Considerable Cloudiness Tinsel Town Blues: Saturday, February 7th!

A man's conscience, like a warning line on the highway, tells him what he shouldn't do - but it does not keep him from doing it. -Frank A. Clark 

Dear Lady Mary II and Mr Patmore! Ayn and Cora Lee have been invited to a baby shower today, at noon, so I plan to go for a ride while they are out. Will head to my Mexican barber, Cachorro's, just a block or two down the street, for a haircut and beard trim after enjoying David's lasagna for breakfast! Will be in touch about Palm Desert address before long, I trust! Fondestos from the Goils to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Desert Storm! Trust you are both well and enjoying life at Il Palazzo Sud di Lighthall! Have had a wonderful trip to date, although managed to leave a few possessions behind, in Berkeley! As it turned out, last "sweep" did not reveal Mme Coriandre's jacket which I'd hung in a closet. At any rate, D/N have offered to mail the jacket, (a very light ski jacket), to Palm Desert as we hadn't planned on stopping in Berkeley once we leave Palm Desert. Consequently, this is an urgent plea for the Palm Desert house address so that I can send it along to Casa Vicente.

Glad to hear that the weather in Desert Storm is to your liking. Forecast I've consulted looks great over the course of our stay. Once again, please let The Pushy Canadian Freloaders know about the secret Palm Desert hideaway address at your earliest convenience! Fondestos from the Goils to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Dinner Thursday evening with Cactus and Donna Florida; Raoul is a friend who lives across the street. Glasgow and I first met him this past November. Lasagna, Friday morning; Vinnie the Baker, overseen by Mrs. Patmore; Start of ride over Golden Gate outside Ferry Building and then at dock in Tiburon for ferry back to SF. Will save description of day's events until face-to-face over wine/malt!

Dear Patrick, With the greatest reluctance, our address is on Shadow Lake Drive, Palm Desert, CA  92260.  The house phone is 760 XXX XXXX. The couriers are going to know us well.  Lynne just arranged to have her jewelry box shipped from the Bellagio in Las Vegas - imagine her relief that she was able to track it down.

Sunshine here is wonderful and we're well stocked with bargain booze from Costco - imagine a bottle of Lagavulin 16-year-old for $66.  Looking forward to your arrival. Cheers, Peter and Lynne

Hello Jugos Dom Bellagio! Thank you for the quick reply! Just back from being shorn. Quite an interesting scene at the local barbershop with kids running all over the place and regular customers dropping by to visit and chat, mostly in Spanish of course. My barber remembered me from last time, a year or so ago. Lovely chap and uses a straight razor on one's neck. (Glad Cora Lee hasn't gotten to him yet!) Much less than half the price at home, even with a $5 tip and exchange rate, and I can actually tell him what I want. 

I've been going to my barber in Vancouver for almost 30 years now and I've reached the point where I feel can't tell him to do this or that as he gives me, more or less, what he thinks I need/want. Not a big deal. Probably silly on my part but since we've become friends it's embarrassing to say well you know I never comb my hair like you do at the front, per esempio. Sometimes I even hope he is on holiday so that I can go to one of the other chaps in the shop and can tell them exactly what I want!

Off to give my bike chain a bit of a clean and a drop of oil and them I'm away to ride on the dedicated pedestrian/bike path which runs parallel to the Metro Orange Line. Cora Lee was dismayed to hear of Lynne's lost jewelry box but mightily relieved to learn of its safe return. Sunshine and bargain malt cabinet at Desert Storm sound terrific. I'll have to practice tippling here in LA, all the better to be ready! Thanks again for reluctant address! Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS: Address below, Vincenzo. Thanks muchly from Lady Mary I!

Pics: Barbershop, barber and shorn selfie. It is Pierre's 26th birthday this coming Tuesday and we will celebrate it the evening before we set out, with empty camel packs, (empty of malt, that is), to cross the desert!

Patrick, Great haircut.  Glad to see you shorn.  Our last goodbye kiss was pretty fuzzy!

Ayn and Cora Lee had been invited to a baby shower today, at noon, so I planned to go for a ride while they were out. Headed to my Mexican barber, Cachorro's, just a block or two down the street, for a haircut and beard trim after enjoying David's lasagna, (overlefts), for breakfast! Quite an interesting scene at the local barbershop with kids running all over the place and regular customers dropping by to visit and chat, mostly in Spanish of course. My barber remembered me from last time, a year or so ago. Lovely chap and uses a straight razor on one's neck. (Glad Cora Lee hasn't gotten to him yet!) Much less than half the price at home, even with a $5 tip and exchange rate, and I can actually tell him what I want.


At any rate, back home before noon to suit up and then gave my Trek's chain a bit of a clean and a drop of oil before riding the block or two, down Woodman, to the dedicated pedestrian/bike path which runs parallel to the Metro Orange Line. Know this route quite well so it was fun to be back "in the hood" so to speak! Forecast had predicted rain to startaround 5:00 pm so I thought I would be fine but by the time I made it to Lake Balbao Recreational area it started to drizzle but not heavily so I felt I would be fine. 

The dedicated bike paths here are terrific so I knew I'd be able to log much of the distance I had planned for the day. Started out circling the Balboa/Encino Golf Course and once I'd dipsy-doodled a bit thereabouts I headed under Balboa Blvd on one of the two very good, bike friendly underpasses which took me to Oxnard St and thence to a large subdivision bounded by White Oak on the north, Lasaine on the south, Burbank Blvd on the west and Oxnard to the east. Spent the next hour or so criss-crossing this grid and then made my way back to circumvent the park and environs before taking the busway bikepath back to woodman.


Had been on again/off again drizzle while I was gerbil-caging the wide, quiet streets of the pleasant, original 1950's subdivision and by the time I was close to home I was bone dry so I decided I'd add a bit more distance by dipsy-doodling on the streets to the south of Woodman. Of course, while I was so doing, it started to drizzle again. By this time I wasn't worried as the end was in sight and I piled into the underground parkade around 4:00 pm. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/692246768#.VNa3hO-KDSU.email


Found The Sisterhood at home already and after I'd showered and changed we started to watch The Outlander. Have read a few of the early books so it was great to be able to have the entire first season to watch. Ayn put on first episode and then popped out, (She had already watched everything.), to a local Thai restaurant for takeaway. She had a gift certificate from Christmas so was pleased to spend it on her freeloading parents!


