Clarisse's 90th Birthday Blues: Wednesday, January 28th!

Sit down and put down everything that comes into your head and then you're a writer. But an author is one who can judge his own stuff's worth, without pity, and destroy most of it. -Colette, author (28 Jan 1873-1954) 

Hi Patrice, O.K. I’ll buy it! as long as it comes with the malt cabinet, full! Great looking pictures and I’m sure it’ll get snapped up pretty quick.  Sorry, kind of..that you didn’t see anything that worked for you up in the Okanagan but I’m sure something will present itself in due course.  

 

Great party pictures for Clarrise’s birthday too, what a milestone and a pretty common achievement these days that has me thinking I might have to think longer term as far as being able to look after myself in the future!.  I wasn’t aware that you were heading out of town on the 2nd but sounds like maybe you’re California bound to see Los Horitos and co? 

We had a nice weekend last with a few friends who share the same birthdays with mine being on the 29th and Karen, Katie an Steve being on the 28th. We rented the Sunshine Inn up at the Valley which I may have pointed out to you. it is an old lodge that has 6 bedrooms and sleeps 36 people and we can rent it out for large functions. 

luckily the rain abated mid day on Saturday and we were able to get out for a nice walk to a waterfall not too far away with everyone in tow including dogs and kids...you may have seen some pictures on facebook as everyone put a bunch up afterward.  We all had a great time with a Mexican feast that everyone pitched in on and then went over to the community center and played ping pong, pool and foosball for an hour and a half or so before retiring back to the lodge for a nightcap.

I had an interesting day yesterday as I was contacted about a job that requires loading certain points of the roof cables on B.C. place with approx. 5000 lbs. to set of some weight sensors to see if they actually work. The idea is to mimic a one meter wet snow load scenario. 
 

it’s a great job for me as I need to design the rig to hold the weight using some water bags and a structure to hang them on. I consulted with an engineer named Rudolph Beckman that I have worked with in film many times and he joined me up there as well as Dave Edgar who is the one who contacted me through a mutual film friend. Dave is the one who installed all the new catwalks along the cliffs and in the tress at Capilano suspension park as well as all the infrastructure in the upper regions of the roof at B.C. place. I must get on with designing now but have a great day and we’ll talk soon, give my love and birthday wishes to Clara and the rest of the clan. Cheers, Al

hi patrick,can i come over about 1 p m on thursday to pick up sweater?

What a day for a ride. Bit cloudy when I left home at about 11:20 am and I dithered about taking my sunglasses. Glad that I did as by the time I was close to Stanley Park sun had burst through the clouds and I would have been squinting for rest of ride. Decided I'd do a run out to Horseshoe Bay as I'd not been that way for some time. Did a quick run along Spirit Trail to Bewicke Park to see if there was any sign of construction of bridge over Mosquitoe Creek but nothing that I could see. Apparently City of North Van and Musqueam Band have come to some sort of agreement that will allow a continuation of Spirit Trail all the way to Lonsdale Quay. Apparently bike path on Low Level Road is now complete so need to check that out soon.

Had 49 km on the clock by the time I was riding past Troll's in HB so I knew I'd have to do some dipsy-doodling once over Lions Gate if I wanted to log 100+ km. Accomplished this by doing four loops of Lost Lagoon once I was back at parking lot near Second Beach. Only complaint I had is that the fairly constant, reasonably strong head wind seemed to shift directions to keep itself in my face over the entire course of the ride! What else is new? Need some excuse for the fairly low AVG. Nothing to do with my pins, perhaps a bit weary after pretty good workouts of last few days or maybe I'm not eating enough kale! Dear Reader! Stats for ride: http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/685040558#.VMmBL_QB_jM.email

Distance 101.25 km | Time 5:14:29 | Speed 19.3 kph | Elev Gain 853 m connect.garmin.com

Howard Gold four loops of Lost Lagoon.... yawn...

Patrick James Dunn Put your money where your sleepy mouth is Howard! 

Howard Gold OK... I think I could manage 19 KPH... maybe... not sure about 100KM though. We're thinking about coming to Van around spring break time...if you're around I'll bring my bike 

Howard Gold Oh.. and my first comment was more empathetic then critical... I know what its like when you want to complete a distance but run out of route. I often run 200m circles around the house here to make up mileage.

Patrick James Dunn I wasn't being nasty either, I was just hoping that we might ride at some point! I had to chuckle about your house circling for the same reasons. 

