Stanchion Man Marilyn Blues: Thursday, April 30th!

Spend the afternoon. You can't take it with you. -Annie Dillard, author (b. 30 Apr 1945) 

A teacher who is attempting to teach, without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn, is hammering on a cold iron. -Horace Mann, educational reformer (4 May 1796-1859)

Herewith the Parisian oracle - soon to be joined by the recently anointed Junior Master Nendick who no doubt will concur The answer to your "Chez slam" conundrum is not 42. That will be 5 Euros each - sent post haste. Pauper in Paris 2 over 1 The oracle What a relief for us all to know this - & just in time for the May Day Parades. An infinite opportunity minus 42 - from the ever wise Oracle. Robert will be especially delighted. 2/1 Forever! Blessings to Anne - and to the success of Miliband in England regaining our 12thC French territories in a Labour Revolution. Coda awaits your pleasure on the Bridge Deck. David

Dear Pip, (C)oracle of Cappelletti et al: As Harry used to sing, "It was clear as mud but it covered the ground/The Confusion made me head go round!" I can only assume that your square bread, slathered in Marmite, recently purchased at Epicerie Anglaise, has turned you into a blockhead, a grasping one at that! (Perhaps you should stick to snails and garlic.) Your scandalous €5 prophesy is not worth a fig, let alone a centime! That being said, I trust all goes well in the City of Lights. Fond regards to Anne. Must away as packing calls. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Corinne Durston‎ Randall Nadeau Happy Birthday from your Vancouver family, Much love Corinne & Patrick James Dunn

Hi Kids: Here is a shot of one the four chairs. See you later this evening. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hola Patricio, It sounds that under the stern direction of Cruella Coriandre you are going to have a well-organized move. You will be quite welcome to bring us more valuables. We did quite well with the first batch at the Big Naramata Yard Sale last weekend. Unfortunately I won’t be here on the 14th. I’m travelling to Cuba May 8 to 16 – a long time for a relatively simple site visit. Anyway, I’ll organize a space for you in one of the garages and Lynnie will be here to supervise. She will also welcome your company for the night or as long as you want to stay. You will be forced to drink the newly bottled 2014 Two Petes Riesling, which might shorten your desire to stay longer!

I’m busy building new raised garden beds this week, in between golf and consulting engineering. Gail Nixon and I had a good result, 3rd last Wednesday night at duplicate, and will try again tomorrow. Cheers, happy packing and have a good bridge night on the 1st. Peter

Dear Dom Duplicado and Lonely Lynne! Congratulations on your latest bridge results! As well, so pleased to learn that your booth at the Big Naramata Yard Sale was such a financial success! At this rate we won't have to move anything so thanks for showing such entrepreneurial initiative!

Have chatted with Ruthless and Ricardo and they will go up to Little Shushwap, late on Thursday, May 14th, so that will work out nicely for us to spend the night with Lynne, if that still works. (Disappointed that you will not be there, DD. Guess there really isn't room in any valley for the two of us as you seem to be avoiding me if last two visits are any indication!), Cora Lee is more than eager to see about starting another oven fire so hopes that Lynne will have purchased some extra fatty bacon!
 

I assume, all going well, that we will leave city between 9:00 am-10:00 pm to put us at your place around 3:00 pm. If we have any room in the car, I'd like to stop at Orofino en route but will see on the day. We have a few errands, (City Hall and cell phone related), we could do if Lynne is away at hot yoga or an extended luncheon! Otherwise we could discharge them on Friday. Let us know what works best and we'll plan accordingly.

Must away as we are about to go next door to The Annexe to finish moving the large pieces of furniture, (Murphy bed, TV, cedar chest, etc.,), over here. Lease expires today. 

Not quite sure where we will put everything but we are not called The Islay Inn Storage and Moving Company for nothing! Will require Sarge's help for the freezer and bed but Mme Coriandre and I can manage most of rest. Must away as Cora Lee is wailing The Packing Tape Blues! Fondestos from Cruella, (Love the name, Dom Pedro!), with broken nails and raw fingers, moaning, mumbling and grizzling, as I scribe, to you both. Cheers, Choc-a-Block Patrizzio! 

