Jambalaya Diaries

Friday, 4 January 2013

Jambalaya Diaries: Friday, January 4th

It is a very lonely life that a man leads, who becomes aware of truths before their times. -Thomas Brackett Reed, politician (18391902)

The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird"

Hello Big Al and Marilyn!

How lovely to hear from you and receive your terrific snaps. Love all the snow and winter activities!!! Wonderful all went so well over Christmas and can only imagine what an absolute hoot the videos must have been, given what I've seen of your Okanagan Diaries!

Was chuffed to hear that you are following me with Google's Big Eye in the Sky! In fact, followed your suggestion to
"pre-plan" my ride this past Wednesday. It was a simply gorgeous day here so I took advantage of it and decided to explore the eastern end of Simi Valley. I'd been as far as the intersection of Sequoia and Royal and determined that I should be able to ride just into the San Fernando Valley over the Santa Susana Pass. As thing turned out it was one of the most enjoyable rides I've had here in California. For a start I was on dedicated bikes lanes for virtually all of the ride so it was extremely comfortable from that point of view and then the countryside and landscape through the Santa Susana Pass was quite spectacular. The scenery is really breathtaking at times as the sandstone formations show massive outcroppings and stunning, stunning boulders. I first saw evidence of these hillsides when I rode to the end of Browns Creek Bike Path, at the north end of De Soto Ave, just barely under the Ronald Reagan Fwy, 118. Now I know that I was probably looking at Stony Point Park as the SSP Road terminates at Topanga Canyon Blvd on the west side of these hills.

David Kessler

Daily 11 AM swims in bright warm sunlight at Spieker Pool almost make being back at work (and holiday's end) palatable; I half-gratefully await Hearst Pool's "late" Jan. 15 reopening to resume our dark and chilly 6:15 AM swim "club!" (All our pools here at UC Berkeley are of course OUTDOORS so we also feel extra compassion for our rugged and wonderful lifeguards the whole winter long!)

Anyway, I made it up and down without any mishaps. On the return ascent I took a short jog to the north, past The Church at Rocky Peak to follow the road just under the 118, once again. A gated community, Vistas at Indian Oaks, prevented me from going any further so I turned around and literally whizzed back down to SSPD, clocking 60.6KPH before I had to put on the brakes! Quite lovely to see Simi Valley spread out before me as came through the cut just past Box Canyon Road and then I was back on Kuehner Dr to take Katherine Rd and then Christine Ave back to ELAA all the way to Tapo Street which circles what looked like a fairly high end industrial park to connect with Royal Ave. Thence to Sequoia and I was in good shape, knowing the territory, so to speak from earlier rides. Must say I was delighted to have the wind now pushing me along quite nicely at by the time I was back on Fitzgerald, heading for First St I knew what I would do to push my total distance to over 110K.

Once across First, I continued to Sinaloa Rd and then retraced an abbreviated version of the route I'd done last week when first exploring this area. Ending back at Rivera St I took a shortcut through a small park and was back heading up First with slightly over 106K on my ododmetre. Although it was after 5:00pm by then, it was still extremely warm. I had taken off my cycling gloves, near the very start of the ride, as it was simply to hot to wear them. I thought that I'd have to put them back on once the sun went down as I've found that the temperature can drop quite quickly. Pleasantly surprised not to have to do so. Furthermore, I have sometimes felt chilled on the last descent down Wood ranch Road, the wind cutting through my light jacket to make me shiver as it finds my perspiration soaked double long sleeved T shirts. Not this time as I was toasty from head to foot as I pulled into 269 Fawn Valley Ct with 116.3K over 6:18:22. AVG 18.4, MAX 60.6KPH.

Must say I am very pleased with the ride, not just the distance but more the joy of exploring this fascinating landscape once one manages to get away from all the malls and housing developments. I hope I can explore Box Canyon Road on some future ride as from looking at the map it would eventually take me to Plummer St not all that far from the Orange Line Busway Bike Path I rode when we stayed with Ayn in Van Nuys/Valley Glen.

