De-Nesting Diaries: Friday, March 1st

It is not so much our friends' help that helps us as the confident knowledge that they will help us. -Epicurus, philosopher (c. 341-270 BCE)

  
Hi Patrice,

Thanks for the congratulatories !.  It is entirely feasible that one could ride to the castillo but you might want to arrange for a rest stop at a B and B along the way as it is 175 K. and a fairly good hill just out of Hope on the number 3 Hwy. as I’m sure you’re familiar with.

We’re still keeping it on the DL until the paperwork and the big cheque gets written later next week. We will make an official announcement after that.

I will see how things go on Saturday as I have a couple things going on but as it gets closer I’ll see if there’s a window of opportunity and when and get in touch. Thanks, Al

 Hi Hope Hilton! (Are you really Paris' brother?)

Will keep the lid on until official announcement as I know Captain Barnacle would probably want to squat in your place, if only to get away from his winter, fitted-canvas shrouded rum runner!

If you do decide to come by the Loft, call Chloë. She'll have her cell tomorrow. There is no land-line in the place. Not sure if the intercom has been changed but suite is 208. We will probably be there until around 3:00pm as Chloë has a work related function  for Aunt Leah's to attend around 5:00pm and needs to change, etc. Cheers to the Hope Millionaires!!! Patrice!!!
 
Looks very cozy! They’ll have some great times there I’m sure!

• 

  Patrick James Dunn Your Mother is not going to be very happy when she learns that you have posted what she does when she disappears into the bathroom for hours!!! Think some heavy bonus cash might go a long way, under the circumstances!!!

Ayn P

I just saw a Merle Norman ad on TV and thought I had time-traveled back to 1984...#nopancakeplease

• 

  Adam Goldberg no merle norman, unless you want to look like boy george
• 

  Patrick James Dunn I feel like Rip Van Winkle even though I lived through the '80's...#nocapice! And I don't own a stinkin' cellulare/mobile/handi/Crackberry or other Tweetology device!!!
• 

  Lori Vogt @ Patrick. Just how long did it take you to chip that post out on your rock with a chisel? LOL
• 

  Patrick James Dunn In fact, but a few nano seconds while I was riding around Stanley Park, on my unicycle, in the pouring rain, upside down and backwards, so that I could chisel into the cliffs of Prospect Point more easily! I spit on Egyptian hieroglyphics, much preferring West Coast petroglyphs! When are we riding, by the bye? Be sure to bring your own chisel! Cheers, Patrizzio!
  

  • 

    Lori Vogt haha! I will give you a call next week to arrange a ride time. Haven't been on the bike for ages so be gentle! Didn't realize you guys were back from your road trip...

  
  

  

  The Compass Players  Pictured in Jimmy's where they often performed

  The iconic comedy show "Saturday Night Live" had its roots in Chicago's Second City Theater, which had famous alumni ranging from John Belushi to Bill Murray to Tina Fey and dozens in-between. But Second City had in turn emerged from the short-lived Chicago based Compass Players, a theater company with a daring and often uncomfortable approach to comedy when it debuted in 1955. The star alumni from Compass were Mike Nichols and Elaine May, whose next step was to conquer Broadway with their improvisational comedy act, then build legendary careers in movie writing and directing. Their comedy intentionally distanced itself from the "Catskills" comedy of the day -- which relied on superficial, gag-based comedy instead of character -- and was part of the revolution brewing throughout 1950s American society that belied its quiet surfaces.  
  
  

  

  Dear Spelling Bee Loser!
  
  Glad to know that Big Brothers and Sisters are keeping up surveillance! I gather Robo Man had decided it is too, too wet for him to risk a ride. He is probably right as I'm not sure if it is going to dry up very much, at least according to the current forecast. This being the case, I think I'll take advantage of the rain to go for a swim at the Aquatic Centre, particularly when the watchers are otherwise engage, gnoshing on sustainables!
  
  See you at Chez Banks domani. Cheers, Il Piscatore! Reader Pic From Cora Lee!
  
  Hi Raymond!
  