Hello Sun Peaks Kids! Trust all goes well at on the slopes! Had our very first "viewing" yesterday:

http://davecollette.ca/mylistings.html/photos-45341603

Pics look so great I put in an offer myself before I headed over the the gym at FCCC to use elliptical while we were "banished" at 2:35 pm. Forecast was for on-and-off rain and drizzle. Still, I managed my best elliptical workout to date: 1107 calories over 70 minutes to climb 15,037' with a distance of 3.47 miles, if I read stats on machina correctly! Fondestos from Mme Coriandre. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Pat, Pictures of the Islay Inn look great - suspect it will sell pretty quickly! Bit of a surprise - to say the least - to find my wife on the doorstep last Sunday; seems like I have been a victim of a conspiracy on both sides of the Pacific! At any rate it was a secret well kept by all involved - thanks for not breaking radio silence!  Skiing is not too, too bad; temperatures are much too warm and we desperately need fresh snow - maybe this coming weekend. Trust the trip down south goes well. Regards to all Trevor

P, Enjoy your ride. May the bitches of West Van stay clear of your steely stare. I will be in town Saturday mid evening. We could stop by then or meet somewhere. Could also do the same after the football game Sunday evening. I expect your dance card is already full or constrained by mulage logistics...Fond regards to all the Cs and Ds. Happy Birthday again to Rosie. W

Hello Salish Sea People! Have you now realized that you are an indentured slave to BC Ferries, (hence petition), or simply become a Gulf Island Socialite keeping Night Owl hours? At any rate, please feel free to pop by once Calamity has polished your shackles. We will be in, probably packing and otherwise getting ready to go. Not sure how long you will be involved with Super Bowl festivities but we are tentatively planning to attend a showing at SFU downtown.

Looking forward to it but, at this point, will depend on trip preparations. Need to be there by 6:30 pm and you are welcome to join us if interested. If it transpires wouldn't be a late night as we have a very early start on Monday morning, as you know. Fill us in on what works best for you two and we'll plan accordingly. Fondestos and Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Pics: 28th is Rosita's actual birthday. Clarisse wearing earrings from Chloë and clutching bottle of wine, (Shiraz Durif, 2012, 13.9%, from a winery, Campbells, we first visited with them in '91 in Rutherglen, Victoria, a fabulous region not that far, a couple of hours at most, northeast from where close freinds, Steve and Kathleen live), from Cora Lee. Backstory: Rosie had received money from a nephew with a birthday card and asked me to buy a bottle of wine with it. I did so on the Friday before the party and showed it to her that evening. Towards the end of the night Mme Coriandre, in her cups by then, opened Clarisse's present! Kids today!

Hi Patrick, The pictures are amazing and will certainly showcase your place very well to any interested buyers. As for bridge, the gods giveth and taketh on any given night so needless to say we didn't win on Monday, but we were in the middle of the pack. Lots of work to do on fine tuning our game. We are always good for awhile, but during the course of 27 hands our tiredness sets in and a few blunders get made by both of us. Oh Well! We'll have to build up
our endurance and come better rested. Ruth P.S. Glad the birthday was a hoot!

Hi Squamish Waldorfians! Trust you are both well. We are busy with viewings and an Open House tomorrow so I'm planning a longish ride on Saturday! Probably last one until we hit California. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Pat, but sans sorry please. We are all remarkably busy, or just trying to stay busy. The latter is just meant to tease.  :) 

Hi Bob! Trust all goes well with you! Sorry I've not been in touch sooner. Same story: No excuses but plenty of reasons! Main one being possible move to The Naramata. Plenty of issues with respect to Chloë and Loft, of course. Anyway, nothing is set in stone yet! Must away as I've a number of chores to accomplish to ready place for another showing at noon today. Fondestos from Mme Coriandre. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thanks for the Naramata update. Looks lots of life's adventures ahead for you and Corinne. Speaking of the process being under way, i booked my tickets to Europe last Friday, so my ship comes in on August 17, or rather i fly to Reykjavik, for nearly a week. Look forward to treeless landscapes, simmering hot springs, rotten shark meat, but also no mosquitos. and brooding skies. Hopefully i can commit a tiny bit of those impressions to my growing collections of sketchbooks.

Now, i am trying to get flights from Frankfurt to Romania and then on to Zürich. I wonder where Heinz and Eveyln live? I have friends in Zürich and a distant relative in Schaffhausen. Did you not have a powerful aesthetic experience visiting the Klee Museum. I love his work. Return October 20.

Here is a sketch from yesterday. I made a nuisance of myself in a Korean restaurant, over in Coquitlam. It took one and a half hourse to make this before i could start on my now cold lunch. Then i completely forgot to tip so i am going back today or tomorrow, and so it goes. Best Wishes, bob

 

Islay Inn 1st Viewing Blues: Tuesday, January 27th!

Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that! -Lewis Carroll, mathematician and writer (27 Jan 1832-1898)

Hi Corinne and Patricio, Here is Lynnie pretending to be Evil Knievel, pondering a motorcycle leap over the Snake River canyon at Twin Falls, Idaho. We've had two 8 hour driving days. We over-nighted in Salt Lake last night, off to Las Vegas today. We hope the big 90th celebration for Clara went well. When are you off? Cheers, Peter 

Hi Motorcycle Maniacs! Great publicity shot! When is the Dare-Devil leap?

With respect to Clara's 90th bash, it was great good fun. Entertained about 24 in total and food was a Greek feast, all prepared by Cora Lee and her two sisters, as I think I reported in an earlier message. One of my remaining tasks, before we leave, is to finish off overlefts! Not that I mind, you understand! Rosita's actual birthday is tomorrow and Chloë will join us. Probably invite Flamin' as well. She was adjudicating figure skating in Williams Lake over the weekend so she missed party on Saturday. Sarge in in Kamloops this week on some course or other.

Haven't yet set a firm date for departure but I think it will be on Monday, February 2nd, certainly Tuesday, February 3rd. Has more to do with dovetailing stop in Bellingham to collect hootch I have there. Elena, lady in whose garage we store wine, is back and forth to Vancouver, so need to make sure she will be home.

Have our first "viewing" today at 2:45 pm so I plan to head over the the gym to use elliptical while we are "banished" as forecast is for on-and-off rain and drizzle. Had a terrific session on Saturday before Rosita's party. Managed to burn 1107 calories over 70 minutes to climb 14,836'/3.45 miles. My best result to date so pleased with effort. Had two good rides on Sunday and yesterday so don't mind too, too much about today's weather.

[Funnily enough, as it transpired, I could have had a dry ride. Still, I managed my best elliptical workout to date: 1127 calories over 70 minutes to climb 15,037' with a distance of 3.47 miles, if I read stats on machina correctly!]

With respect to our arrival at Desert Storm, do you still want us to "overlap" on the 10th? Just let us know and we'll plan accordingly. Must away as I've a number of chores to accomplish to help ready place for showing. Travel safely for remainder of your trip. Fondestos from Mme Coriandre. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Nancy with Clarisse; corsage from Nancy and David; The Sisterhood; oldest and youngest, Avery, Flamin's/Sarge's first grandchild; Tina, from Adelaide, here over weekend, en route to Sun Peaks to meet her husband, in front of one of Picasso's latest! 

Hi Kids! Thanks for call Big Al and "reminding" me about phone message! Changed it just for you!!! Cheers, Patrizzio!                                                OK guys, with four gatherings in 2015, it’s time to accumulate the scores and declare the rankings for the first month of the new year...here they are attached, with the 2014 results shown in the previous tab. Now we can normalise on number of hands played by each player as well as number of players! I’ve included Patrick but slightly unfair to do so, as he has only played two evenings and still learning our quirky conventions, which seem to change every time they are explained!! C 
 

Dear Clive The long trek to December is on - with our interesting and quirky conventions. All Best David Bugger Patrick, we are all still learning the quirky conventions. 3 over 2, Nendick

Hi Clive et al! Thanks again for including me in stats. Much appreciate being the underdog. Nowhere to go but up! However, I must say that I do enjoy learning about the various "quirky, shifting sands, conventions" and the heated explanations, particularly those proffered by Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt Byronator! After mastering some of the conventions I'll need to take Accounting 101 in order to make sense of the various spreadsheets. And I thought school was over! Cheers, Desperately Seeking to Understand 2 over 1, Paranormal Patrizzio! Fear not bridgers all shall come clear with a little practise. It is quite simple and logical. 2 over 1 Byron

Hello Elena! Trust you are well. Thank you for facilitating the "wine transfer" this past December. Very much appreciated!

On a related matter, Corinne and I are heading to California early next week, departure flexible. Chloë mentioned that she talked to Katie and learned that you are planning to visit Vancouver shortly, coming up either this Sunday or Monday. We certainly do not wish to change your plans but if you were not leaving Bellingham until Monday we would make a point of being at your place, well before you left, in order to collect some wine. Not sure of your travel plans to Canada but we'd be happy to drop you at the bus or train station, in Bellingham, should that be how you will travel north.
 

Anyway, please do not worry about accommodating us if it is not convenient for you, for whatever reasons. Again, thank you for allowing us to store the wine at your place. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick, thanks for your message. yes, I was planning to leave for Vancouver on Monday, Feb. 2nd. I usually go up by train, which leaves Bellingham at 9:57 am. For me, that means leaving the house at 7:45 am in order to catch the two local buses that take me to the train station. I'm afraid that would make it a bit too early for you - even if you'd be willing to drive me, we'd still have to leave my house around 9:15!
 