Yesterday I drove into LA to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center with Clarisse and Dusty. Rather remarkable to view up close, as I'm sure you can well imagine. Spent time we had to wait for our particular showing looking at a number of the space capsules from earlier missions and could have spent whole day there with so much to see. Simply stunning IMAX show on the Hubble Space Telescope, (narrated extremely well by Leonardo DiCaprio), as part of package and only $6 per ticket for Seniors!!! Had a picnic, of turkey sandwiches, near the Rose Garden there between shows. Unfortunately, Cora Lee had come down with a nasty head cold the night before so she had to stay home and stay in bed with Joey, the Destructo-Acro-Kitten we are taking care of while his owners are in Bora Bora.

After leaving the CSC we drove to Studio City to pick up key to Ayn's apartmento. Her office is in the building once occupied by Mary Tyler Moore's production company. Great view from her window and I met some of her co-workers so that was fun. Soon as we were back at her place Dusty put in a dimmer switch for the overhead light in Ayn's dining area. (We had suggested this when we were first staying as it was so bright that she hated to have it on and I was often forced to scribe away at the Jambalaya Diaries in the dark!) Next he rubbed stain on her dining table and chairs. We took one of them back to Simi as it he wanted to glue and clamp some loose joints. She will pick it up this weekend when she and The Lost Burritos will stay overnight.

I sent a few messages while Clarisse read on the couch. However, I feel I must point out that Rosie-the-Riveter was not simply reading on the couch while The Brotherhood was slaving away, at one task or another, but rather was "barking out orders", a la her eldest grandchild, from her royal reclining position to such an extent that it is more than a miracle that anything of consequence was actually accomplished! Once Dusty was ready for the table-top, (Table once belonged to Corinne's Aunt Ellen), I cleared away my laptop and went into the kitchen to make a green saladin to go with the pizza Ayn brought home after work, a truly scrumptious pepperoni and meatball topped mouth-waterer from one of her favourite local places run by an Armenian family, Franchises Available, according to lettering on the box!

After dinner we chatted for a bit before making a few plans for the weekend and then drove back to Simi Valley, stopping downtown at Albertson's to buy carrots, (for the turkey soup Clarisse will be making today), and cold medicine for Canadian Patient! She was feeling a bit better and I made her a stiff rum/honey/lemon concoction to sip while we all watched Elementary and Destructo Joey worried his toy fish until he decided to sleep in front of the fireplace.

Forecast is for rain on Sunday so think I'm going to try to tackle Box Canyon today or tomorrow. Cheers, Scullion Patrizzio for Carpenter Coat Hanger Durston and the Mightily Oppressed Brotherhood!

Pics: First one shows Chloë day before she left for Vancouver this past Sunday; Clarisse before guests arrived; Pierre with Jonathon and his fiancée, Francine; Beatricce and Patrizia, from Pasadena, women we sat next to at Ralph's in Healdsburg; Tony a former gentleman friend of Ayn's; Danielle, Joshua, Samantha, Alejandro's girlfriend; Last picture of Endeavour was taken by Henie, a friend of Ayn's, from a rooftop in September when it was flown into LA; Crown Media and view from Ayn's office; table with Quality Control Inspector and under-paid craftsman!

Gents.

Happy New Year, Feliz año nuevo, Sretna Nova Godina!

Patriçio, the following may be of interest to you …

terse

/tərs/

Adjective

Sparing in the use of words; abrupt: "a terse statement".

Synonyms

concise - laconic - succinct - brief - curt - short

_____________________

Branko

Of no interest whatsoever! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Giorgio, Über Publicist!

Alex Anderson

Ayn P

TCA gala at the Huntington Library tonight and my table mates will be Tony Plano from Ugly Betty and Saundra Santiago from Miami Vice...they will be starring in our original movie Meddling Mom soon!

Patrick James Dunn Is the script based on your tyrannical control of the Lost Burritos/Los Horridos, barking out orders to be obeyed to the letter of the law? Have a wonderful time at the Huntington Library. What a venue you Meddling Mom, you! Oi Vey! Your parents are librarians and we should be so lucky, already! Don't worry about us. Go ahead, have a grand time while we slave over a hot stove making turkey soup. We'll be fine, I'm sure. At least Joey loves us unlike our ungrateful children. Oi Vey, Corinne, where is my malt, already!!!

JJ

Friday evening, while Ayn was cavorting and mingling with The Rick and Famous at the Huntington, we enjoyed a tasty turkey pot pie, courtesy of Rosita and Cora Lee, and one of my green saladins. Back from mt battle with Box Canyon I found, much to my considerable dismay that The Sisterhood were already poundin' a Layer Cake Malbec while The DDustman, for his part, was heavy into the rum! I crowed about my ascent of K2 and then had a quick shower.

