be a nice day, temperatures in the upper 20's. After our outing a beverage of your choice in a place to be determined! All sounds good doesn't it? See you tomorrow! Your Aarturos Hello Fartograms, Your servants Aarturos and Josefa just did a reconnaissance hike of a track we think will be nice. All good, just be prepared for some rocky terrain. Cheers, Aart the Mountain Bard

 

Garden Works and The Farmers' Market Blues: Saturday, June 15th!

Must away as Lady Dar and Chloë are just back from a local store, Garden Works, which had a 30% sale. [The Constant Gardener bought seeds for next year and Chloë picked up a tomatoe plant for her deck.], and we are off to stroll the Farmers' Market. Pics: Farmers' Market today: Leigh of Balsamic Bliss; Jim French with his grandson and Jake Snyder, beside Jim, both in hiking group.

Hi Dame Short Order Cook! Lovely of you to volunteer to host. Do you have room for two tables? If so, we'll switch from Summerlandia to The Lakeshore Taj Mahal! Let me know and we'll plan accordingly. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Patrick: Just got your voicemail have been at a meeting all morning. Yes I have room for 2 tables. No problem at all. 7 would be better, but I can do 6:30 Dame Judith

Hello Rosemary!I have attached an album of the pictures I took during the very moving celebration of your father's life. Please pass it along to your mother and Heather, as well as your uncles, as a small token of my keen admiration of your father and his generous, warm friendship. Since I only knew your father for but a few short years it was more than heartening to learn so much more about his remarkable life and family. As I mentioned, at the memorial, I was also pleased to finally meet you and your sister, having heard about you both, primarily on the various hikes I took together with your parents and Tia, of course! Again, please accept my sincere condolences on the death of your beloved father. Patrick.

PS: I'm not sure if you have used Flickr before but if you follow the link below you can invoke the full album, not just the thumbnails. The system has changed since I last used it and viewing a given album seems not quite as readily straightforward as before this recent iteration. Hi Patrick, Thank you so much for the beautiful photos! Dad was our photographer and we haven't sorted out who should pick up the slack on photographing events in his absence. I will share them with the family. Thank you so much for your kind words. Rosemary

A Celebration of A Life More Than Well Lived! Hello Fellow Hikers! I have attached an album of the pictures I took during the very moving celebration of Jim's life as but a small token of my keen admiration of him and his generous, warm friendship. Since I only knew Jim for but a few short years it was more than heartening to learn so much more about his remarkable life and family. I was also pleased to finally meet Rosemary and Heather, having heard about them both, primarily on the various hikes I took together with their parents, and Tia, of course! I would also like to thank those who provided such wonderful, wonderful tributes to their dear, dear friend. Patrick.

Thanks Patrick. Cheers, Tim Very nice Patrizzzziooo, thank you! Aarturos Very nice Patrick…..thank you! Kilian Well done Patrick! Thanks Bill Hi all, a large thank you to all who attended the celebration of Jim Bryan. It was heartening to see so many! Jim

Hello Fartograms, We will be exploring the Shaha Bluffs on Monday, not sure which one, I'll decide today sometime, or we can decide when we get there. It will likely be an easy one and not too long. There are many trails to choose from. As usual, we will meet in Penticton at 8:00AM at Home Hardware. Summerlanders should meet at 7:40AM at the IGA parking lot, then carpool to Home Hardware. It should be a nice day, temperatures in the upper 20's. After our outing a beverage of your choice in a place to be determined! All sounds good doesn't it? See you then! Your Aarturos

Hello Fartograms, Your servants Aarturos and Josefa just did a reconnaissance hike of a track we think will be nice. All good, just be prepared for some rocky terrain. Cheers, Aart the Mountain Bard

 

Shouldares and Bouldares Stream Bed Blues: Friday, June 14th!

