Ragin' Bull Beemer Blues: Thursday, March 31st!

It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them. -Leo Buscaglia, author (31 Mar 1924-1998) 

Hi Patrick, Thanks again for the invitation to join you and your friends for the game on Sunday. I she'll be there, however I haven't spoken to anybody else, so I plan to attended just by myself. Anything I should, could bring with me?

Cheers, Mike

Hi Michaelo! Thanks for letting me know that it will just be you coming.  As well, thanks for offering to bring something but just your sparkling personality is all that is required. Since we won't be having a pot-luck dinner this time around, (We are meeting Marian/Tim and Mary/Al for dinner and a jazz concert at a Grandmothers for Africa fund-raiser that evening.), I'll just serve a few appetizers over the course of the afternoon. Another gorgeous day here in Vancouver. We'll be heading home after running a few errands this morning. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thanks Patrick, Sounds like a nice, midday bridge session, cool! By the way, we might pass one another on the highway, because we are in Vancouver at this moment as well, visiting our friends here, and hitting a road pretty soon. Cheers, Mike

Hi Pat, Corinne, and Chloë, Jessica and I just want to say thank you for having us yesterday and for inviting us to your lovely place, the view was amazing to say the least! It was great to meet Branco too - hope he got around to fixing the lighting. As always, it's GREAT to see you guys, I miss you already (including you Pat), and we'll let you know when we make our way to Penticton. 

Chloë, I promise I will help out with Aunt Leah's this coming xmas, I might even convince Jessica to lend a hand too haha (or whoever is the unlucky soul that pretends to be my girlfriend at the time - just kidding Jessica). Please let us know the next time you are back in town. Pat, I trust you will send out your usual PhD dissertation-length email with the pictures from yesterday, and hope your foot is okay, or rather, hope the blood stain from the carpet got out : ) Take care and see you soon, VL 

Pat and Corinne, Well, it turns out that Penticton is on the way to somewhere, and specifically, this weekend it is apparently on the way to Shuswap Lake. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow. I expect we will arrive early to mid-afternoon, but will confirm with more precision when we are on the road. 

We are looking to purchase a few (2 to 4) ½ wine barrels for planters at the Lake, and expect that Penticton may be the place to do that. Any help you could offer on that would be appreciated. We have no other demands, other than modest sleeping facilities, some scraps of food, perhaps a splash of wine to wash it down . . . Please hit reply all when responding with vitriol so that all appropriate responses can be sent by cell phone email.

I could not find Patrick’s email address (I think that my computer may have an automatic setting that intercepts it and deals with it appropriately) so this is being sent only to the lovely Corinne, but I fully expect that it will be forwarded to his nibs. Regards, Rick 
 
Hi Rick & Ruth, we are ready for you! Just got home from Vancouver. There may be wine barrels at Red Rooster winery. Will check for you. We look forward to your visit and have a few scraps of food and some week old wine left in a few bottles to share with you, Hugs Corinne 

Thanks Patrick. Happy spring, sunny ways, and best regards. Guy and Nancy 

Hello Nancy and Guy! Trust all goes well with you two. Had a grand visit with Whirlygig, Calamity Jane and Morita, mid-March. Now looking forward to your visit! Really enjoying Penticton and environs. Wine doesn't hurt either!Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling, (her new nickname since our trip to Inja!), to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

March 31 - Rented an AirBnB apartment in Salema in the Algarve. Nice spacious place with cooking and laundry facilities. The town is a quaint little fishing village that has not lost its charm to resort development. It also has dozens of beggar cats - looking for fish heads I guess. Went to Cape Sagres, the southwestern most point in Portugal, and where Prince Henry had his school. 

Hi Folks, It's time again for some great deals  from Woolrich, Leo Chevalier, Viyella, San Dino, Cavori, Sotto Sopra, S. Cohen

Two showrooms, side by side will provide a wide selection of Mens and Ladies wear including dress shirts, sports shirts, dresses, silk shirts, sweaters, suits, sports jackets, outerwear, pants and more.  