Back downstairs we waited for Sam and Alejandro to arrive. Alex had to work that day and so we knew that they wouldn't be here much before 7:00pm. By 7:30pm the grandparents wanted to eat so we started without the Tinsel Towners. We'd just finished and Dusty was deciding upon dessert when doorbell rang and Joey and I went to welcome the College Kids.

Darren, Ayn's boss.

Mata Hari!

They themselves were ready to eat so we chatted while they, (Most was consumed by Alejandro, as you can well imagine!), polished off the rest of the remaining food. Once dishes were done we all gathered around the kitchen table againa nd had a killer game of Up the Creek. Rosie the Riveter was in fine fettle and ended up the winner after about three rounds. Lots of fun and teasing. Around 10:30pm everyone was ready for bed so we said goodnight and trundled off to our separate sleeping quarters.

Ayn P

Me and Jenny Iowa...my sugar baby/shot partner

Box Canyon or Bust! 125.6K over 6:41:46, AVG 18.7KPH, MAX 49.6KPH

Hi Toshiko, Is there any change you could come to LA. We are house sitting a large place with plenty of room and will be here until 10th of January.
Love Corinne

Corinne,

A Happy New Year!!

Believe you are having wonderful time in LA!

Of course, I would visit you in LA if I were in The States.
My boyfriend and I were talking about visiting you even in Arizona. Unfortunately, I am still in Japan.
I cancelled my flight which I was supposed to fly on Jan 2.

My aunt Emiko was involved in an accident on X'mas day and has been in
serious condition.
Emiko is the one who sent you the fax when you arrived in Tokyo. I am at the hospital now.

David Kessler

Daily 11 AM swims in bright warm sunlight at Spieker Pool almost make being back at work (and holiday's end) palatable; I half-gratefully await Hearst Pool's "late" Jan. 15 reopening to resume our dark and chilly 6:15 AM swim "club!" (All our pools here at UC Berkeley are of course OUTDOORS so we also feel extra compassion for our rugged and wonderful lifeguards the whole winter long!)

I was gonna e-mail you today that I could not go to the States by Jan 10.
I'm sorry...
I don't know when I can go at this moment, but I will let you know when I
go to the States.
If you are in Vancouver and I can visit you there, it would be great.

Please say hello to Patrick, Ayn, Chloe, Pierre, Alex and people whoever Iknow in LA. My mom says hello to you as well. Love always, Toshiko

Text messaging has quickly become a major way for people around the world to communicate with each other. And where there is a communications channel, for those people living outside Western societies especially, there is almost certain to be censorship.

Texting while driving is dangerous, as most people know. But texting while walking also can be. According to the New York Times, "[s]lightly more than 1,000 pedestrians visited emergency rooms [in the U.S.] in 2008 because they got distracted and tripped, fell or ran into something while using a cellphone to talk or text." And of course, the problem isn't limited to the United States. In directory services company in the UK wrapped lamp posts with branded padding in order to protect distracted pedestrians (while, of course, advertising their product).

Thursday, 3 January 2013

Jambalaya Diaries: Thursday, January 3rd

To be capable of embarrassment is the beginning of moral consciousness. Honor grows from qualms. -John Leonard, critic (1939-2008)

Patrick,

We received your package just before we left for Vancouver for Christmas. We were very disappointed to learn that you would be away while we were in the big city.

Thank you so much for sending us the information from your mom's service. It was so interesting to read about her life and what a wonderful story - so positive. We were fortunate to have known Annie.

We had Christmas with Jeff, Stacee and Sean and had a wonderful time. Stacee and Sean had us to their new home for Christmas day dinner and they did a very fine job of cooking the traditional turkey and trimmings. We had everyone to our place on Christmas Eve and also did our traditional early Christmas dinner out where we played games etc. The kids were very impressed with the stocking gifts this year! A colouring contest was the hit of the night.

Jeff had a very successful Christmas season and we were so happy for him as he has really worked hard. He left for the Dominican Republic with his girlfriend right after Boxing Day. We came home on the 30th to celebrate New Years here. We were invited to our local theatre for a private showing of, THE HOBBIT, which was entertaining from the production perspective and then we went to a friends for dinner and cards. We stayed up until 12:45 so were pleased with our stamina.

