Public Storage Blues: Thursday, February 26th!

Mirrors, those revealers of the truth, are hated; that does not prevent them from being of use. -Victor Hugo, novelist and dramatist (26 Feb 1802-1885) 

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries revolves around the personal and professional life of Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis), a glamorous private detective in 1920s Melbourne.

Netflix may be one of the many blessings of the digital 21st century, but with so much to watch it can often seem like there's nothing to see. To help remedy that, HuffPost Entertainment crowdsourced suggestions from around the office to uncover hidden gems -- those movies and television series you might not find on your own, but will be so glad someone else did.

Patrick James Dunn Thanks for the tips! On the long winter nights in Penticton we'll be snuggled up by the fireplace, sipping rum toddies and watching some of these!

Hello Polaroid Monster Man! Trust all continues to goes well with you four and your busy lives. Not quite sure how much I mentioned about our coming trip to California, in last message, but we had a wonderful time all the way down I-5, with stops in Portland, Williams, a ride on West Dry Creek while Imelda shopped for shoes in Healdsburg, and then into Berkeley, with a ride over the Golden Gate, and then Tinsel Town. After celebrating Pierre's 26th birthday there we drove to Palm Desert to spend a week with Lynne/Peter Lighthall, friends from Naramata, with whom we will travel to Inja this coming Octobre, for six weeks. Joshua Tree National Park was spectacular indeed!

Much, much to tell, (Ride stats available by request, per esempio!), so just a bit of a recap. I guess we'd better try to arrange a get-together soon, otherwise it might have to take place in Okanagan wine country! Fondestos from Cora Lee! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

That was a delightful read. It takes me back to many fond California trips I’ve taken (both with you and on my own) Your Redding reminiscences bring back memories for me, too. I never stayed with you at the Americana Lodge - we stayed across the street, I recall (or down the block, or nearby, somewhere…). You pointed the Americana out when we drove by. Attached, a photo I took inside Jack’s several years ago. As I recall a MASSIVE rainstorm hit the West Coast of the USA when we were driving down I-5. As it was my turn to drive, I was feeling rather groggy at the wheel right up until the heavens opened. Then I was as awake as anyone can be, hammering down the Interstate with semi-trailers and others thawing up a mass of water. When we made Redding the news said they were looking at 4-inches of rain, which I didn’t doubt. As I recall the rains stopped after we made Redding and the rest of the trip was rather temperate, and quite nice.

The lack of water in Southern California is amazing. LA has had some rain this winter - more than before but by no means enough to make much of a difference. Both the Imperial Valley and the Central Valley are dry, dry, dry. It’ll be interesting to see how long before they start talking about ripping out all those golf courses and lawns.  And to think that when I go to Rossland and drive down to Trail, the Columbia River passes under one of the bridges at a rate of 2.8 million litres of water a second. Amazing.

I have driven the Palms to Pines Highway - it’s quite a hill coming up from the desert. It’s nice to go by Bighorn golf course and see what a quirky place that is. Lovely ride, I’m sure. And I’m delighted you weren’t too badly hurt in your crash. These things do happen at the most inopportune times. I had a fender jam in my bike just a few weeks ago after I rode over a piece of wood - thankfully my dismount wasn’t nearly as dramatic as yours.

I’m parenting from home today - Elise is sick with the flu and Kirsten has callously abandoned her family and is in Berlin for a few days. Her sister has a conference there and asked her to join. We had a few thousand Aeroplan points and getting flights to Europe in the dead of winter is a cinch. She left yesterday; back on Monday. It’s actually a great way to make Kirsten leave the office and have some fun - the hotel is paid for, the flight is on points and all she needs is a few hundred Euros and she’s good to go. The only guilt she has to feel is how she is giving the rest of the people who rely on her an opportunity to figure this stuff out for themselves.

As for your place, I’m glad you have it sold. It may be that you under-priced it somewhat; it may be that you could have asked for $10,000 more, but I think it’s a great price and it’s fantastic that you have it sold. What is more, you can now buy into what can only be described as a depressed market. The drop in oil is going to hit vacation property in BC between the eyes and puts you in a perfect position to take advantage. Nicely done. Once the international traveller is back where she belongs we will discuss having you guys over for dinner. I’m assuming Dusty and Clara are still in residence? I was talking to my brother in Winnipeg last week and although it wasn’t too cold (-15), the wind was blowing. Although the ice on his backyard rink was excellent, I understand.

