De-Nesting Diaries: Sunday, May 5th

I love being a writer. What I can't stand is the paperwork. -Peter De Vries, editor, novelist (1910-1993)

An anthropologist proposed a game to the kids in an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told the kids that who ever got there first won the sweet fruits. When he told them to run they all took each others hands and ran together, then sat together enjoying their treats. When he asked them why they had run like that as one could have had all the fruits for himself they said: ''UBUNTU, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?'' 'UBUNTU' in the Xhosa culture means: "I am because we are" 

 Hello Lads!

Great that you have both broken radio silence! Glad to learn that all went well with foray into foreign state. I trust you came back with plethora of Duty Free hootch. However, bit concerned that you might have also picked up latest spy ware, having obviously me under surveillance on yesterday's ride. I decided that since Robo Man felt he could manage Iona without me, (Not even so much as a polite inquiry as to my state of health but rather a complete write-off as a has-been peleton member.), I'd brave the hurricane force head winds without benefit of drafting possibility, even in my weakened, dizzy state.

My initial intention was to search for single malts for a number of birthday presents, so I thought I'd start by cycling up to 39th and Cambie to the BC Liquor Specialty Store first, head out along Spanish Banks to UBC and then along Marine Drive to come at store from the south. After scoping out product there, I intended to make my way to Olympic Village, to Legacy to browse their wonderful array of malt. However since they charge more than BC Liquor stores I wanted to see what was possible at the Signature outlet before shelling out cold cash. I don't mind paying extra for things not available at latter, but don't like forking out $10-$15 more for readily available brands.

Anyway, by the time I was climbing the Foreshore Hill, I felt pretty good and decided that perhaps I'd take a run to Iona before making for Cambie. About halfway up, just as I was inching past a young woman, (She had whizzed by me at the start of the climb so I used her fetching posterior to spur me on!), a car full of Yahoos, honking and shouting, roared by. We both looked at each other and laughed and continued to chat rest of way to the top. I asked if she was a student at UBC but it turned out she had gone to school at Brock and Guelph, eventually earnig a Masters in Chemisty. She hs worked for the Port of Vancouver for past 10 years or so. Her office is at Canada Place. Anyway, we said goodbye near the Chan Centre as she said she was taking a water break.

I continued on and quite enjoyed the ride oggling all all the well endowed female sun worshippers making their way to Wreck Beach. Just past the lights to Triumf/Wesbrook Village, the speedster flew by me again so I upped my pace and set off in hot pursuit. When I finally managed to catch up I mentioned that she must have had more than water in her plastic bottle. She laughed and said she only had an hour or so before she had to be back home before her two girls woke up. She has one a year old and the the other is two and a half. We introduced ourselves, (Christine), and chatted about routes. She had mentioned that she often rides through UBC so asked her if she had been around the new Wesbrook Village development. She replied she hadn't as she usually took Camosun as she lives in Kits. We both said how much we liked the fairly recent resurfacing of the street, both avoiding its former pot-holed length in favour of Crown. I mentioned my latest spill and she said her husband had an accident on his mountain bike and has been able to ride for five years!

Waved goodbye shortly before lights at 41st and continued along MD. Only two dump trucks between there and lights at Cypress Bikeway intersection, so traffic, though steady, wasn't uncomfortable. Didn't go over Arthur Laing but under via W 77th/Oak towards Kent and then CSTB. (Exrta K's dontcha know, Dear Reader!) Knew I'd be fighting a fierce head wind all the way to Iona as could feel the blasts as soon as I left River Rock. Very little vehicle traffic and even fewer cyclists, (As opposed to Ray's experience earlier in the day. It was just after 5:00pm by this time.), so pleasant from this point of view. Mountains, of course were simply spectacular! Without benefit of considerate mates I geared down and plugged along and must say going wasn't as bad as I'd thought it was going to be.

Delighted, nonetheless, to have the wind at my back, I managed to regain much of time lost, in terms of AVG,  with wind now helping me along. By the time I was close to the turn-off to Grauer Rd I was toying with the idea of heading out to Steveston so continued along Templeton to make for the overpass to take me to Grant McConachie Way. However, didn't make the light at the N Service Road so followed that street all the way to the airport. Freshly pavesd with a dedicated bike lane so going was easy, other than the fact that I was know back into fighting with the head wind. 

Ended up circling around Departures and then back on GMW until I turned off onto Miller Rd which than feeds into Russ Baker Way and I was headed for Steveston! Had wind with me, more or less, from that point on, as well as along Lynas Lane and then Railway. Kept up a pretty good pace and from elapsed time on odometre I knew I was about five minutes ahead of AVG 20 KPH. Knew I'd need some wriggle room once I headed back along No 3 Road. Going on Dyke Road was fine but once I headed north on No 3 I was back into gale force wind conditions. Bit of respite on Finn Rd and then into wind tunnel again on No 4 Road. Geared down, out of necessity. Had doubts about the wisdom of going this far as my water bottle was almost empty and my legs were tired. I didn't even wan to think about cramps as I felt the odd twinge in my right, upper calf!
 