When she was back we opened a 2012 Coffaro Aca Modet, 15.1% to go with the first of four wonderful courses: Thai beef salad with fiery lime dressing; chicken satay with peanut sauce; spicy green beans with sliced red pepper;  kang-gari yellow coconut chicken curry on white rice. Needed a 2008 Soda Rock Cabernet Franc, 14.5%, to put out the fire! Watched the second episode of Outlander, (Wonderfully adapted and acted, by the way, in case you have not seen or heard of it.), and when that was over we brushed and flossed and then repaired upstairs to watch the next episode of Blacklist. Wonderful life here in Tinsel Town!

So that's al the news that fit to print. Fondestos from Mme Coraline to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Can I get a confirmation people playing Monday at Condor Place? So far I count 4; Byron, Clive, Robert and myself. Any more? 3NT Roger I'm in San Francisco - sorry! Roger I confirm Cheers Byron Confirmed! C

Bye Bye Berkeley Blues: Friday, February 6th!

A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist. -Louis Nizer, lawyer (6 Feb 1902-1994) 

Corinne's gorgeous red jacket was left in the closet, and a web belt also hanging on the door. Let us know if you want us to mail this to you in Palm Desert, or wait until you are back in B.C. Sorry....I didn't do my job of last sweep, should have opened the closet....David Hope trip is going well. We're prepping for B and K....

Corinne's gorgeous red jacket was left in the closet, and a web belt also hanging on the door. Let us know if you want us to mail this to you in Palm Desert, or wait until you are back in B.C. Sorry....I didn't do my job of last sweep, should have opened the closet....David 

Greetings from Tinsel Town! Thank you again, for the more than wonderful stay, fantabulous meals and scrumptious lunches, not to mention the scintillating company and endless hootch! Must admit that leaving articles of clothing behind was a premeditated move inasmuch as we'll need to stay for a week on way north!
 

Sorry to have made you feel guilty about not doing a "sweep" but Mme Coriandre and Ms Tinsel Town are more upset about the fact that you characterize the gorgeous jacket as red rather than Orange Crush orange! I'm upset as the belt is my riding belt and I simply won't be able to cycle without it! As far as the two pairs of shorts are concerned, would it be possible to take a snap of them as your description doesn't ring a bell. Where did you find them? 

At any rate, it would be much appreciated if you could mail the jacket to Palm Desert. Ayn believes it will be far less expensive, within the US, from past experience sending "stuff" to Vancouver. Unfortunately, our clever hosts in Palm Desert have not yet seen fit to give us their address there, as of this writing, even though we have requested same a number of times. Ayn assumes they are more than worried that we might appear on their doorstep earlier than wanted, with our hands out, freeloading from the get-go!

I will dash off an urgent plea for Palm Desert house address as soon as I've sent this message and will be in touch, I trust, with holiday address shortly. The orange jacket, of whatever shade, should crumple into a fairly light package so not to worry about belt or shorts, should the latter indeed turn out to belong to me. Now that Casa Vicente no longer holds any Canadian hootch we need another excuse to stop by on future visits!

Had a very safe trip south. Traffic was reasonably heavy until after we past Livermore but once we actually turned south, semis thinned out and we sped along. Enjoyed your fabulous sandwich, (filling for Mme Coriandre, so thanks for that extra thoughtfulness), when we stopped for gas and a washroom break around 1:00 pm or thereabouts. Once we were about 60 miles from LA, near Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, I made for Hwy 126, off I-5, to Filmore. I had taken this route a year or so ago when I was headed for Simi Valley. It is a gorgeous drive through endless orange groves and vegetable fields covering the valley floor and up the hillsides. Climb out of Filmore is spectacular but very upsetting for Lady Mary I as she hates the steep, nay precipitous, drops and hairpin curves!

One ends in Moorpark and after I made a couple of wrong turns we took a scenic tour of Moorpark College campus before finding our way back to Hwy 118 and Simi Valley. Took the Rocky Point exit to get on to Santa Susannah Pass Road, (one of my favourite bike routes), which leads into the San Fernando Valley at Topanga Canyon Road. Once here we next took Nordhoff through Northridge, eventually making our way to where Ayn lives on Woodman. Enjoyed the surface streets even though quite busy with local rush-hour traffic as I find the sights far more interesting than freeway afforded views.

Cora Lee went to let Ayn know we had arrived and I actually gained access to underground parkade before The Sisterhood came downstairs as another tenant had opened the gate for me. Once we had unloaded the car I had a quick shower and shortly thereafter Ayn fed us a lovely dinner, (delicious mixed salad and wonderful chili with quite a bit of heat!), washed down with a 2013 Coffaro Sauvignon Blanc, 14.4% and a 2011 Soda Rock Primitivo, 16.2%. We visited until about 10:00 pm when we repaired upstairs to Ayn's bedroom, (Unlike some of our Northern California hosts, she gave us her bed while she slept on the couch!), to watch a recorded episode of The Blacklist we'd missed at home before we left. Ultra comfy bed so we slept like babes.

Hi All Just wanted to let you know this sad sad news. Poor dear Pamela struggled for so long. I loved her dearly and wish that her health and life could have been so different. Some things can be so so cruel. Jo-Anne  
Greetings to all, I hope this message travels to all who would wish to know of Pamela's passing. I apologize for the delay; I sent the previous message to immediate family and friends I had available in my directory, and am just now searching Pamela's contacts in hopes of reaching those she would want to be informed. Please pass along news to any and all contacts I may have missed with my apologies.

Pamela had suffered with her complicated physical condition for so many years, that I think she did not see the end coming as clearly as others observed. Her keen mind was intact to the end, and I think she saw the weakening lungs as just another bump in the road, and was willing to fight on. But, the end of the road did, indeed, arrive and at the end there was the peace and serenity she desperately hoped for.

We are working on plans for a small gathering in the "party room" of Mom's building in a couple weeks, and will soon have memory sites available for sharing.

Mom is attempting to stoically move through the motions of helping me manage everything one must do after a loved one's death, but, the void is huge, and she vacillates between grief and joy with each new memory. I hope each of you is comforted by your unique memories...please feel free to share them with us, as it is truly uplifting. Love, Karen
 
Hello, dear ones, Pamela is no longer suffering in her earthly body. She succumbed to respiratory failure at about 1:30 AM this morning (Friday, Feb. 6th) after a valiant battle. She died at home with Mom and I present, along with wonderful friend and care giver, and, her cat, Blackie, on her bed. Her amazing GP also joined us to lend his support.