The longest day must have its close -- the gloomiest night will wear on to a morning. An eternal, inexorable lapse of moments is ever hurrying the day of the evil to an eternal night, and the night of the just to an eternal day. -Harriet Beecher Stowe, abolitionist and novelist (14 Jun 1811-1896) 

Must away as I'm off to see my physio at PRH shortly. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both, off to a wedding rehearsal at Linden Gardens, in Kaleden, another small community, just south of Penticton.

50/50 DREAM volunteers for JULY! Thank you everyone, mark your calendars we are now full for July.

Hello Friends, As the day of celebration approaches, I am sending the invitation from Anthea once more.  And I also remind you to wear, if possible, a pair of suspenders, preferably red.  A few years ago, Jim suggested the wearing of suspenders by the Old Farts, and I think it would be appropriate as we honour his memory.

  

Please join us to celebrate the life of our beloved Jim (James Earnest Bryan) on June 15th, 2019, from 3-6 pm at the Summerland Ornamental Gardens (4200 BC-97, Summerland, BC). The celebration will be a drop-in event with snacks, drinks, and a memory walk. As a few considerations, we ask that you please 1) dress appropriately for the weather, as the celebration will be outdoors, 2) consider carpooling or cycling as parking at the gardens is limited, and 3) if you know of someone who has not heard about the celebration, let them know that they are welcome to attend.

We will be collecting written stories and/or pictures of Jim for a memory book. If you have something you would like to contribute, you can bring it with you or email it to Rosemary.

We have had a few questions about making a donation in Jim's name. Should you wish to do so, here are three that would be particularly meaningful to him:

Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation: https://www.clfoundation.org/giving-online

Nature Conservancy of Canada: <https://donate.natureconservancy.ca/page/25744/donate/1> <BC Nature Trust: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/37893/donation> We give our thanks for all the support we are receiving and look forward to seeing you on the 15th. Anthea, Heather, and Rosemary Hi Luigi! Trust you are well. Just wondering if you will be attending the celebration of Jim Bryan's life at the Summerland Ornamental Gardens tomorrow. Corinne has a wedding at the same time so I need a ride and was hoping I might hitch with you. Let me know and I'll plan accordingly. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

I’m doing well. Just got back from Portugal yesterday. Chris comes in early from Oz tomorrow morning. I would love to go to Jim’s celebration. I was thinking 4. Interested? Hi again, Vintage Port Person! We missed you at last book club. I think everyone had forgotten you were away. Keen to hear all about latest trip. I'll be ready at 4:00 pm tomorrow. Thanks very much. See you then. Cheers, Patrizzio! 👍

Thank you, thank you! I'm glad to see that you haven't lost your sense of humor since your surgery. Sounds like you are making good progress as well.
I know, I know....I should be paying more attention to the winery business BUT there are always so many more interesting things to take up my time. Did you know that I just got back from Portugal? I went with my two sisters and two of our cousins, as well as one of the cousin's husband's (brave guy!). We wanted to do the Faimilia Portuguesa trip, and for the most part it was a good one!

We flew into Porto and were there for 3 nights, then traveled by big bus caravan down to Lisbon, making two overnight stops along the way, and then ended with 4 days in Lisbon. We truly enjoyed the beautiful scenery in and around Porto and Lisbon, as well as all of the historic churches, monasteries, castles, towers, monuments in the cities and along the way. It was truly a visit to be remembered. On the downside, we had one case of 24-hour food poisoning, a case of excruciating pain and a fainting, and one case of flu at the very end of the trip. I was not involved in any of those issues at the time, but two days after coming home, I came down with my own case of some type of flu, with a severe cough. Just getting over that today.

Now that I'm back and feeling better, I'm planning my next trip hmmm....where will it be?....I'll keep you posted! Fond regards to Lady Dar as well!Patrizzia
P.S. I'll be making that $384 charge sometime soon - you haven't deterred me with your woes about the exchange rate and all!