Pleased to say that a rationed "sip", (I almost felt like Pi in the lifeboat with his tiger!), on Nuun infusion seemed to revive me a tad and the shelter afforded by the buildings past Francis Rd made the going somewhat easier. I plugged along, doggedly, knowing I'd be almost an hour later, (Given where I was and time, [around 6:15pm, I think.], where I had yet to go.), than when I'd said I'd be home. I was worried that Cora Lee would already be spending insurance money at one minute past 6:30pm!

In spite of battling the wind, I'd managed to keep AVG where I wanted it to be and was soon making my way over the Oak Street Bridge. Left MD at Heather, (Paucity of domestiques meant I'd need an alternative route!), for Kent and then Cambie. Timed lights on MD and was soon slowly making the long ascent. Traffic was very light so I decided to cut across at 63rd and made my way back to Heather. Had to push myself once there as I was losing any "cushion" I'd had. Swore under my breath at 41st as not a friendly pedestrian in sight to change interminable light. Had to circle, losing valuable second after second, until a break in traffic occurred and I scampered through intersection. 

Almost completely downhill, all the way, from there, and the Cycling Gods were with me, synchronizing the lights, in my favour, at 33rd, King Ed and 16th. Had a slight delay at 12th while a scattered cyclist took her time about pushing light button, but once through I sailed across Broadway and was soon on the Laurel pedestrian overpass. Had about 86 K on the clock when I hit Charleson Road so decided I'd make for Spyglass Place. Doing this would give me the four kilometres I'd need to break 90 K so pedaled like a bat out of hell and made it home with 90.3 K over 4:30:37, AVG 20.o, MAX 44.0 KPH. Pleased as punch, for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was the fact that had not been missed, one iota, by Cora Lee! Maggie was pleased to see me, however!

Since any thoughts of stopping for hootch had long been discarded, I need to do those errands today. I'm planning to ride out to he Signature store on Cambie first so if you are interested in a short ride, Whirlygig, let me know. I had then thought I might pop by your palce, Raymond, to pick up the Crais book, unless you have already returned it. Not a big deal. Anyway, I'll call once I've posted this and we can chat. Cheers, Il Conduttore! 

Hallo Patrick,

thank you for your message! It´s great, that we  get in contact again. We haven´t seen us for such a long time. As Bob probably told you, I will arrive in Vancouver in July. It would be great to meet you and your family. I see, you´re still very active.  I hope, that your injuries of your bike accident are already healed. Bob told me, you swim a lot every day. How is the rest of the family?

Can you remember, when the Germans lost the soccer world cup and you tortured me with driving me through the Italian area. Now I´m married with an italian woman and she tortures me with jokes, when the Germans  loses.

I'm self-employed. I work as a Trainer for adults and companies. Also I’m an personal consultant and co-partner of an academy. As you can see,  I´m unfortunately  not a Trainer for the English language. My English isn’t the best, but I hope, we can communicate J It will be a special moment to be in Vancouver again. So I hope, I can see you J Greetings to the whole family! Olivetti

You and Corinne are more than welcome to stay in October too . Max got me up at 630 this morning so I am back in bed trying to have a skip before going out later with my new man x

Pat,

    It sounds as though you're on the road to recovery - 90K at 20 average isn't to shabby not to mention picking up young women en route.

    The Crais novel is due back May17th so probably plenty of time. Sorry I missed you today, been on the go all day. Two rides up the 16th hill to Alma tested my resolve in the warm weather and had to jostle with the marathon runners on my first ride at 9:45 to UBC.

    Jenny wrote to me about an app on her phone which records all kinds of details about exercise, hers being for walking and running.

    I'd give you a call right now, Pat but I expect you are watching either 'Call the Midwife' or MI5. Jim Brownlee tells me he was in York researching your proposed bike. He was out doing a spin himself. Must tell him you're are back in the saddle and raring to go. Ray

PS, Watched the first leg of the Giro d'Italia last night. Cavendish won the sprint finish after about 130K of hard work. Channel 224, I think. Some great views around Napoli and the coast with decent commentary. 21 stage event. Ray

 

http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/style/homes_and_gardens/best_places/article1229763.ece

Truro mentioned. You might want to look at the Yorkshire area also which has some interesting information about the nicest places to live.

Hi Raymond!

Thanks for the link. Enjoyed reading about all of the places mentioned. Guess we'll have to stay for a year!