We don't have dates for our next stays in Vancouver but will certainly call you when we are next in town for a few days. Of course you may still be away or on another trip so it may be awhile before we can cross paths.

The very best to you in 2013 and we look forward to our continued friendship. Dawn

Hello Donna Maria and Heraldo!

How lovely to hear form you and know all went so well with over Christmas with Jeff, Stacee and Sean. For our part we have had a wonderful time ever since leaving Vancouver, over-nighting in Portland and then three nights in Healdsburg wine tasting! On to Berkeley for two nights and then into Tinsel Town to Ayn's very comfortable loft apartment in Valley Glen/Van Nuys. Spent about a week there before Chloë, Clara and Dusty flew into town. We spent Christmas morning opening our gifts and brunching at Ayn's and then de-camped to 269 Fawn Valley Court where we have been house/cat sitting ever since. Hosted an Open House on New Year's Day with many of Ayn's colleagues as well as friends of Los Horridos. Have been in cycling heaven here as there are wonderfully wide, dedicated bike lanes everywhere and the surrounding hills offer tremendous challenges.

Per esempio, it was a gorgeous day here yesterday so I took advantage of it and decided to explore the eastern end of Simi Valley. (If interested you can follow route on Google Maps if you punch in our address, given above.)I'd been as far as the intersection of Sequoia and Royal and determined, by looking at Google Maps, that I should be able to ride just into the San Fernando Valley over the Santa Susana Pass. As thing turned out it was one of the most enjoyable rides I've had here in California. For a start I was on dedicated bikes lanes for virtually all of the ride so it was extremely comfortable from that point of view and then the countryside and landscape through the Santa Susana Pass was quite spectacular. The scenery is really breathtaking at times as the sandstone formations show massive outcroppings and stunning, stunning boulders. I first saw evidence of these hillsides when I rode to the end of Browns Creek Bike Path, at the north end of De Soto Ave, just barely under the Ronald Reagan Fwy, 118. Now I know that I was probably looking at Stony Point Park as the SSP Road terminates at Topanga Canyon Blvd on the west side of these hills.

By the time I was here I had 35K on my odometre and would dearly have loved to have been able to ride for at least another 15K so that return would clock me in at 100K. However, TCB seemed extremely busy and as I approached the entrance to the thoroughfare I could see no evidence of a dedicated bike lane. I decided that I'd best save my energy for the return slog back over the pass. I must say that the ascent was one of the longest, prolonged rides I may have yet taken, ever, but it was not overly exhausting or punishing. The wind, however, was another matter, altogether. Even on Royal and E Los Angeles Ave when making for Kuehner Drive which leads to SSPR, I had to gear down, using the same ratio that I used on the climb over the pass, so strong, so forceful was the sustained headwind. Some of the gusts, particularly working my way to the top of the pass, buffeted me almost sideways at times. Tad disconcerting on the way down as there are some pretty sheer drops along the way and heading into the San Fernando Valley one is right next to cliff edge on some of the tight corners!

Anyway, I made it up and down without any mishaps. On the return ascent I took a short jog to the north, past The Church at Rocky Peak to follow the road just under the 118, once again. A gated community, Vistas at Indian Oaks, prevented me from going any further so I turned around and literally whizzed back down to SSPD, clocking 60.6KPH before I had to put on the brakes! Quite lovely to see Simi Valley spread out before me as came through the cut just past Box Canyon Road and then I was back on Kuehner Dr to take Katherine Rd and then Christine Ave back to ELAA all the way to Tapo Street which circles what looked like a fairly high end industrial park to connect with Royal Ave. Thence to Sequoia and I was in good shape, knowing the territory, so to speak from earlier rides. Must say I was delighted to have the wind now pushing me along quite nicely at by the time I was back on Fitzgerald, heading for First St I knew what I would do to push my total distance to over 110K.