  Sorry I missed your call. I did ring a number of times, from dentist and home, but guess everyone was out. I gather, from Coriandre, that you have decided it is too, too wet to risk a ride. You are probably right as I'm not sure if it is going to dry up very much, at least according to the current forecast. This being the case, I think I'll take advantage of the rain to go for a swim at the Aquatic Centre. Will let Whirlygig splash in the puddles while I'm splashing in the shallow end!
  
  See you tomorrow! Cheers, Il Piscatore!
  

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Conversely, if you're in a hurry, get a half bottle. Half bottles don't age well. In fact, some wineries don't bottle them for fear of a loss of quality. They're more subject to oxidation because the neck and ullage are proportionally larger for the amount of wine. In terms of pricing, wine bucks convention and there's no volume discount, in fact quite the opposite. As the bottle gets bigger and bigger, it alone becomes very costly and that will be reflected in the cost of the wine to you. Please be aware this is a pre-order, all the wines are coming direct from Bordeaux (ETA June 2013).   Chateau Agassac 2005 90 Points Wine Spectator Dark in color, almost black, with beautiful aromas of spices, blackberry and milk chocolate. Full-bodied and very silky, yet tannic, with a wonderful texture. This is long and caressing. Gorgeous. 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Full-bodied and very silky, yet tannic, with a wonderful texture. This is long and caressing. Gorgeous. Best after 2015.  Magnum 1.5L $149.99 Chateau Lynch-Bages 2006 94 Points Robert Parker This classic, powerful, firm Lynch Bages may be as concentrated (if not more so) than the 2005. It possesses a dense purple-tinged color, tell-tale cassis notes interwoven with hints of roast beef, savory herbs, spice box and subtle oak, good acidity and ripe tannin. The result is a full-bodied, fleshy Pauillac that will benefit from another 3-4 years of cellaring. It is capable of lasting 20-25 more years. 92 Points Wine Spectator Blackberry, licorice and mint aromas lead to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and lots of blackberry and mineral fruit character. Shows outstanding concentration and balance. Best after 2014. Magnum 1.5L $349.99 Double Magnum 3L $699.99 Chateau Baron Pichon Longueville 2008 95 Points Robert Parker This classic, powerful, firm Lynch Bages may be as concentrated (if not more so) than the 2005. It possesses a dense purple-tinged color, tell-tale cassis notes interwoven with hints of roast beef, savory herbs, spice box and subtle oak, good acidity and ripe tannin. The result is a full-bodied, fleshy Pauillac that will benefit from another 3-4 years of cellaring. It is capable of lasting 20-25 more years. Magnum 1.5L $349.99 Double Magnum 3L $699.99 Chateau Haut Bailly 2008 96 Points Robert Parker A candidate for the -wine of the vintage,- the 2008 Haut-Bailly possesses incredible complexity. Tell-tale notes of lead pencil shavings, charcoal, damp earth, black cherries and black currants intermixed with a hint of subtle barbecue smoke are present in this classic, quintessential Graves. Medium-bodied with an emerging, precocious complexity, it is a super-pure, beautifully textured, long wine that can be drunk now or cellared for 20-25 years. Bravo!  Magnum 1.5L $289.99 Double Magnum 3L $589.99 Chateau Haut Bailly 2009 98 Points Robert Parker A candidate for the -wine of the vintage,- the 2008 Haut-Bailly possesses incredible complexity. Tell-tale notes of lead pencil shavings, charcoal, damp earth, black cherries and black currants intermixed with a hint of subtle barbecue smoke are present in this classic, quintessential Graves. Medium-bodied with an emerging, precocious complexity, it is a super-pure, beautifully textured, long wine that can be drunk now or cellared for 20-25 years. Bravo!  Magnum 1.5L $599.99 Chateau Margaux 2006 94 Points Robert Parker It does not possess the size or power of the 2008 or 2005, but the 2006 exhibits impressive density, a deeper color, and the beautifully textured, pure style that is a hallmark of this estate. Moreover, it is relatively precocious, and can be drunk now or cellared for 25+ years. 95 Points Wine Spectator This has a wonderful nose of perfume, sandalwood, ripe plum and berries. Full-bodied, with seamless tannins and a long finish. Gorgeous. Best after 2015.  Double Magnum 3L $4999.99 Imperial 6L $9999.99  Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2006 97 Points Robert Parker One of the fabulous surprises, although I had suggested last year that it could jump in quality, of my tastings, the 2006 Lafite Rothschild is a great, great wine made from a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. When I tasted it from barrel, it reminded me of their successful 1988, but it is dramatically superior to that vintage. Frankly, it may turn out to be as good as the 2005, which in all of Bordeaux is a far greater vintage than 2006. Lafite's severe selection process (42% made it into the grand vin) resulted in a full-bodied wine boasting an extraordinary perfume of charcoal, truffles, lead pencil shavings, and sensationally sweet, ripe black currant and cedar notes. A wine of extraordinary intensity, texture, and depth with silky tannins as well as awesome concentration, this has turned out to be a remarkable Lafite Rothschild that should be drinkable much earlier than the 2005, but age for three decades. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2035+. 95 Points Wine Spectator Plum, sweet tobacco and blackberry aromas follow through to a full body, offering a tight, chewy palate, yet with polished, refined tannins. Very long and caressing. This turns to a muscular and toned young wine. Gets better and better with age. Best after 2014. Double Magnum 3L $4999.99 Imperial 6L $9999.99