Let us know if we can help in the dismantling of the Island Inn. We can offer strong backs fuelled only by the smallest amount of whisky. Talk soon, welcome back from the USA. And how is Pierre 26 years old? My goodness. -A

Hi Single Parent Flash! Trust life continues to go swimmingly in spite of Elise's flu and Ich bin eine gefühllose Berliner Kirsten! What a fab city. We certainly enjoyed our stay there in 2010 and hope to return in the not too, too distant future. I too, enjoyed your trip down memory lane. [Snap from Jack's still didn't come through! Is it one of table lamp?] I guess you were probably younger then than Pierre is now! Bar T Bar in Plymouth is now a Mexican restaurant! Was there in early November with two friends, Glasgow and Whirlygig. Two fab rides, one there, towards Placerville, and, following day, around south shore of Lake Tahoe. Saw two bears, right in a development called Tahoe Keys. Glad to hear that your bike accident didn't result in anything serious.

Rosita and Dusty are here until April 15th and then Winnipeg, probably still ice-bound bound, bound! (Malcolm?) Think they will miss the coast but we trust they will still visit the OK Corral! Quite a difference between rain and -15ºC, as I need not tell you. Fondestos from Cora Lee to you and your charges, both well and ailing! Cheers, Patrizzio, With a Straw in one Hand and a Gallon of Gallo in the Other!

Pics:  Chloë with Dana and Ian, both on Board of Reel Causes. Ian also started the Vancouver Foreign Film Society and we've seen a number of the wonderful films he's brought to town. Bruins in Tahoe!

Hello Fingare and Digitale! Trust all continues to goes well with you and your busy lives. How did your grand-parenting go? Cora Lee mentioned Mason Bees outing. Sounded fascinating. I do apologize for not dashing off a note sooner but I kept thinking I'd have time and then even that evaporated! Thanks again, as always, for such on-going, bounteous hospitality. Fondestos from Cora Lee! Cheers, Patrizzio, Still Sore But Improving Daily!

Hi again, Darling! In message just sent, I forgot to mention that I've had no luck in finding the name of the hotel we stayed in when visiting Dublin. I believe all my relative entries were on the iPad I was using at the time. Subsequently I passed it on to Cora Lee. Unfortunately, she dropped it this past August, when in Manitoba. Although it seemed to work, sort of, thereafter, it has since given up the ghost. Not sure if we'll ever be able to recover any of the files.

At any rate, we were pleased with the Lower Baggott Street location but I'm sure you won't have any difficulty finding a place most anywhere in Dublin. Buona Fortuna! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Desert Storm Tour Guides! Trust all goes well at Shadow Lake Hacienda. Thank you for the last installment. I wasn't worried about it and you certainly didn't have to transfer it right away but do appreciate your thoughtful effort.

Was certainly thinking about you two yesterday, for reasons of weather rather than monetary ones, however. Must away as I need to rinse my Trek of all the grit I acquired, fender-less but safe, for today's outing. Am hoping I can get it in before showers begin, later this aft, if forecast is to be believed! Fondestos from Meeting Woman. Cheers, Drowned Rat Patrizzio!

Pics: Chloë with Dana and Ian, both on Board of Reel Causes. Ian also runs Vancouver Foreign Film Society and we've seen a number of the wonderful films he's brought to town.

Hello Festschrift Man and Across the Salish Sea Woman! Trust all continues to go well with you two. First, let me extend sincere condolences to you both on the sudden death of your friend. What a terrible shock as I could discern from your voice on the phone message, Jane. Just listened to it a few days ago as what with one thing and another, it has been pretty busy ever since we returned from California last Saturday. I gather you must have left it shortly after we left on February 2nd. On a brighter note, congratulations on the publication of the festschrift in your honour, Kjell. I trust the celebration went exceedingly well.Not quite sure how much we might have mentioned about our trip to California, when last we met. All in all, we had a wonderful time on the way down I-5 and back.
 
Flash forward to the present, weather was much better today so after I washed all of the accumulated sand/grit off my bike, from yesterday's ride, I set off around 12:30 pm, hoping I could log a decent distance before showers were to begin, later this aft, if forecast was to be believed! Dipsy-doodled around Olympic Village until I had over 10 km on the odometer and then took Seawall to branch off to take Burrard Bridge back into Kits. (Wanted to vary my route a tad.) From there I headed out to UBC and followed another fairly regular route, 16th/Imperial/Marine and home via Chancellor), that I have always quite enjoyed. Home, dry as a bone, with exception of some well-earned perspiration, by around 3:30 pm, so delighted to have missed and rain! Stats for ride: 

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/706724586#.VO-6E4b6PIM.email

Be great if we might have a chance to see you, Jane, before you head overseas. Congratulations on selling your place, as well. Let us know, ahead of time, if possible, when you will be over, and we'll plan accordingly. I guess we'd better try to arrange a get-together soon, otherwise it might have to take place in the heart of Okanagan wine country!