Where:  FX Building, 222-1951 Glen Drive, Vancouver

When:  Sunday, April 3, 11am - 3 pm 

             For access on Sunday, please call my cell so I can let you through the gate and the building front door which will be closed/locked 

     Monday, April 4 - Thursday, April 7 - 10 am - 5 pm

See you there, Norm

 
Hi Stormin'! Sorry to miss your Sample Sale but won't be in Vancouver until April 20th! Trust all goes well with you. Had a grand visit with Whirlygig, Calamity Jane and Morita, mid-March. (Saw Grogg and Lurch at friend's retirement party, Tuesday after Easter Monday. He looks well so pleased to see that.) Now looking forward to your visit! Really enjoying Penticton and environs. Wine doesn't hurt either! Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling, (her new nickname since our trip to Inja!), to you and Janet. Cheers, Il Conduttore! 

Hi TNT! Trust all goes well. Thanks you for the lovely Easter card and wishes. We spent a grand Easter Weekend, (Saturday and Sunday nights in Osoyoos with Clan Sutherland), and then drove into Vancouver on the Tuesday after Easter Monday to celebrate Serge's retirement, 35 years in the RCMP saddle!  Fondestos to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hope you are thriving. Maret and David  Hi Maret and David! Thriving, indeed, here in Penticton and environs. Wine doesn't hurt either! Now looking forward to your visit! Fondestos to you both from Lady Dar, in absentia, out running errands. Cheers,Patrizzio!

Thanks for the card Patricio and Corriandre!. Great to see you guys and look forward to getting up to your place soon. xoxo  Hi Stanchion Man and Marilyn!

Simply wonderful to see you two and thanks again, for all the marvellous help!
Fondestos to you both from Lady Dar. Cheers,Patrizzio!

 

Wall Street Blues: Wednesday, March 30th!

Conscience is a man's compass, and though the needle sometimes deviates, though one often perceives irregularities when directing one's course by it, one must still try to follow its direction. -Vincent van Gogh, painter (30 Mar 1853-1890)

Patrick, That would be nice. Yes, I'll be happy to join you. Peter Hello Three No Trumpers, Indonesians, Calgarians, Tinsel Town, Spokane and others! Jugos Dom Pedro, from Naramatia, has kindly agreed to join us this coming Sunday so we now have a four-some! This being the case, we will aim to start anytime after 1:00 pm. I know Pam has an earlier commitment but the lads can always sip malt until she arrives! Make a left off Eckhardt, Michaelo, (I assume you will be coming from Summerland way.), on Burns Street, just up from PenHi, two streets before Government. Our house is 611, second from the northwest corner. There is a 17 story skyscraper duplex being built beside us so that should help you find the address.

Michaelo, if you have already asked another friend to join us, the individual in question is still welcome to come along as I am happy to play host, generally give sage bidding advice, serve highly alcoholic beverages, tasty snacks, etc. Guillermo, you are welcome to come and learn from the experts so hope you can join us, if only to wait on the demanding players!

So thanks again, to Mr Summerland and The Vigneron, for agreeing to come along to facilitate what I trust will become an on-going bridge gathering, the finest in the Southern Okanagan if not the known universe! We are in Vancouver, at the moment, (having attended a close friend's retirement party yesterday), and the sky is screamingly blue with nary a pesky cloud to spoil the day. Look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday. Here is our home phone number in case anyone should need to call. Fondestos from Lady Dar and Chloë, our grumpy hostess, annoyed that her parents have the temerity to insist themselves on her "space", a loft on Wall, off Pender, for two nights! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Sarge as a raw RCMP recruit; cutting cake; Patrizzio banished to couch; view industriale from Chloë's place to North Shore mountains. No pics. Wayne no pics!! Ayn