Once across First, I continued to Sinaloa Rd and then retraced an abbreviated version of the route I'd done last week when first exploring this area. Ending back at Rivera St I took a shortcut through a small park and was back heading up First with slightly over 106K on my ododmetre. Although it was after 5:00pm by then, it was still extremely warm. I had taken off my cycling gloves, near the very start of the ride, as it was simply to hot to wear them. I thought that I'd have to put them back on once the sun went down as I've found that the temperature can drop quite quickly. Pleasantly surprised not to have to do so. Furthermore, I have sometimes felt chilled on the last descent down Wood ranch Road, the wind cutting through my light jacket to make me shiver as it finds my perspiration soaked double long sleeved T shirts. Not this time as I was toasty from head to foot as I pulled into 269 Fawn Valley Ct with 116.3K over 6:18:22. AVG 18.4, MAX 60.6KPH.

Must say I am very pleased with the ride, not just the distance but more the joy of exploring this fascinating landscape once one manages to get away from all the malls and housing developments. I hope I can explore Box Canyon Road on some future ride as from looking at the map it would eventually take me to Plummer St not all that far from the Orange Line Busway Bike Path I rode when we stayed with Ayn in Van Nuys/Valley Glen.

Well, time fora quick shower as we are off to see the space shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center just before noon. Unfortunately Cora lee just came down with a nasty head cold so she will be staying home. We have an extra ticket now if interested! Too, too bad, for many reasons but at least Joey, The Destructo-Acro Kitten will be happy for the company! Anyway, fond regards to you both from Cora Lee, Clarisse and Coat Hanger. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: First one shows Chloë day before she left for Vancouver this past Sunday; Clarisse before guests arrived; Pierre with Jonathon and his fiancée, Francine; Beatricce and Patrizia, from Pasadena, women we sat next to at Ralph's in Healdsburg; Tony a former gentleman friend of Ayn's; Danielle, Joshua, Samantha, Alejandro's girlfriend

Ayn P It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...xoxo

Patrick James Dunn Not so nice in Simi Valley as Nana is in bed with a nasty head cold. Just me and your grandparents coming into Tinsel Town!! See you after we visit the Endeavour!
Ayn P Poor Nana...Joey will keep her warm!

Healthy and Happy New Year from Valley Glen, Henie!. Fondestos and Cheers,

Patrizzio!

Thunersee!

Nadienka Wyss Beautiful view, isn't it?

Patrick James Dunn Healthy and Happy New Year from California, Simi Valley and Valley Glen. Just been to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center with Clarisse and Dusty. Rather remarkable to see up close. Wonderful IMAX show on the Hubble Space Telescope as part of package and only $6 per ticket for Seniors!!! Unfortunately, your Dear Host Mother came down with a nasty head cold last night so she had to stay home and stay in bed with Joey, the Destructo-Acro-Kitten we are taking care of while his owners are in Bora Bora. As I scribe Dusty is putting in a dimmer switch for the overhead light in Ayn's dining area. Next he willl be gluing some loose chair joints. As soon as I send this I will make a green saladin to go with the pizza Ayn will bring home after work, from Studio City but ten minutes away. After dinner we'll drive back to Simi Valley to see how fares the Canadian Patient! Fondestos and Cheers, Your Dearest Host Father!

Ayn P

Hard going back to work but came home and my Grandma Clara was reading by the fire and my Grandpa had put in a new dimmer switch in my dining room AND re-stained my heirloom dining room furniture and my Dad was in the kitchen making a fab salad...grateful for my wonderful family

Patrick James Dunn Delovely to meet Ayn's wonderful friends and colleagues and their significant others/partners on New Year's Day. Thank all of you for making the journey to Simi Valley as I know that the drive is not an inconsequential one. Please do try to visit again while we are still here. We plan to burn the house down before we head to New Orleans so you might as well be part of the conflagration team! On another matter, I must point out that Rosie-the-Riveter was not simply reading on the couch while The Brotherhood was slaving away, at one task or another, but rather was "barking out orders", a la her eldest grandchild, from her royal reclining position to such an extent that it is more than a miracle that anything of consequence was actually accomplished! Cheers, Scullion Patrizzio for Carpenter Coat Hanger and the Oppressed Brotherhood!

Henie Reisinger

Patrick! Happy New Year! How lovely to read you again! It's been awhile and I've missed your adventures! Glad you were able to see Endeavour up close. I had the luck of photographing it from a rooftop at the beach where I now live...at best itvwas 500 feet above! If you look at my photo albums here on Facebook you will see how close I was to it while it flew overhead on its final flight. Thrilling chills ran through my body in awe! Love to Cora Lee and hope she's on the mend. How long are you staying? Would love to see/meet and have a drink! Ciao!