Hi Patrizzia Portuguesa! What a wonderful, wonderful trip but did you find a plethora of burl in Porto? On our first trip to Sonoma, back in 1983, we drove down the Oregon Coast, into California, eventually hitting 101 to Healdsburg, so past Geyeserville and the cross-hill turn-off to where your winery would eventually be established. Did you own the land then? At any rate, while on the coast in Oregon, we saw countless establishments displaying burl, most attached to wire fencing for display purposes. After awhile we even joked that these deformed growths were trying to escape their pens and postulated a horror flick, Beware the Day of the Burl, when these knotty outgrowths began to capture and eat unsuspecting tourists! I'm sure the jug Gallo, bought in Safeway, that were we consuming on our beach picnics, at the time, helped fuel our fevered imaginations!

Coincidentally, I'm seeing a good friend from our hiking group tomorrow. She and a number of friends just returned from Portugal two days ago! Other close friends were there six months ago and had a fabulous time as well. Must away as Lady Dar and Chloë are just back from a local store, Garden Works, which had a 30% sale. [The Constant Gardener bought seeds for next year and Chloë picked up a tomatoe plant for her deck.], and we are off to stroll the Farmers' Market. Fondestos from both to both of you. Cheers, Patrizzio!

 

Southside Johnny and the WIFi Inverter Blues: Thursday, May 13th!

Out of the quarrel with others we make rhetoric; out of the quarrel with ourselves we make poetry. -William Butler Yeats, writer, Nobel laureate (13 Jun 1865-1939) 




Shhhh. We just quietly announced Jill Barber in October: Lets go!! ChloHi Jill Barber Fans! We noticed this announcement last night when we attended the Claire Lynch concert. Hazel, House Manager, moved us up to Premium Seats, from Wings, so we had a fabulous view of stage. About half an hour before a given act goes on, a large screen projector cycles through the coming acts for next few months. Just urchased tickets so you owe me, my Father's Day present!

Grogg had mentioned, this past Sunday, that Claire and her band were doing a house concert at their place today, en route to the Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival this weekend. She has a fabulous voice and a wonderful stage presence. Her banjo/guitar player, Jim Hurst, is world renowned while the young woman on electric mandolin/fiddle will soon be there as well, given her stunning ability. The bass player was simply terrific as well so the place was hoppin'. The delighted audience brought them back for an encore after second set. Claire said, once they were on stage again, "We were coming back anyway!"

I spoke to her at the intermission and she said they were looking forward to the concert and would say hello to Lurch ad Grogg for us. Must away to help Lady Dar transplant a lavender bush before we head up to Sendero to do your gardening! Pics: Etta and Pacific Quorum Goils! Dream with Claire and Company!  

Thank you Patrick! We have reserved you a Premium table of 2 for Jill Barber on Oct 11th ! Rest assured we have assigned you the Best Possible Table at the time your reservation came through. Dinner and bar service available, doors at 6 and show at 8 pm SHARP. The Table is yours from 6pm on.If you intend on dining with us please arrive between 6 and 6:45pm, we serve 110 people in the short window before showtime. Coming early helps us finish service before the music and gives you the best possible experience!. If you are not dining with us prior to the show, we ask that you arrive no later than 7:45 to be settled at your table. We reserve the right to limit entry after the show starts. Thank you for your support, see you at the music! Hazel 

Only 2?? Who’s not going?? YOU!!! What!!!! Your Mother said that if you cannot submit your income tax you don't deserve to go to hear Jill! Tough love! Cheers, Taking No Sides Dad!

Hello, Would anyone like to volunteer for the Start line of Gran Fondo on Sunday July 14. Sift starts at 6:00am and goes until 8:00am. Your duty will be just to make sure nobody goes through your gate until the race starts!

Volunteers get T-shirts (I’ll need your T-shirt size) and a $25 GC for Lulu Lemon! Please email me if you would like to join the team (it’s fun…. If you are a morning person!) Greta Hi Greta! We met last night at The Dream. I'd like to volunteer for the July 14th 6:00 am shift. I'd like an XL T-shirt if I'm picked. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Dream with Claire and Company!
 

