Friday, 31 October 2014

Healdsburg Halloween Anniversay Blues: Friday, October 31st!

There is a budding morrow in midnight. -John Keats, poet (1795-1821)
 

A sample of Marnie's fantastic pumpkin carving artistry.  Tris wanted the Lion King, so Marnie obliged!  I daren't send a picture of my efforts except to say it was rubbish! Luv Gayle x x 

Hello Casa Vicente! Trust you are well. Unfortunately, I assume it will be raining on your Giants! Suppose crowds will not be fazed.

For our part, I had hoped to go for another ride, over Canyon Road into the Alexander Valley before packing up and heading into "Bezerkeley", as Kathryn, VWF Volunteer Coordinator referred to your city! She suggested we try to "ride/walk by the corner of La Loma and ?.... The actual address is 1471 La Loma. To see the garage Bernard Maybeck built in the 1920s, and which was converted into a home for his son’s family. And which we stayed in the summer of 2013 for 10 days." Do you know it?

At any rate, we will be popping out soon to have another wonderful breakfast sandwich , (sourdough, scrambled egg, cheese and ham), after yesterday's discovery at the Dry Creek General Store, intersection of Lambert Bridge Road and Dry Creek Road. Then back to Coffaros to pack up and then a bit of barrel tasting before we head south on 101. Not sure if I might take Matt through Sonoma just to see that part of valley before heading on to San Rafael.
 

Me and Super Grover and his sister Wonder Woman!! Best little trick or treaters around!! — with Katie Maness.
Had a great day yesterday afternoon after we dropped Whirlygig off in Santa Rosa to catch a bus into San Francisco. Turned out he had to play a match earlier than originally scheduled. We stopped at Matrinelli, (Prices are ridiculously high but their Syrah, ($75), was liquid dynamite and smoke!), just for old times sake. Then on to Korbel for a bit of local history. After a biit of bubbly it was time to head back as we were expected for dinner with David and Pat. Took Dry Creek Road so that we could pass by Hop Kiln. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to go that far south on ride, earlier that morning.

Had more than a wonderful time with Pat and David. You'd have been right at home with them in their kitchen. After wonderful salad and pizzas the lads continued to solve the problems of the world, tippling malt and tequila into the wee smalls. Patrizzia, very sensibly/wisely, went to bed long before we bade goodnight to David!
 
We plan to pick up some salad fixings along with some fish or chicken, before leaving Healdsburg, to have at Barbara's so we won't interfere with any of your Mom's birthday celebrations. Everything going well, I hope we are knocking on your door sometime before 4:00 pm. I trust this is fine. I will be checking my email before we leave so If you need to reply I should receive message. Otherwise, we'll simply play things by ear. Fondestos and Cheers, Rizzzzzzzzzzo! Pics: Dinner at Coffaros, Yesterday at DCGS!

The birthday celebration will take place Sat. morning at the nursing home. There is no "celebration" here that you would be interfering with. I have made a whole batch of lasagna for our dinner tonight. Let me know if you wish to have what I presumed you were going to do from the moment we heard about this that you would have dinner with us on Friday night here, or if you really prefer eating by yourselves at Barbara's. We'll be here, but will be awaiting word of your desires for this evening....Cact.

Hi Vinnie! Thanks so much! Will certainly accept. However, didn't know plans and didn't wan to presume, even being The Freeloaders we are! Thanks again. See you soon. Cheers, Already Salivating for Lasagna Patrizzio!

Good, we are all on the same page then. Drive safely and we'll see you soon. I presume just you and Glasgow but all three of you are fine as well....no need to let me know, go out and enjoy yourselves!!! Cactus

Hope you guys are having some fun. Ride into SF was a grunt but got me here. Match schedule changed, of course. Our first match is rescheduled to tonight at 6:00. Here is my cell. Please send yours. G
 
Hello Giggster! What a drag! You missed a wonderful, wonderful afternoon and even better evening!  Hello to Carlos the Jackal and Johnny Boy! Fondestos and Cheers, Rizzzzzzzzzzo! Pic: Hop Kiln!

Hi Reshuffled Man! Glasgow's cell! Sorry, I forgot to include it in last message! Off to DCGS now! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Happy Anniversary, Darling! Trust you are well and had a great time with Ken and your folks! Been nothing but fun here. Everything going well, we hope we are knocking on the door sy Casa Vicente sometime before 4:00 pm. Will call tonight. Hello to Clarisse and Crusty. Love, Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio 

Hi mom and dad arrived last night. Ken is here next week. Thanks for the bowl, it's lovely. Happy Anniversary to you too! Off to do perf. Apprasils and then work at bookmark. Mom cooking chickens for dinner. Call me later Meant to tell you, Eric Vogt left Ayn $10,000 It will solve her income tax problems Love you Coralee

 
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Thursday, 30 October 2014

West Dry Creek Blues: Thursday, October 30th!