De-Nesting Diaries: Thursday, February 28th

The only fence against the world is a thorough knowledge of it. -John Locke, philosopher (1632-1704) 

Archetype

Noun:
1. The original pattern or model of something; prototype.
2. An ideal or typical example of something.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Greek arche- (first, original) + -type (model, mold). Earliest documented use: 1605. 

Hi, Patrick.

I wonder if you remember Eyob, who worked at the Curriculum Lab . . . it must have been over 30 years ago, since he was there before I left for  Halifax, and that was in 1982.

I'm not sure about you, but I got to know him outside work as well (invited him over a few times, etc.) and we kept in touch for awhile, including corresponding when he worked in Sudan for some years after leaving UBC. The last time I saw him was around 1993, as he came over for brunch along with some other guests. By that time he was married and the father of a baby son - a bit younger than my oldest niece, Anna, who had just started to walk (and turned 21 last week). That's how I know that it must have been 1993.

Well, fast-forward . . . I don't know if you are aware that I am now the Head of the Children's Library down at Central. As such, I recently received an invitation to the launch of a new program at the immigrant and refugee services society, MOSAIC. It was signed by Eyob Naizghi, Executive Director.

I attended the event on Friday morning. At first I couldn't see Eyob anywhere . . . but then he came in, and it was a like a movie moment. As soon as he saw me, he looked stunned and happy. Afterwards, he invited me to his office and we spent some time catching up. He now has a daughter as well; also, he and his wife adopted a niece from Ethiopia who had been orphaned when her parents died from illness. She's the youngest of their 3 children and is 16. They have a small house in New Westminster.

I recall how he was when we first met him - he seemed almost shell-shocked, quiet and uncertain, and of course, he had disabilities to cope with . . . his missing arm and eye. WHAT A CHANGE! He is confident, articulate, interacts easily with all of his colleagues. He
was dressed in a spiffy suit. From talking to him, it was clear that he has a good handle on the work that MOSAIC is doing and the administrative and funding challenges. His children are doing well - the older two are at SFU.

The previous time that I saw him, he had a glass eye and a prosthesis for his arm. He no longer wears the prosthesis though - at least, he wasn't on Friday morning. I didn't ask why.

I was very happy to see him - it affirmed the good connection we had all those years ago. I guess the world has just been moving a bit too fast but I hope we stay in touch.

Anyway, I thought you might be interested in Eyob's story and how he has thrived. . . .All the best, Janet
 
Hi Janet!