Chloë is still proceeding with plans for having a child. So far, all the required physical and psychological hurdles have been passed. Next session or two involve counseling in terms of selection of sperm! Quite a procedure in itself. Nevertheless, while we are looking at other places here, our leanings are still towards the Okanagan. Fondestos from Cora Lee, (on a conference call, church related), to you both! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Fionda and Across the Salish Sea Novinophobe! Trust life continues to go swimmingly. Thanks for the generous to offer of welcome at your pad, Calamity. How about we move in at 12:01 pm on Friday, May 29th, day we move out of the Islay Inn, and stay until October 27th, day we leave for Inja? When back on December 10th, we'll give you a break and go to Galiano until January 1st, 2016! That should make everyone happy, at first, and then you both will be rather glad that we have decided upon the Okanagan! 

Thanks, as well, for your kind thoughts about cycling, Fionda. Thanks, also, for the suggestion regarding move but our leanings are still towards the Okanagan, suffering, acutely, as you suggest, Whirlissimo, from Novinophobia, [Probably contracted it when house-sitting for The Millionaires!], both. With this move, (We have narrowed our search criteria to only include dwellings within 50 m of a winery!), we feel we will finally be able to bury this devastating phobia, along with countless empty bottles of porch climber, under the new front porch! Fondestos from Cora Lee to you both! Let us know when we might expect you to come 'acallin' on Saturday. Cheers, Patrizzio, With a Siphon in one Hand and a Gallon of Chain Cleaner in the Other!

P, Would 6:30 work for you guys? It could be earlier or later. W

Hi Canada Line Freeloader! Give me a shout domain and come by for a java and a visit if it works. Depending on how late you think you might wish to stay on Saturday, probably any time after 5:30 pm works for us. However, you decide what is best for your schedules and we'll be here. As well, I have about four or five bottles with ceramic caps, if you want them. Must away as we are about to watch Elementary and The Blacklist. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hello Rioja Drinkers All! Trust you are both enjoying Spain! Where are you? Thank you for the kind words about my fall. Sorry to hear about your pucnture and sprained ankle. I guess we are both of an age when we feel pretty lucky when any mishap isn't worse that it might well have been, under just slightly different circumstances.

Congratulations to Laura and Ed on the coming birth of their second child. Wonderful news indeed! As well, grand to hear that The Moms are doing so well. Fondestos from Cora Lee. Enjoy what remains of your time in Spain. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Yuma! Sounds as if you had your work cut out for you in Scottsdale. Trust Francesco's back is better. Sounded pretty painful from what you mentioned. Thank you for the kind words about my fall.  Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Beach Cleaners and Ghost Busters! Great shot of the Bag Lady! I'm sure Gayle had her work cut out for her. Thank you for sympathy on my fall. I either didn't know about your fall, 18 months ago, or simply forgot. I guess we are all of an age when we feel pretty lucky when any mishap isn't worse that it might well have been, under just slightly different circumstances. Glad to hear that Gudrun seems to be coping as well as can be expected. Tenerife sounds terrif! Congrats to Maur and Bill on sale of apartment. I expect you will be at the tea shop everyday once it is open, knowing your predilection for stopping on jaunts, whether on foot or bike!

Although I knew about change of employment from your message, I hadn't actually heard from Chloë about Mark's new job until this evening when she popped by. Sounds like a pretty good fit if all goes well. I gather that "Twisty Bread" sales are going extremely well so trust that continues. Fondestos from Cora Lee. Hello to Spudnik! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Sunshine Valley Folk! Thank you for the kind words about my fall.  Cora Lee sends along best wishes. Are you here this weekend? If so, perhaps a ride. Let me know and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Terrace Folk! Thank you for the kind words about my ribs! Don't feel sad about us moving to the Okanagan. We'll actually be closer to you! Nevertheless, nice to know that we will be missed! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Patrick, Such detail! I have just finished reading your novel and congratulations on your sale and your asking price despite advice. Again, I can’t imagine coming to Vancouver and you and Corinne not being there. We are coming to Vancouver for a couple of hockey games,March 16 to 26 I believe, so hopefully you are in town then. Now the fun begins with getting ready to move all your possessions. We just redid our storage room (was called a bedroom but we made it into a storage room) putting up steel shelving and divesting ourselves of more goods - off to the Hospital Thrift Store, the Men’s Shelter, Museum and recycling depot. It feels so good to get rid of things. We still have a pile to dispense with but I may try to sell a couple of the items. Everything is now well organized and despite being sore and tired from all the physical labour we are glad we did the work.

Took us awhile to get back in gear once we got home from Hawaii and sunny Vancouver. I think we had the holiday ending blues for a few days but we are back in gear again. Weather here has been pretty good and everyone thinks winter is over but you never know……..