We will contemplate plans and contact all when we know more of what our immediate future holds. We have been so blessed to have the tremendous support of so many throughout her journey, and would welcome and appreciate any suggestions for appropriate tributes for this amazingly strong lady. With love and sadness, Karen 

Hello I am currently away with a broken ankle complicated by a fractured femur.  My return to work is indefinite.  I will be able to check email but sporadically. Thanks Jo-Anne Naslund Education Library 

Seems like there’s quite a delay in declaring last night’s scores....I wonder why that is, Byron? Good pie and scotch! Thanks! C Dear Byron Many thanks for another absolutely brilliant evening - great Bridge and excellent pies. All Best
David
Mr Stewart is probably still in a daze from this morning’s duplicate where, under my guidance, we were able to achieve first overall (scoresheet attached). A triumph for common sense over one bidding. Light blue touch paper and stand clear. Cheers, Roger Sobriety can bring about amazing results! Well done Roger and Byron. I'm looking forward to your guidance in Palm Desert Roger. Peter

Who says I was sober? Ask Roger how we bid to 6NT I will tell you Byron 20 pts opens 1 heart - unbalanced hand Roger with 11 pts and 6 cd suit replies 2 S (jump shift = 17 - 19 pts indicated) I think he thought he was bidding a weak 2 opener. Byron calls 4NT - RKC. Roger looks a bit agitated at this point. Roger replies 5 spades - indicates 2 or 5 key cards plus queen of spades. (he has one key card being the king spades and queen of spades) Having established all 5 key cards Byron replies 5 NT asking for kings Roger replies 5 Clubs - no kings - in fact he has 2 - and from his 5 spades bid Byron had to assume that he had to have the K of spades - never mind that the 5S bid was somewhat flawed Byron bids 6 NT and makes. Top Board Who was sober and who was not??? 2 over 1 Cheers Byron 

PS And the scores from Wed night were: Byron MrT 6,570, Clive/Roger 6,630 After a disasterous start Byron and Mr T fought back to lead by 20 pts before Roger and Clive pipped them and then refused a final hand even though it was only 10:30 pm. 2 over 1

There is a modicum of truth in Mr. Stewart’s comments on that particular hand, but he ignores the bigger picture. A gutsy double, by yours truly, of the opponents 3 clubs with only one point in my hand laid the cornerstone of our success. This, and several bids that threw our opponents off their game was the true reason for our triumph. Cheers to all. Roger Hilarious. Did anyone call for the Director? Well done Byron/Roger but can underdogs England beat Wales today - unconventionally?

Hola Corinne and Pat, Your trip sounds like it is off to a great start!! How was your ride over the Golden Gate Pat? I would be nervous!! You are missing a week if rain. Huge amounts in the last few days! I am on my way to George's for the long weekend.

Just had a scare. The bus broke down and I thought I might not make it to Tswassen but luckily another came by to get us. Three articulated buses are en route to the terminal. Rainy but not cold luckily. Have a lovely trip. The place you are staying in looks gorgeous!! Hope you get loads of sunshine!! Happy trails!! Jane 

We are back, did you stop by?...........Dave thanks patrick .brings back many happy memories.please say hi to nancy and david and of course corrine;an other pineapple monsoon has arrived. off to vanc.int.film centre to night;take care matt

Considerable Clouds and Breezy over Golden Gate Blues: Thursday, February 5th!

All progress has resulted from people who took unpopular positions. -Adlai Stevenson, governor, ambassador (5 Feb 1900-1965) 

Greetings from Kermow! Hello from a cool Cornwall! The pictures of your apartment look very inviting. Corrine did a marvelous job. I assume your contribution was removing the fridge magnets although I noticed that you couldn't bring yourself to removing all of them!

The cost of your tickets to India seem very good. Less than we pay to get to Vancouver! Just make sure you take plenty of stomach meds with you. I don't know anyone that have visited India and not suffered from the dreaded Delhi belly! Gayles brother Pete spent three years on a posting there (actually I think it was six since he got a second posting there) but became immune and before he left could pretty much eat most anything they threw at him! Speaking of Pete, we have arranged to travel to Calgary late June to meet up with him and his wife Marlene for a sort of family reunion on Gayles mums side (the Tempests). We will take in the Stampede and then do a short road trip with Pete and Marlene. Will only be there for a little over two weeks so shan't visit Vancouver this time around. Krissy and Mark will be in England anyway in September so we will see them, hopefully in Scotland. 

I believe we are going to Rhona and Laurie,s evening wedding event so will spend a couple of days in Edinburgh and Argyle. If Krissy and Marks plans work in with ours we could then drive them down to Cornwall. I have enough air miles for the four of us to fly from Scotland to London where I will leave the car. We have also booked our annual trip to Italy in September. Going to the area around Apulia, Lecce and Viesta on the Adriatic coast. Have not visited this part of Italy before but it sounds very pleasant. Italy is one place I could happily live. Love the climate, the history and the food!

Yesterday was a beautiful day so we did a walk around the Lizard peninsular. In the sun it almost felt like a warm Spring day. In fact the Spring flowers have already started to bloom as you can see from one of the snaps I took on the walk. Tomorrow is a beach clean again on Perranporth. I think the worst thing are the plastics that get discarded from ships. Plastic is probably one of the curses of modern man. The problem at sea is that it breaks up into small pieces and cause such incredible environmental damage to marine life. Its also a pain to clear from beaches. I'm sure the chemicals from the plastics must also make its way into the food we consume from the sea.

Marnie, Tristan and Whistler arrive tomorrow for the weekend so yours truly will be busy walking the dog while granny entertains the little one! Marnie wants to work on her PhD this weekend since she is falling behind so we volunteered to look after Tris and Whizzy. Spuddy will not be too pleased having the dog here again which he considers the dog from hell!

