Christmas Day Blues: Thursday, December 25th!

If you pray for rain long enough, it eventually does fall. If you pray for floodwaters to abate, they eventually do. The same happens in the absence of prayers. -Steve Allen, television host, musician, actor, comedian, and writer (1921-2000)

The Guide to Buying Booze in Canada http://mattenglish.kinja.com/the-guide-to-buying-booze-in-canada-1674798999

Dear Los Horrido #1! Thanks for the fabulous Stocking Stuffer, Xavierino! Now your Nana and I are set to travel right across the country without ever running out of hootch! Love Porch Climber Poppa!

Waterwheel Petit Verdot  Bruichladdich Barley 2004 Warrabilla Durif

Christmas Eve Blues: Wednesday, December 24th!

The great enemy of clear language is insincerity. -George Orwell, writer (1903-1950)  

 

Thanks for your email.  Hope you enjoy a great Christmas! Chloe looks happy in her work and the hampers are well needed for so many.

I had tried to call you when I broke my ankle as I wanted to find out about the scooter that I remembered Corinne had when she had her foot surgery.  Didn't manage to connect and I did not leave a message.  I did manage to get a small wheelchair from Kathie Shoemaker and that has helped a great deal as using crutches has been pretty tiresome. The ankle will get better but it is a long haul and very frustrating.  Colin is bearing up well but it is so challenging in so many ways and really wrecks up the holidays.

Chloe Alexis Dunn Merry Christmas from East Van.....

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  Patrick James Dunn Stunning vista!

Eric is home for Christmas -- rather tedious for him with me so immobile but a Godsend for Colin as he has a bit of company at least. John was home during my ankle surgery at the end of November.  He and Yulin are in Ecuador right now -- Quito then a bus trip to the Amazon.  Sounds very interesting. Keep in touch -- let us know if you are up to coming over for a short visit would love to see you. Nice to see Dawn and her husband in your pictures. Have a great time with your grandsons and Ayn
 

Please send out lots of love and good thoughts for Tip and Jim Placzek--Pat their 34 year old son has leukemia and is in VGH having a bone marrow transplant.  Dan is older brother is the donor.  The hope is that Pat's body will not go into rejection.  This really is a last resort. Anyways please know our warmest wishes and lots of hugs are enclosed. Jo-Anne and Colin

Just In Time For the Christmas or Chanukah Turkey – A Turkey Tip: Cut a lemon in half and place under the skin of the turkey before roasting for a Christmas meal the family will still be talking about next year !

Patrick and Corinne, Thank you for the wonderful party! It was so nice to be invited to your nice home and meet all sorts of new people, (including a Chinese/ Swedish budding librarian!). I had a great time, ate and drank too much but I suppose that’s what makes a good party.

I hate to think of the clean up but you have a house full of burly big men who can help. And, thank you Patrick for the pictures from my party. Have a wonderful Christmas and all good things to come in 2015! A move, maybe? Liisa

Merry Christmas, everyone! Thinking of you all, near and far, from our first Sunshine Coast Christmas. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2015. Love to all. 

Enjoyed Dim Sum at the Pink Pearl and then did a bit of shopping for stocking stuffers at the Gourmet Warehouse. Once back home I suited up and headed out to UBC, via Spanish Banks, as it was a simply glorious day, sun shining blindingly, and I wanted to work up an appetite for Christmas Eve dinner: Clarisse's borscht with sour cream before attending Canadian Memorial. Beth conducted a wonderful service and then we all returned to our place to finish meal: perogies from Alinka's, a cabbage/ground meat casserole by Mme Coriandre and fried mushrooms. All sorts of Christmas baking for dessert so a veritable feast indeed! Clan Sutherland departed around 10:00 pm and rest of us lined up to fill stockings. Once Ayn and Chloë had been Santa's helpers they returned to the loft. Rosita was next and then Cora Lee and I made the rounds before heading to bed to read until just after midnight. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/656773406#.VJzBJO2UUdM.email
  

Dusty didn't join us, (although he very generously paid the bill!), as he refers to the meal as Dumb Sum! In fact, I think he was just as happy to stay at home and paint and have the odd rum and coke! After the more than tasty, delicious, filling meal, we took a few snaps with Bob and Doug Mckenzie, the real-life brothers mimicking the  TV brothers on the stage at the restaurant. At the Open House Brian had given us a number of toques and The Lost Burritos mimed being Canadian to the delight of the other tables in the busy restaurant!