Happy New Year!  Lovely to hear from you and learn the wonderful news about Eyob! Thanks for thinking about letting me know. I'd love to see him and his family and perhaps e can arrange a meal at our place at some point in the not too, too distant future! Reason I say this is that we are just back from being away for two months. Funnily enough, a Curriculum Lab connection as you will read if you persist! (AM only giving an "overview" or I'd never finish message!)

With respect to our holiday, we left Vancouver Wednesday, December 12th, to stay overnight in Portland with close friends, Marilyn and Michael. Next day drove to Healdsburg for three nights of fun-filled, wine-soaked adventures. Then into Berkeley with very good friends, Nancy and David. Two nights there and then we drove south to LA to spend Christmas with Ayn and Los Horridos, our grandsons, Pierre and Alexander, 23 and 22 respectively. Chloë, Clarisse and Dusty flew down a day or so before Christmas. From Christmas Day until January 10th we were house/cat sitting for Ayn's cousin, Rick, who has a gorgeous home in Simi Valley. He and his family spent holidays in Bora Bora to celebrate his 60th.

On the morning of the 10th we set off for Mesa where we spent the night with good friends, Sandy and Arv, from Falcon Lake, who winter in Arizona. Then on to Dallas to stay with friends, Randy and Ruth, formerly living in San Antonio, now there since last June. Then on to New Orleans for a week. We rented an apartment, in the Lower Garden District on Magazine, for a week with friends Lynne, (Lynne Lighthall, a faculty member at SLAIS and Cora Lee's classmate there, a year behind me.), and Peter, from Naramata. We then returned to Dallas for the weekend and on January 28th we flew to Sint Maarten.

In mid-November we had a visit from Rhoda Benson, in town from Cape Breton, to visit her eldest daughter, Dinao, who is taking an Art Therapy course here! As you might recall, I met Rhoda when I worked at the Curric Lab and she was a Student Assistant, back in the late '70's! Before you met her and Ron in Lesotho!!! Anyway, we invited her for dinner with Dinao, a very talented painter now. Over the course of the evening Rhoda mentioned that she and Ron would be spending three months in Saint Maarten/Saint Martin, beginning in January. (This is the third year they have done this.) Ron has been teaching there at the American University of the Caribbean, (a private medical university), and they have a two-bedroom place provided. She invited us to visit! And we accepted!

Wonderful, wonderful time for ten days then back to Dallas for another weekend and then home, basically re-tracing most of the stops we'd made earlier. Arrived home on Sunday, February 17th and it has been a very, very busy time ever since as we are in the process of de-nesting Chloë back to the loft on Wall Street! We had been planning to give the tenant notice of this fact when he gave us notice in late December, after Chloë was back from LA. This has worked out reasonably well as Dusty is here to help with a number of the things we wish to do before she actually moves furniture: new flooring in upstairs bedroom area, new in house vacuum and some painting. A host of other smaller tasks, as I'm sure you can imagine!

Into this mix is the fact that cousins from Manitoba arrived but three days after we made it home. They were skiing in Fernie, about three hours from Calgary. They drove from the ski resort on Wednesday morning to leave their car at the airport and then fly to Vancouver. They stayed with us until early Saturday morning when they flew back to Calgary and then the long drive back to Kenton, near the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border. We were delighted to have them visit but as often happens, right in the middle of just returning from holidays ourselves and Chloë's move. Cora Lee is looking forward to setting up her study in the "spare" room and Chloë, of course, is pleased about going to be back in the loft.

Exciting news for her is that she landed a three-day-a-week, contract job with Aunt Leah's, a non-profit organization that works with youth at risk. We sold Christmas trees for them before we left for LA. (Have done so for last six or seven years.) Aside from giving her a chance to break into the type of work she would like to do she will be able to keep working at GIB, although that side of things will need to be arranged once she starts at AL on March 4th. As I scribe, she is attending her second full day of orientation/training. Started yesterday and will finish on Friday, to start in earnest on Monday!