Great Patrick I will put you on shift and remind you before the event! We work in groups of 2. Do you have anyone you can think of to work with or should I pair you with one of my existing volunteers? If you find a friend to work with, I’ll need name and T-shit size. Pleasure to meet you and your wife last night. I’m sure we will see more of you in the future! Can I get your phone # too? Greta  

Hi again, Greta! Corinne, my wife, would like to volunteer so we can work as a team if you feel that is fine. Additionally, is it possible for us to be designated as Grandmothers For Africa, (G4A), volunteers? Corinne is with the Penticton Branch. [Corinne Durston, L T-shirt. Here is our home number.]  Apparently, G4A receives credit for each of its volunteers. Not a big deal, either way, as we'll volunteer anyway, but every little bit helps their fund-raising effort. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Thanks! I will let the organizer know. We’ll touch bases with a reminder the week before. Greta

Must away to do my shouldares as we've been working in garden for most of the day here, and at Sendero to help busy, workaholic Chloë with a bit of re-potting, etc. While there I gathered a goodly load of large stones to use in our own garden. Need them to line our gravel "stream bed", to keep lava rock from being pulled onto it when Lady Dar uses hose to water. When back, collected about the same number from a building site a few blocks away on White. Will spend some of tomorrow re-arranging but am pleased with my fabulous hauls!

Argon initiated solares on Tuesday, after Penticton Utility installed a new bi-directional meter earlier that morning. Today Argon hooked the system into our WiFi so we can keep tabs on everything over the Net. We are now living off the Sun! Hip Hip Hooray!!!

 

Claire Lynch and The Front Porch Bluegrass Blues: Wednesday, June 12th!

I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. -Anne Frank, Holocaust diarist (12 Jun 1929-1945) 







Sleepy kittens curled up on the patio, on either side of the table, on their favourite cushions!



Thank you Patrick! We have reserved you a Wing table of 2 for Claire Lynch on June 12th !Rest assured we have assigned you the Best Possible Table at the time your reservation came through. Dinner and bar service available, doors at 6 and show at 8 pm SHARP. The Table is yours from 6pm on.If you intend on dining with us please arrive between 6 and 6:45pm, we serve 110 people in the short window before showtime. Coming early helps us finish service before the music and gives you the best possible experience!. If you are not dining with us prior to the show, we ask that you arrive no later than 7:45 to be settled at your table. We reserve the right to limit entry after the show starts. Thank you for your support, see you at the music! Hazel

Patrick, thanks for making your 24-bottle selection for the 2019 vintage of futures! I was just about to charge your credit card on file  but thought I'd double check with you first to make sure you were expecting the charge to your Visa. And also I wanted to find out how you're doing after your surgery and where you are these days? Pat

Greetings from Jurassic Park to the Mortally Wounded Golden State Warriors! Condolences to The Grumpy Winemaker who now has very good reason, indeed, to be an Über Grump! Thanks for inquiring about the 2019 vintage futures. I had expected to see the charge much earlier but I suppose, with all your cross-country gallivanting around Oregon, winery admin fell by the wayside! Lives of the Rich and Famous indeed! Fortunately, our front vegetable garden is really doing quite well so at least we can eat zucchini if little else! With the deplorable, truly devastating exchange rate we cannot afford to buy groceries AND California wine! Other than that, life is grand. 

My shoulder rehab goes swimmingly, literally, as I've started deep-water walking again. Unfortunately, no road biking or hiking until the Fall as worry is that if I sustained a fall I might damage bone housing new implant, beyond repair. Still, I'm walking regularly, up to 14 km, round-trip, on the Kettle Valley Railway, the former bed now a very good walking/cycling trail, with gorgeous views.