Knew I must be training for something when you mentioned the Giro d'Italia! For some reason out TV seems not to be working so can't tell if we receive Channel 224 but will take a look when signal is back. Weren't able to watch anything, for this reason, but probably could not have done so as Pamela and Laureen were back and prepared a lovely dinner: turkey sausages on the bbq, fresh corn on the cob, (sweet, tender and delicious, almost like the riding babes!), and a delicious green salad with avocado. Dessert was fresh blackberries/strawberries on top of Angel Food cake!

After all the wonderful food, (More irresistible appetizers, dips, and cakes at the 59th birthday party we attended in the afternoon!), will really need a long ride tomorrow but I'm playing bridge at 9:00am as part of a fund raiser for Grandmothers for Africa. Polly will be there as well. Should be fun but I'm also worried about the incredible spread that is provided for lunch. Beside endless hot and cold dishes and salads galore, tables and tables of desserts of all kinds and variety. Feel a bit guilty as food really should be going to people needier than most of us playing. Anyway, I'll need to ride to Whistler and back, especially since I only logged 11.33 K today, riding up to Cambie and 39th to Signature store, not having stopped in yesterday.

Still a more than gorgeous day and I know what you mean about heat. Not something that we have really had to deal with so far and it certainly was a factor yesterday, for me, on No 4 Rd! As well, I wondered about marathon route as I saw numerous postings for street closures on my own "marathon" yesterday. If it isn't tourists on tandems it's bloody runners. Almost wish it would rain! Funnily enough, it is embarrassing how quickly we come to think of the routes we take as "ours" and "ours alone", not to be wasted on those who don't really appreciate them as we do!I'll give you a call tomorrow morning before we leave and perhaps we can pop by after bridge, (probably close to 1:30pm), and I could collect the Crais book. If you won't be home then you could leave it under a bag of kale on the back patio!

Am currently reading Tana French's Broken Harbour:

... a ghost estate outside Dublin – half-built, half-inhabited, half-abandoned – two children and their father are dead. The mother is on her way to intensive care. Scorcher Kennedy is given the case because he is the Murder Squad’s star detective. At first he and his rookie partner, Richie, think this is a simple one: Pat Spain was a casualty of the recession, so he killed his children, tried to kill his wife Jenny, and finished off with himself. But there are too many inexplicable details and the evidence is pointing in two directions at once.

Scorcher’s personal life is tugging for his attention. Seeing the case on the news has sent his sister Dina off the rails again, and she’s resurrecting something that Scorcher thought he had tightly under control: what happened to their family, one summer at Broken Harbour, back when they were children. The neat compartments of his life are breaking down, and the sudden tangle of work and family is putting both at risk .

Quite taken with Scorcher's character thus far. French won the Irish Crime Fiction Award in 2012 for the work. Thanks again for all the tips. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Giggster! Ride on Tuesday? 9:00ish? Cheers, Patrizzio! 

De-Nestiing Diaries: Saturday, May 4th

I don't mind that you think slowly but I do mind that you are publishing faster than you think. -Wolfgang Pauli, physicist, Nobel laureate (1900-1958) 

Patrick,

You love to write.  Almost as much as you like to cycle.  I am glad that you have bounced back so well from your injury. 

High entropy, as I think of it, is the amount of confusion energy in a system.  I didn't follow your thought flow.

I hardly see any movies, but you may spur me to get a CD of some of these in a few years, after their box-office runs.

If your friend Kjell is the Swedish friend of yours I met a few years ago at your place,  I would like to talk to him about the causes that he advocated of developing treatments or cures for diseases found only in Africa.  Several (maybe 3-5) years ago I read a summary of those efforts to date.  It turned out that most of them were failures because the premise that all black people in Africa suffered from a relatively common set of diseases.  After developing some treatments, it resulted that that they were only applicable very locally, probably because the environments, and its attendant maladies, vary quite widely across the continent.

Thanks for the corrections about your grandsons.  I hope Alexander makes it into medical school.

Are you coming this way in the next few months? Best wishes, Mike

Wayne Sutherland

Wayne Sutherland's birthday is today!

Happy Birthday from The Islay Inn, Sarge!

For He's A Jolly Good Fellow! Hip Hip Hooray! 

hi Pat

I did see the movie, Away from her and agree it is a very moving and disturbing film. I have always been a great Julie Christie fan and for me she will always be Lara in Dr Zhivago.

Let me know what you think of her current movie, it has received mixed reviews, but I said to Polly that I would like to see it. Progress on the knee is slow and painful, but each day I see some progress. Cheers Mick

Hey Pat, When you say between 11am and noon, are you just staying for one hour? If that is the case let's move it to another week. If you mean you want to arrive between those times that is fine. Otherwise, the following week works for me, May 20 or 21 that is, if that is better for you two. I am going to Seattle, for a few days, after that. bob

Hi Bob!

Sorry for any confusion about timing but I meant that I plan to arrive between 11am-12 noon, not just stay for an hour! Perhaps I'll stay for months and then you'll be sorry. I'll send an email on Monday just to make sure brunch is on but otherwise I'll see you next day. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi, Pat,

Your response was a comedic classic. I have to admit i giggled aloud when i read it. 