Invitazzione: Dearest Friends and Family! The Management and Staff of the Islay Inn would like to invite you to a Farewell Bash, Saturday, May 23rd, from 5:00 pm until the neighbours call the cops! Both a Pot-Luck and a BYOB gathering, we hope, finally, to turn the tables on all the Freeloaders we have come to know and love over these past wonderful 16 years! No tears allowed but plenty of laughs, (and hootch), expected! Cheers, Cora Lee and Patrizzio!  

Of course we'll be there, especially since there will be Guinness! Charlie & Susan  you re a riot T&M  Love to come, esp. after the invite! Artists in our midst is that weekend so I'm not sure how late I'll stay. Address? [Hi Lynn! Have attached directions. Bring an artist and stay tell the riot squad arrives! See you next week. Looking forward to it. Cheers, Patrizzio!]  David and I will be there! Grazie!

Hi Pat, Thanks for the invitation, but we have to send our regret as we will be out of the country from the first week of May returning to the first week of June. Finally the family accepted the fact that one day they may have to travel to the old continent to see the old man's village and the mad roofed peasant architectured place of abode. Reem is open to any idea except fears snakes or any disease. 

Selam is excited at the possibility of riding a camel- go figure, I have never thought of that. Will keep you posted when we return. [Hi Eyob! How wonderful to be taking the family back to your village! What an incredible opportunity. We both wish you safe travels and please keep in touch once back. You are always welcome anytime you happen to be in Penticton. Cheers, Patrizzio!]

Thanks, Pat. Sylvia will be in England but I'll try and make it. Ray Sorry but I will be in Merry Olde Englande visiting Jenny. i will be thinking of you as you embark on the next phase in your life. Happy move! Maybe see you this summer on our way through to Kimberley. love Sylvia 

Hi Pat and Corinne, Thank you!! We'd love to come. Sad that you are going (but we'll try not to cry) but glad to participate in a your send-off party. Thanks, Sara and Dermot Hi Sara and Dermot! Glad you'll be able to attend the Farewell All the best from Cruella, flexing her packing whip whip as I scribe! Cheers, Patrizzio!

I'll be there to wish you well on your latest journey. Al Soroka 

we won’t even be able to parachute in to the Grand Final Party as we will be flying home from New York that night.oh whow is me. have a great evening/wee hour bash. matt Hi Patrick, Unfortunately, we are engaged that weekend. Hopefully, we meet in other future occasions. Warm wishes Moe Hi Moe! Sorry we won't see you before we move to Penticton but look forward to hosting the Book Club there! All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Guys and Gals, Tragically we will be a no show due to insurmountable distances and a distinct lack of cubic dollars to over come these issues. However we hope you have great time and enjoy your new location for the holiday inn. Cheers from Greg and Claire from down town St Malo in Brittany  

Hello Downtown St Malo! Sorry we won't see you before we move to Penticton but look forward to you visiting, staying and cycling with us there! Trust all goes well with you and jet-setter lives! Cora Lee and Chloë send along fond regards to you both. 

Interesting that your last missive was sent from St Malo. I have just finished reading Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See, the incredible story of a blind French teenager and a young German soldier. The central setting is your walled port city of St-Malo! Simply could not put the book down and stayed up until the wee smalls, a couple of nights running, until I was finished. A must read as far as I'm concerned! Otherwise, fairly busy packing hereEnjoy Europe and travel safely. Cheers, Patrizzio
 

Hi, Patrick! Thank you for the invitation!! I sincerely wish that I could come to Island Inn... It's unbelievable that you are moving from there...Hope to visit you this year or next. Thank you always for lovely card and sorry it takes longer to reply. Please hello to Corinne and Chloe! My mom says hello to all of you!! Love always, Toshiko 

Hi Toshi! Sorry we won't see you before we move to Penticton but look forward to you visiting and staying with us there! Trust all goes well with you and your mother. Cora Lee and Chloë send along fond regards to you both. Fairly busy packing here Much love to you and your wonderful Mother, Toshi! Cheers, Patrizzo!
 