Islay Inn Drop-in Blues: Tuesday, December 23rd!

Every noon as the clock hands arrive at twelve, / I want to tie the two arms together, / And walk out of the bank carrying time in bags. -Robert Bly, poet (b. 1926) 

 

P, Regret to inform you that I wont make it to the open house. I am hunkered down here at Ukiyo with my kids. You can be sure we will be into the malt in your honour - and think what my absence will save the malt cupboard. Fond regards to you and yours and all the crew, W

Hi Bunker Hunker! Too, too bad that we won't be able to visit and tipple and tipple and tipple and eventually topple! Understand completely, however! Kids today! We've had a bit of fussology here, inasmuch, as Los Horridos have annoyed their Mother, The Drama Queen, with some good cause, I might add. 

Graphic: Wikimedia

[Hypocenter, Pierre, Epicenter, Ayn!]

You may recall that Cora Lee and Chloë drove down to Bellingham to collect Ayn this past Saturday. It had always been the case that The Lost Burritos were going to stay with their Dad until reasonably this morning and then someone would drive to Bellingham to pick them up. Apparently, they had not told Melvin about the Open House and that they were The Guests of Honour, so to speak.  As he is working he wasn't planning to drive them to rendezvous spot until 4:00 pm. This, of course, would mean that driver would be away from party for much of the afternoon and the lads probably wouldn't be here until after 7:00 pm, all going well with traffic and border crossing.

Added to the mix was the fact that the Bank Of Montreal "lost" all the papers that Ayn had been required to file, from LA, these past few months, in order to close out her father's bank account. (I won't even go into this institution's shocking incompetence!) This meant that she and Cora Lee had to scramble to find another lawyer, (Not an easy feat given that many are gone for hols.), and pay another $100 for necessary documents. Pierre's call came in the middle of all of the above kerfuffle so Ayn was in no mood to hear what Pierre had to say and hung up with a few unprintable words.

I was completely unaware of most of this. I had heard from Chloë that there was some sort of "delay" with lawyer but had no idea what had caused it. I had talked to Pierre earlier in morning and advised him that if someone was going to collect them it would need to be very, very early this morning in order to be back from Everett, now, not Bellingham. That was my opinion but I felt he needed to let his Mother know. Anyway, Corinne and Ayn made it home around 5:00 pm. I'd been back from my series of errands by 4:00 pm and was doing more prep work for some of today's dishes, (sustainable salmon for one!), when The Sisterhood vented their considerable frustrations on The Brotherhood Scapegoat! 

Ayn changed into her sneakers and headed off to walk the Seawall and scream at the sky. While she was out, a rather sheepish, subdued Pierre called to say that he and Alejandro would be taking the train to Vancouver and could someone please meet them at  Pacific Central Station at 11:30 am! When Ayn heard this her very words were: "They can take the F***ing Bus!" Never a dull moment at the Islay Inn. Perhaps it is better that you and Ukiyo-ites and Easter Townships Woman are far away. Collateral damage is still a very real possibility! I plan to wear my bicycle helmet when the Lads walk in the door in case any sharp objects or other projectiles start flying. I've already put sheets of plywood around malt cabinet so unless handguns figure in fray the chain cleaner should be fine!
 

Must away as lots to do before "loyal" friends come aknockin'! Once again, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Christmas to one and all from the harried and emotionally drained staff at The Heartbreak Terrace! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: Let The Open House begin!