Hi Patrick, Yes, a nice day in Vancouver. I'm just on my way to YVR on Canada Line. See you Sunday. Peter Hi Jugos! Thanks again for playing on Sunday. Much appreciated! Too, too bad you couldn't join us for dinner at Chloë's this evening. Lady Dar is doing slow-cooked ribs. Ragin' Bull, Colleen and Al, Vittorio, (of Swedish Twins fame), and his girlfriend, Jessica, are coming for the evening. Travel safely wherever you are heading! Cheers, Patrizzio! Heading home
  
Hi Pat, Corinne, just a heads up: we should arrive at Chloe's place between 430-5p with porch/chain cleaner in hand Take care and see you soon, VL

Hi Vittorino! Poifect timing! Make sure you remember about not being able to make a left onto Wall between 3:00-6:00 pm! As well, call Lady Dar's cell once you are here and I'll come downstairs to let you in. Also, bring a sweater or a jacket since we might start with drinks on 4th floor patio as there is a lovely view from there and wonderful day for it as well, of course. However, can be windy and cool there later on. Look forward to tasting the porch/chain cleaner/climber! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Victor, The best way to come to my place is turn left into the gas station on Powell just after Victoria Drive which is legal and cut across the parking lot to Wall Street. See you tonight!! Chloe

I am a graduate of the University of Virginia Law School so I get the UVa magazine Virginia. And lo and behold the Spring 2016 issue had an article about how a Charlottesville detective tracked down the SOB who had been looting map libraries all across North America including our own UBC map collection. I know its not exactly a war crime, but bringing a conclusion to this cold case is satisfying. I know Basil would have given this article a fist bump! As the motto on the law school facade has it: "Fiat Justita Ruat Coelum". I tried scanning the article and posting it to the list serve, but it was rejected as too big. Go to the link below and read the article. Regards to all, Allen

http://my.texterity.com/uvamagazine/spring_2016?pg=39#pg39 
Hi Big Al! Quite enjoyed the article although I'm not sure if I remember hearing about UBC's theft, around the time. Trust all goes well. Off to ride to Oliver shortly so must away. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Greetings to all of you GBs: Yes, there is a boot hike tomorrow. A suggestion was made to visit the Eneas Mt, but this time from the W side. We will depart from the S'land IGA at 9:00, drive up Garnet Valley , past the dam, park at "the fence" and head uphill, straight E. Easy to moderate, slow and if we keep the volume level of the chit-chat down, we might see some wildlife. Approx. 3 hrs. Coffee at GO. Al

HI Patrick - I can't keep up with you guys! So much on the go. You're tiring me out! A friend of mine who is really into wine gave me some suggestions as to where to visit - i can send them to you, but you sound as if you already have a route planned! We're just clearing a path for the fence we're having installed - so nice we're finally having sunny weather, and not rain. Take care and see you soon. Luise

Hi Luise! Sorry it's taken me so long to reply. Been pretty busy here but your fence building is tiring me out! Fondestos to you both from Lady Dar. Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: Send along the list of wineries as I'm curious to see which ones your friend likes.

Thank you so much Patrick for the thoughtful Happy Spring...Happy Easter ecard!! Just found it as I am catching up to my emails!!.. Hope you had a good one as well!, I am home now as of last Thursday evening!! Getting caught up...Hope to see you on a hike real soon!!!:-)...Elle

I am a graduate of the University of Virginia Law School so I get the UVa magazine Virginia. And lo and behold the Spring 2016 issue had an article about how a Charlottesville detective tracked down the SOB who had been looting map libraries all across North America including our own UBC map collection. I know its not exactly a war crime, but bringing a conclusion to this cold case is satisfying. I know Basil would have given this article a fist bump! As the motto on the law school facade has it: "Fiat Justita Ruat Coelum". I tried scanning the article and posting it to the list serve, but it was rejected as too big. Go to the link below and read the article. Regards to all, Allen

http://my.texterity.com/uvamagazine/spring_2016?pg=39#pg39

Wednesday, March 30 Went out to Cromeleque dos Almendres, a 7000 year old megalithic site that is referred to as the Portuguese Stonehenge. It actually predates Stonehenge by some 2000 years. Came back to Evora and wandered around the town some more. 
 