There is a budding morrow in midnight. -John Keats, poet (1795-1821)  


Hi Lili! Trust you are well! Sorry I didn't send this earlier but have been having too, too much fun! Anyway, if it works out that there is still space, that would be great. Not a big deal if not.

Must way as we have to ride again, Dry Creek Road, this time, before another arduous day of tasting! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

 Pics: First winery in Sonoma; view from Davis Coffaro Winery, where we are staying with owners/friends, Pat and David Coffaro; dinner at Ralph's in Healdsburg, last night.

 Hi Kathryn! Trust you are well! Sorry I haven't been in touch sooner but have been having too, too much fun! Anyway, if it works out that there is still space, Lili has agreed to read for me! (I sent her my material as well.) Not a big deal if not. You decide.  
Yesterday enjoyed the first ride of the road trip. Whirlygig, Glasgow and I rode the Silverado Trail between Calistoga and St Helena, looping back on the main highway. Not too, too much traffic, decent shoulders, so very, very pleasant passing vineyards with their changing Fall colours! Stats for ride:

 http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/623159268#.VFJJl1QyKyY.email

 If you follow the link it will provide a map of area. Thanks again for all your consideration over course of Festival. Once in Berkeley, tomorrow, I hop eto have time to send along a bit of feedback.  Must way as we have to ride again, Dry Creek Road, this time, before another arduous day of tasting! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Patricizo, Many thanks for your news. I will slot you/Lili in (only if she wears shorts and crocs!) to read if there is space. We will all look forward to that! When you are in Bezerkeley, be sure to ride/walk by the corner of La Loma and ?.... The actual address is 1471 La Loma. To see the garage Bernard Maybeck built in the 1920s, and which was converted into a home for his son’s family. And which we stayed in the summer of 2013 for 10 days (Air B&B). https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/1263713

http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2009-04-30/article/32791?headline=Maybeck-Made-La-Loma-Park-His-Own-Country  

Take care, have fun and raise a glass for me. You are a great asset to the festival and I hope you can rest on your laurels a bit now. Kathryn

Hi Kids! Trust you are well! Sorry I haven't been in touch sooner but have been having too, too much fun! Anyway, if it works out we might not arrive until Saturday. Will be in touch domani to confirm, one way or another.

Yesterday enjoyed the first ride of the road trip. Whirlygig, Glasgow and I rode the Silverado Trail between Calistoga and St Helena, looping back on the main highway. Not too, too much traffic, decent shoulders, so very, very pleasant passing vineyards with their changing Fall colours! Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/623159268#.VFJJl1QyKyY.email
Elly Cornelius Enjoy the Napa Valley, remember don't drink and ride - Tony

Dany Ward Have a nice trip!

Hi Dany! Sorry it has taken me so long to say hello. Trust you are well. Cheers.

Hi Patrick: Did you get this link? If not, here is the link about CUFFED, the crime fiction festival I am trying to get started. Our Indiegogo campaign has almost reached $10,000 - help us get there! Alma Lee

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/cuffed-vancouver-crime-fiction-festival

Alma Lee CM, D.Litt (Hon) , Producer alma@cuffedfestival.com
 
Today we rode West Dry Creek, much to the sheer delight of the Vancouverites who suddenly understood what I had been promulgating ever since the mid '80's! Stats for ride: 
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/623552836#.VFMe4k6_98g.email

Fondestos. Will be in touch tomorrow! Cheers, Patrizzio!





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Wednesday, 29 October 2014

Silverado Soda Rock Blues: Wednesday, October, 29th!

If only I may grow: firmer, simpler, -- quieter, warmer. -Dag Hammarskjold, Secretary General of the United Nations, Nobel laureate (1905-1961)


We are going to get brother Rod at airport in a few minutes. We presume you will be here for Friday dinner. Keep us posted about your peregrinations. Giants just won the World Series so there are some seriously delirious people around here...