 If you really want to get up before the crack of dawn, please let me know! If not, I'll be looking forward to seeing you and/or Corinne at some other time in the near future! All the best to both of you, Elena

Hi again, Elena! Thank you for your more than speedy reply. The timetable you outline is just fine with us. We would hope to be in your driveway, by 8:30 am at the very latest. That should give plenty of time to collect some wine, load it and any baggage you might have, into car and leave for station before 9:15 am.
 

The only real problem I can foresee is the border and I hope that it won't be too, too busy at that time of the morning and on that day of the week. If we are somehow delayed by some set of unforeseen circumstances, (traffic jam on freeway, etc.), and not able to reach your home in time to drive you to the station, we would certainly call you so that you would not miss your bus connections. I trust this plan suits you. Again, thanks for accommodating us. Certainly much appreciated! When you have a moment, let me know what you think and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio!  

Hello Digitale and Fingare! Trust you are both well. Just had a message from our wine warehouse manager in Bellingham and we will be able to pop by her place to collect some hootch on Monday, February 2nd. Need to be there between 8:00-8:30 am as she is taking train to Vancouver that morning. It leaves at 9:57 am and we offered to drive her to station. Need to leave her place by 9:15 am it would seem. Anyway, this means that we should be knocking on your door, (if we are still welcome!), sometime around 3:00 pm +/-, traffic, weather and gods willing. [Hey Patrick,
We'll be here. See you Monday afternoon. Have a safe trip. Marilyn]

Michaelo, you didn't send me a message regarding your request for D-Day book/info. Anyway, let us know if a visit works this coming Monday and we'll plan accordingly. Again, please don't re-arrange your lives for the Pushy Canucks. Slumberestos from Cora Lee, already abed and asleep! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Friday evening before Rosita's 90th birthday bash; Sarge with Rachel, Cora Lee's niece; Clarisse; The Dustman enjoying a glass or two of Chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaardonaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! 

great shots!  Looks like Rachel has a new best friend in Wayne! Xoxo

I think she has taken over for Annie. Mom used to sit beside Sarge at the table and stroke his arm! He's a good boy...ha ha ha

 Seahawks Super Bowl XLIX Mania!

Early Bird Fog Bank Blues: Monday, January 26th!

Sometimes you can't see yourself clearly until you see yourself through the eyes of others. -Ellen DeGeneres, comedian, TV host, actor, and writer (b. 26 Jan 1958)

The path of least resistance makes all rivers, and some men, crooked. -Napoleon Hill, author (1883-1970)

Pat, Just got out of bed and won't be able to catch up. Will try and get out later for a short ride as it looks like such a nice day. Ray

Hi Pat, sorry we missed each other this morning. My pump broke this morning when I was pumping my tires and had to go elsewhere to get air. I ended up arriving at the botanical gardens at 9:40a. I totally understand if you guys didn't want to wait for tardy ol me and decided to take off. Either way, I hung around there until 10a just in case you guys decided to come looking for me, I also swung by the rose garden. I ended up going on a ride anyways and went along spanish banks until science world and then came back to ubc along w.10th. It was a good and easy ride, great weather today.
 

[Patrick James Dunn Chloë, can you print this for Picasso?]

Once again, sorry for making you guys wait, and hopefully we can ride soon. Seems like it's going to rain tomorrow, but Saturday morning looks like it will be a clear one if you are free and interested Take care, VL

Hi Lads! Sorry we didn't connect Vittorino! I met Glasgow at Marine and Sasamat. It was a glorious morning as we made our way along Spanish Banks. Once up the Foreshore Hil we proceeded to the Botanicl Garden and arrived just before 9:00 am. When you were not there we headed up through campus and I took Matt along Main Mall to see the Blue Whale skeleton. Next we made for Rose Garden just to be sure you weren't waiting there, Vittorino. When no sign of you near the roundabout, I went back down to Marine to make sure you were not waiting there while Glasgow took a look at all the construction taking place around SUB. 

I returned to East Mall to hook back up with Matt and then we proceeded to wend our way back to the Botanical Garden. There by 9:30 am and after we circled the parking lot there for a few minutes decided we'd take off so headed along Marine. By this time the fog had really settled in and it was pretty chilly. I was dressed warmly and was wearing my "lobsters" so I was toasty. Poor Glasgow, on the other hand was dressed for the earlier sunshine so his hands were particularly cold and his top wasn't all that warm either, I gather. This being the case we decided to abort the trek to Iona and took the turnoff to Shaughnessey GC to bring us back up Crown to cross Marine and 41st to head up Camosun. Form there we took Imperial and then made our way to Blanca along 16th. 