At the moment I am in the process of installing a wrought iron gate to the entrance of the garden from the car park. Have to make sure we keep our new neighbours out, whoever that may be! Have put in one post and will wait to install the other until the gate arrives. Just to make sure everything fits! Just on out now to give the post another coat of stain. Best wishes, Derek

Left Casa Vicente at 9:30 am, (fueled on Vinnie's bread, slathered with peanut butter, a chicken drumstick Cora Lee had refused from our picnic cooler, and a banana.), to attempt The Golden Gate. Easy ride down Ashby to buy a return ticket before catching a direct train to Embarcadero. Stats for ride, Casa Vicente to Ashby BART:

http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/691081986#.VNWPVCF3N2I.email

Once I'd alighted and found my way to Market St I walked my bike down to the Ferry Building where I used the washroom and then ate the wonderful sandwich Cactus had made for me, enjoying the ferries docking and people watching. Once I had finished my scrumptious cheese/salami sammie, I hit the dedicated bike path along The Embarcadero. Far quieter than when Glasgow and I were there in early November. It was a Sunday and a glorious sunny day so that accounted for much of the pedestrian and bike traffic. This time I had little difficulty dipsy-doodling on the sidewalk whenever I needed to avoid a red light. 

[Hi Corinne and Patrick, I hope your drive is going well and you're enjoying all the good things along the way. I guess it's rainy where you are. The sunshine here is superb. We're looking forward to sharing it with you. I'm wondering what you're planning for the timing of your stay here. I've had a request to attend another meeting in Vancouver on Feb 17-18 and want to see how that would fit your schedule. Cheers, Peter 


Hi Peter, we are in Berkley and weather is fine. Patrick is off on a bike ride. I'm going to the Oakland museum with our friends David and Nancy. It is supposed to start raining here tomorrow but we will be on way to LA where it is 75. We will be leaving on the 17 or 18 as I want to be home on the 21st. We also need the address of the house so we can find you on the 11th. Too bad we won't be seeing much of you but happy to keep Lynnie company. Hugs Corinne

Hi Corinne, I would sooner spend those days with you. I'll decline the meeting. Peter]
Quite soon I was past Fort Mason and sailing past Crissy Field, enjoying views of both Alcatraz and the Golden Gate. Once I'd climbed to the bridge deck I discovered that the west side of the bridge was closed to bicycle traffic. Had not ridden on this side before so this was a tad different, inasmuch as one doesn't descend directly into Fort Baker but takes, once off the bridge, the Sausalito Lateral Road into Sausalito itself. Again, having been over this route earlier, I had already decided that I was going to ride as far as Larkspur, basically the end of the dedicated bike route. Once I'd reached a fairly industrial area near the Greenbrae Boardwalk I turned around and headed back with about 49 km on the clock.

[P, Thanks for the pics and for your support of the itinerant Ultimate gal -- and Team Canada. I am envying your ride around Healdsburg -- living your journey vicariously as we get pummelled by rain and wind. I feel like I am inside a boat right now with hatches battened down. Hope your ride over the Golden Gate goes as planned. Be well, ride safe. Fond regards to C, W]


As I made my way past the Corte Madera Ecological Preserve the westerly wind was one of the fiercest I've ever encountered. I had to battle it, often standing up, just to make seeming inches of headway. The thought of battling the hurricane force headwind all the way back to Sausalito and beyond was overly daunting so I decided I would rather do a return loop along Paradise Drive, back to Tiburon and then a repeat leg, or part thereof, to Larkspur. Once I'd climbed out of Larkspur, the roadway was somewhat protected so headwind was only intermittently horrendous. Nevertheless, when I came to the intersection of Paradise Road and Trestle Glen Blvd, a bike sign indicated an alternative route back to Tiburon so I thought I'd give it a try, adventurous, ever flexible individual that I am. Good, short hill climb but a whizzing downhill only to discover I was far closer to Tiburon than I wanted to be if I was to log my 100+ km ride and not spend the entire day doing it. 

The long and the short of it was that I was now south of Tiburon on the route I'd rode earlier. This was fine as far as it went but the wind, now a cross-wind was simply astounding. At one point I passed a gull, just off the bike path, but a few feet away, hovering in one spot, with ease, so strong was the wind. A female jogger, running into the blast smiled at me as we both had taken in the bird enjoying the updraft while we two were more than struggling against it. Not long afterward, I left the bike path which parallels Tiburon Blvd to take San Rafael Ave and then Beach Road into the extremely attractive, tastefully redeveloped historic centre of Tiburon, along Main Street, and then I was soon back on Paradise Drive, making for Larkspur.

Cannot emphasize how much I enjoyed this part of the ride. The smell of the eucalyptus trees, the stunning scenery and vistas, (often snatches of the Bay with its various bridges, islands and promontories), plus the fact that I was sheltered from the hurricados, all combined to make it one of the most pleasurable rides I've experienced. Road surface, for the most part, is very good so that always adds to the enjoyment of the outing. Once back in Larkspur I decided not to go to the end of the dedicated bike path and have to battle the fierce wind again, upon return, so I turned off into a fairly extensive subdivision bordering on a small park, San Clemente Park, and spent some time exploring the wide streets there. When I had about 83 km on the clock I headed back towards Tiburon and, for the most part, was sheltered from the worst of the mighty blasts until Paradise Drive approaches Bluff Point and the road is then fairly exposed to the water. Fortunately, it is almost completely downhill by then so I made reasonably good progress into the unforgiving gusts. 

To my dismay I had miscalculated distance back to Tiburon so needed another 6 km or so to push me over 100 km. Did this by looping around Mar W St a number of times. Great view of Tiburon from the bench road that it is, plus many rather stunning homes, as one might imagine. Even saw a timid deer, clambering up an almost vertical slope, on one loop. When I'd finally logged the distance I had set for myself, I made for the small ferry terminal to use the washroom and then to check the sailing schedule. Bit upset to learn that next departure wasn't until 4:55 pm and it was but 3:20 pm at this point! Briefly considered riding back to Sausalito but thought of facing such raging blasts quickly dissuaded me, not to mention grueling climb from there up to Golden Gate.

Instead, I decided to buy a java and munched the cookies David had included in my lunch bag while I strolled the historic part of Tiburon, mentioned above. Glad that I did as it was still a lovely day and Main is fairly sheltered so had no sense of the withering blasts that lashed any open spaces. Some incredible trees line much of the street so they alone are worth a visit. Even two establishments that offer wine tasting. Had I not had to ride back to Casa Vicente from the Ashby station, I might have been tempted as I wasn't familiar with the two wineries in question. Another very interesting shop had about four windows filled with historical, b/w photos of Tiburon, dating from around 1870 to the early '20's/'30's. 