Enjoyed the first ride of the road trip today. Whirlygig, Glasgow and I rode the Silverado Trail between Calistoga and St Helena, looping back on the main highway. Not too, too much traffic, decent shoulders, so very, very pleasant passing vineyards with their changing Fall colours! Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/623159268#.VGUNEoJVJ8g.email

 If you follow the link it will provide a map of area.On to taste at Vincent Arroyo as I fel that The Lads needed to sample wine from at least one Napa winery! Had a grand time and very friendly, knowledgeable young man who poured for us even gave me two barrel clasps, designed by Vincenzo, for David Coffaro. He had bought a number of them a few years ago and when I mentioned we were staying with the Coffaros he immediately went into the winery to bring out clamps in question.

Next headed off for Alexander Valley as I wanted to stop at Soda Rock to collect two cases of wine that were being held for me. Upon arriving we met a young couple, Ben and Angela Thorne, and their four boys. Parents were sipping wine while lads were playing a bean toss game. Turned out they lived near Bristol and Ben, an environmental/agricultural consultant, knows Durston Garden Products and their peat farm, not well, but is certainly aware of operation and issues surrounding peat farming. Great visit with them while we tasted a terrific range of wines, some reserved for Wine Club Members, so I was pleased to share the perks all around.

As things turned out, I only had to pick up one case of wine as an earlier shipment had been sold as person thought I wasn't coming in to collect case. I wasn't at all unhappy, given the amount of wine I have "stashed" all the way along I5 from Portland to Bellingham. With credit for case sold I only had to pay a trivial amount for the Fall offering, just released. Waved goodbye to the Thornes and drove to Coffaros. It was close to 5:30 pm by this time and gate was closed! Learned later that Pat had phoned Cora Lee to see if she kne where we were. David can get very fussy if things do not happen exactly as planned so when he came outside to let us in he didn't even say hello, just grunted, "You're late and Series is on!" Stomped off back to the house. He is sports nut. Pat came out and said not to worry as game was being recorded.

Anyway, she let us in to their absolutely fabulous guest quarters, top part of the building, across from winery itself, where they store the bottled wine, and oriented us to facilities. We thanked her and she returned to watch game with David. We had already planned to have dinner in Healdsburg so we decided to watch Final ourselves. Lads managed to get TV to work and while they were doing that I served the antipasto Marilyn had sent along when we left Portland on Tuesday morning. We had kept it nicely refrigerated so it was a terrific appetizer, along with a couple of bottles of Coffaro that we needed to keep us lubricated until the Giants finally triumphed over KC Royals!

Once Series was over, we headed into town to dine at Ralph's. Since I've been many times, over the years, I was prety sure that the Lads would enjoy place as well. Took along a bottle of Soda Rock Merlot for corkage and quite enjoyed our meal. Back to the winery to have a few snorts of malt before we repaired to bed. Giorgio and I were in separate bedrooms while Glasgow had a very comfortable pull-out couch. What fab accommodazzzione so we all slept very well indeed!

Hello, Patrick and Corinne: Notwithstanding the supposed efficiencies of technology, I find that sometimes things seem to get away from me more than ever before. 

The last few weeks have been particularly fraught. Thus, I only just properly read the message below, which I have to admit I had merely skimmed when it first arrived.  On this closer reading, I am truly chagrined to have totally missed the invitation to trivia night on October 18th. It was a working Saturday for me, but the evening would have been possible. Sigh. I'm sorry I missed it, but hope that you prevailed nonetheless. I would love to be invited again, if there is a future opportunity!

Yes, busy of late, and too-little time right now for a full recounting of recent activities and pre-occupations.  But one thing that you might be interested to know is that I spent Monday evening with our mutual friend, Andre (Rosemary no longer in town). 

Andre is actually my friend Dan's friend, and I've only spent time with him on a few occasions (always with Dan as well), but we are all very comfortable together and I enjoy these times. Dan's apartment building was recently bought by a developer, and he has moved onto his sailboat at a marina in Marpole -- he has a passion for sailing and is fixing up the old boat and seems to be quite happy in the current circumstances.  

Anyhow, I called Dan the other evening and Andre had dropped by the boat for a visit.  They were going to make dinner together using Dan's very limited kitchen facilities.  I felt much in need of company (long story), so I suggested that they come over around 7, and make dinner while I went to my tai chi class (practically next door, at the Kerrisdale CC).  

Which is what ensued . . . so I returned from tai chi at 8:15 to a repast prepared by Andre (Trinidadian chicken and rice) together with a couple of bottles of wine.  The guys are very open and deliberately (jokingly) crude at times (they try to one-up each other I think) but not in a way that offends. At least, not me. I feel somewhat honoured, actually,  that they don't find me too fragile to just relax and josh in their usual way when I am around.