Henie Reisinger

Go to my Timeline Photos and scroll down quite a bit to get to Endeavour shots. Cheers!

Patrick James Dunn

Hi Henie! Ayn is coming out on Saturday. Let us know if then or Sunday would work for you. Going to look at your Endeavour Coverage now! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Wednesday, 2 January 2013

Jambalaya Diaries: Wednesday, January 2nd

I dreamt that my hair was kempt. Then I dreamt that my true love unkempt it. -Ogden Nash, poet (1902-1971)

Joey in Cat Heaven!

Chloe Alexis DunnNothing better then a cat cuddle.

Patrick James Dunn Joey is actually looking at Maggster, exploring Rick's keyboard, pushing down various keys with his paws and sniffing them at the same time, as I write!

Hi Beatricce and Ms Après Ski!

Glad to learn that you traveled safely back to Pasedena. It was terrific to see you both and we certainly enjoyed having you meet our other friends and family. Sorry that you are consigned to work, Beatricce, while Patrizia whizzes down the slopes at Tahoe but I'm sure things will even out in the end.

It was a gorgeous day here so I took advantage of it and decided to explore the eastern end of Simi Valley. I'd been as far as the intersection of Sequoia and Royal and determined, by looking at Google Maps, that I should be able to ride just into the San Fernando Valley over the Santa Susana Pass. As thing turned out it was one of the most enjoyable rides I've had here in California. For a start I was on dedicated bikes lanes for virtually all of the ride so it was extremely comfortable from that point of view and then the countryside and landscape through the Santa Susana Pass was quite spectacular. The scenery is really breathtaking at times as the sandstone formations show massive outcroppings and stunning, stunning boulders. I first saw evidence of these hillsides when I rode to the end of Browns Creek Bike Path, at the north end of De Soto Ave, just barely under the Ronald Reagan Fwy, 118. Now I know that I was probably looking at Stony Point Park as the SSP Road terminates at Topanga Canyon Blvd on the west side of these hills.

By the time I was here I had 35K on my odometre and would dearly have loved to have been able to ride for at least another 15K so that return would clock me in at 100K. However, TCB seemed extremely busy and as I approached the entrance to the thoroughfare I could see no evidence of a dedicated bike lane. I decided that I'd best save my energy for the return slog back over the pass. I must say that the ascent was one of the longest, prolonged rides I may have yet taken, ever, but it was not overly exhausting or punishing. The wind, however, was another matter, altogether. Even on Royal and E Los Angeles Ave when making for Kuehner Drive which leads to SSPR, I had to gear down, using the same ratio that I used on the climb over the pass, so strong, so forceful was the sustained headwind. Some of the gusts, particularly working my way to the top of the pass, buffeted me almost sideways at times. Tad disconcerting on the way down as there are some pretty sheer drops along the way and heading into the San Fernando Valley one is right next to cliff edge on some of the tight corners!

Anyway, I made it up and down without any mishaps. On the return ascent I took a short jog to the north, past The Church at Rocky Peak to follow the road just under the 118, once again. A gated community, Vistas at Indian Oaks, prevented me from going any further so I turned around and literally whizzed back down to SSPD, clocking 60.6KPH before I had to put on the brakes! Quite lovely to see Simi Valley spread out before me as came through the cut just past Box Canyon Road and then I was back on Kuehner Dr to take Katherine Rd and then Christine Ave back to ELAA all the way to Tapo Street which circles what looked like a fairly high end industrial park to connect with Royal Ave. Thence to Sequoia and I was in good shape, knowing the territory, so to speak from earlier rides. Must say I was delighted to have the wind now pushing me along quite nicely at by the time I was back on Fitzgerald, heading for First St I knew what I would do to push my total distance to over 110K.

Once across First, I continued to Sinaloa Rd and then retraced an abbreviated version of the route I'd done last week when first exploring this area. Ending back at Rivera St I took a shortcut through a small park and was back heading up First with slightly over 106K on my ododmetre. Although it was after 5:00pm by then, it was still extremely warm. I had taken off my cycling gloves, near the very start of the ride, as it was simply to hot to wear them. I thought that I'd have to put them back on once the sun went down as I've found that the temperature can drop quite quickly. Pleasantly surprised not to have to do so. Furthermore, I have sometimes felt chilled on the last descent down Wood ranch Road, the wind cutting through my light jacket to make me shiver as it finds my perspiration soaked double long sleeved T shirts. Not this time as I was toasty from head to foot as I pulled into 269 Fawn Valley Ct with 116.3K over 6:18:22. AVG 18.4, MAX 60.6KPH.