Sure, you can stay for awhile! Anna's room is seldom used and i could use a good housekeeper. Rumour has it that you like to vacuum. If you get too rowdy i'll move you out to the balcony. 

On the subject of obsessions, check out the NY cartoons. OK, then i look forward to you two coming between 11 and noon on tuesday, with another follow up email on Monday (with more wit please). Would you like the brunch to taste more breakfasty or lunchlike? bob

 

 

Hi again Bob Blogger and Vaccuming Addict! [Loved cartoons!]

You mention "two" coming for "brunchfast" and I'm now wondering if Cora Lee was included in the original invitation invited or if someone else is joining us. I was under the impression it was just the two of us but perhaps you can clarify. Not that I mind, either way, of course. She will probably be working for NDP most of election day so I suppose this is a moot point.

Once again, sorry for any misunderstanding but I didn't want you expecting her to come and then possibly/probably not be able to show up. Buona Fortuna with revolving door, French farce Frühstück/Mittagessen arrangements! Onward! Fight!! Fondestinii and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Thanks so very much for including us in your E mails.  They are the best.  Thanks again.  We hope your accident off the bike does not slow you down too much.  Just make sure your o.k. before taking on too much....(you do anyway, ha.)  Love, A & S   Greet all....xxxx

Takagaki Toshiko

Hi, Corinne and Patrick! Great to hear from you!! Visiting California again, I don't know when now… But I'll definitely let you know!! Of course, missing Vancouver soooo much!!!

Hello Everybody; Two more posts from the Gulf of Thailand. 
A visit to Kep on the Cambodian coast
http://wordfrombob.blogspot.ca/2013/05/kep-on-coast-of-cambodia.html

A visit to an island off the Cambodian coast
http://wordfrombob.blogspot.ca/2013/05/koh-thonsay-or-rabbit-island.html Best Wishes, bob  
  

Hi Kjell!

Thanks again for most pleasant afternoon.Had a message yesterday from Mike Oliver in Portland. I mentioned we were to see The Company You Keep. You can reach him at this address. I know he'd enjoy conversing. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

 
Hi Sandee and Arv!

Glad at least one message wen through! Did you receive all of the snaps? Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Mick!

Really enjoyed The Company You Keep yesterday. My favourite role of Julie's was in Darling!
Buona Fortuna with knee work. Onward! Fight!! Fondestinii, Patrizzio!
 
[A parrilla is essentially any cast-iron barbecue grate set over hot coals.  This may come in the form of your standard gas grill or hibachi though in it’s truest sense, in Argentina, the parrilla is almost always assumed to be a simple grill set over wood burning coals.]

Hi Michaelo!

I'm not sure about my own "thought flow" regarding entropy! I find it a puzzling concept, let alone confusing, especially when linked to "high' and "low" and what I feel are, to my fevered brain, counter-intuitive states. "It was clear as mud but it covered the ground" as Harry Belafonte sang back in the '50's! I'll pass along your comments to Kjell, along with your email address, and you can chat.

[How to cook the perfect steak has a dedicated section in Mallmann’s cookbook which is full of detailed tips and considerations though in the interest of time and space for this installment, we’ll focus on the ingredients and critical steps.

A Perfect Steak Ingredients:
- One 1-pound boneless rib-eye steak per person (about 1 ¼ to 1 ½ inches thick)
- Coarse salt
- Chimichurri

Start a wood fire off to the side of the grill about an hour before you intend to serve the meat. In Argentina, it’s typical to use a large iron basket which allows the larger coals to drop through which can then be spread out under the cooking grill. Remove the beef from the refrigerator or cooler to allow enough time for it to come to room temperature. The temperature of the beef can have a big impact on the way the heat enters the meat and if too cold when placed on the grill, you risk toughness.

Shovel or rake a 2 – 3 inch bed of coals under the grill grate that extends for about 3 inches beyond the perimeter of the grill so that every part of each steak will receive uniform heat.  Ensure that the grill grate is about 3 – 4 inches from the coals. You want the fire to be medium-high, and it is ready when you can hold your hand over the grill for only 2 ½ seconds. In Argentina this is done by counting, uno matador, dos matador, tres… (the same way we in the United States count off, One Mississippi, two Mississippi…)

 Salt the steaks to taste and using tongs, grease the grill with a piece of fat or a clean cloth doused with olive oil.  Place the meat on the grill, you should hear a nice sizzle.  Then don’t touch the steaks, and don’t move them.  After 5 minutes, gently lift one edge to check the sear marks.  If they look just right, rotate the meat 90 degrees.  This creates a nice crosshatch pattern though also keeps the meat from burning where it is in contact with the grill.  After 4 more minutes, turn the steaks over and cook for another 7 minutes or until cooked to medium-rare.  As before, check after 5 minutes and rotate if necessary.