I am short on time this morning, but I have an ulterior motive!  It's another request to attend an author evening at Dunbar (6:30 p.m.) THIS EVENING.   It's a biography book -- about the last living (though now deceased) Canadian to be awarded a Victoria Cross.    Despite a moderate effort, I am pessimistic that we will get a very large turnout.  I know your lives are very busy and that it's a longshot, but if at all possible, I would be in your debt!!!!   Here's more detail:  Glen Lockhart: Last Man Standing.  I'll be there and would be delighted to see you. Have to run now (Halloween baking project_ but hope this finds you well; look forward to hearing from you again soon. Janet 





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Tuesday, 28 October 2014

Williams Stage Stop/Granzellas Blues: Tuesday, October 28th!

The human mind is inspired enough when it comes to inventing horrors; it is when it tries to invent a heaven that it shows itself cloddish. -Evelyn Waugh, novelist (1903-1966) 


Hi Diana! My name is Patrick Dunn and I'm a Cellar Red Club Member. Funnily enough, I'm in Williams at the moment, having driven down from Portland today. My friends and I will be staying in Healdsburg on Wednesday and Thursday nights, before heading into Berkeley for the weekend. As we will be heading back, via Calaveras, Amador, Lake Tahoe, etc., on Monday, I would very much appreciate being able to collect my shipment tomorrow, if at all possible, or else on Thursday of Friday.

We plan to stop by Soda Creek tomorrow afternoon but I wanted to contact you beforehand, given my request. Thanks, in advance, for any help in this matter. Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi, No problem. I’ve processed your order for pick up. Thank you!

Hello Duhlink!

Had a more than fab time with Marilyn and Michaelo. Wonderful dinner, as always. They were very disappointed you were not along, as was I, it goes without saying! No rain yesterday or today so very pleasant driving. Lots of laughs with the lads so distance seemed to evaporate. Decided to stay here tonight as we will drive to Napa reasonably early tomorrow morning and then go for a ride along Silverado Trail before making for Healdsburg and Coffaros. David has decided upon pizza at their place on Thursday. Other wrinkle is that Giorgio now wants to be in San Francisco by early afternoon on Thursday, in order to play a rescheduled match. Looking into bus there and may well drive him to Santa Rosa and then work our way back to Healdsburg, tasting along Russian River, Martiinelli, etc. Will know more once I look a bus information. 

Any way, as chance would have it, I just received a message from Soda Rock saying that November shipment is almost ready, to be picked up after November 3rd. I sent along a message saying I'd like to pick up wine earlier.
Will see what we will see domani. Lads have taken off to have a beer at Granzellas' Sports Bar. As soon as I send a message to David about when we plan to arrive tomorrow, I'll join them there for dinner. Lovely and warm so a pleasant stroll. Have a bottle of 2006 Coffaro Escuro, 14.4%, (last of Portland stash!), for corkage.

With respect to malt, not sure if you have already picked up a bottle or not, (I didn't have a chance to read any email at Olivers), but I a decent Laphroaig or some other Islay, (Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg), would be my suggestion. You could even ask Sarge ofr Mr Fixit, himself. Please thank them both for me.
Must away as I know lads are hungry. Egg-salad sandwiches went down extremely well, I must say. Whirlygig had last one, today, near Grants Pass. Hello from chaps and love to you, Darling! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Monday night in Portland: Whirlygig and Marilyn; dinner; Glasgow with Marilyn; Tuesday morning, with Michaelo.

Let's do Thursday for pizza. I'll see you sometime tomorrow?.............Dave

Hi David and Patrizzia! Sorry about the rout! Should we wear black armbands tomorrow? Assume we will be at your place around 4:00 pm. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Patrick (and Corinne sp?) We met at the wine table before Terry Fallis spoke on Sunday. Just wanted to drop a quick note to say it was fun to chat with you and great to learn about your daughter's work at Aunt Leah's.
I loved that reading event - hope you got to hear it. Hope our paths will cross again. Maybe I'll volunteer next year! cheers, Anita



Hello Anita! How lovely to hear from you! I'm absolutely delighted you took the time to follow up as we both, (Corinne, [Yes, spelling is right!], and I certainly enjoyed our friendly chat on Saturday, (Not Sunday, as you erroneously describe, but I will put it down to the extra generous pour of wine we favoured you with! What particular spin, might I be so bold as to inquire, do you plan to put on this in order to wriggle away from your mistake? PR folk indeed!), before the Terry Fallis/Arjun Basu session. A marvellous event and very, very interesting/stimulating for many, many reasons.