I said goodbye to Glasgow at 4th as he was headed home with about 33km on the clock. I wanted a bit of a longer ride so I made my way back to campus, along Chancellor, and then did the reverse of our earlier route, returning, from Marine to 16th to take Imperial/Camosun back to SW Marine and then Chancellor to return home. Fog had completely dissipated by the time we first reached St Georges and the chill was gone from the air by then. I was quite toasty from the time I waved goodbye to Frozen Fingers Man until I was back at The Heartbreak Terrace. Sorry we couldn't connect with you Robo Man but trust you managed a ride on your own it was such a glorious day for one, especially later, of course. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/683593218#.VMbk1YjtMHA.email

I know Glasgow is away this weekend but the rest of us should keep in touch and see if we can actually stitch together a ride! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Dad, can you have a read and let me know your thoughts? Thanks 

Hi Chloë! I'm quite impressed with your writing skills! Well done. However, I have taken the liberty to make a few changes, mainly flow. Very few spelling or grammatical errors so congratulations. Wasn't sure if changes would appear in original document so I attached another copy, just in case. Give me shout if you have any questions. Cheers, Dad!

Hi Chloë! No word on reference letter! Not fussed, just as long as it is fine. On another matter, can you confirm when Katie's grandmother will be at home as we need to plan our departure and need to dovetail with Benica. (Spelling? And address/phone number please!) Will be either this Monday or Tuesday, latter preferable but both possible. Thanks. Cheers, Dad!

Hey D, Reference rewrite was great, thank you!!! As for Bunica she is coming here Sunday or Monday so you are on a different time table sadly.

 

Robert	Byron	Clive	Patrick	David M
5,590	4,190	6,390	2,330	5,300

Hi Robert et al! Thanks very much for hosting the fine evening and sending along the scores. Much appreciated on both counts. Have attached the snaps I took. Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: I've included Sarge in the address line so that you can invite him to play as well. Must have been the cards, eh!??

When you hit Vegas hope your poker hands are far better than my bridge hands. Must confess I did have very few points over the course of the evening. Funnily enough, after everyone passed and the "goulash" deal was used, (about four times I think), I had two biddable hands, only making one, unfortunately. That being said, on another occasion, I was quite annoyed at myself when I threw a diamond on a spade, for no reason whatsoever, and the resulting two trick penalty allowed opponents, (Clive/Robert), to make their bid. Otherwise they would have been down at least two, perhaps three. Failed to "Get the kids off the street" in another hand but still managed to "squeak" the contract, 4 Spades. Vowed, after a few such "mistakes" last week that I would pay closer attention to basics. However, took a bit of comfort in the fact that as the evening progressed everyone else made a few slips as well, so not completely alone in the bridge wilderness!

We were thinking about Edible Canada for dinner pre-Club Push on Friday night - I will reserve for 5:45 when I hear back who wants to join us. Let me know asap if you want to be included. The regular menu is on as well as a Dine Out 3 course prix fixe menu. We'll see those not dining at Performance Works - identify yourself as being at "the Whitney table".

As far as we know the doors at Performance Works are at 7:00 for the 8:00 show which is about an hour and a half long. Arriving at 7:30 should be fine as we have a reserved table. There is live music after until 1:00 but you are not required to stay until the very end. Until Friday then.....Paul 

Hi Paul! Thanks again for inviting us to Club Push. Edible is one of our favourite spots but in spite of this we won't join you. Loads to do to get ready to leave early next week for California, let alone things to do with our place. Fondestos from Mme Coriandre. See you at Performance Works on Friday at 7:30 pm. Cheers, Patrizzio!


Hi Corinne & Patrick, Please find your attached listing http://davecollette.ca/mylistings.html/photos-45341603 I already have a showing request for tomorrow at 2:45. Does that work? Regards, Dave

Hi Patrick and Corinne, Just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful evening and allowing us to be part of this big celebration for your mom. Must again mention how wonderful the food was that the sisterhood presented. Also, the company was excellent. Good to catch up with Wayne especially. Charlie

Hi O Susannah and Champagne! Grand that you enjoyed yourselves. You folks are "family", like the Freeloading Sutherlands, so no question that we would want you to be part of festivities, in spite of your reluctance to play bridge! In fact we had two terrific rubbers, one each with Clarisse and I against Dusty and Sarge. With respect to Clara's 90th bash, it was great good fun. Glad you enjoyed the Greek feast. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

A Monday cycle with Perry. Hola Pat, we hope the party for Clare was a huge success and you all had a wonderful evening. Sorry we weren't able to join you!! Please give Clare some big birthday hugs from us!! Thanks for sharing your Naramata news!! Have a terrific week!! Hola to all. Hasta luego, Jorge & Juanita

Hi Calamidad Juanita and Limpiador de Cadena Jorge! Thanks for sending along Perry's ride information. As you will already know, I had made other arrangements for riding that day but appreciate your thoughtfulness. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello house hunters! I can gloat now that we have decided to stay put. My stress levels went through the roof when we initially decided to move! If you are still thinking Vancouver perhaps you could have a look at the new Trump Tower! You either like or loathe Trump and his dealings. He is not that popular in Scotland where he is still locking horns over his development in the Highlands. 
We did stay in the Trump hotel for a few days when we were in Honolulu. After I had booked the room the hotel emailed me to ask if I was celebrating any particular occasion while a guest at the hotel. I emailed back to say that it was our 40th wedding anniversary. When we arrived they had upgraded us to a suite overlooking the beach with two balconies, one off the living room and one off the bedroom! They also had a bottle of chilled champagne, chocolates and fruit waiting for us on our arrival!