Another complex, across Tiburon Blvd where it intersects with Main contained an interesting software development company called the Digital Foundry. I noticed an attractive bike rack on the wall inside the foyer so asked young man at reception desk if I could take a snap. He was most welcoming and said that he and some others had put it together themselves. Sort that holds the bikes up by front wheel. Logo down the middle reads: Work, Play, Evolve!

By this time it was about 4:15 pm and I decided I'd better go back to wait in line at terminal, more because I couldn't afford to miss this sailing rather than number of passengers heading back to SF. Chatted with two other bikers, in town for a conference, from Michigan, while we waited for the Blue & Gold ferry to arrive. Right on time and we were back at the Ferry Terminal by 5:30 pm. Stats for Embarcadero to Tiburon Loop:

http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/691082007#.VNWPlB0G1bc.email

Short stroll back to Embarcadero and I happened to walk right by Stone Korean Kitchen. Glasgow and I had chatted with one of the owners and his wife last November, waiting for the same ferry. Popped inside but Terry wasn't working. However, chap I spoke with assured me he would say hello.

Once back at Embarcadero the scenario I was worried about, unfolded. terribly busy rush-hour crowds and I wasn't able to board two trains as I simply couldn't jam my bike onto train. Breathed a sigh of relief when I made third but it was about 6:10 pm by then and I knew, all going well, I wouldn't be at Ashby much before 6:30 pm, if that. Anyway, I was aboard and hurtling towards Berkeley. Two other riders were on same car so we had a bit of a triple bike sandwich. Started to chat with the young woman whose bike was next to mine and it transpired that she is project manager for a number of large buildings currently under construction near Embarcadero. She graduated in architecture but did an internship with company she now works for. She mentioned she had really wanted to gain experience with how buildings are actually put together rather  than just designing structures. Consequently, it was most interesting to chat with her about her work and the sort of projects the company is involved with, many having to do with subsidized housing as well as free-market units.

She alighted the stop before me so we said goodbye and a few minutes later I was making my way up Ashby. Had my LED lights flashing away but traffic was reasonably light at this time of the evening and I had little difficulty. Drivers here are pretty used to cyclists and for much of the time I had plenty of room, the curb lane mostly to myself all the way to Alvarado Road, off Tunnel Road to wend my way back to Vicente, arriving at 6:45 pm or thereabouts. Everyone was pleased to see me as I had anticipated I'd be home around 4:30 pm. Ferry schedule and rush-hour had disrupted the best laid plans of mice and men! Stats for Ashby to CV:

http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/691082016#.VNWPzFaOa0g.email

Raoul knocked on the door at 6:00 pm so Cora Lee had a chance to visit with him as she had never met him before. I gulped a few glasses of water and then Cactus poured me a glass of white before sending me off to shower and change. Once back, dinner was ready and we sat down to another of David's wonderful feasts: a terrific mixed green salad with a zingy dressing followed by a simply delectable Persian lamb dish, on rice with broccoli. All sorts of delish condimenti for the lamb so with reds aplenty we spent more than two hours at the more than wonderful table, chatting and laughing and listening to music. Some fancy Japanese bean curd cakes for dessert and then a few snorts of Bourbon to make everything blend together. It was a workday on the morrow for Raoul so we said goodnight at about 10:30 pm. Had been a long day for everyone else so we thanked our generous hosts and we repaired to our separate quarters. Must say I was more than delighted to have accomplished the ride as outlined. Still would like to do an Embarcadero/Golden gate/Sausalito/Larkspur round-trip but will save that for another trip! Fiendish Head Wind:

• S 14 mph
• Gusts: 25 mph 62 degrees  

Motel 6 More Than Basic Fitch Mountain Blues: February 4th!

Poor is the power of the lead that becomes bullets compared to the power of the hot metal that becomes types. -Georg Brandes, critic and scholar (4 Feb 1842-1927) 

All progress has resulted from people who took unpopular positions. -Adlai Stevenson, governor, ambassador (5 Feb 1900-1965)

 

Hi Kids! Just about to hit the road for Healdsburg so just  a quick note to wish you luck! Nana has had her fingers crossed ever since I read your message to her! Buona Fortuna! Love and Cheers, Dad! Nana is no turnip.  She knows the more her daughters make, the more she saves. 

All systems go. We should be home by mid-afternoon (we have visit to campus at noon for weekly concert). Dinner should be tolerable. We'll get your suite prepped! Cact.

Agony in the Garden

Art: Andrea Mantegna, circa 1460

Hi Giggster: Greetings from Berkeley! Arrived here around 3:00 pm after a wonderful morning/afternoon in Sonoma. Stats for ride while Mme Coriandre was shopping in Healdsburg:

http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/690164519#.VNLH8ndFJvo.email

Cannot say how much I enjoyed ride out of Healdsbug to Fitch Mountain Road, (much like ride  with you two in Amador out of Plymouth), eventually ending up on Lytton Springs Road to make my way, eventually, via Lambert Bridge to West Dry Creek. What a delight to be on the newly resurfaced road surface even though the head wind was maddening, as I made my way back to Healdsburg. Reconnected with Mme Coriandre at the Healdsburg Public Library and then we made our way, without difficulty, south to Berkeley. 

The Scapegoat

Art: William Holman Hunt, 1854

Wonderful dinner with Cactus and Donna Florida and now it is time for bed as I hope to ride over the Golden Gate before the Rain Gods bring their blessing to San Francisco!. It seems the weather gods will allow such a junket! Heavy rainfall predicted for tonight and tomorrow hereabouts. Fondestos and Cheers, Il Conduttore!

PS: Whirlygig, this just in from Amira's team: "Thank you so much for your donation. With it comes a free Team Canada spot sublimated jersey!" Pics: Portland; Shasta; wrong side of the tracks staying at Motel 6; Casa Vicente; TC jersey

The Monastery of St. Matthew, Iraq

Photo: Rasoul Ali

Hello Glasgow! Greetings from Nancy and David as well as Cora Lee! I believe Raoul will join us tomorrow evening. Nancy bumped into Barbara yesterday and she said Cora Lee and I were more than welcome to stay! Hope to pop in to say hello when back from my ride on Saturday.  Fondestos and Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi Patrick, how are you? I met with Chloe last week and got a bit of an update on your house selling and shopping as well. It sure isn’t easy finding a home not just a house- so many properties. It sure sounds beautiful, but a bit lonely/ deserted, no? Not sure if I would like the snow either. I understand that it is something you think about though and find a change exciting. I have been into change myself before as well, but not at the moment. I like being settled and boring-lol.
 