All this by way of explaining why it has taken me some time to reply. No excuses but plenty of reasons. Anyway, do send along best wishes to Eyob if you do have occasion to chat and mention that we'd certainly like to get together. Looking ahead a bit, sometime after mid-March is when we expect to have finished work on the loft, (Again, into the mix, Dusty has just had very, very successful cataract surgery, (He now has 20/20 vision and doesn't need glasses! He's 92!), so has to be careful about getting anything in his eyes until given the nod by his doctor.), and moved Chloë back there. Even if we can't arrange to see Eyob and family then, we'd still like to catch up with you and your travels, work, etc.

Let me know what your schedule looks like and we'll plan accordingly. Fond regards from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Mullet Beach, one of the loveliest beaches on the island, but a ten minute walk from AUC; view from our balcony;  dinner on the beach at Karakter; Ron and I, shot taken by one of the children at an local orphanage. Along with some of the med students form AUC we took them to a local beach for a Saturday outing. Rhoda brought a watermelon and Ron sliced it up; Maho Beach towards sunset. Located right at the end of the airport's runway it is a favourite place for locals and tourists to watch planes land and take-off and enjoy spectacular sunsets. Ron modelling some of the shirts I left behind. I usually travel with this intention. Last time it was Jaimie, in London, who took a number. Part of the process of simplifying/de-cluttering my life. First offer was to one of the cleaning staff responsible for our suite. Funnily enough even though I said that she could have any or all she ended up choosing but one, the most worn of the lot. Rhoda in the kitchen/dining area.

Pat,

     Can you and Corinne bring some appetizers on Saturday? 6 to 6:30 if possible. Ray

 
Hi Raymond!

We'd be delighted to bring appetizers. Will there be the six of us or more? Let me know and we'll plan accordingly.

Jut returned from West Point Cycles. As you know, I took my bike in on Tuesday to let them have a look at it, specifically about the chain slippage:
 

We have completed your work order (022613172812) at West Point Cycles - West 10th Ave. Please stop by at your earliest convenience.

++++++++++++++++

chain lubed and derailer adjusted. test ridden. rear brake pads replaced as the wear indicator was on the rim.

Total: $17.91

Pleased that it was only the de-railer which needed attention. Couldn't believe that I'd worn out another chain! Though that the grinding noise I heard when I put the brakes on was grit on my tires! Shows how much I know or rather, how much I don't! Common sense, of course, but will certainly have to pay more attention than just to the chain and tires. Saw that MEC had some bike maintenance clinics coming up but timing just isn't right at the moment. 

Anyway, had a friendly chat with Andrea and she is off to Majorca tomorrow for a week of cycling there! Going with Andrew, a chap who works there. I don't believe I know him, or at least by name. Told her we had ridden yesterday. After I left you chaps I continued on to Camosun and climbed the hill, past St George's and then back to 41st. Back up through Wesbook Village and then down to 41st to take 16th to Tolmie, then looped back  on 11th to Blanca and  and then back to MD. Bit of a dipsy doodle up to Main Mall by the Rose Garden to have 63 K on the clock by the time I was at the bottom of the Foreshore Hill. Bit of a head wind as I made for Heartbreak Terrace but nothing like the day before so I felt pretty good.

Had decided I'd take a run at breaking my first hundred since being back so made for Science World and then Stanley Park. Not too, too many people about, walkers or cyclists, so I sped along, only having to dodge, thread past a number of cranky Canada geese a bit beyond the Aquatic Centre and then ring my bell to alert a clutch of Japanese tourists, clutching mammoth telephoto lens clad cameras, meandering all over the bike lane near Brockton Point Lighthouse. Smooth sailing after that and I whistled home with 105.33 K, over 5:47:37, AVG 18.1 KPH. This particular odometre doesn't seem to record MAX but I think I hit 51.7 KPH on the way down Prospect Point Hill. Of course, low AVG and protracted time was due to early part of ride with you and Whirlygig slowing me down!!!