Yes very sad about poor Molson so soon after the trauma of Kokanee. I suggested that they remain a cat free household for the foreseeable future since their lifestyle really isn't suitable for a houseful of pets. I think they have enough on their plate with dear old Porter.

Also sad news on the Cothey side. Gudrun's dad passed away yesterday . He had been suffering with dementia for some time and was placed in a hospice last week since his kidneys were beginning to fail. Gudrun flew out to Denver yesterday not knowing that he had died and Steve will be flying out on Wednesday. However, Steve discovered that his passport expires early next month! Consequently, he has to drive to Newport in Wales tomorrow to get an emergency passport processed. I am going to drive up with him to keep him company and share some of the driving. We leave at 6.15 am since his appointment is at 11 am. I haven't been up that early since I retired 4 years ago so it will be a shock to the system!

I trust the birthday party was a big success. Probably quite rare to have all the sisters and parents together. All relatively quiet over here. Our winter so far has been good and a far cry from last year with the constant rain. Gayle and I still try to do a hefty walk each day, at least a couple of hours, either coastal or in the country to keep our joints supple! 

There have been some good movies released recently which we have been to see. The Imitation Game with Benedict Cumberbatch which, as you probably know, is an historical thriller about the scientist Alan Turing who was the main brain behind breaking Nazi Germany's Enigma code. A compelling performance. We also went to see The Theory of Everything a biographical drama about Stephen Hawking based on his ex wife's book about her life with him documenting their relationship, his diagnosis of his degenerative motor neurone condition and his accomplishments in the world of physics. A very powerful performance by Eddie Redmayne and he is my choice for the best actor oscar this year.

Last week we went to see Unbroken about the World War Two survival story of the American Olympian Louis Zamperini and directed by Angelina Jolie. Again a very powerful film which kept your interest all the way through and marvelling at how anyone could survive such brutality and depravation yet still go on to reach the ripe old age of 97! The film got mixed reviews but I thought both the acting and directing was very good. We tend to go to the early 5 pm showings these days which means we have time to visit our favourite Italian restaurant after the show for a meal.

I just noticed Spuddy walking down the hall which means I can now go and make the bed. Gayle is heading out the door to attend her Yoga class at the community centre! She says hello. We are joining a National Trust beach cleaning party later at Porthtowan to help pick up the rubbish washed ashore from maritime vessels! We have another beach clean on Perranporth next week I think.

Best wishes to you all and happy house hunting. If you decide on Vancouver what areas are you looking at? Corrine mentioned at one point that she favoured the Commercial Drive area. Derek

Hello Beachcombers! Good for you two, helping to rid the glorious beaches of Cornwall of all the rubbish discarded from unthinking/mindless ship's crews! No wonder our poor world is in such dire straits. On the local level, many people in our building cannot even put recycling in the correct containers. When will we learn. When it's too late, presumably. 

Thanks very much for transferring your moving stress levels to me, Derek!
Please pass along our sincere condolences to Gudrun and Steve. She has really been smitten with death over this past year. I trust your trip to Wales went well, under circumstances. On a slightly less forlorn note, I do agree with you about quasi-pet-free household for Krissy and Mark.

Agree with you about films. Have not seen Theory but Chloë and Cora Lee liked it very much. Hope to see Unbroken at some point. Plan to take in Dr. Cabbie at the Rio this Sunday: "The heart warming journey of a young Indian doctor who immigrates to Canada with the selfless ambition of healing others while beginning a new life in the land of opportunity. Arriving in Toronto, he is instead spurned by the Canadian medical system and turns to driving cab - becoming a local hero when he converts his taxi into a mobile clinic.

This rollicking, tongue-in-cheek, and decidedly politically incorrect comedy touches on very real issues affecting many newcomers to Canada. Parodying Bollywood productions and Indian culture, Dr. Cabbie is a visual feast with some great dance numbers and colour-rich street scenes. Co-produced by Bollywood legend, Salman Khan, Dr. Cabbie features Big Bang Theory’s Kunal Nayyar as the raunchy party-boy foil to Vinay Virmani’s (Breakaway) earnest lead, and Lilete Duby (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Lunchbox [Dabba]) at her comedic best."
Part of our homework for Inja! Booked our flights this past Sunday, AC Van/Frankfurt/Chennai, October 27th, return Dehli/Frankfurt/Van, December 10th, $1,200 CDN each so a pretty good price, we think. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Milltown Marina Blues: Sunday, January 25th!