Chloe also told me you were going to Palm Springs sometime soon. Perhaps you are on your way already. Friends of mine are escaping to play some golf there as well this week. Do you know the name of your friends boat? I can ask Henning. He is in Singapore at the moment but doesn’t have internet there.
You had porcupine meat balls??
Laura :)

Cornelius Pass Portland Blues: Tuesday, February 3rd!

It takes a lot of time to be a genius, you have to sit around so much doing nothing, really doing nothing. -Gertrude Stein, novelist, poet, and playwright (3 Feb 1874-1946) 

Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem

Photo: Antonio Acuña

Hi Kids! Yes, we are alive and well and living in Portland! As it turned out, we didn't leave until 6:02 am yesterday as I was up, [fussing, according to a snoring Cora Lee!], until 2:17 am! Nevertheless, we were at the Truck Crossing a few minutes before 7:00 am to pick up two bottles of malt. [Place doesn't actually open until 7:30 am and purchases must be made via maximum security prison window/microphone! Had the poor chap, unlucky enough to draw this shift, running back and forth, from his station near the entrance door to malt shelves in search of my quite specific requests!] Less than a 5 minute wait to gain access to the Land of the Free, Home of the Brave and we were knocking on Elena's door in Sudden Valley at just before 8:00 am.

While I loaded the wine I'd left there, into TG, Cora Lee chatted with Elena while she brewed tea and java for us. About 8:30 am we set off for train station in Fairvhaven where she was to catch train to Vancouver. Had her there in plenty of time and after helping her with her bag to foyer, I thanked her for her kindness and we set off, after gassing up, for Portland.

Heavy rain started before we reached Mt Vernon and plagued us all the way down I-5 until we reached Chehalis. Not a pleasant drive, especially when my navigator was either reading, sleeping or being overly sullen. Still, we blasted along and were in Portland by 1:30 so we decided to make a quick stop at Powell's Books. Remarkable bookstore if you don't know it  and I found Book Two, I Hear the Sirens in the Street, The Troubles Trilogy, [Belfast 1982], a Detective Sean Duffy novel, by Adrian McKinty, in their extensive mystery/crime section.

Back in the car to make the easy drive, (little traffic at this time of day), to Casa Olivetti and we were greeted by Michaelo at shortly after 3:00 pm. I spent the next half hour muling wine from the car to their basement and back to the car, all the better to stay loaded, in a manner of speaking, for rest of the trip! Marilyn, (Digitale is her real name!), was away walking, in the neighbourhood, when we arrived and once she was back we opened a bottle of Coffaro 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, 14.4%, which was most appreciated by Marilyn. Only sorry I only have one left in stash! Followed by a 2012 Soda Rock Zin, 16%, to wash down a fabulous selezzione of cheese: Cambozola, Long Clawson Wensleydale with Cranberry and Tillamook Hot Habanero Jack. Marilyn grilled pork tenderloin for dinner and we spent a wonderful evening arguing about all the changes which needed to be made in order to save the world! My expert solution was to have a few snorts of the Jura Superstition, (lightly peated, smoke and spice), 43%, I'd brought for Michaelo. He doesn't drink wine, only beer, [He has a fridge in the garage with a tap through the appliance's wall that allows one to draw directly from the keg inside. One needs only open the door to the garage to fill one's mug. He picks up a new cask from one of the local micro-breweries when he's emptied the one in place. Whirlygig ansd Glasgow were in beer heaven on our overnight stops here, as you can well imagine!], and malt, of course.

I was fading fast by 8:30 pm so bid my generous hosts goodnight, thanking them for the splendiferous meal and went straight to bed, almost, but not quite, without passing Go. Nana followed, at some point, not sure of time, waking me up with instructions to warm up her side of the bed! Lovely and cool where we sleep downstairs so I'm very happy but she almost needs mukluks to keep her feet warm. On way down I was driving in bare feet and shorts and she had on angora socks with a blanket wrapped around her legs and she was still complaining. It was a running battle over turning heat up or down. I prevailed as whenever she fell asleep I'd turn down the temperature. Had to be crafty, however. Needed to turn up music volume or her little pointed ears would hear the click of the register dial and she's be off on another tirade!

I was up at about 6:30 am this morning. Others still abed. Very foggy so not sure what to expect. I hope to be on the road by 9:00 am so must away to rouse Sleeping Beauty. Will be in touch over the next little while as our travel plans evolve but so hope to see you on way home. Fondestos and Love from The Traveling Road Show Freaks. Cheers, Dad!

Pics: I don't think Ayn hasn't seen these snaps of place in Palm Desert where we will stay with Lynne and Peter. Nana says she won't want to leave! Cora Lee in front of Powell's and some street art. 

The place looks gorgeous...Nana should be able to thaw out there!

Hello from Esqimaux Nana and Long-Distance Driver Cannonball Patrizzio! We left Portland in mist and as soon as we hit I-5 it started raining and did so, quite heavily at times, until close to Grant's Pass. From then on it was more than smooth sailing but distressed to see Lake Shasta at extremely low levels. Bit surprising as beautiful peak was completely snow-covered from about half way up to peak.

Once in Williams, decided to take a quick look at Motel 6 as with CDN $ we need to be sleeping in ditches. Next best is about $80 US/night so even having to pay $2.99 for Internet access it was worth it. We are just polishing off a Val du Vino 2013 Viognier, 14.7%, from Oct/Nov 2014 junket, stashed in Portland, before heading to Granzella's for dinner. Will take along a Soda Rock 2012 Zin, 16%, as corkage.

Will drive to Sonoma after breakfast tomorrow morning and will drop Imelda Nana in Healdsburg to browse/shop on the square while I go for a ride on West Dry Creek and then in to Berkeley. Fondestos, Love, Cheers, Dad!  

Patrizzio - got your message but we are off and running. I'm glad you got my red alert. We'll "talk" when we're back home. Safe travels for the remainder of your trip! Pat 

Hi, sorry  had meant to respond to earlier email but the day got away from me. Took G&G grocery shopping last night as they were not going to make it, they hadn't gotten groceries since before Xmas grandma claims  and she didn't want dusty to lug it all home in the bus. An hour and $300 later we were done, grandpa having spent that time buying 2 large bottles of rum and 3 bottles of white. I made out well though, my groceries paid for and 20 cash for gas I'll spend it on smokes and cheap weed of course!! Shh don't tell. 