Must say I am very pleased with the ride, not just the distance but more the joy of exploring this fascinating landscape once one manages to get away from all the malls and housing developments. I hope I can explore Box Canyon Road on some future ride as from looking at the map it would eventually take me to Plummer St not all that far from the Orange Line Busway Bike Path I rode when we stayed with Ayn in Van Nuys/Valley Glen.

Well, time for bed as we are off to see the space shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center tomorrow just before noon. Thanks for mentioning getting together in your neck of the woods, Beatricce, but not sure about our timing for a visit to Pasadena at this point. Nevertheless, will certainly be in touch once we've had a chance to figure what might work. Anyway, fond regards to you both from Cora Lee, (sleeping soundly), and Clarisse/Coat Hanger. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: First one shows Chloë, Ayn's sister, who left for Vancouver this past Sunday.

Dear Corinne Pat and Chloe

Our best wishes to all of you and your families for a happy, lucky, healthy and fulfilling New Year!

We hope you are all well an we trust that you are still celebrating wonderful parties, so do we! Our fondest regards for now, soon more Eveline, Heinz and families

Happy New Year, everyone!

Thank you so much, Helen and Peter, for hosting; and Yien and family, it will be great to see you again! We will hopefully all be present, 2 adults 2 kids.

Baby club members from so long ago, I hope to see you all and catch up. Cheers,Karin

Tuesday, 1 January 2013

Jambalaya Diaries: New Year's Day, Tuesday, January 1st!

My own experience and development deepen every day my conviction that our moral progress may be measured by the degree in which we sympathize with individual suffering and individual joy. -George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans), novelist (1819-1880)

Hi Chloë and Maggs!

Trust you both spent a wonderful New Year's Eve! We did! Ayn and Pierre came out to Simi Valley around 4:30am as they had to leave by 7;00pm spo that Xavierino could start at Sound earlier than usual since it was New Year's Eve! I was actaully out for a short ride. Just a relatively short up-and-other, my now regular route up Wood Ranch Pkwy, down Long Canyon Rd/First St to Arcane and then along Fitzgerald to Sequoia. Left at about 3:40pm after doing a bit of last minute shopping at Albertson's. Lovely day although it was rather cool when I started back from Sequoia about an hour later. Must say that I am finding the hills less of a challenge by now. Not only do I know what to expect in terms of rises, etc., but my legs were relatively fresh as opposed to ride of day before when I had close to 80K under my belt by the time I tackled Wood Ranch.

Back with 33.4K over 1:40:51, AVG 19.8KPH, MAX 47.6 KPH, so just enough of a workout to make me thirsty! Found Pierre stretched out on couch watching TV with Soup! Your Mother had just done some tasty garlic shrimp that Joey was determined to sample and I was in time to relish a few before having a quick shower. Back downstairs Ayn and I and Rosita helped Pushy Nana who was fussing about much but particularly the two turkeys that had been cooked earlier in the day. Once we covered them and I took them out to the garage she seemed to settle down although she kept taking everyone's wine glass but her own! The cooks and scullions and football watchers had been guzzling a Layer Cake 2010 Primitivo, 13.5% before I returned. Dusty had finished off a bottle of generic Kirkland 2011 Napa Valley Chardonnay, 13.5%, from the night before and then started on a Cuvaison, Napa Valley, Carneros, 2010, Chardonnay, 14.2%, and both Cora Lee and I thought, from the meagre sips we were allowed, that the El Cheapo Costco Chaaaaaaaaardddddooooooooonnnnaaaaaaaay was much better than the uppity Napa expression!

I did a simple plate of sliced tomatoe and avocado and we sat down to the simply delicious steaks and lobster tails bbq'd to perfection by Nana the Grill Queen! Had boiled potatoes with dill sprinkled on top and steamed asparagus all washed down with a Coffaro 2010 Petit Verdot, 15.5% and an Alamos, Salta, 2011 Torontes, 13.5%. Everything was wonderful and we understood that Alejandro was bemoaning the fact that he was not able to partake of the meal as he and Sam were at a concert, tickets bought with Christmas money! Ayn and Pierre left shortly after dinner. We kissed and hugged and extended New Year's wishes until we could do the same when they planned to return around noon to help out with Open House prep.