Last night Cora Lee attended the VPL Board meeting to report on Friends. Came home with a bag of books she'd reserved. Clara is in 7th Heaven and I'm chuffed about four titles in particular:

Death in Breslau by Marek Krajewski, a "former lecturer in Classical Studies at the University of Wroclaw". I don't think I've ever read any crime novels by a Polish author. In the Darkness by Karin Fossum, translated from the Norwegian. Invisible Murder by Lene Kaaberbøl and Agnete Friis, translated from the Danish. Syndrome E by Franck Thilliez, translated from the French. Will start Death in Breslau tonight, I hope, as I'm almost finished Field Gray. You are welcome to borrow it if you care to do so, after Giorgio as he mentioned he'd like to read it yesterday, as we were making for Iona.

I've a dental appointment at 10:15am tomorrow morning. According to current forecast, "Rain at times heavy ending late in the morning then mainly cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers." Not sure if you want to ride or not but let me know. I'm hoping to ride to office at Broadway and Macdonald so if things work out, I'd be well positioned to meet either you or Whirlygig, depending on who is interested/available.

See you between 6:00pm-6:30pm on Saturday, if not tomorrow. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patricio,

I guess you probably wish you were still in a southern climate right about now!  Good to hear you’ve gotten out on the bike since you got back though.. I will have to get out before long and join you. I have gone an a few jaunts down the hill and back to the Fraser river and Deer lake to keep the legs in shape.

I / we have been very busy recently as I’ve had numerous contract work I’ve been doing here at my shop and we’ve been back and forth to the Sunshine Valley near Hope as we were interested in real estate up there. A friend from work who bought a house up there a few years ago has been urging me to come up and check it out so we did. We went up and rented a cabin in January and I went up to Manning Park skiing with the boys while Colleen and her sister stayed in the village and did some hiking with my friend Steve and his girlfriend.  We loved the place and decided to check out what was for sale online when we got home. We found a few places we wanted to check out and went back a few weeks ago to see them first hand. we looked at several but the first one we saw we absolutely loved. it backs right onto the Sumallo river and is a 3 bedroom 1-1/2 bathroom place with a beautiful old wood stove, a library, laundry, loft ,huge kitchen ( by our standards) and very cozy and inviting.

Well we liked it so much we put in an offer a few days ago, went back and forth a couple times on the price and wound up buying it yesterday!

Thought of you  and how much fun it will be having you guys up there for a weekend soon, we take possession on March 9th! so it could happen pretty soon.  Right now of course there’s still a lot of snow but come later in the spring there will be hiking, biking and there’s a nice lake to go canoeing or paddle boarding as well. Without further ado I present Casa Waldrona!

http://8625.eagent360.com/

Talk to you soon, Al

Hi Big Al and Marilyn!

Congratulations on your latest real estate deal! Place looks extraordinarily fabuloso so we are nothing but pleased for you both! Now all we have to do is figure out best way to cycle there!

Congratulations, once again, on Il Palazzo di Waldronia! 

PS: Not sure of your schedule but we will be at the loft on Saturday, putting in new flooring in bedroom area, so if you have time and interest you could pop by and talk to Chloë about desk. Not a big deal if you are busy but thought I'd mention it in case it works. Give you a chance to see specific space and hear what she has in mind, etc. Anyway, let me know and we can plan accordingly. Also need to arrange a meal so we can toast The Peleton's Home Away from Home!!!


P,

You were spotted driving up Highbury. Cobby, myself and Tia were walking Luna home. We now know where you were headed.

Glad your ride is back in order without digging too deep into the pocket. Chane loobed and de-raler ajusted.

I would like to ride tomorrow. I have a Chiro appointment at 11:45 and a lunch with my chilluns after that. I might be able to start at 2:30 if that is at all workable for you. Please go ahead if the timing does not fit. W

Pat,

    There will be 6 adults and Tia on Saturday night.

    I wouldn't mind attending bike maintenance at MEC if I can ever find the time.

    Wondering if you pushed an easier gear, it would reduce the stress on the chain? It might take you some time to adapt but most of the competitive riders have a very high cadence.

    Majorca is where Wiggins and Team Sky did their winter training last year in preparation for the Tour de France. It's a very popular tourist destination especially with the British. Andrea should enjoy herself there.