              You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb
 

greetings, patrick. when do you think you might be cycling; matt 

good morning ,patrick,thank you for a most enjoyable evening.please thank everyone involved.not feeling too strong this a m .how about tomorrow and riding ?matt 

Hi Glasgow et al Vittorino would like to ride quite early tomorrow: "We could meet at UBC at 830a? I am free to ride until 1130a. Does that work?" I am prepared to meet him, probably at the Botanical Gardens off Marine. If it's not too early for either you or Raymond, Ray and I could meet on Point Grey/Macdonald, around 8:05 am, collect you on Sasamat, off Spanish Banks, around 8:15 am and then connect with Victor at UBC at 8:30 am +/-.

Hasselback Garlic Potatoes w/ Bacon & Cheese

[Chloe Alexis Dunn shared Andy Miller's photo.

25 January at 23:04 ·

Corinne Durston for Wednesday night??Patrick James Dunn Sounds fabulous but I'm not sure Dusty will change by Wednesday!]

Vittorio, we might need to tailor these times depending on what lads think about the 8:30 am start time. Alternatively, the two of us could meet as suggested above and then rendezvous with the others later at a different appointed time/place.

Just back from a wonderful ride. Couldn't believe how warm it was! Started out dipsy-doodling around our place so that I had 37 km on the clock by the time I reached the UBC Forshore Hill. Made for Iona, via Marine, and I take Barnard Street, about two blocks west of Granville, to 75th as there is a good long stretch parallel to Fraser River Park. En route to CSTB I noticed a sign for The Milltown Bar and Restaurant so I thought I'd take a look. 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites

It turns out that it is a very recent development. I found the following:

The Milltown Marina will be located on Richmond Island and Richmond Slough on the Vancouver side of the North Arm of the Fraser River (below the Fraser Arms Hotel). The site is eight kilometres upstream from the mouth of the Fraser and just downstream from the Arthur Laing Bridge. There are no bridges between the new marina and the Strait of Georgia.

Historically, the island was a grassy sandbar that flooded during high water. Between the 1930s and 1950s, the level of the island was raised with dredged river sand, faced with rip rap, and connected to the mainland by a boulder and sand filled causeway. It was later paved and used by the adjacent Canadian Forest Products sawmill as a lumber storage yard. The protected slough has been used as a log boom storage area for many years and will be dredged to accommodate the marina. The marina project is a partnership between the Musqueam Indian Band and Bastion Development Corporation.

At any rate, quite impressive and side-trip added a few more km's! Head wind wasn't too, too bad on way out to Stink Island which really earned its name today! The view of the mountains and the shining ocean more than made up for noxious vapours, however! Back home via Cambie and then Yukon/Columbia. Still quite light at 5:00 pm so makes it a bit safer riding at this time. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/682860377#.VMWkjQZs7G8.email

Anyway, let me know what you all think and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pat, Too early for me. I've been busy all weekend and want to slow it down in the morning. I'll catch up with you on another day. Ray 

Hi Pat, 8:30 is early for you? I thought when you're an old man that you actually wake up earlier. Oh well, guess there's always exceptions...

We could meet at 930a to make it a bit friendlier? Besides I need to put some air in my tires, so the later meet will give me time to do that. I could ride with you until noon, and we could meet up with everyone else along the way. I'm open to anything, but I say we meet around 9:15-9:30 instead. We can definitely meet at the rose garden, which is right by the Chan Centre on Marine. If you prefer another meeting place on campus just let me know Take care,

VL also, I'm probably the least experienced biker here, so my apologies if I can't keep up (as well, my bike is on the older side and needs a bit of a tune-up) but looking forward to the challenge VL

Hi again, Raymondo! Thought that it might have been a tad early. If things change, in terms of Matt's preference, are you still interested in riding? If so, what time would suit you?

Was just about to send this message when one from Victor arrived. He is now suggesting 9:30 am at UBC so if you want to join us we could meet you at the stretch along 75th somewhere near the park there around 10:15 am-10-30 am. That way there is plenty of room to ride until we meet up to head out to Iona over Arthur Laing or CSTB, as everyone sees fit. Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS: As of this writing have not yet heard from Matt! Pics: Last night's 90th Birthday for Rosita, here with Nancy; then Glasgow with Catherine and Nancy!

but 8;30 would be better ;matt so does that mean meeting at 9;15 at sasamat and marine. will be fine by me;matt

Hi Glasgow! I'll be at Sasamat and Marine at 8:30 am and when I hear from Vittorio I'll let him know that. He can either meet us earlier or otherwise adjust rendezvous point, etc. There are plenty of places for us to toddle about on campus before meeting. See you domani. Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: I think you left your sweater here last night. Let me know if it is yours and I'll wash out the wine stains!