Transfer the steaks to a platter and let rest for 3 minutes.  Serve with Chimichurri. From Seven Fires: Grilling the Argentine Way]

Had forgotten to mention that initially we were planning to drive to Alejandro's graduation in May and were hoping to see you on that drive. Now, we think a visit won't happen until mid-November. We are probably going to house/cat sit for same cousin in Simi Valley where we were over this past Christmas, early January, when they head to Hawaii for American Thanksgiving. Will know more once we are back from Europe mid-October. I wouldn't mind a quick trip south sometime in June but not sure if we can manage this, given all sorts of other commitments, (weddings, visitors, etc.), once I'm back from Winnipeg, May 28th, and our departure for London, July 10th.

When we do visit I'll pack some of our DVDs to leave with you. Save your money for malt since you are not a movie buff! Speaking of film, however, really enjoyed The Company You Keep yesterday. Redford did a superlative job, both as Director, and lead character. Cast was a wonderful collection of "older" stars and well-known suporting actors, uncannily capturing the look, thirty years on, without really needing make-up, of what the once radical youths had become.  Of particular note were Julie Christie, Susan Sarandon, Nick Nolte, Stanley Tucci, Chris Cooper and Sam Elliott. Brendan Gleeson, a superb Irish actor, (In Bruges and The Guard are "musts"!), plays Henry Osborne, the officer who had first investigated the bank robbery for which Grant is wanted. Shia LaBeouf, as Ben Shepard, the reporter, gives a most impressive, intelligent performance. Personally, I thought that the script facilitated this character development, as well as most of the other very dramatic, difficult exchanges throughout the work, as it was both economical and insightful, honest and unforgiving.



The film not only speaks to the Vietnam War Years and the social revolt engendered but explores, meaningfully so, the eternal human verities, (family, friendship, love and aging, among others), coming face to face with burning ideals. No stridency here but rather anguish for mistakes made and hope, perhaps qualified, but still possible if courage and love prevail.

Before meeting Kjell I took another spin around Stanley Park, doing the Prospect Point Hill Loop three times to give me 53.3 K over 2:47:02, AVG 19.1 KPH,MAX 53.5 KPH. Quite pleased that my AVG is inching slowly upwards and that I was able to push MAX a bit as well. My groin muscles have recovered sufficiently so that I can work them harder on down slope run to help me break the speed of sound! Once home I had a quick shower and change of clothes and then took my Brodie to Tinsel Town, just off Chinatown. A 10.3 K round trip so I can chalk up a total of 63.6 K for Fanatics Cycling Record Book!

Cora Lee's sister, Spumoni, from Winnipeg, and her Grains Canada colleague, Lauren, from Thunderbay, were over for dinner in the evening. Coriandre did delicious salmon steaks, (sour cream. mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill sauce), on the bbq, shrimp infused risotto and steamed fresh asparagus. I put together a watermelon, feta and fresh mint saladin while Rosita's mouth watering pecan tarts served nicely for a calorie free dessert!

Off shortly in search of single malts for a number of birthday presents. Another glorious day so I'll start by cycling up to 39th and Cambie to the BC Liquor Specialty Store first. Will probably head out along Spanish Banks to UBC and then along Marine Drive to come at store from the south. After scoping out product there, I'll make my way to Olympic Village, near Science World's geodesic dome, to Legacy, a private liquor store. They have a wonderful array of malt. However they charge more that BC Liquor stores. I don't mind paying extra for things not available at latter, but don't like forking out $10-$15 more for readily available brands. Fondestinii and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pat, I was assuming Corinne would be coming too, but if she can't we will only be two. Hope she comes though. I am not the vacuuming addict by the way. Will keep the movie you wrote about in mind. Right no i have "Still Mine" with James Cromwell, Genevieve Bujold, in mind. Looks very promising, given the topic and potentially fine acting. bob

P, returning from Jake's convocation at Chan just after 3 PM today, we spotted a solo rider

mounted bravely on 4th --in yellow heading westbound on the indestructible orange Trek... How did it go? How do you feel? Have you been out since the attached missive?

We had a great trip and will fill you in when next we ride. Arrived home late last night after a ten hour drive from Eugene. Regular bridge match sounds great to me. Trying to figure out the logistics for a trip to Beau Soleil and parts European. Would really like to ride tomorrow, if you are willing and able to go again.  Morning may be the best time for me. Best wishes to C. W

George/Pat,

Nice to have you back, George. Managed a ride to Iona this morning. I've never seen so many large groups of riders out there. I was thinking - 'there's a hundred thousand dollars of bike machine going by'. Did a bit more riding in the afternoon as well as mowing and planting. Too busy to go out tomorrow, unfortunately. Patrick won't ride with me anyway. I think it must have been the accident clip I sent you both. Ray

May 4, 1970. Kent State Massacre - 4 Dead in Ohio. The tipping point at home for the end of the Vietnam War. College students at Kent State were shot by the National Guard while protesting the Vietnam War.