Thanks Patrick and Happy Christmas to you and Corinne. All the best for 2015 Jan       Hi Derek and Gayle! Just a quick note to thank you for the lovely letter. Unfortunately, none of the pictures or card came through! Don't have time to relate much about busy times of late here as we are hosting an Open House from 2:00 pm-until hootch is gone, today! Looking forward to seeing Krissy and Mark at some point. Once again, Happy Christmas to one and all from the harried and emotionally drained staff at The Heartbreak Terrace! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Thanks Patrick. The current plan is to show up around 5:30 if this is not too late (Liisa is at work in the afternoon). See you soon. Cheers....Paul

Hi Paolo, et al! Great that you can come. Any time you can pop by will be more than fine. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello to our Christmas Naramatians! Just a quick note to thank you for the lovely letter and card. Don't have time to relate much about busy times, of late, here as we are hosting an Open House from 2:00 pm-until hootch is gone, today! Looking forward to seeing The Whitney's along with Brenda and Liisa. Latter hosted a lovely drop-in this past Saturday. Cora Lee couldn't attend as she and Chloë were in Bellingham collecting Ayn and Los Horridos!

On another, fairly significant note, Mme Coriandre and I are seriously thinking of moving to The Naramata! We wondered if we could rent your garage and do a few small renovations! Actually, we do want to talk with you about this so just wanted to let you know we will be in touch with more details as soon as we have a moment. For her part, brenda is against it as far as water issue is concerned. So we need to hear your opinion on this and many other matters, of course. If Cora Lee has her way we will be flying to India from Penticton with you two! Ayn and Coramandel are at Costco fighting the hordes but I know they would send their greetings.

Must away as lots to do before friends come aknockin'! Once again, Happy Christmas to one and all from the harried and emotionally drained, underpaid, overworked, brow-beaten, tyrannized, harassed, intimidated, tormented, persecuted, continually reprimanded, relentlessly scolded staff at the maximum security compound known to the footloose and fancy free as the one and only, 'ain't no other one in 'yer wildest dreams, The Heartbreak Terrace! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Trinity Festival of Lights, late Saturday afternoon, near Cottage Hospice which Flamin' is in charge of.  Sarge and I went along to help her set up a fund raising booth selling hot chocolate, cookies, etc. Unfortunately it was pelting rain so not as large a turnout as could otherwise have been expected.

Merry Christmas family and friends! I'm sending this both to wish you Merry Christmas and to let you know that I have moved to the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island and have a new address. I've had a really busy year and next year I hope to have many of you come and visit me here at my new beach house! Lots of love, Jane 

Emma, Richard and Jake

They do say that Christmas with families can be one of the most stressful times of the year and after reading your email it would appear the theory could be correct!! I do hope the rest of your Christmas is peaceful!

 Strange about the pictures since none of the ones you attached to your email came through either! Will try attaching a few again! We had Krissy's friend Emma, her husband Richard and son Jake over for dinner. Emma was the one that was supposed to live with us for a few weeks and ended up staying three years! Lovely girl. 

Our cabin on Queen Elizabeth

Won't keep you since I am sure you will need to get back to being the family referee! Cheers Derekached to your email came through either! Will try attaching a few again! We had Krissy's friend Emma, her husband Richard and son Jake over for dinner. Emma was the one that was supposed to live with us for a few weeks and ended up staying three years! Lovely girl. Won't keep you since I am sure you will need to get back to being the family referee! Cheers Derek               Patrick, thanks for the note. We're back home safe and sound, preparing for my two sisters and their husbands and my niece and her two wee ones to all converge on us tomorrow for a 2-day wine and food Christmas fest! 

At dinner on Queen Elizabeth with our modest bottle of Shiraz!

Of course, Susie is home with us now and Kate will be arriving tomorrow as well. We will have some grand times, I'm sure. Time did not allow a trip over the border this time around....maybe next year. Our journey to and from was pretty smooth and uneventful, though we did encounter many rainy days of driving....luckily no snow.

Enjoyed reading your recent bicycling adventures and various other updates. Who is RoboMan? And was Whirleygig one of the gents who was with you when you last visited? 

Attended a performance in the Queens room Ukrainian string quartet

Your two singalong experiences seemed quite different and unique from one another! Seems like life is busy at the Island Inn, as always. Say hello and give our best Christmas wishes to Corinne, Chloe and the rest of the family and friends. Hope all's well with Sarge and he is completely recovered.