Had a call from Michelle tonight her work the Bloom Group is looking for someone in the same field some what as me and its 50K + so said I was very interested, the woman is going to call me tomorrow it's not been posted yet and Michelle said this lady is able to do what she likes so I have to dazzle her the office is also down on Powell 2.5 k from me. I need this, fingers crossed. I think I need a change and definitely more money!!! I'll keep you all posted. 

Night, love you drive/shop/ride safe!!!! xxxx

 

Sounds exciting!! Go get it!! We love you and believe in you! Plus we don't want the baby to grow up in abject poverty!!

Early Morning Sudden Valley Blues: Monday, February 2nd!

The absence of flaw in beauty is itself a flaw. -Havelock Ellis, physician, writer, and social reformer (2 Feb 1859-1939) 

Hi Big Al and Marilyn!

Trust the fitness conference went well and that you manged to finish some of your cabin chores, as well as BC Place design work. Glad you enjoyed the card. I had hoped you would, given subject matter. For our part we had a pretty full weekend ourselves.

As it turned out, we didn't leave until 6:02 am as I was up, [fussing, according to a snoring Cora Lee!], until 2:17 am! Nevertheless, we were at the Truck Crossing  a few minutes before 7:00 am to pick up two bottles of malt. [Place doesn't actually open until 7:30 am and purchases must be made via maximum security prison window/microphone! Had the poor chap, unlucky enough to draw this shift, running back and forth, from his station near the entrance door to malt shelves in search of my quite specific requests!] Less than a 5 minute wait to gain access to the Land of the Free, Home of the Brave and we were knocking on Elena's door, [wine storage facility in Sudden Valley!] at just before 8:00 am.

While I loaded the three cases I'd left there, into TG, Cora Lee chatted with Elena while she brewed tea and java for us. About 8:30 am we set off for train station in Fairvhaven where she was to catch train to Vancouver. Had her there in plenty of time and after helping her with her bag to foyer, I thanked her for her kindness and we set off, after gassing up, for Portland.

Heavy rain started before we reached Mt Vernon and plagued us all the way down I-5 until we reached Chehalis. Not a pleasant drive, especially when my navigator was either reading, sleeping or being overly sullen. Still, we blasted along and were in Portland by 1:30 so we decided to make a quick stop at Powell's Books. Remarkable bookstore and I found Book Two, I Hear the Sirens in the Street, The Troubles Trilogy, a Detective Sean Duffy novel, by Adrian McKinty, in their extensive mystery/crime section.

Back in the car to make the easy drive, (little traffic at this time of day), to Casa Olivetti and we were greeted ny Michaelo at shortly after 3:00 pm. I spent the next half hour muling wine from the car to their basement and back to the car, all the better to stay loaded for rest of the trip! Marilyn, (Digitale is her real name!), was away walking, in the neighbourhood, when we arrived and once she was back we opened a 2013 Coffaro Sauvignon Blanc, 14.4%, followed by a 2012 Soda Rock Zin, 16%, to wash down a fabulous selezzione of cheese: Cambozola, Long Clawson Wensleydale with Cranberry and Tillamook Hot Habanero Jack. Marilyn is grilling pork tenderloin for dinner so I must away to set table.

Just received these snaps of place in Palm Desert where we will stay with Lynne and Peter. Cora Lee says she won't want to leave! Thanks very much, also, for travel wishes. Fondestos from The Traveling Road Show Freaks. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello, Patrick! Great to hear from you!! You sound and all look wonderful(^^)
Nice vacation in Okanagan! I remember visiting Okanagan lake in the first year I were in Canada.

Sorry I couldn't reply you sooner. I had lots of things to do for works back and forth between Tokyo and my area. But all have been doing well. I'm involving 3 new projects which all need English. Translation, interpretation, English curriculums and books for kids, etc. I believe that by the end of 2015, I would be better English speaker than ever!!

Corinne, sent me a message today. Thank you always for your support. I keep in touch...My mom send you a Happy New Year and love, Toshiko 

Patrick, just checked your account and it appears that you don't have any wine which is currently available for pick up. The wine futures you have on order are for the 2014 vintage, which won't be released until January/February of 2016! I'm sorry if the notice that we sent to everyone about the release party on February 21st confused you about the possibility that your wine was ready. I didn't even bother to check when you wrote a few days ago about picking up the latest release. I just assumed that you had ordered wine that was now available.

Of course, you are still welcome to stop by this week and if indeed you do and wish to take away the current 2013 vintage, rather than waiting for the 2014 release next year, please just tell Cindi that I said it was okay and that she could just charge you the upcharge of $2 a bottle (which was the difference in price between the two vintages when you first placed the order).

Our apologies for the confusion and for not paying more attention when you said you were going to stop by and pick up the latest release. Pat Still hope to see you on your way back up north!

Pre-Departure Packing Day Blues: Sunday, February 1st!

Standard English is a convenient abstraction, like the average man. -George Leslie Brook, English professor, author (1910-1987) 

The absence of flaw in beauty is itself a flaw. -Havelock Ellis, physician, writer, and social reformer (2 Feb 1859-1939) 

Hi Corinne and Patrick, We arrived here yesterday after a drive from Phoenix area, dodging the Super Bowl crowd. Weather had been poor in Phoenix and on our arrival but today is as advertised, pure sunshine. The house is wonderful, exceeding expectations. You'll love it here. We think it's best for you to arrive on the 11th if that is OK for your schedule. That will be one day of overlap with Ann and Gary.
 
We're just off to Costco to stock up our wine cellar. Hope your travels go well.
Cheers, Peter 
 
Hello, Patrick: Once again, I am lamentably overdue in replying to your latest.   
Things have been a bit upside-down, inside-out lately, as our building is undergoing a complete repiping project.  Needless to say, much of the major work in my place was scheduled for Mondays --  my day off.   The guys are quite good, though, and while it's intrusive and a  major nuisance, with all sorts of stuff having had to be moved around (and minor inconveniences such as their forgetting to hook the washer and dryer back up and rendering the shower incapable of achieving more than a lukewarm temperature - both now resolved), I can't say that it's been truly awful.  It's also forced an opportunity to de-clutter, which I am badly in need of.  Once that is done, I will be planning some renovations.