Clarisse, Dusty and Cora Lee repaired to den to read and watch TV. I loaded the dishwasher and cleaned up the kitchen. On one of my nmay trips to the garage Joey escaped and I was too busy to chase him so just left him until I was going to be back with another load of overlefts. Must only have been a few minutes by the time I had placed remaining steaks and spuds in containers and then took them out to the garage. He had managed to knock the heavy lid covering one turkey aside and was nibbling away. quite contentedly, on the obviously tasty breast! When I snatched him away I could see that he had gnawed quite a bit of flesh from each side of the breast bone! Nothing I could do but bop him on the nose and throw him into the hallway. Of course he wanted back in, to finish his meal, when I returned with a knife. Sliced off the chewed portions of the bird and thought I'd simply tell your grandparents that I wanted to make sure it was cooked properly so decided to have a few thin slices!

Back in the den everyone was snoring away so I went upstairs and worked away sending New Year's Greetings. Around 9:30pm I came downstairs and the gang had finished snoozing and we happened upon the original, 1960 Ocean's Eleven:

Danny Ocean gathers a group of his World War II compatriots to pull off the ultimate Las Vegas heist. Together the eleven friends plan to rob five Las Vegas casinos in one night.

I had never seen any of the "The Rat Pack" movies before so it was quite hoot to see this one. I guess it was showing as the heist takes place on New Year's Eve. Movie was over about half and hour before midnight so I unloaded dishwasher and got the glasses ready for the champagne while Nana struggled with finding a channel to watch coverage from Times Square. Clarisse and Dusty didn't like ANderson Coper so we settled on Fox and I pooped the cork, David Coffaro 2010 Sparkling Petite Sirah, 12%, and we kissed/hugged and wished each other Happy New Year. Actually, a very, very pleasant way to have spent the evening.

We watched some of the post-New Year's Eve celebrations/concerts/interviews until 1:00am and then we all headed for bed. Joey was already curled up next to your Mom when I had brushed and flossed and just before I turned out the light I told her about The Great Turkey Heist! His own feline version of Ocean's Eleven! Happy New Year, Chloë! Much, Much Warm Love from your Grandparents, Nana and Joey! Cheers, Dad!

PS: I'm sure we'll call at some point today!

Pics: New Year's Eve morning, evening and this morning!

Nudiustertian

MEANING:

adjective: Of or relating to the day before yesterday.

Corey Sutherland Coquitlam ·

Happy new year! I'm working tonight so party somewhere other then Surrey!

Roger Darrow How about Hay River
Corey Sutherland Clearly no one listened... Busiest night of my career...

Patrick James Dunn Too bad but thanks for serving and protecting while we dined on steaks and lobster tails and then saw in 2013 with a David Coffaro 2010 Sparkling Petite Sirah! Cheers Constable!

Ayn P

Party over here....

Ayn P Debbie Crew Peters can u be in Simi today lol?
Ayn P Lemme know...will be off Madera and Wood Ranch PWay
Patrick James Dunn Happy New Year! Desperately seeking vacuuming help as my work crew are too busy watching the Rose Bowl Parade!

Ayn P Poppa...they said you were slacking!

Patrick James Dunn Slacking! I dream about slacking!! I wish my cruel task mistresses would slack off on using the cat o' nine tails!

Hello Jane and Kjell!

As Cora Lee has already said, we will not be able to attend your Dad's Celebration of Life. I send along my own message of sympathy and concern and hope all goes as planned.

Trust you are both well and that 2013 is going, as it should. For our part we spent a relatively quiet New Year's Eve. Had steak and lobster tails, (Not me!), for dinner with Ayn and Pierre before they returned to LA, Ayn to a party and Pierre to work at Sound, a new nightclub where he is on security detail.

Dear Corinne Pat and Chloe

Our best wishes to all of you and your families for a happy, lucky, healthy and fulfilling New Year! We hope you are all well an we trust that you are still celebrating wonderful parties, so do we! Our fondest regards for now, soon more. Eveline, Heinz and families