De-Nesting Diaries: Friday, May 3rd

I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars. -Walt Whitman, poet (1819-1892) 

 

Hi Big Al!

Sorry that we didn't return your call. Not sure what happened. A dizzy spell perhaps! Just kidding,as I'm finally starting to feel like on the road to normal. Cora Lee says that is frightening!

Have managed to ride every day this week. Monday I suited up, donning my new helmet, [The brand name, (Purchased last fall as a spare! What forethought!!), is called Savant. Robo Man and Whirlygig have same and we refer to them as Idiot Savant Coconut Protectors as The Sisterhood think we are "idiots" for riding as we do and seem have about as much sense as an empty coconut shell. Of course, they think the latter whether we ride or not!], and took things very slowly and carefully, doing but a short 10 K errand ride in the afternoon.

 Must say I felt pretty good. Much more comfortable. physically and psychologically than the Wednesday before so pleased about that. Didn't feel quite so tentative. Unbelievably windy coming back from downtown over Burrard Bridge. Really had to concentrate not to be blown sideways gusts were that strong. Had to return to lab for another test and then I made my way back to Kitsilano to the Royal Bank on the corner of 4th and Balsam for a spot of banking. Friendly young woman who served me suggested I upgrade my Visa Gold to Platinum for no annual fee. She obviously knows about my numbered Swiss bank account!

• Patrick James Dunn "The present is where vacuuming begins!" Motto of The Dust Police, engraved on each and every Hoover and Electrolux worth its salt!
• 

  Ayn P I have a new vacuum too...and donated the old one!!
• 

  Patrick James Dunn Does it have the cosmic engraving?
• 

  Ayn P No but I am thinking of having a small vacuum tattoed on my left arm with a heart around it
• 

  Patrick James Dunn Grand Idea! It will become a benchmark like the classic hula girl US sailors had in the 1940's!

Then on Tuesday I attempted the Seawall/Stanley Park/Prospect Hill Loop. Didn't actually plan it that way but it was two weeks to the day from the date of my accidento. Once again, took things very slowly and did three loops of the Prospect Point Hill to give me 51.3 K over 3:00:58, AVG 17 KPH, MAX 43.7 KPH, so I was quite pleased. Still a bit sore, my right shoulder and right gluteus maximus, to put it politely, in Latin. Don't feel too badly about AVG as on the day of my "tumble" my AVG was 18.3 KPH, as recorded at the very moment of impact. [Official stats: Odometre Setting after Accidento, May 20th, 57.6 K over 3:08:21, AVG 18.3 KPH, MAX 42.9 KPH] Anyway, all this by way of saying that I hope I'm well on the road to recovery. Funnily enough, my right, upper rib cage, under my arm, is still very tender and if it doesn't improve I'm planning to see doctor about it. This discomfort is keeping me from swimming, at the moment. Nevertheless, having said that, perhaps I should try getting back in the water to see if that helps.

Nurse Durston was at Hycroft, University Women's Club, (Where Dram Come True will be held at the end of the month.), that night at an All Women Candidates Debate. (With apologies to Simon and Garfunkel: I'm a citizen for boysenberry jam fan!) I had hoped that her bedside manner would have improved by the time she returned for the evening shift! Unfortunately, Nurse Ratched in the film version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest comes to mind! I'm sure Mick Carter's wife, Nurse Polly, (He is recuperating from knee surgery.), is nothing but a Dream Caregiver!!! Some chaps have all the luck!

On Wednesday I decided to ride out to UBC before doing a number of errands so followed the MD/Crown/Camosun/Imperial Drive Loop. Revisted the grisly "scene of the crime" twice, in the course of my loopage. Couldn't see any noticeable irregularities in the road surface at 27th and Crown so I assume my pedal must have simply caught and dug in, pitching me to the unforgiving tarmac!

Once I had the necessary distance on the clock I made for the Foreshore Hill and then to West Point Cycles. Overall, a grand ride, 61.9 K but official stats are only 55.3 K, as I touched down at West Point to have the right handle bar grip adjusted. It had been been damaged in fall. Home after 3:26:45, AVG 19.9 KPH, MAX 53 KPH, down Foreshore Hill Felt great to be back in the moving saddle and each day was a tad better in terms of overall soreness and endurance. Stopped at Young Brothers for some fruit and vegetables after WPC and then popped in to see Mick to deliver a pile of mystery books.