All the best for a happy, healthy 2015!! Pat               Bonjour Pat and George, That's quite a story Pat. What are the holidays without a bit of drama!! I imagine all the tippling will help quell the bad feelings and all will be forgotten. Hope you are having a marvellous afternoon with your family and friends!! Salut from Quebec���� Jane

Gayle in Bruges tucking into her Belgium waffles with warm cherries

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  Chloe Alexis Dunn

  
  This is what happens when you drink to much...... Merry Merry!!🍷🍷 — with Pierre Prince and Alejandro Prince!
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Patrick James Dunn They are not suffering from overhangs but just being good little boys going to bed early to wait for Santa to arrive! Nothing but dreams of sugar plums in their pounding heads, you can rest assured, Dear Reader and fellow drunkening red water, (as a former ESL boarder was fond of saying), over-imbibers!!!

Hi Pat! Thanks for the email and the newsy info on the bike ride and the movie.. I am going to forward your pics on to my brother Murray just to make him jealous of us here in Vancouver while he is in Saskatoon!   
 

So, Joanne and I made it to Indio and the time share .. she is a great driver and of course I know my scintillating company was enjoyed by her.. tee hee. I only drove for about an hour , if that, I chickened out at the entrance to the freeway into LA.. Night time and several lanes of highway going to god knows where..So kuddos to Joanne!  
 
The date is now Dec. 23rd and I have just arrived back today from Palm Springs where the sun was shining in 80 degree weather… Oh well.. we have some too. Merry Xmas to you and Cora Lee and I hope to see you around in the near future!
Joan

Running Errand Blues: Monday, December 22nd!

It may sound trite, but using the weapons of the enemy, no matter how good one’s intentions, makes one the enemy. -Charles de Lint, writer and folk musician (b. 1951) 

Bon matin, Pat, Thank you for your kind words regarding my departure!! I arrived in Montreal last night and luckily the streets were clear. A friend who used to be the counsellor at my school was on board with a friend of hers and her son. It was fun chatting in the aisle! This woman actually has a place on Galliano- Philmore Point but uses it just in the summer. 

It sounds like you, Corinne and family are having a wonderful time visiting and taking in lots of special activities. 

I sent a message to Perry asking him about the 17 th. I also asked if he would like to bring his partner Dora if that's okay? Will let you know what he says.

Have a lovely Christmas.  Safe cyclin!! Hello to Corinne!! Jane

Bonjour George et Pat,  Perry said he will come and join us for dinner on the 17th. Not sure about his partner Dora. Let's make it potluck. Happy Monday!!
Jane xo
 

Buon Pomeriggio Montreal and Galiano! Delighted to learn you had a safe flight, Jane. Grand that the local expert can join us! Be lovely if his partner, Dora, is able to do so as well. We can figure out potluck once you are back. Perhaps a suitcase full of Poutine for your contribution, Jane! As long as it's sustainable!

Must away as I've a number of errands to run. Did quite a few earlier this morning as we had to take Clarisse to the dentist at 9:00 am. Office is opposite Safeway on Broadway so after we dropped her off we hit Young Brother's and Minervas, then to buy hootch at Alma/4th, with a quick stop at Cheap Thrills there. Then back to park behind Royal Bank, again, beside Safeway. 

[Pat Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to You, Coreen and Chloe! Health and Happiness! Misha]

I sold my Trek in order to buy $200US for The Lost Burritos while Mme Coriandre went to collect Rosita. I pulled into alleyway behind building to wait for Clan Durston. All went well with Clara but the pin which had been left in her lower gum had become infected so dentist removed it. Rosie's more upset that she can't have any red wine for at least 24 hours than at the almost $300 fee! Fortunately, they will be able to claim that back on their Manitoba health/dental coverage.

Cora Lee took Dusty to look for a new mattress for The Annexe once we were back. One on the Murphy there is original that came with bed when Mom bought unit in 1998! Bit overcast with some fog still lingering but otherwise fine for riding. Suits me just fine as I won't have to worry about parking on 4th, to Purdy's, Zulu Records and Mark Tanner's Work Warehouse, (Wonder if I'll get a discount?), or on Cambie as I'm of to Best Buy shortly.
 

Did some of the initial prep for the Mixed Antipasto, (Recipe from Marilyn in Portland, one she served first night we we there!), for domani, after Coriandre left. Better for it to "steep" overnight. Making two batches, one without soppressata, for the Ovo Lactarian Lunatic Fringe Vegetarians! Look forward to seeing The Gadfly tomorrow afternoon. Fondestos and Cheers to you both. Pic: Patrizzio apprehends The Grinch on Trinity Street! 