Work is a mixed-bag.  I am glad to be there, and have made some satisfying community connections since the start of the New Year.  But there are truly challenging HR things going on in my branch (which is usually not a "problem child" branch.)  Two separate matters  are currently of concern.  One is a major escalation of the story that I started telling Corinne when I dropped by in November.  'Nuff said.

On the brighter side, I am happy to tell you that I am making some progress with my "get-healthy" plan for 2015.  I am going to personal training twice a week, and though expensive, it "TOTALLY!!!" works for me.  I feel I am really getting value as I learn to train using weights properly, as well as core exercises etc.  It's a nice gym, with great amenities (such as towels, shower mats and hair products all provided).  I go for training on Mondays and Fridays.  The idea is that I then train on my own at the Dunbar Community Centre on Wednesdays, which I have done a couple of times (although I have to admit that I missed last week). As I found out, the DCC has a hot tub next to the gym.  Lovely!  It was an unexpected discovery, as they don't have a pool.  There's a sauna too.

As well, I have acquired a "trainer" (of a different sort) for my bike.  So it's now set up in my living room so that  I can essentially use it as an exercise bike -- while watching television, TED Talks, etc.  When I'm in better shape I might venture out onto the road again.  I certainly hope so!

Also, quite excitingly, my mother, brother and I have bookings for a Camino Walk in May.  Mum and I will fly to Madrid, via London and meet Greg there (he is making his own arrangements).  Then we'll take the train to NW Spain to start our walk.  I have to admit, it won't be a very authentic Camino experience, as we will be staying in country inns and hotels and having our luggage taken ahead for us each day!  And we're only doing the final 100K or so.   Afterwards, Mum and I will fly back to U.K. where we'll spend another couple of weeks (some together, some apart) before flying back to Vancouver.  Meanwhile, Greg intends to go to Barcelona and I'm not sure what else . . . .

Wow -- it was a bit of a surprise to hear that you are planning a move to the Okanagan.  That's a huge change!!!   How did your house-hunting trip go?   I'm sure you'll be missed by many here in Vancouver, but I can see the appeal of the move.

When would it be a convenient time to drop by and collect my picture :-)       and other bits and pieces (including, I believe, a cookie sheet and chopping board --  not sure)?  Today (if you read this in time) or tomorrow (around 3 p.m. or after) would work -- or any Monday, around 3 p.m (as I usually have my PT session at 1 p.m.)   Sundays are good too, though February 7 is busy due to Tomkins' family birthdays (there are 5 in February).  Hope this finds you well, and look forward to hearing from you soon. Janet

The next gathering of the NRBC will be on 1 March. Venue TBC. 

P, thanks for accommodating the wayward North Islanders after hours at the Islay Inn. Gotta say I don't look forward to seeing the 'Under New Management' sign on the premises.

You best be looking on Galiano before you head to OK-noggin. You will have a castle with a view -- and with all the money you save, a malt cabinet the size of the Sedgewick Library. I can get you a special invite from Elizabeth May and the would-be president of Galiano -- visas and limousine tours of the island. The Galiano dollar is rock solid against the Loonie. Best check your noggin to be sure you are OK.

Safe travels in the wine frontier. May the logistics be with you. Fond regards to all staff and long suffering residents at the Islay, W & J 

Dear Wayward Waylaid Wayfarers! Late sleep-in and then spent most of Sunday doing chores and packing. Once I'd scrubbed down my Trek I headed to elliptisizer at FCCC. Managed 3.49 miles, 15,037' climbed over 70 minutes for 1,117 calorifics expended. Then back to continue packing and loading, (with a break for Rosita's scrumptious roast chicken dinner), Titanium Green the better to make our anticipated 5:30 am departure this morning.
 
At any rate, thanks for "pushing" Galiano. Do hope we can arrange a limo tour sometime after the end of this month, when we are back, if we return. Just received these snaps of place in Palm Desert where we will stay with Lynne and Peter. Cora Lee says she won't want to leave! Thanks, also, for travel wishes.

Fondestos from Cora Lee and Rosita. She was just over to invite us for dinner and she asked me to thank you for your birthday wishes. Stay well. Cheers, Il Conduttore.

Hi Margareta, it would be great to see you and the boys. I will be in NY also from about the 18 to the 26 of July. What about flying from NY to LA and then driving up the coast to Vancouver. Chloe will be here even if we have moved by then, You could spend a few days here and then come to Penticton or Osoyoos wherever we are.
 

We are off tomorrow for drive down to LA to see Ayn and to spend a week in Palm Desert with some friends. They have rented a house there for 6 weeks. Looks lovely and sunny with a pool. Let us know what you decide. It will be great to see you.

  Hi Pat, Just wanted to drop you a quick line to say hello, and to congratulate you on what can only be described as an endless number of bike rides you’ve been on and reported on Facebook for all of use envious souls to enjoy - your retirement sounds rather busy. Of course, I also saw Chloë’s post about you guys selling your place in Granville Island and moving inland. I also, just now, saw your note about places you might consider moving to - all sound great, actually. I trust you’ll end up with a fantastic place, that we will happily come and visit on our way to and from the Kootenays. We will miss you and the Island Inn, though.

I also wanted to take the opportunity to say how wonderful it has been to have you guys as friends over the years. As I alluded to in my note on Facebook, life for us is somewhat chaotic right now and we just can’t seem to get the energy to invite friends over for dinner in any regular way. This ‘work’ thing is time-consuming and rather overwhelming. Let alone the ‘dance’; the ‘soccer’; the ‘piano’ and the inevitable ‘remember which of these household residents is your lovely wife.’ We miss you and think of you often.

At any rate, I hope all is well, and I certainly look forward to hearing all about this new chapter in your lives. I’m perfectly happy to talk real estate if you would like an opinion, but I’m sure you have many of those already. Keep us in the loop about your plans, as I’m greatly interested in hearing all about the process and I look forward to seeing the new place. Take care, hope your seat is staked out for the Super Bowl, which starts in what, 45 minutes? -A. 

Well this is a lovely email, why you would want to leave friends like this is beyond me!! xx


Thought you’d enjoy this! it’s a really well done slideshow from the archives of Vancouver then and now, some of the old stuff looks really cool and I wish I could time travel!...talk about a land of opportunity. Enjoy. Cheers, Al

Just the mouse resting on the picture changes it... An interesting trip down memory lane. Enjoy the journey and imagine what the next 100 years Vancouver could look like        http://onthisspot.ca/vancouver.html