Byron's Bridge Blues: Monday, March 16th!

I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the rights of the people by the gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. -James Madison, fourth US president (16 Mar 1751-1836) 

Collage: Chris

A.Word.A.Day, with Anu Garg

A couple of weeks ago vowels had solos and this week it’s time for the chorus. Each word featured this week has all five vowels. And if you like, you can even append the suffix -ly to these words to make them have the sometime-vowel Y as well. Not only that, we avow that each word this week will have all five vowels appearing once, and only once, and in order. 

Alphabet War: Vowels vs Consonants

Illustration: Alex Gorzen

Hi, there: I read with interest Patrick's missive about the house-hunting and buying process in Penticton. Sounds like a great find. Hope the move goes well!

My erstwhile History colleague and very dear friend, Tim Firth, just moved to Victoria -- last week. It seems to be the year for that sort of thing. Will miss you all, but that's the natural way of things -- ebb and flow.
 

Cartoon: Chad

It does give me a greater sense of urgency about planning an India get-together before you go. Details can be settled in due course, but let's start by finding a date. If possible, I would like a Saturday, Sunday or Monday evening . . . in the case of Saturday, an alternating weekend when I am not working. Would you like to propose some tentative dates? My next Saturday off is the 28th, but I am already busy that day . . . the next such one is April 11th. But it doesn't have to be Saturday.

Hope to hear from you and to have an opportunity to catch up in person, soon. Meanwhile, I hope that preparations for the move are going well -- you are in for a busy time! Janet 

Photo: Sean Jones

Hi Janet! Trust all goes well at Dunbar and with life outside the library! Sorry I've not responded sooner but don't know where time has flown. With respect to our India "seminar" this coming Sunday, March 22nd, or the next, March 29th, would be best for us, as a couple of possible dates. Know former is short notice but let us know what you think and where. Fondestos from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Anna Atkins, (Born: March 16, 1799, Tonbridge, United Kingdom Died: June 9, 1871, Halstead, United Kingdom Books: Sun gardens), was an English botanist and photographer. She is often considered the first person to publish a book illustrated with photographic images. Some sources claim that she was the first woman to create a photograph. 

Cartoon: Giant Hamburger

After yesterday's miserably cold ride, I was quite looking forward to a "dry run", so to speak, today Needed to give my grime/grit encrusted steed a thorough rinsing/cleaning after the soaking it and I received. Once that was done I set out around 1:45 pm, opting for the Olympic Village/Granvile Bridge/Kits Point/Point Grey Loop. Amazing how wonderful it was to be riding with the sun shining and no puddles or downpour to drench me. I literally floated through the entire ride, such was my euphoria, in comparison to the teeth-gritting determination I had to muster to complete yesterday's water gauntlet. Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/721665689#.VQdrZGKokmw.email

Back home around 4:30 pm to shower and change and then prepare a few hors d'oeuvres to take to Byron's place. He was hosting bridge at 6:00 pm. Sarge came upstairs around 5;30 pm and we strolled along Seawall to their condo on Millbank, across from the marina there. 

BigMac was already there when we arrived, Clive and John a few minutes later. Drawing for partners, I was paired with John. Last time he played we were partners but managed to place third, overall. This time we had the cards and remained in first place the entire evening, so it was rather gratifying, as you can well imagine. Everyone had played same number of hands by 10:45 pm so we thanked our gracious host and said goodnight, to one and all. BigMac kindly offered to drop us off as he was heading over the Burrard Bridge. Sarge will probably host next week's game so I told David to call before arriving so that he could park inside, if needs be. Back home, Cora Lee was still up, just back from a Trinity Council meeting so we watched a few more episodes of The Killing before it was time for bed for both of us.

I had taken the key to the patio door and so I gained entry to Harbour Terrace with Sarge. Found our door locked and Sarge couldn't find key to our place in his key drawer downstairs so I had to go to The Annexe to borrow Durston's key. Cora Lee said she heard someone "fumbling" at our door but obviously couldn't be bothered to tear herself away from watching Victor being the villain of Genoa City. I told her that she had an ally in Ann, another Y&R junkie, unable to watch her fix as Byron is a sports junkie with cricket and soccer and golf!

bridgers, Low scoring night Robert Please check line 28 of spreadsheet 800 should be 700 Cheers, Byron. Bah humbug, 2 over 1 Byron

Looking forward to Bridge!   

Hi Byron et al!

Thank you for hosting, Byron, (and Y&R watcher!). The wonderful Irish stew and delectable dessert only added to the glow of victory! Peter, you should be glad that you were not present as evening became a bit rough when John had to protect himself against Kamikaze Byron, enraged after a particularly suicidal bid, went down four, doubled! (Line 28):  
 

        1                       2                    3

Byron/Dave      Patrick/John    Wayne/Clive

     3,120                3,640             3,270

                                                                                                                  

With respect to next week's gathering, Sarge has volunteered to host, if that is fine with you, Robert. Wayne may well be away for the following two weeks or so. Robert, please let Sarge know what you would like to do and then group can plan accordingly. Thanks again, Byron. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Pleasant evening deteriorates into gang violence. First-aid kit!

Dear Patrick Thanks so so much for this newsy email. Will call you to try to arrange a time to get together. I can navigate our back steps now so I am able to get out of the house. Hasn't the weather been terrific!! So cool to hear about the movies you have been going to. Your VWF involvement sounds interesting but tricky given your move?? Anyways do take care. Lots of hugs Jo-Anne

BC Distilled returns to Vancouver on April 18th! 23 of the province’s leading small-batch distilleries along with a handful of artisanal beverage and food purveyors will set up shop at BC’s premier micro-distillery festival. Hosted at CBC Vancouver, this event provides a single-stop opportunity for craft spirit lovers to taste a variety of regionally sourced products.  Patrick James Dunn Great event but I think I'll just stumble over to Liberty and swim to Long Table!