Errando stats: 10.74 km with a MAX of 36.4 km/hr 

Dad you should go here sometime, they have great stuff!! 

Hi Patrizio, We’ll have dinner. Just an appie if you wish. See you soon! CC

Hi Champagne! Count us in for appetizers. Look forward to the 28th. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: My new bridge partner! Maybe he can make you play better bridge. See you soon. Charlie
 

Hi Patrick & Corrine, Thanks very much for the warm holiday greetings. We had hoped to have travelled to Vancouver this past fall however some medical issues prevented us from doing so. Also, Wayne fell ill and we didn't wish to intrude. He's fortunate to have good friends like yourselves for support. We think of you often and share our wonderful memories of France with whoever visits our home. We are very grateful for having friends such as yourselves who made the holiday a glorious life-lasting memory! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  Sheila and Des

Hi Patrizzio, Thanks for the christmas card. It's good to know you still haven't managed to forget me. How is it going everything. We are arranging everything for the celebrations, and for a skiing trip. I am going to the Pontic Alps on christmas eve with my brother and a friend of us. So we will welcome the new year in an uncertain point in the Anatolian meseta. Best regards and greetings for Corinne and Chlöe, Bacio forte, jon 

Hello! Just a quick email to wish you the very best for the holiday season, plus the brightest and best of new years in 2015! Deborah P.S. I've posted this year's Holiday Greeting cartoon on my blog at: http://DeborahSawyerArt.blogspot.com

This year's card has the title "As they say...Global warming changes everything!" Santa has swapped his sleigh for a power-boat and is out trying to deliver to stockings. 

Not that there are many places to deliver to, most are underwater. (Humans do have a bad habit of congregating to live in low-lying areas). As well, Santa has ditched his robes and toque for a fur-trimmed baseball cap (worn backwards, of course!) and a fur-trimmed T-shirt.

You might also notice there are reindeer water-skiing behind the boat. Union rules, you know! The contract stipulates that the reindeer must get an outing on December 24. So, Santa has hitched them up to his boat...Hope everyone will have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy the best life has to offer. All the best in 2015!

Merry Christmas, everyone! Thinking of you all, near and far, from our first Sunshine Coast Christmas. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2015. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS Dear Friends

Sorry for being late this year, but Hey! I am old!! My eyes have deteriorated a lot since last year, so the card thing is no longer possible. Hopefully I will get through this without too many mistakes… Now that the sympathy seeking part is over… 

Hi Guys.. how are you? I had a pretty good year, a ;ot of laughs. A little travel and saw lots of friends. I spent a week in Montreal in May with my good friend, and movie mate Steve. 

My Dear friend Marion Holoboff visited for a few days this summer. She is amazing.. never ages! In October I took a cruise to the Mexican Riviera with old friend Jim Cameron of Kamloops. It was my first cruise, but hopefully not my last. We had a super time. 

The rest of my time is spent with friends and relatives here, eating , small day trips and of course a couple of trips to visit my dear friend Norma on PEI. I would be lost without her (and her lobster dinners.. heehee)

I hope that you all had a great Christmas and that 2015 is kind to all of us…. Remember that when you go to vote, scratch off the other names and write mine in.. I will fix every thing..Love to all and I hope to see you all soon. Bill

Marvelous introduction to the New Year:

http://player.vimeo.com/video/58611141?autoplay=1

Winter Solstice Blues: Sunday, December 21st!