Thank you so much Patrick for the thoughtful Happy Spring...Happy Easter ecard!! Just found it as I am catching up to my emails!!.. Hope you had a good one as well!, I am home now as of last Thursday evening!! Getting caught up...Hope to see you on a hike real soon!!!:-)...Elle Hi Murielle! Welcome home! Glad you enjoyed the card. We've really  missed you on all the hikes since you've been away. Hope to see you soon. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Sarge's Surrey HQ Retirement Blues: Tuesday, March 29th!

Kindness is always fashionable. -Amelia Barr, novelist (29 Mar 1831-1919) 

Hello Craig's List People! Pleased to learn that you were able to sell everything! Now at least, when next we stay, all the deficiencies noted on last evaluation form, will, we sincerely hope, be addressed!!

Trust your Easter Weekend went well. Not sure why Chloë wasn't in touch but suspect it was due to the fact that she flew to LA for the Easter weekend. Ayn very generously picked up the air fare. We spent the weekend, (Saturday and Sunday nights), in Osoyoos, staying with good friends of the Durstons, Sandee and Arv, from Falcon Lake. Just by chance, the apartment they'd rented for last three months is immediately next door to one Flamin' and Sarge own so we were back and forth, eating two dinners there, so it was loads of fun. I rode down to Spirit Ridge on Saturday and it was one of the toughest rides I've ever had, I think, as fierce wind, 28 kph and more, was in my face for entire time!

Left yesterday morning and Lady Dar dropped me off at Tinhorn Creek where I met hiking group for a wonderful trek into the hills above. Did part of Golden Mile Trail. Home to unpack, sort of, and then start packing again as we are back on the road on this morning! This being the case I set my alarm for 7:15 am but was up, beforehand, at 6:15 am, having had a wonderful sleep! Hike must really have tired me out. Will start to further assemble all the gear we will be taking into the city, for the next few days, shortly. In pretty good shape as we don't have to leave until around 10:30 am to put us in Surrey around 3:00 pm, in plenty of time for Sarge's retirement party, scheduled to start at 3:30 pm!

We will stay at Chloë's place for two nights. Perhaps we can arrange for Ragin' Bull to drop by your place, early on Wednesday evening, to collect the money for sold, forgotten items, as we have invited him for dinner as a small thank-you for upgrading Chloë's laptop. We will probably be in your neck of the woods late that morning doing a bit of shopping so we could pop by to collect the monies mentioned above if you leave them in a sealed envelope on back deck! Quite obvious that the deficiencies have not yet been addressed or else the owners of Extremely Faulty Towers owners would not be swanning around on The Sea-to-Sky! Otherwise, we could scoot by on Thursday morn, before we head back home. Let us know what you think and we'll plan accordingly. Enjoy your stay in Luxury, Sheer Luxury and we'll be in touch.  Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Wine-tasting at Clos du Soleil on Good Friday. I rode to Orofino to meet gang there; Go Vees! We drove home after Flamin'/Sarge continued on to Spirit Ridge to meet Peter for dinner at the Penticton Golf Club and then walked across the street to hockey arena; My fans, [Marvin, Nicole's husband, and Sandee], on balcony, Saturday night. When I finally made it to SR, everyone who was sitting on balcony, at the time, stood up to cheer me as I rode past! Flamin's gorgeous salad and Father and Daughter!

Hello Johnny Blue! I spit on blended scotch as you should know, you dolt! The Wise Cousin, Patrizzio the Younger, called last week and we discussed, at length, and most amicably, [Thank you for your thoughtful call, young man!], your propensity for chain climber malt. He insisted that I list a number of worthwhile tipples you should bring, as entrance fee, but I won't tax your pocket book until you find permanent employment, other than to say that both Lady Dar and Chloë enjoy extremely expensive wine, white and red, in copious amounts! Looking forward to your visit, with Jessica Jones, Vittorio!  Fondestos from Lady Dar to her favourite Swedish Twins. Cheers, Patrizzio the Elder!