    I have lots of novels on the go but thanks anyway. Picked up Saturday by Ian MacEwan, this afternoon, on George's recommendation.

    Looks like we'll need a miracle to get in a dry ride tomorrow. I have to be home before 2 anyway. If it looks possible, I'll give you a shout. Ray

De-Nesting Diaries: Wednesday, February 27th

Wars damage the civilian society as much as they damage the enemy. Soldiers never get over it. -Paul Fussell, historian, author, and professor (1924-2012) 

Ray,

Pat & I had a short ride in the rain yesterday and my knee is none the worse for it. I am going to get out today for no more than a couple hours and I am open as to when. Let me know if you want to get out. G

Hi Lads!

I have finally thawed out from yesterday's deep freeze, freeze-dry junket so I'm up for a jog anytime today. (Giorgio had to stop at UBC's Emergency ward to be treated for hypothermia although he "claimed" he was visiting his Dad!) Iona, up-and-over Lions Gate, Seattle? Lattes at Terra Breads in Olympic Village is probably far enough for Whirlygig's knee and that way Ragin' can join us! Please advise so that I can hit The Sisterhood up for java cash. Cheers, "Huddled in Front of the Electric Fireplace with a Hot Water Bottle and Bottle of Rum" Patrizzio!

Hello Casa Vicentians!

Trust all goes well with you two! Still busy "re-integrating" ourselves into life here at home. Our bedroom is finally starting to assume some semblance of what Cora Lee would like it to be now that we have been able to move, over the last week or so, things that were stored there, since last summer, to the loft. However, don't want to take too, too many of Chloë's possessions over until most of the painting, floor-laying, final cleaning is finished. To that end this past Monday morning Chloë and I drove over there. I left beforehand, in my car, to return recyclables to Go Green on Ontario and 7th and then to Coastal Ford on Thorton, just off Terminal Avenue, to take Titanium Green in for an oil change as a reward for performing so well on trip! Chloë picked me up and then we made for Wall Street where we off-loaded the laminate flooring and underlay for the upstairs bedroom area. That done we returned to the Islay Inn and I changed into my cycling togs and left just after 1:00am. Sky had cleared from morning showers and I wanted to take advantage of what was supposed to be a dry day. Very dry but very, very windy. Don't think I've ever ridden into such a fierce wind and I do mean FIERCE! On way to Stanley Park, just past the Aquatic Centre I literally had to shift into lowest gear. (Looked at weather report once home and gather wind as gusting to 50 KPH!), I was still in third but that is what I climb hill to Prospect Point in! Quite a buffeting, let me tell you.

[Coincidentally, Whirlygig honked at me, just as I ascended the crest of the bridge deck. He was returning from Horseshoe Bay, having dropped Kurt, (He lives in Nanaimo since moving to BC from Ontario, a year or so ago, and takes the ferry over for the night to be able to visit and take part in the NRBC malt induced free-for-all! He and Giorgio worked in publishing in Toronto in the mid-80's.), there. I'd invited them, as well as Ragin' Bull for brunch around 1:00pm and to play a few hands of bridge. After mild Italian sausages, home fries, and fried mushrooms we played with three different partners and I managed to come out on top. The three non-residents were unceremoniously booted out by Chloë at just before 6:00pm. She was hosting an Oscar Party and wanted nothing to do with loud-mouthed louts! Anyway, I watched a bit of the Tinsel Town show and then it was almost time for me to drive over to Whirlagge's place to pick the two miscreants up. They were drinking beer on the porch when I arrived and continued to knock them back all evening, at Guy's place in East Van, just off Victoria and 4th. Lively discussion and then I chauffeured the rowdy bunch back home to be at the Islay Inn myself by 10:30pm. Cora lee was already reading in bed so I joined her as soon as I brushed and flossed as I was keen to start Field Gray, Philip Kerr's latest Bernie Gunther novel. (Picked it up in New Orleans.)]

