Flatlanders Meet Ward the Barber Blues: Wednesday, March 23rd!

Understanding a person does not mean condoning; it only means that one does not accuse him as if one were God or a judge placed above him. -Erich Fromm, psychoanalyst and author (23 Mar 1900-1980) 

Sergius of Radonezh (detail)

Image: Wikimedia

Up to listen to The Current's critical discussion of the Liberal's first budget and the terrorist attacks in Brussels, both extremely significant political events for Canadians, (not to mention Belgians, with respect to the latter), nationally and internationally.  As far as travel is concerned, not that I believe one should hunker down, at home, and never take a step outside for fear of attack but the seemingly escalating ISIS sponsored terror does give one pause and instinctive concern for those friends scheduled to travel to Europe and Bali in the coming days. One wonders what possible solution there is, or ever will be, to put an end to such violence. We know what Donald Trump has promised, [Whether his draconian measures would work is certainly another matter!], but would even a "starets" such as Sergius of Radonezh, (shown above), have been able to offer a plausible, humane solution. We stumble on, hoping, trying, struggling for the best, inevitably harbouring fears of the worst! On a brighter note, Anna Maria Tremonti also spoke with David Suzuki, a day before his 80th birthday. Given this fact, he now considers himself an "elder", one, personally, I believe, offers much advice and wisdom we should heed in our path forward.

Hello Patrick, Thank you for your lovely essay regarding the hike up Mount Cartwright, and thank you for driving. I always find it amazing that you remember so much detail, and describe the outing in such a light, and humorous way.

It would be appreciated, if I could have a copy of one of your beautiful photos, Green Goils, as I love the greens in the surroundings and would like to send it to my daughter and show my son as well. With Kind Regards, Dorothy

Dearest Okanagan Khalo! Thank you for you more than kind words. I'm delighted that you take my accounts in the way I fully intend them. I do enjoy poking fun, particularly at myself, of course, but Aarturo and Bad Boy make it easy as well! If we can't laugh at our all too, too human foibles, what do we have? Not to do so is positively unhealthy, psychologically, socially and emotionally, in my opinion, but I rant on.

I'm almost delirious that you, with your obvious and amazing talent, should ask for one of my snaps. I certainly don't have your keen eye and awareness of colour but I do like to record, as best I can, whether in written or pictorial form. Please do not be amazed that I remember details. I know you refer to sketches and photographs when composing and painting your wonderful canvases. I have my photos to jog my memory and of course fear has a wonderful way of engraving things onto one's interpretive cortex! Of course, I exaggerate, but sometimes not by much. I was never really "paralyzed" but certainly rather more than concerned at times. A good shot of adrenalin never seems to hurt either!

I have attached the picture you requested, as well as three others, related, just for sake of comparison. You should know, or probably do, that I use some of the photo editing features, primarily the filters, in iPhoto, to "play" with the snaps, again, just for fun and, if I'm lucky, for good effect, more by chance than good management I'm afraid. At any rate, you are certainly more than welcome to anything I take, at any time, so please don't hesitate to ask, especially when I'm receiving one of your next self-portraits in more than fair exchange! Happy Easter to you and "Rhett", who obviously doesn't give a damn or else he'd be hiking too! Be terrific to meet him, at some point, whenever your busy schedules allow. All the best and Cheers for now, Patrizzio!

What are your plans for next week.Wayne Hi Sarge! Originally, I was hoping to cycle back to Penticton, via Keremeos, on Easter Monday. It now turns out that the hiking group is planning to trek The Golden Mile Trail:

http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-The-Golden-Mile-Trail-by-Tinhorn-Creek-Vineyards-near-Oliver-BC-6009

meeting at Tinhorn Creek at 9:30 am. I'm keen to see that part of the countryside, other than from 97, so Cora Lee will drop me off there that morning. We will leave, next day, to arrive around the time your retirement party begins and will spend next two nights with Chloë as we have a few things to do at her place and are having Ragin' Bull, along with Vittorio, (of Swedish Twins fame), and his girlfriend Jessica, for dinner on Wednesday evening there. This, in part, to thank Branko for upgrading Chloë's laptop which he did the weekend we were in town for the Rugby Sevens, as well as to catch up with Victor whom we've not seen since moving.

Back home on Thursday as we have a film series event that night and then Ruthless and Ricardo arrive on Friday, for the night, en route to open their summer place at Little Shuswap. I'm back in Vancouver, certainly on the 21st of April as I have a doctor's appointment. Not sure if Lady Dar will be along as we have just contracted to have a snazzy Suncoast louvered roof installed in the back patio to provide shade for the rear of the house and privacy, (from the NY skyscraper duplex being built next door!), and someone might need to be here around that time. I might have to return on the 29th for another appointment, (both with specialists, orthopedic surgeon who did my first hip, to look at left one now and dermatologist, none here in town), but am hoping to change the latter to closer to first so I don't have to travel twice withing the space of a week. Will see.

Jugos Dom Pedro phoned an hour or so ago and he asked if we wanted to attend the Vees game on Friday night. 5th playoff game with West Kelowna Warriors, tied 2-2. He will pop by shortly, in part to collect the orchid we gave them before they left for Desert Storm and which we plant sat! They arrived back home this past Saturday.

I'm still planning to ride to Orofino so will look forward to seeing you there. Lady Dar will bring your wine and cheese from Upper Bench and the Poplar Grove release. She has much of the food requested by Flamin' from her Costco run yesterday but we can chat, at greater length, about the weekend's meals on Friday. Fondestos from Mme Coriandre to one and all. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Bridge this past Sunday, with Pam and Jos, hiking friends, at Pam's place.

Patrizzzzziiiiioooo, I had no idea that this was a big challenge for you. Sorry I did not give you more attention, I am serious, I should have. However the attention you gave me in your photos tells me that either I impressed you profusely or you are actually trying to get rid of me! Well you succeeded in the latter at least for a month. Cheers my friend, Aarturo the white knight for the OF girls 

You have won a poster from Mexico. Snyder entered you name in a contest.
Snyder will deliver...DBJS  Hi Jake and Vittoria! Welcome home! Thanks for letting me know about winning a poster! Do you have my winning lottery ticket as well? Fondestos from Lady Dar to you both. Enjoy the coming Easter weekend. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Good grief, gulp! Hello To Lady  Corinne,  DBJS

Awesome writing Patricio..the story of our tales.. our wondering... much appreciated... cheers Ken.. Hi Very, Very Bad, Bad, Bad Boy! Thanks for your kind words but I must amend a few: "our wondering" should read "your wandering"!  Since Josinta and Pearly Whites will be away for a month, I will now have to find another unfortunate individual to pick upon! That being said, you are the obvious candidate, so watch out! Until next we hike, trust you and Joyce, (It was a delight to finally have the opportunity to meet her, if only briefly, at Good Omens.), enjoy the coming Easter weekend. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Yes I have every intention on hiking Monday... Don't pick on me to much.. otherwise I will have to take you down some precarious mountain climbs. LOL... BAD BOY