Jeff had the lead float in the Chinese New Year Parade in Vancouver and tomorrow he is releasing a line of clothing recognizing the Chinese culture etc. in Vancouver. I think it is pretty neat and he sure is excited about it.

Well I have finished my little glass of wine and think I will go to bed. Thanks for catching us up on your news and it sounds like you are in good health again. Cheers, Dawn

Hello Little Glass of Wine before Bed Woman! Pleased to hear that you are settling in after your lollygagging in Hawaii. Perhaps we could hire you to help us with coming move! By the sound of it, you are experts, even if sore and tired!!! I get sore and tired just thinking about what needs to be done over the next three months or so. Great news about Jeff. Bravo! Please send along our congratulations to him.

Ribs improving steadily and not really any discomfort now when I sneeze or roll over in bed. Still a bit of tenderness on my right side but pleased, nonetheless. Cheers, Patrizzio!

We too are homeless as of end of May & had settled briefly on Okanagan but prefer the island for winters. Our dtrs assured us they would not visit us any more pften if we were in Penticton so back to either Parksville or N Nanaimo. AB winters far too cold. Trying to find a place for the day when we either can no longer afford the travel insurance or our health prevents us from going south. Are you adverse to the island? We have so many friends there, most form AZ. M

Hello Fellow Soon-to-Be Homeless People! Am pleased to hear that you looking for your new home, as are we! I like VI muchly but prefer not to have to deal with the ferry system on a regular basis. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Ocotillo. You are probably quite familiar with this plant, I'm sure!

Thanks for the updates! I'm glad you are apparently unscathed from your
recent fall and all seems well. I'll bet you're having to take bookings on a first-come basis until May 29th at the Islay Inn! Are you selling Clara and Dusty's place too? I guess we'll just have to stay at L'Hermitage next time we visit Vancouver!! Love the photos of Mt Shasta....we know that view well, but it was quite spectacular that day! Pat 

Hello L'Hermitage People! Thanks for last message. Am pleased to hear that you enjoyed snaps of Shasta. You were right, it was "spectacular" that day!

The Annexe, where Clara/Dusty live, is a rental unit, from Strata Council, so lease will expire, for them, at the end of April. They return to Winnipeg mid-April. Wherever we end up, I get sore and tired just thinking about all the sorting and packing which needs to be done over the next three months or so.

Fondestos from Mme Coriandre, poring over on-line real estate, to you both. We are off to the Okanagan on Thursday to see more properties. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Another month is over – after two months, see attachment for where we stand, or sit, or lie on the road to the 2015 BASTARD Awards. For those not in the 2014 melee....Bridge Achievements Shown To-date And Rightful Distinction Awards. My turn to host on Monday March 2nd.Who’s available? Clive We are back and I am now retired. I can make it if there is room. Clive I will be there
byron John Welcome back and welcome to the ranks of the retired and (almost) retired. There is always room at the bridge inn. Cheeers 2 over 1 Byron 

Hi Clive et al: I'd like to play. Byron, would you like me to pick you up? Anyone else from this side of the city? Let me know and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio! We have 5 so far...Byron, Dave Mc, Patrick, John and me. See you Monday! Clive i'll make it six. Byron, whose turn to drive? Hi Robert et al! I said I'd chauffeur. Let me know if this works and time to collect people. Cheers, Patrizzio! SorrY to be missing all this fun! David 

Hi Patrick, If you could pick me up at about 5:30 from the Library downtown that would be great. NE corner of Rodon and Homer. Cheers, Robert. Hello  Rodon Man et al! I'm happy to collect you on the corner of Rodon and Homer. Which galaxy is that? I assume you will take your time-machine to return to Robson and Homer at 5:30 pm on Monday! 5:20 pm at your place, Byron? Cheers, Captain Kirk! Damn autocorrect. Patrick Sounds good 5:30pm? We live on Millbank off Ferry Row. Give me a call when you leave and I can meet you in the circle. Cheers Byron Nanoo Nanoo Byron 

Hi, again, Byron: How about 5:20 pm as we need to gather-up Robertitio, at VPL, at 5:30 pm. I'll phone just before leaving The Islay Inn. Cheers, Scottie! Better Captain Kirk than Dr Spock. okey dokey

[Tribute to Leonard Nimoy] RIP spocky He didn't live that long but he sure did prosper.Dear David The Celtic horde laid waste to the English invaders. Praise the Lord I have found where it is shown on the magic square box. Channel 983 on Telus - BEN sports. Consequently we can now watch the matches. Roll on a victory over the cousins from Wales and a Grand Slam Championship. Cheeers Byron