Lady Dar has about a dozen weddings over the coming summer months and has turned into the Constant Gardener here at Burns Street. Chloë is well, very busy at work, but doing just fine. She is planning a Father's Day dinner for me this Sunday so that should be fun, given our gorgeous weather of late. You might remember Mick Carter. He and his wife, Polly, arrive the same day, for a week at Sandy Beach Lodge, in Naramata, so we'll see them a number of times over the course of their stay. Good friend, Rhoda, from Cape Breton, will be here for a couple of nights, towards the end of the month, and then a houseful of other visitors over most of July. Friends, Maggie and Hans, from Aarhus, in Denmark, will be here we celebrate Lady Dar's 72nd, at the Front Street Brasserie. I've already made a reservation for seven as Flamin' and Sarge, plus Chloë, will be joining us. Her birthday is July 19th but that is the same day as Poplar Grove's Wine Club Appreciation Party so we are having her celebration day before. As well, M/H leave earlier on the 19th. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Dream Café.

 

Bartier Bros. Wine Club - June 2018 package ready for pickup: Hello, Your wine club package is all packed up and ready for pickup at the winery. The Tasting Room is open daily from 11AM - 5PM. We're looking forward to seeing you. Best regards, Jodi

The Solar Eagle Has Landed Screaming the Inverter Blues: Tuesday, June 11th!

I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may, -- light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful. -John Constable, painter (11 Jun 1776-1837) 

Penticton Utility was by this morning to install a bio-directional meter so now I'm waiting for Argon to drop by to initialize system and we will be living off the Sun! Lady Dar has her volunteer shift at PRH today so she'll fully charge Kona at one of the many free charging stations in parkade there, before coming home. 
News Flash, Dateline Burns Street: Just had a call from Southside and he will be here in the early afternoon, to turn on the juice! Hip Hip Hooray!

Hi Tinhorn Creek Cheapskate Glampers! Thanks for the lovely, lovely postcard of Arches National Park. I simply adore those sort of cards. They remind me of simpler days, or at least what many of us thought were such. Still, gorgeous graphics and I'm sure reality was even more stupendous. Pleased Antelope Canyon was so stunning as well. Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Stay well and travel safely. Cheers, Patrizzo!  Southside arrived just after 4:00 pm to start setting up inverter. Took him far longer than anticipated! I had almost finished my sitting/standing shouldares when the front doorbell rang so I let him in as he needed to take a look at the electrical panel in our bedroom.

After that he went to the inverter to begin process of initiating system. I left him to do a few kitchen chores. I didn't want to start on the exercises I do when lying down as I wanted to be available if he needed to talk to me about system. As it turned out, he had to phone his boss, Dave, to walk him through the process. Sun was beating in on him where the charging station had been installed so I took out a large umbrella to shade him and the inverter as bright sunshine made it almost impossible for him to read small menu screen on inverter. With Dave's help he managed to initiate system, although all the steps he had followed earlier were exactly the same as Dave outlines. Some system glitch, I suppose. Anyway, system was up and running by shortly after 6:00 pm. He will return on Thursday with necessary equipment to hook inverter into our WiFi so that we can monitor the system from our devices, whether iPhones or computers. Will try out Tier Two Charger tomorrow as battery was at full charge, (530 km!), Lady Dar having "filled up" at PRH during her volunteer shift.

Benjamin Franklin by Joseph Duplessis, 1778

At any rate, we are inching our way to having the solares running the way they are supposed to work. And our installation was supposed to be one of the easier ones! Ironically, the installation of the bio-directional electrical meter took only a few minutes. However, having Penticton Utility show up to perform the installation was more of a protracted struggle!

Hello Old Farts, There will be a hike this Thursday. Rick has volunteered to lead it. You will: -meet at 0800 at Home Hardware north parking lot in Penticton (0740 at IGA parking lot in Summerland) -carpool and head for Apex --ramble around in the area of Apex and Beaconsfield Mountains -return to Penticton for refreshment and debriefing Interested? Please let Rick know. Cheers, Jim Congratulations to all those Fabulous Fathers out there! Hip Hip Hooray! Ever Onward for The Brotherhood!!! Cheers, Patrizzio!