Chloe Alexis Dunn via car2go

Corinne Durston, Gaelan Rescigno, Krissy Seymour its time to join!!!
Around 7:00 pm this evening, shortly after we arrived in Williams, had dinner at Granzellas' Sports Bar, a block or so away. Took a bottle of Coffaro '06 Escuro, 14.4%, (Last of Portland stash as I leave most of our wine haul there as it is too, too expensive to pay duty. By the time we return, next week, I imagine I will have eight cases to leave in Portland, six of which are already paid for and sitting in various places, along the way, waiting to be reclaimed! I need "mules"! Know any?), for corkage. Grand time and then back to motel, Stage Stop Inn for a few snorts of malt, Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte PC11, 59.5%, to make everything blend in! Trust we will keep in touch. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: This evening, in Williams! 

Hi Patrick This morning when I was washing the wine glasses from last night I was horrified to discover that two of them were plastic. How tacky. I don't know how we ended up using them. They are supposed to be dedicated for wandering through the garden. To prevent another gaffe, I've moved them to different cupboard. Geez Louise. I have over 2 dozen "glass" glasses. A travesty to have served your lovely Reds in plastic.
 
Hope you had an uneventful drive. Perhaps you sang your way south with "Scotland the Brave." Always great to see you. Marilyn 

Hello Digitale and Fingare! How lovely to hear from you! Thank you again, for such a stupendous evening, not to mention this morning's wonderful breakfast! No rain today so very pleasant driving. Lots of laughs with the lads so distance seemed to evaporate. Decided to stay in Williams tonight as we will drive to Napa reasonably early tomorrow morning and then go for a ride along Silverado Trail, east side of valley, before making for Coffaro Winery. David and Pat, the winemaker/owners, respectively, have become good friends, over the years, as I think I mentioned, and stayed with us this past June for a number of nights. Assume we will be at their place, just outside Healdsburg, around 4:00 pm.

Around 7:00 pm this evening, shortly after we arrived in Williams, lads took off to have a beer at Granzellas' Sports Bar, a block or so away, to watch the World Series game. As soon as I'd sent a few other messages I joined them there for dinner. Lovely and warm so a pleasant stroll. Had a bottle of Coffaro 2006 Escuro, 14.4%, (Last of Portland stash as you know! By the time we return, next week, I imagine I will have eight cases to leave. I need "mules"! Know any?), for corkage. Grand time and then back to motel, Stage Stop Inn, for a few snorts of malt, Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte PC11, 59.5%, to make everything blend in! Ultra Fondestos and Thanks. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Dear Digitale! Plasticcis and or Plasticos, no never mind! We will never recover and I have already asked my lawyer to proceed with a class action lawsuit: The Trauma of Tacky!!! Desperately seeking solace at the bottom of a glass bottle, Patrizzio!

Hi Corinne, Greetings from India. Am sorry it tool longer than planned to get back to you. Enclosed please find the first draft of what we think is a great itinerary for your travel to India. It is detailed, we have taken into account that you may want to take things a little slow at places and enjoy the cities and town on your leisure time, We have covered all of the important sites, lots of World heritage sites in it.  

 Please do study this and advise me if this suits you or are there changes desired. In case you want to upgrade or downgrade hotels anywhere making it more budget friendly please do let us know. Have a Great Evening With Warm Regards Vishal 


Tour from Luxe India A lot to take in. I guess the first question is this more than we want to spend. The way I understand the rates is that the $6232 per person is the accommodation plus driver and guide. There is one additional charge for a guide that I saw. We can send any questions to Vishal and of course we have lots of time to find tune this. Corinne

Hi Corinne--Timing is everything, they say … I had just been thinking about our trip to India these past few days and actually doing some reading in my India guidebooks. It's good to get some info from you and to see what is possible. I'll go over the itinerary in more detail with Peter when he is back home this weekend. We'll also give some thought to the cost. At first glance the quote does not seem too bad given the length of time and what seems to be a great itinerary. Certainly lots to think about and talk about for now. Maybe when we've all had more time to mull, we should set up a conference call to discuss …? Cheers for now, Lynnie XOXO




P.S. Weather is definitely turning here in The Naramata. It's quite cool (boots and leather jacket mandatory this a.m.), cloudy, and very windy. There won't be many leaves left on the trees tomorrow.  I also noticed yesterday the first snow on the mountain tops across the lake. I had my snow tires put on last week.

 

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