Yes to celebrating, till the cops come. bob  Hi Guys: Wish we could be there, will be thinking of you on the day, hope all goes well with you both. Luv Kev and Bev xx Thanks Pat for the kind invite.. Alas, I will be in beautiful downtown Montreal on May 23 to 31. Good luck again wuth the move and hugs and best wishes to you all...Regrets, but hope it all goes swell! Deborah Greetings!
Thanks for the invite.....however, must decline. If we lived closer, like a few provinces closer, we'd love to come. Best Wishes with your party and best wishes as you settle into your new abode. Roma & Leonard Patrick and Corinne, It is with a great deal of sadness that we won't be able to come to your farewell event. We know it will be lots of fun and are devestated to miss it. Cheers, Dawn and Gerry 

First, Happy Birthday. I could have said Happy First Birthday but figured someone had kicked that ball to you. Would love to join you that day but I'll probably be in Adelaide. Never mind we'll see y'all in June. Love and best wishes. S

I wish so much I could be there! Will threaten to show up at your new place instead. Coming over to BC on June 30. Staying for three months. / All the best to you and Corinne // Kjell  Hi Patrizio & Mme Coriandre, Merci infiniment for the invite on the 23rd. Unfortunately, we will be house hunting on the island while we house sit for my girlfriend in Parksville. Bonne chance with the move! By the way, why did you choose Pentiction, besides the fact that it is wine country, lol! Fondly, Maggie & Frank Hi Maggie! Disappointed that you and Frank won't be able to attend the Farewell Bash! Understand, of course, and Buona Fortuna with house hunting! Cheers, Patrizzio!

You didn't say why you chose Penticton. Who are two gorgeous young women in the middle of the 4th photo? Hi again, Maggie! The move to the Okanagan is simply next adventure in our lives. Nothing complicated just a desire to see more of our wonderful globe! Aside from that our condo is on leased land. We had paid-up until 2040 but closer to that date the more difficult place becomes to sell. Have been in Vancouver for over 40 years so that alone means time for a change. Penticton is still a relatively small place, weather and proximity to fab wine producing regions don't hurt either. Babes are Colleen, Al's wife, and Patrizzia, neighbour in building. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thanks so much for the lovely invite! We look forward to seeing you at that time. Can only imagine all that you have to do. Cheers for now, Jo-Anne and Colin Hi Jo-Anne and Colin! Glad you'll be able to attend the Farewell Bash!  Cheers, Patrizzio!

Patrizzio and Cora Lee. Wonderful to receive your e card and invitation. Sounds absolutely great. If we can get a standby, otherwise you will be very much in our thoughts.Sad to leave after all these years, but it will be a new adventure for you.I shall phone over weekend. So much news to relate. Sorry not been in touch for a while. Sir James and Lady Patrizzia.  Hi Sir James and Lady Patrizzia!

Disappointed that you won't be able to attend the Farewell Bash! Understand, of course, Standby is always so unpredictable! All the best from Cruella, flexing her whip as I scribe, to you both! Look forward to your call. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Almost-ex Islay Inn-ers--Despite any contraindications you might have inferred from Dom Pedro's continuing absences in your appearances chez nous in Naramata, I'm looking forward to having your fine company on May 14th. The guest room will even have had a cleaning after an overnight stay from the Corses this coming Sunday! I will be out in the a.m. at my spin class followed by a quick appointment at 11:30. If all goes as usual for a Thursday morning, I'll be home noon-ish and ready for your arrival mid-afternoon and subsequent revelries. Cheers for now, Lynnie XOXO 

Thanks Lynnie, I'm glad at least one of the Naramations are happy to see us. Look forward to visiting you on the 14th, Hugs Corinne 