Hi Patrick, Thanks for the very apt spring greeting card. We look forward to seeing you Friday. Peter 

Hi Michaelo et al! Am just wondering if people are up for an early afternoon of bridge, at our place, 611 Burns Street, this coming Sunday afternoon. We are out to dinner at 5:30 pm, and then a jazz concert, so probably we'd play between 1:00-5:00 pm, or thereabouts. Most of you know that Jos and Aarturo are travelling in Bali for next month so thought it would be a good time to bring another Summerlandian and a Naramatian into bridge mix. Let me know what you think and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pat , Thank you for the invitation to play bridge. I am in Calgary packing up our belongings readying for our move to Naramata, otherwise I would love to join you. I am out of commission until mid May...once we are packed up and moved from Calgary we pack up our house in Naramata. We plan to start construction of our house in Naramata in mid-May. All the best, Pam

Hi Spamela! Mary Lee had mentioned that you were in Calgary but I thought that you might have been back when I sent out message. Anyway, we have a foursome now so all goes well on the bridge front. Buona Fortuna with packing and moving. I have nothing but empathy for you, having been through our own move last April/May! Give us a shout when you are back and quasi-settled. You'll need to stop by for a drink if nothing else! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pat, Thank you for the encouragement. I look forward to getting together once our moving dust has settled. Cheers, Pam

Thank you Patrizzio for the wonderful hike narrative and great pics! Many hugs, Olly

Sounds like fun for me, so if everybody is in I will join you with pleasure.
Cheers, Mike Hi Patrick! Safe drive to Vancouver today! Yes, Sunday works for me. A little tight, what with church and all, but I will endeavour to make it for 1pm if it works for Mike as well..... Thanks for the invite! Pam

Hi Michaelo! Great that you are available and interested. Unfortunately, had a message from our Naramatian, Spamela, and she will still be away in Calgary. Furthermore, Lady Dar has just informed me that she has a yoga workshop on Sunday afternoon. Since the three of us would love to play, do you have any other bridge friends who might be interested in filling in? If so, let me know and we can confirm gathering. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! 
Hi Guillermo! Glad you enjoyed the card. On the bridge front, I have sent a message to Michaelo, Spamela and Spumoni to see they are up for an early afternoon of bridge. I'll let you know if game is on and, if so, you can "watch, pester and generally be...[more of]...a nuisance ...[than usual!]"  Fondestos from Lady Dar to her favourite bridge hector-er. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hey Patrick - wow, sorry I missed the Monday hike. Great description and  it sounds like it was a winner all the way around. Yes, definitely let me know if there will be some bridge on Sunday and lets start thinking about a possible bike ride soon.  Take care. Bill

Hi Patrick, Thanks for the very apt spring greeting card. We look forward to seeing you Friday. Peter Hi Jugos! Glad you enjoyed the card. Trust Lynne is much, much better.  Fondestos from Lady Dar to her favourite Naramatians. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic:  Stamp Mill from yesterday's hike.

Hi Jugos! Looking forward to seeing you and Lynne on Friday. However, just wondering if you might be interested in filling in on Sunday afternoon for a few hands of bridge, sometime between 1:30 pm-5:00 pm, +/-. Unfortunately, had a message from one in our bridge circle, yet another Naramatian, Spamela, and she will be away, in Calgary, this coming Sunday. Furthermore, Lady Dar has just informed me that she has a yoga workshop that afternoon. Since the three of us already available, would love to play, it would be terrific if you could be the fourth. It won't really be "beginner's level" so if you are interested let me know and we can confirm gathering. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello lovely Dunn-Durston-Prince Family! Happy belated Easter/ Happy Spring Sunshine in Vancouver! :)How are you all! Thank you for the e-card Patrick & Corinne! All is good here, just lots of work,- however I did manage to have some fun on the past long weekend and went down to Jericho beach to find some wild bunnies to feed carrots to. Made me so happy. Also celebrated Yda’s Birthday Friday with her, Arni & Marianne at Jaegerhof (lol) on Lonsdale. Was super fun and yummy.
 