Yesterday I headed back to Stanley Park. Didn't start until almost 2:30pm and there was another strong head wind. Waves on English Bay were dark and angry but since I'm not really worrying about AVG speed at moment, I wasn't fussed, just plugged away. Wanted to do over 60 K so knew I'd need four loops of PPH. First time that my muscles, (legs, ribs and shoulder), didn't feel but marginally sore so ride was most enjoyable. Had to do, (Fanatic's Riding Manual, page 3!), a few extra dipsy doodles around parking lot at bottom of PPH to bring loop total to around 10 K. I've taken to riding on the road lately and this route isn't quite as long as staying on the Seawall itself. However, don't have to worry about tourists, small dogs and careening children!

Started to sprinkle a few drops on the third loop but hardly anything to cause concern, particularly a potentially slick road surface, but by the begnning of the fourth everything was dry again. Home Free with 66.6 K over 3:36:53, AVG 18.4 KPH, MAX 50.2. Was particularly pleased about breaking 50 K barrier on last descent as I hadn't really felt like "pushing" earlier as I didn't want to over-tax my groin. Anyway, decided I'd go for broke and was delighted that I was able to crack the sound barrier and suffer no ill effects. Still the odd twinge, from time to time, depending on how I move but more so when I'm changing position in bed as opposed to when I'm actually riding. Training for your cabin!

I see in your message to Chloë that you wondered if we might be out of town. Not for a few weeks until we fly to LA on May 18th for Alejandro's graduation from U Cal Northridge on May 21st.Then back to Vancouver on May 22nd and then to Winnipeg, without Cora Lee, on May 23rd. I will attend the 100th Anniversary of my junior high school, Isaac Brock. Really looking forward to both as you can imagine. Then back to Vancouver on May 28th in time for Dram Come True on 31st. [I have your ticket, by the way.] Not much more than a month then and we are off to London on July 10th. If it's Tuesday, it must be York! First stop after London. Then Somerset and then Cornwall, around August 1st for a house exchange. Ayn hopes to join us there for ten days.

Furthermore, a few days ago I had an email from the owner of Beau Soleil, the property in Languedoc I was interested in renting after we leave The Luxury, Sheer Luxury of Cornwall! I had requested it for the month of September and reservation is now confirmed. I've attached the rate sheet and brochure to give you some idea of place and environs, with the hope of enticing you and Marilyn to come and stay with us, if you don't come to Cornwall earlier. I plan to make my way there after we say goodbye to Cornwall. We are meeting Flamin' and Sarge, and two other couples, in Agen, on September 28th, to start a two week canal cruise.

Cora Lee will be in Italy until about the 20th, with some of her Book Club Sisterhood so she will only be able to spend one week in Neffiès. Here, Whirlygig and Robo Man, are "toying" with the idea of joining me. I'm also hoping that Morana Peric might visit as well. I am in semi-regular contact with her, (Ragin' Bull's cousin's daughter, whom Chloë and I met in 2007 when we stayed with the family in Zagreb.), a lovely young woman. She has said that she and her boyfriend would be quite interested in coming to stay if timing works out. Due to her work, however, she might not be able to schedule holidays at this time. As well, Margareta, (Chloë's former nanny), from Denmark. Cycling along the Canal du Midi and through endless vineyards, nubile Swedish masseuses at the end of each ride to provide full body rubs and pour wine. Almost as good as riding to Iona! Anyway, let me know what you think and I'll book you both in!

Give me a shout when you have a moment. Fondestos to you and famiglia from Nurse Ratched. Cheers, Cow-Catcherless Conduttore!

Why don't we meet for a cup of coffee before the movie, say 3.45? That way we will have the time to update each other on current events. Be back about the mentioned weekend. We have very vague plans on going to the Okanagan. Cheers, Kjell 

Hi Kjell! See you in the Lobby at 3:45pm then. Cheers, Patrizzio!   Super!

Hello Everybody,

With this email come two further posts from Cambodia. The first witnesses the funeral procession of King Norodom Sihanouk and reflects on the achievements of this national hero. The second is an account of a trip to the Cambodian countryside, thanks to the kindness of a gentleman man named Mr. Dorn Kaht. He showed me his village of Phloev Trei, across the Mekong River. I was particularly thankful for the opportunity to spend many hours in his family home. This was the first of two trips to his village. I apologize too for this post too, an even more lengthy steam of impressions then usual! Historic event in Phnom Penh:

Word from Bob: Farewell to the King Father – Sihanouk's funeral

A rural invitation:

Word from Bob: Invitation to a Cambodian village Best Wishes from New Westminster, bob

Hello Patrick & Corinne, 

Nice to hear from you - nice photos!!!  Goodness Patrick, it seems to me that this is the second major bike crash you've had in recent years.  Not good and certainly not at your age.  Anyway, glad to know you are recovering and will be okay eventually.    Now, I must ask if you wear a helmet when you bike and if not, perhaps it is something you should consider as another time you may not be quite so lucky in your injuries, especially where the head is concerned.