Hi Vittorio! 8:30 am is too early for Robo Man but I'm meeting Glasgow at 8:30 am and we will proceed to UBC. I suggest we meet at the Botanical Garden, as originally specified, just off Marine, opposite Thunderbird Stadium, west of intersection of 16th, not the UBC Rose Garden, near Chan, as you mistakenly inferred! There are plenty of places for us to toddle about on campus before meeting you at 9:30 am, or slightly earlier, depending on your luck pumping up your tires and tuning-up your bike! Unless I hear otherwise, will see you domani, at or around 9:30 am. Cheers, Patrizzio!
 



 

Rosie-the-Riveter's 90th Birthday Bash Blues: Saturday, January 24th!

"All the day long/Whether rain or shine/She's a part of the assembly line/She's making history/Working for victory/Rosie the Riveter/Keeps a sharp lookout for sabotage/Sitting up there on the fuselage/That little girl will do more than a male will do."

Our houses are such unwieldy property that we are often imprisoned rather than housed in them. -Henry David Thoreau, naturalist and author (1817-1862) 

P, not in town this weekend but thanks for the invite. Please wish Clare a happy ninetieth for us. You should look at real estate on Galiano - one hour from YVR... Would give personal tour... Great riding, no cars... Great church community. W

Hi Ariel and Hugh! Trust you are both well. Must apologize for not sending along a thank-you message sooner for the wonderful evening, almost a week ago now! No excuses but plenty of reasons! It was a delightful time with such a delicious dinner. Of course, we certainly enjoyed meeting Phyllis and Lindsey. Quite interesting to learn of the various connections we held in common, Manitoba, Red Lake, Australia, etc. We are hosting a party for about 24 today, although Clara's actual birthday is not until next Wednesday.

Again, thank you both for your generous hospitality. You must visit us at The Islay Inn before we move to Naramata. [Sad to learn that the Naramata Centre closed but I gather the financial writing was on the wall!] Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: The Good Life in North Van!

Hi Patrick Thanks for the note and the pictures – which turned out well! It was good to connect and share stories. Yesterday, I was driving on the Low Level Road in North Van and I checked out the bike path. It appears good – wide and with no steep areas. Enjoy! Best wishes Hugh

Hi Hugh! Thanks a lot for the bike reconnaissance on the Low Level Road. Very much appreciated as I'm quite curious to give it a go. However, ride there will probably have to wait until we are back from California, towards the end of third week in February, unless next Sunday's forecast improves! Regards to Ariel. Best wishes to you both from Corinne. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

The Whitney's have a table at Club Push at Performance Works next Friday night Jan 30 at 8:00 and we are wondering if you can join us as our guests (well maybe not the alcohol although we may have some laid on - it says we get VIP treatment). Here is what we will see which sounds weird and wonderful:

http://pushfestival.ca/shows/hour-of-the-wolf/             Hour of the Wolf

Eye of Newt Ensemble (Canada) & Sissel Vera Pettersen (Norway)  Sorry, I've got 'Cargo' on the 30th. Enjoy! Lynn

Eye of Newt, lead by avant-garde violinist Stefan Smulovitz, returns to Club PuSh with a very special guest. Norwegian vocalist Sissel Vera Pettersen performs in Canada for the first time, taking to the stage to perform with vocalist Viviane Houle to weave a mesmerizing vocal soundscape accompanied by the improvisation of the Eye of Newt ensemble. Their live experimental set is inspired by the palpable madness of Ingmar Bergman’s Hour of the Wolf, described by Time Out London as “a dazzling flow of surrealism, expressionism and full-blooded Gothic horror.” Catch this rare screening of the 1968 surrealist psycho-drama, along with a startling performance from Eye of Newt. 

[Pettersen's] voice a transparent gossamer of silk… Hers is an instrument that can shape sound and syllable, making it the messenger of every articulation whether it is a whisper, an ululation or a prance on the edge of a scream. —All About Jazz 

Let us know asap if you can join us and apologies for the late notice. Maybe we can do dinner before as well. Cheers.....Paul & Joan

Chloe Alexis Dunn Our Grandma is 90!!!! — with Dustin Ziemanski, Rebekah Balfour, Ayn P, Carly Durston, Cody Ziemanski and Marlo Jurkowski.

David Kessler, Rebekah Balfour, Margareta Maunsbach and 41 others like this.

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Cody Ziemanski Happy birthday grandma!!!!!!!!!