Also had a lovely vacation –for my Mom’s 70th birthday-with my Mom, Aunt, Tommy, Min, Edi in Jamaica and Montreal in February (all went to Bob Marley’s house and were strangely blissfully happy there). Henning is again in Thailand (just got back from a sail to Malaysia), but coming to Vancouver June 12th again. Tommy and family are also travelling to HK this May and I will see them at the Vancouver airport for Dim Sum:) Edi is so funny, he is 3 now, and he had the Jamaican guys laughing tears. 

One day I whispered to Min (about a Jamaican resort entertainer at the beach who was being harassed by female tourists): “Poor Bruno, they treat him like a piece of meat”. Not sure how Edi heard that, but he stood up on his beach chair and pointed and shouted at Bruno: “Bruno, you look like a piece of meat!” Anyhow- Edi is a handful-lol. Also he had a crush on one of the girl dancers there already. (She did tell him, she wants to marry him one day. He was so proud) The guys said: “Edi you picked the best girl. Don’t come here when you are 18, you are gonna steal all the girls.” (Picture of Edi’s “future bride” Kelly, and picture of Edi with his friend Bruno attached- in Costumes).

Other than that- time is flying by and (it seems like) I haven’t seen you forever.
What are you all up to?? Xoxox Laura

thank you but unfortunately it got my allergies going.talk soon hope all is well matt 


Tuesday, March 29  Went to the airport to pick up the car' and headed off to Evora. Drive only took a couple of hours, so after checking in to the Ibis, we went walking around the old town. Evora is a walled city from Roman times, and still has some Roman ruins, such as a temple and an aqueduct as well as a large medieval cathedral and various other churches and a university. Had Frango for supper - flame grilled chicken. This concept was adopted by a British company - Nando's, and is now across Canada.


Hi Corinne and Patrick, This is just a quick update about Sunday night. Tim and I will meet the two of you at the Barking Parrot at 5:30 p.m. for dinner. Joining us will be two other couples - Al Tinka and his wife Mary, as well as other friends of ours - Paul Barber and his wife, Charlotte Burley. I hope that meets with your approval. I will phone the Lakeside Resort on Thursday to book a table for 8. Looking forward to Sunday night!  Cheers, Marian

That sounds fine we maybe a few mins after 5:30 as I have a yoga workshop till 5. Thanks for organizing dinner Best Corinne

We enjoyed your hikin-bikin-bitchen story, what a trip. Thanks for being super company again......we had a great time; and now are packing the van for the trip back East. Sandee found a jacket hanging by the door.....returned it to 33l, hoping they will return it to a looser......so take it easy on the wife.....ahem.
We also returned stuff after the phone call. xx Lots of love, hugs, etc.,,,A&S

 
Hi Patrick and Corinne Thanks for the informative missive and pics.
We had a busy Easter helping davey and Michelle move and the whole gang came round yesterday , so including Charlie we had 16 for Easter dinner. Now that the little gIrls are ,not so little , they eat almost as much as the adults, and it feels like we are catering for an army. Polly had prepared two delicious chicken pies followed by her now famous macaroons and we enjoyed a van Weston white and an Etna valley Chardonnay , plus some assorted plonk that I provided, I had merely a sip of the good stuff!!
 
We will be back form porteau cove on Wednesday evening, but I will be golfing Thursday morning and Polly plays duplicate, she will have a full day of bridge because James and Brenda are coming over later to play bridge and dinner. I will probably fall asleep at the table after an exhausting day on the links.
Wednesday evening for a branko pick up seems the best option. Cheers mick