Sounds like travel is still a big part of your life.  Are there any parts of the world that you haven't been to yet?  We've done a bit, a very small bit but hope we have the opportunity for more in the future.  We went on a Caribbean cruise in late November/early December as a "celebration" of Leonard's 70th.  Enjoyed the trip, but then what's not to enjoy about an all-inclusive.  I really enjoy that type of vacation as I don't have to do anything except enjoy.

This past March we spent two weeks in a resort in Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) along with our daughter Lynsey, husband and baby Emily as well as Gerry's parents.  It was a most enjoyable time and we thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Emily as being a year old, she was much more fun and a most agreeable child.  In September we are going on a Mediterranean Cruise  - Greek Isles with our Campbell River friends and that is pretty much our travel plans for this year.  Need to spend time on the home front as still lots to do there.

Mom is in the hospital since April 13th but is expected to be discharged this coming Wednesday.  I am flying to Edmonton for Mother's Day and will stay a week which will give Mom some company as she continues to recover.  I called her the morning of the 13 as I wanted the address of Aunt Dorothy Halchuk who was turning 100 later in April.  Mom didn't seem to connect that it was me and just hung up so I called back at which time she indicated she felt so ill and was extremely dizzy.  My first thought was that she might be having a stroke so I told her I was hanging up and would call Charlie which I did.  He immediately called 911 and to make a long story short she's been in hospital ever since.  The initial diagnosis after numerous tests, etc, which seemed to rule out any sign of stroke or heart attack was vertigo (a couple of fancy medical terms in front of the term).  Things seemed to be getting better, then at the beginning of the second week she began experiencing chest and shoulder pain, so more tests, etc.  Medication has been changed and at this point she is feeling much better, able to read again, dizziness seems to have subsided and all is looking more positive.  Hopefully that will continue to be the case as she has been so well this past winter.  Goodness she was in the basement parging the cement walls, then painted all the walls.  She even booked a flight to come to Brantford in July, which now may not happen but we'll see.

Anyway, since things were so up and down I thought it would be a good idea for me to take a trip to visit with her and I am hoping she will be out of the hospital when I am there. Other than that, nothing else to add at this time.  Take care of yourself and no more bike crashes!! Cheers! Roma & Leonard

 

Hi again, Roma!

Yes,I always wear a helmet! Shudder to think what might have happened otherwise!!! Sorry to learn of your Mom's ill health and hospitalization. (Ironically I just posted a letter to her in which I said I hoped she was well!) Great that you will visit over Mother's Day. You people sound as if you have enjoyed a number of lovely trips. Stop in a say hello to Cyprus when in the Med!
Time for today's ride so will say goodbye. Off to see The Company You Keep this afternoon with friend Kjell. He's from Sweden and will be returning on May 20th. I'd not known about film:

The story centers on recent widower and single father, Jim Grant, a former Weather Underground
 anti-Vietnam War militant wanted for a bank robbery and murder, who hid from the FBI for over thirty years posing as an Albany attorney. He becomes a fugitive when his true identity is exposed by Ben Shepard, an aggressive young reporter. Grant must find his ex-lover, Mimi, the one person who can clear his name, before the FBI catches him. Otherwise, he will lose everything, including his 11-year-old daughter Isabel. While Ben struggles with ethical issues as a journalist, Jim and his old friends from the Weather Underground must live with the consequences of their radical past.

Julie Christie plays the ex-lover so I'm curious to see her. Her last film, at least that I saw, was Away From Her with Gorden Pinsent. A very powerful movie. Did you see it? Happy Belated 70th to Leonard! Cheers to you both, Patrizzio!

Hi Michaelo!

Sorry that I omitted details of meals and clothing but will try to do so in future missives! I passed along your best wishes to him. This in an earlier message:  

I was not aware that mike was having such a touch time with his health and good to see how well he has recovered. We still make that anti pasta we had at their house en route to California and it is one of my favorite dishes. Mike

Other than the fact that he can't spell of capitalize, he seems well on the mend!

Alejandro, not Pierrino, has applied to medical school but no news as of this writing, at least that I am aware of. Nurse Job continues to rail against high entropy but I suggest you might mean low entropy. If entropy is a measure of the energy unavailable for useful work in a system then, as I understand it, high entropy would indicate less energy available for useful work in a system, while low entropy would suggest greater energy availability. But what do I know? I don't have a PhD from MIT in mud patties! Cheers to you and former Nurse Fingare, Patrizzio! 

I suppose if you cracked a rib under your arm I don't suppose they can do anything about it. 
Getting dings or getting old isn't for sissies. gg 

 Hi Gail!

Getting old isn't for anyone! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thanks for this Patrick. I was not aware that mike was having such a touch time with his health and good to see how well he has recovered. We still make that anti pasta we had at their house en route to California and it is one of my favorite dishes. Mike

Hi Mick!

I passed along your thoughts to Mike and just had a message from him: Please give my regards to Mike Carter.  I hope he continues to improve. Cheers, Patrizzio!