Bit of relief once I made it to the cover of the trees near English Bay and so I headed for Canada Place before making my way up and over Lions Gate. Thought of Swedish friend, Kjell, when I rode east on the Spirit Trail, past where his Canadian girlfriend, Jane, lives and then on over the pedestrian bridge to Harbourside and then to Berwicke Avenue. Retraced my route to head into West Van and then thought of them again as I passed the apartment building where Jane's Dad used to live. Cycled to about 31st and Marine Drive and then turned back. Wind going over Lions Gate wasn't too, too bad as it came at a slight angle, not head-on and I was soon zipping down hill from Prospect Point. Had 70 K on the clock at the bottom so knew I needed one more circuit of the Seawall, (Closed for scaling from part under Prospect Point so not accessible, Monday-Friday, for next two weeks.), and PP Hill so did that and was home about 5:45pm with 81.3 K on the trusty odometre, over 4:24:00, AVG 18.4 KPH, MAX 51.6 KPH. Quite please with distance if not AVG but put it down to hurricane force winds!


More to tell but must away as am meeting lads at 25th and Maple for a run out to Iona, parallel to runways at YVR. Haven't been since returning so looking forward to watching the planes landing. Bird sanctuary at the regional park at the end of the spit there so always many birders, some with huge, huge cameras and mountains of other equipment. Will take you there when next you visit. Fondestos from Madame Coriandre to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Ft Worth and Tinsel Town, with Tina.

We have completed your work order (022613172812) at West Point Cycles - West 10th Ave. Please stop by at your earliest convenience.

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chain lubed and derailer adjusted. test ridden. rear brake pads replaced as the wear indicator was on the rim. Total: $17.91 Thanks, Shaelen.

Chloë Dunn

Fundraising Coordinator

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Building a Brighter Future for Foster Kids

AUNT LEAH'S PLACE

200 - 668 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 5Y6

T 604-525-1204 x228  F 604-525-1295    

cdunn@auntleahs.org      

auntleahs.org

I am so very proud of you Chloe…you’ll touch many lives with your wonderful exuberance, crunchy exterior and lovely heart!! Your sister, Ayn Lenore

Hello Sisterhood!

Crunchy exterior! This from the Drama Queen with the Hedgehog Heart! Onward! Fight!!! Cheers, Patrizzio "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Advice From Our American Relatives" San!

She said its that I don't take any BS. I'm tough!! xx

Except when it comes to watching horror movies:)  Gaelan

Yaaaaa! Good for you, professional honey, now my work neighbour! We will have to work out a tour of new west and/or lunch...Congratulations again!!! XO Brie

Hello! Just so you know... The Royal has extended the run of Tower
through the weekend (March 1-3).

The Toronto Star also gave the film a good review (February 22, p. E7).

And, to date, the filmmakers have been available, after each showing, to answer questions! Deborah

Hi Lads!

I have finally thawed out from yesterday's deep freeze, freeze-dry junket so I'm up for a jog anytime today. (Giorgio had to stop at UBC's Emergency ward to be treated for hypothermia although he "claimed" he was visiting his Dad!) Iona, up-and-over Lions Gate, Seattle? Lattes at Terra Breads in Olympic Village is probably far enough for Whirlygig's knee and that way Ragin' can join us! Please advise so that I can hit The Sisterhood up for java cash. Cheers, "Huddled in Front of the Electric Fireplace with a Hot Water Bottle and Bottle of Rum" 

Patrizzio! 

Hi guys, 

Would love to join up but too much on my  plate today I'm afraid. Looks like a grand day besides the temperature issue.. Don't forget your mittens! AL

Pat,

    How about 10 to 10:30? Will meet anywhere. Ray

Sorry gents,

 

My plate is full today with pulling down drywall ceiling, driving Susan to work, walking the dogs, picking up insulation and vapor barrier at Home Depot, and visiting tile joints to choose flooring and backsplash! Cheers, Mark

Hi guys, 

Would love to join up but too much on my  plate today I'm afraid. Looks like a grand day besides the temperature issue.. Don't forget your mittens! AL

Ray/Pat,

Let’s meet at the  power station at King Ed and Maple at 10:30. See you then, G