Hi Patrick and Corinne, We send our regrets that we won't be at the final hurrah for the Island Inn. We're going to save ourselves for the Okanagan welcome party. I'm sure the demise of the Island Inn will be a great blowout and a turning point in the lives of so many who have enjoyed your hospitality over the years. Have a great party. Peter and Lynne Hi Loyal Lynne and Absentee Landlord! Disappointed that you won't be able to attend the Farewell Bash! Understand, of course, but look forward to your more than delightful company, Lynne, even though your jet-setting husband will be globe-trotting. Thanks for providing your schedule for May 7th, Lynne, and please pass along best wishes to Famiglia Corse. Look forward to catching up. Cheers, Patrizzio!

oh, would be so much fun to go, but unfortunately ONLY because of my sisters celebration of her 50th Birthdag that particular day, we are not able to attend ;-) Dear Corinne and Patrick I wish you all the best for your new life chapter in Okanagan (well you owe me an explanation for leaving Vancouver , though!) and we are looking very much forward to seeing you in August. We have just celebrated (church) confirmation, which is a very big event for the kids here. I held a party last weekend and the church ceremony was yesterday. I'll send some photos Take care and don't stress yourself too much in the moving processs Much Love, Margareta

Hi Dottore! Disappointed that you three won't be able to attend the Farewell Bash! Understand completely, of course. One trip to Canada is expensive enough, let alone two! Happy 50th to your sister! Which one? 

Congratulations on church confirmation ceremony. Look forward to pictures when you have a moment. The move to the Okanagan is simply next adventure stage in our lives. Nothing complicated just a desire to see more of our wonderful globe! All the best from Cora Lee to you three! Look forward to your visit when I can "explain", face à face. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick and Corinne, Well the time has come to say goodbye to all things Vancouver and hello Penticton!! I suppose our air tickets are in the mailJ We need lots of photos of your new place! BTW Trevor has difficulty accessing your blog, have you changed log in details? Love Tina

Hi TNT! Trust all goes well with you folk. Grand that you will be able to join us for the Farewell Bash. Couriered the tickets a week ago so they should have arrived by now! Don't worry about any comestibles, (potables will be fine!), as we would simply be delighted with your presence after your long trip!Can never really figure out what happens to address for my blog but as far as I can tell, it should be available here: http://isalyinnroadtripblues.blogspot.ca/      Cruella sends along her best wishes to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Had a wonderful evening last night with close friends, Big Al and Colleen, as well as Flamin' and Sarge. Big Al will drive the 26' U Haul when we move. Clara and Dusty had four kitchen chairs which they took for their cabin in Sunshine Valley, (In September we may well pop in there, with Penny and Madcap, on drive to Vancouver as it is just off highway, near Hope.), and when Big Al and I were loading them into his truck, before dinner, happened to bump into neighbour, Greg, coming home from work. Invited him in for a drink and he and his wife, Patrizzia, from Chile, ended up joining us for dinner.

Cora Lee did fabulous chicken on bbq, cooked both sides then wrapped in Prosciutto and topped with Mozzarella, to be broiled after, until cheese melted. Gluten-free gnocchi and fresh asparagus with a lovely spring green salad, topped with pecans fried in butter and Feta, drizzled with a raspberry vinaigrette. Fresh raspberries for dessert with a spectacular 2013 Frambosie, 16%, from Elephant Isle Orchard Wines, (A great fruit winery in Naramata which we can visit, if P/M are interested, along with many others, of course!), to round things off. Plenty of other hootch as well. 

One red, in particular, was much appreciated by one and all, a 2009 Warrabilla, Limited Release, Parola's Durif, weighing in at a whopping 18.0%! From Rutherglen, one of our favourite wine regions in Australia. Last visited in 2012 with Flamin' and Sarge. Flamin' was beside herself as she managed to identify wine. I'd "socked" it before everyone arrived to see if they could guess varietal. Anyway, loads of fun. 

After we bade all our guests goodnight I finished cleaning up and putting away the few overlefts remaining. Not many, I can tell you! Cora Lee was fast asleep by the time I was ready for bed myself and as it was just past 1:00 am, I was too, too sleepy, after brushing and flossing, to read so turned out the light and joined her in Dreamsville!