Prolonged study of the English language leaves me with a conviction that nearly all the linguistic tendencies of the present day have been displayed in earlier centuries, and it is self-evident that the language has not bled to death through change. Vulgarity finds its antidote; old crudities become softened with time. Distinctions, both those that are useful and those that are burdensome, flourish and die, reflourish and die again. -Robert W. Burchfield, lexicographer (1923-2004)

Good morning Patrick the senior, for the festivities on Dec 23rd, when is an acceptable and appropriate time for myself and Patrick the younger (and dumber) to come through the islay inn to exchange gifts for bottomless malt tastings? Take care, VL

Hi Vittorino and Patrizzio The Brighter! I'd be delighted to see you any time between 2:00 pm-10:00 pm but Cora Lee said, and I quote: "Tell the Swedish Twins to come after 10:00 pm!" She's quite a Grinch! Don't pay her no never mind. Come whenever your busy schedule allows. Earlier you can visit with more friends. Off to ride to Iona. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Excellente! We will likely see you towards the later afternoon/early evening. Hope you like lumps of coal! VL

Hi Swedish Lump of Coal Twins! Look forward to your visit, whenever you arrive! Had been meaning to send these along for ages. Cheers, Il Conduttore! Pics: Friends of VPL Christmas Bash!


what a lovely subject you got in this set of pictures. Dashing and debonair. A Chinese Cary Grant perhaps. 

Pat sr., what kind of baked goods does the master of the islay inn, i.e. Corinne, like? I know she can only have gluten-free VL

Hi Cary Chan: I usually don't eat  with my meals as you should already know! If I do, I'm an omnivore but am particularly fond of egg custard, the kind of tarts one one can order at Dim Sum! Cheers, DDD, (Dashing, Debonaire Dunn!)

Thanks, paprika!  Nice pics but what are you doing to the poor, ol' grinch? Tree is up. Most of the wrapping is done and just the single malt left to buy! Looking forward to 2015!  2014 was awesome but 2015 May be our ticket back to the west coast. Best wishes to the whole clan for a wonderful Christmas. Are dusty and Clara in Winnipeg or The island Inn? xoxo

P, Mark would like to join us. If the 17 January works for you for a get together at the Islay Inn then Jane will put that forward to Perry. W

Hi Kids! Mme Coriandre says that January 17th is fine with her so I'll let Jane let us know if that date will work for Perry. Is the 17th fine with you, Marcus Aurelius?

1st edition of Opticks by Newton 

Photo: Wikimedia

Bit of a late sleep in as I was up to about 2:00 am talking to friend, Andrew, in Toronto. Fact that I was sipping Bushmills while chatting, didn't help matters either! At any rate, didn't clamber out of bed until about 9:45 am and when I did so, checked the forecast and it looked relatively dry for most of the cycling day. Had some yogurt and fruit/cereal for breakfast and by the time I was suited up and ready to roll it was close to 11:00 am. 

Wanted to see if I could log 100 km as with Christmas looming I knew I'd probably not have another opportunity until after St Nicholas visited. This being the case. I decided I'd take advantage of the closure on Marine Drive and make for Iona. Headed out to UBC and all went well. Again, really enjoyed riding along Marine without any traffic past 49th. Once over CSTB I decided I'd rather head into the wind on way out so followed River Road al the way to Westminster Highway and then turned around to retrace my earlier route. Still a slight cross wind as I made my way back to CSTB but not as forceful as riding the other way. 

Soon back on Marine and then it was a pretty uneventful ride back to UBC and home. Given that today is the shortest day of the year, light was starting to fade by 4:00 pm but I was at the Heartbreak Terrace but five minutes after the hour. Gave my steed a thorough rinsing once home as although the road surfaces were fairly dry many shoulders had loads of fine silt/grit on them so my frame and chain collected plenty of detritus! Pleased with outing although I'd have liked my AVG to have been higher! Stats for ride: 

http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/654767204#.VJdugEVX1yI.email

Ayn and Chloë were visiting with Clara and Dusty when I arrived. They took off a few minute later to do a bit of shopping at GI and when they returned Nicole, Marvinator and Alberto came upstairs to say ehllo to Ms Tinsel Town. They visited for half an hour or so and then Sutherlands went back downstairs to watch Seahawks game and the teo sisters left to have dinner with friends. Coramandel was home from church by close to 6:00 pm and once she dressed a bit more warmly we walked over to GI to take in the  Winter Solstice Lantern Festival. 

