The Naramata Lower Debeck Road Blues: Thursday, January 15th!

It is not what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable. -Moliere, actor and playwright (15 Jan 1622-1673) 

Arenicolous pooch!

Torrontes, Malbec, Carmenere-hey, are you moving to the Naramata or to the horn of South America??? Are you going to sell all the property in Vancouver or keep some as a rental/pied a terre? I wonder how Sarge feels since you are apparently going to prefer bears as neighbors to the Sutherlands.

Ayn P added 2 new photos — with Corinne Durston and Patrick James Dunn.

My cousins gave me some old family photos from my Uncle's home last year. This was taken the year I was born and it's the only picture I have of both my biological parents together so its quite intriguing to me. Got my looks from John obviously and my obsessive cleaning habits from Patrick, who most know helped Mom raise me despite all my protests!

Nicole Marie This is awesome Ayn P Right? Between Poppa's hair and Nana's tinted glasses Nicole Marie Haha they were def stylish

On the other hand, living in the midst of a wine region should be a real treat, and a place with many,many excellent biking opportunities. Cup half full, and of cab at that! Time to start the day here-we're getting a cat. Monday my morning pool reopens, so I'll be in the middle of my swim now instead of typing coy notes in my robe. Good news? Bad news? Hi to Mme. C. Cact.

Thursday morning we saw four homes in Naramata. Met Gil in the parking lot at Upper Bench Winery and Cora Lee drove with him, while I followed. None of the properties were overly appealing for a variety of reasons ranging from location to overly large lot sizes, renovations required, etc. Last property was above Naramata Road with quite a view. However, home consisted of two double wide trailers so not exactly what we had imagined, becoming White Trailer Trash. Interestingly enough, given floor plan it was actually the most adaptable layout to make it conform to our idea of open living space. Might have seriously considered it but the view, while spectacular, is otherwise marred by the power lines which run along Naramata Road below. If we have a view, I'd like it to be unobstructed.

1975 (I am so wearing that red velour track suit) — with Corinne Durston and Patrick James Dunn.Amos Andrei Lakos ha ha Patrick James Dunn Library School Cool! Amos Andrei Lakos I can't believe it was 40 years ago - Hi Ayn Ayn P Hi Amos

[You'll be welcome.  If you're not totally tied up with real estate viewing in the afternoon, perhaps a few hands??]
 
Gil had other appointments until 1:00 pm so we decided to do a spot of wine-tasting. Returned to Upper Bench Winery as place also sells wonderful cheese. Next we made for Poplar Grove as the winery is spectacular and view stunning as you might know. Great tasting and funnily enough young woman who served us was bartender at the post-Gran Fondo reception, sponsored by Westpoint Cycles, which I attended last July so we chatted about that evening as we sipped.
 

We were all hungry by then so I mentioned we should have a picnic in our car, enjoying view while munching. Our server, when she heard this, didn't hesitate to suggest we eat our sandwiches at one of the tables in the tasting room so that is what we did. She even poured us more wine so we had a wonderful picnic indeed!

After lunch we headed back into Penticton, to Gil's office, and first took a look at quite a charming bungalow. Extremely well maintained and only place I would consider, so far. Could move in immediately and comfortably without having to do anything upstairs. More or less undeveloped basement that could relatively easily be converted into a suite with its own separate outside entrance. I'm leaning towards this property as it is in our initial price range and livability parameters. Might well have put in an offer but there is already one pending, although it looks like financing will not be approved. Such is life!

Next into Okanagan Falls where we were treated to about five Big Horn sheep clambering on a rock face by the side of the highway. Nothing at all exciting in OK Falls so we said goodbye to Gil there. Thanked him and made arrangements to keep in touch as we review our options. Will probably return in a couple of months to continue search. Back to hotel to relax fro an hour or so before driving back to Naramata.
 
Had a wonderful evening with Lynne and Peter. Played bridge before dinner, (Cora Lee and Lynne visited while rest of us bid.), and than again afterwards. Peter prepared stupendous ribs along with scrumptious baked beans. Lynne had wonderful hors d'oeuvres and a delish cole slaw salad. Plenty of marvellous local wines, both red and white, and Peter and I managed to tipple quite few malts as the evening progressed. For dessert Lynne served a divine chocolate mousse, topped with whipped cream, garnished with fresh raspberries, dusted with icing sugar. 

Have never been to the Okanagan at this time of year and with their latest, atypical, lasting snow fall it was quite something to see the hills covered with white. Had to be careful, at times, particularly in Naramata, when visiting a few houses with unplowed driveways as even my Michelin All Season Tires were no match for the steep grades, icy ruts or shoulders covered with half a foot of frozen snow. Still, managed to see about 16 properties. Unfortunately, didn't really find anything that was appealing enough to want us to even consider putting in an offer, at least at this time. Will probably have to look at properties up to $650,000. Had capped first go around at $500,000. So, lots to think about, much to ponder. However, very pleased that we took the trip. Clara and Dusty enjoyed seeing the area and quite liked the wine tasting we managed to squeeze in. 

Pics: Tasting at Poplar Grove and view; Big Horn Sheep on way to OK Falls; bridge with Jugos Dom Pedro! 

Patrick, Would you like to join us for brige on Monday 19th? Cheers Byron

Hi Byron! Sorry for not replying sooner. I'm available and delighted to join group if you still need me. Let me know and I'll plan accordingly. Cheer, Patrizzio! Pics: Bridge with Peter and my in-laws this past Thursday.
 
Good morning Patrick, I am currently working on your bike and have found a couple of concerns I would like to address for you while we have it in the shop. I have found your lower headset bearing is corroded and rough and requires replacement. I would also like replace your corroded rear shift cable and housing to improve your shift quality. 

Your rear tire is exhibiting some odd wear patterns so I am going to replace that as a warranty repair with no cost to yourself. Please find attached the related prices of the additional repairs. Contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss the recommended work. Thanks Allan 

 

Attached is the information you've requested from West Point Cycles - West 10th Ave. Good afternoon Patrick, In addition to the previous email, I have also found that your new chain does not mesh with your existing worn cassette. It is skipping in some gear combinations. I recommend replacing it with a Tiagra level cassette which has the same gear ratios and will be a great pricwe point offering you good wear properties. Please find attached a now complete list of recommended repairs and pricing. Thanks again, Allan 

 
Yes - 1 year and a few days to go before being eligible for the 70's division. Have just finished tennis and a late breakfast - now for a walk and some swimming this afternoon. Went to the Tournament of Champions for the final round Monday and followed Nick Taylor for the front nine and Jason Day for the back - amazing golf as he shot 7 under on the back and tied the course record with a 62. Sounds as though there is a big move afoot for Patrick and Corinne - that will be quite a change. Have a great holiday and best wishes to everyone.
Cheers, Rich

Hi Pat, Have friends in India right now. Have fun planning for your trip.Good luck with the house-hunting in Naramata. bob 

Hi Bob! Trust all goes well with you! Sorry I've not been in touch sooner. Same story: No excuses but plenty of reasons! Main one being possible move to The Naramata. Not really unexpected but didn't really find anything that was appealing enough to want us to even consider putting in an offer, at least at this time. Cheers, Patrizzio!