It was loads of fun. We could see one group coming along the Seawall. They had started at Leg-in-Boot Square and joined the Carnival Band, much like a Mardi Gras group, their instruments and costumes festooned with colourful led lights, played and entertained the crowd gathered at the Water Park. When the latter group arrived the traditional torch-lit Song Of Welcome by The Vancouver Morris Men was performed. All in all a most enjoyable and appropriate way to celebrate the Winter Solstice. For much of the time we were standing on the rubberized surface of the small playground just off the Kid's Water Park so its very forgiving surface was great to dance on and sway to in time to the spirited music and drums. Walked home about 7:30 pm to have dinner and toast the lengthening days with a 2008 Soda Rock Cabernet Franc, 14.5%, very very tasty, I must admit. One of the three bottles Ayn muled for us yesterday!

All the best to each and every. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Winter Solstice Lantern Festival.

Hello good people! Thank you for your, as usual, interesting email and photos. We have just returned from our mini cruise to Belgium. Had a fabulously relaxing three days and indulged in some superb food and wine. The wine list was quite extensive but as I started examining what was on offer it became obvious that much of it was very expensive, some bottles on offer topped $900 US. I scanned the price column and finally found a selection at a price I could live with, around the $40 to $50 mark. I'm sure the wine waiter wasn't impressed with my choices! The ship, Queen Elizabeth, was decorated for the Christmas season and was looking quite splendid. Our cabin (I use the word loosely since it was bigger than our bedroom at home), was very comfortable and we were treated to canopies every evening in our room before heading off the the Queens Lounge for cocktails before dinner! 

Gayle finally has an excuse to 'dress up' when we are cruising!! There was a German lady and her mother from Hamburg sitting at a table near us in the dining room. The daughter, who looked in her late fifties, spoke English but it was obvious the mother didn't. She informed us they had combined three cruises together and would be staying on the ship until after Christmas. After we disembarked at Southampton the ship was returning to the Continent for another three days then back to Southampton and finally heading off to the Canary Islands for Christmas.

Bruges was wonderful. This medieval town is just so picturesque with cobbled streets and superb historical buildings. I can understand why they call it the Venice of the North since the city is more or less surrounded by water with canals running through the centre. Bruges is a UNESCO world heritage sight and most of its medieval architecture remains. Certainly a place I would like to go back to for a long weekend. Of course you can't go to Belgium without buying the most delicious chocolate. Gayle also spotted a little cafe which had freshly baked Belgium waffles with warm winter cherries. We naturally had to try them!

Prior to boarding the ship we spent a few days at Marnie,s since it was Tristan,s third birthday. Marnie and Ant had booked tickets at the Imax to see the last Lord of the Rings movie. Unfortunately they were both unwell and so Gayle and I bought their tickets and went in their place. A very enjoyable experience! There is so much sickness around at the moment over here. People are dropping like flies. I put it down to the unseasonably warm weather. The germs are thriving! Marnie and Ant were having their main Christmas dinner today for Ant's mum and brother along with six of their good friends. Ants Mum suffers from a bad heart and his older brother is Down Syndrome. They live in Portsmouth so Marnie has to drive over to pick them up and also drive them back of course. Ants other brother lives in Australia and he has two other sisters that live further up the country. 

Marnie phoned earlier to say three of their friends cancelled because they have all come down with a flu like virus and Ants friend Shaun has had to fly to Australia since his dad is very ill. Ant has been in the kitchen all morning cooking so needless to say they will be eating leftovers for a few days!! We were also preparing for Gudrun and Steve to come to dinner here this evening but Gudrun has just phoned to say they have both come down with a nasty bug! They were supposed to leave tomorrow to stay with Tanya and Charles for Christmas!

You mentioned the TV programme The Fall. Yes we are just into the second series and it is becoming very tense. We missed two while we were at Marnies and on the cruise so, now that Gudrun and Steve are not coming for dinner, plan on catching up on BBC I Player this evening. 

There is another BBC production which, if you haven't seen it, is well with watching called The Missing which explores the emotional roller coaster of a child's abduction of an English family on holiday in France and the effect not only of the family but also on the local community. Very very gripping. Season two starts later next the year.

Have attached a few photos. Thank you for the E card which was very pretty and entertaining. I believe Gayle is in the process of sending you a email of Christmas greetings but I think it just contains a boring picture of the two of us!! Best wishes to you all for Christmas and New Years Derek 

We are wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and happy New Year! lots of love Gayle and Derek x x