Sip and Savour Blues: Saturday, April 30th!

If a man walks in the woods for love of them half of each day, he is in danger of being regarded as a loafer. But if he spends his days as a speculator, shearing off those woods and making the earth bald before her time, he is deemed an industrious and enterprising citizen. -Henry David Thoreau, naturalist and author (1817-1862) 

Hi Pat & Corinne, Thank you so much for the lovely card and, of course, the kind invitation. I'm back in Stockholm since 30 April (back on the Island 4 July), so unfortunately, for my part, it will have to be a distant celebration. I do hope you are both doing fine. I don't get Pat's Facebook reports since his account was hijacked (again, WHAT HAPPENED, AND HAVE YOU DEALT WITH IT?).

For myself, my main focus since I came back here has been on selling the family cabin (my sister is happy), and on the surgery I'm having on my groin (hernia) on Tuesday.

Spring is three or four weeks later here compared to Courtenay, but still it's coming on, and the weather is mostly sunny. Today is Valpurgia, with bonfires, and choir singing, and all the witches traveling on a broom to Blue Mountain, and, had I been slightly younger and fitter, I would have marched tomorrow in support of all the socialists in the world, including Bernie.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing the two of you in the summer. May be you would like to visit us in the beach house? Half of the shed has been turned into a really nice guest room. All the best, for the celebration, and in life! Kjell

Hello Valpurgian and Gianna! Thanks for the anniversary wishes. Sorry to hear about the impending sale of your family cabin. I assume it will be a bit of an emotional wrench for you. Buona Fortuna with surgery. You'll be leaping over the tennis net once you've fully recuperated! Thanks, as well, for the kind invitation to stay at the beach house. Would love to do so but I fear that a visit this summer will not be likely. 
 

Not sure what your experience with Facebook has been but everything seems to back to normal ever since I deleted a few "friends"! Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to you both! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Max! Since you've won the lottery we now expect first class airline tickets to Vancouver to arrive any day through the post so we can join you in your celebrations! Chance would be a fine thing but we can always dream!

Big congratulations to the 40th anniversary couple! By the way Gudrun and Steve just celebrated their 40th as well on the 23rd of April. They spent a romantic few days in Venice. Lucky Devils! Fondest regards Gayle

Hello My Darling Gayle, and Dearest Derek, of course! Thanks very much for the anniversary wishes. (Congrats to the Venetians as well when next you see them!) Sorry to hear that you have not yet received the First Class air tickets yet. Should be arriving by courier any minute!!! Fondestos from Mme Coriandre to you both! Cheers, Patrizzio!

No prob Patrick, you're super welcome! Thanks for the botanically distinct account of the latest hike also! I am a trained herbalist, so love nomenclature! heehee jenna brown
 
Hi I’ll be serving tea at the top of the Fur Brigade Trail on Sunday (Mother’s Day) May 8. Sign up be emailing the trail.of.the.okanagans@gmail.com today. It is a ‘light’ hike or bike. Bring your significant other or a friend and turn them on to a very special place seldom visited by locals. Bryn will talk about the reclamation of Ritchie Lake and Dave will give some history of this historic trail. Thanks, Jenna, for supporting this endeavor. Cheers Ellen Woodd

Hi Ellen and Jenna! Hope to meet you both, in person, at some point on the hike. Glad you enjoyed the "nomenclature", Herbalist Jenna! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Sir Pat and Lady Coriander.Thanks so much for your e card. We have noted May14 your special day.Funnily enough and appropriately I will be in Cyprus at that time! I will naturally you a card and probably give you a phone before or after. Glad to get your news and photos as usual and see how much you are doing to the house. Love as ever. Sir James and Lady Patricia. 

Hello Darling Lady Patrizzia and Sir James! Thanks very much for the anniversary wishes. Have a wonderful time in Cyprus!!! I had a very long telephone conversation, yesterday, with a Daniel Mac classmate, Erika Kinn and she bumped into Gerald Bartley Bruce Lenton's younger, twin sister, Rhoda, in Winnipeg, a week or so ago! I may well have more news after we visit with Erika this June. We will drive to Falcon to celebrate Mme Coriandre's parents 71st wedding anniversary! Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to her royal counterparts in England! Cheers, Patrizzio!
We'd love to be there but are leaving for France on the 17th. We'll be there in spirit. Congratulations on 40 years of wedded bliss! Love Gregg and Francesca 

Hello Madroña! Thanks very much for the anniversary wishes. Sorry you won't be able to join us. Travel safely. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Good luck with Panama attorney and all Liz's rubies. Sure your wife appreciates it all. Wonderful photos from you hikes as well. Megan Stuart Stubbs also posts lots of things from their new life in Half Moon Bay Beutiful British Columbia! A big hug, Margareta

Hello Dottore! Thanks very much for the good wishes with respect to the rubies! Still sorry you won't be able to join us! Yes, our province is an incredible place! Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to you, Margareta! Cheers, Patrizzio!

40 years. That's a lot. Corinne is infinitely patient and kind. Love you both and wish we could be there! Randy and Ruth 

Hello Texas Tornadoes! Thanks very much for the anniversary wishes even if they are biased in favour of Cora Lee! Still sorry you won't be able to join us! Hello and Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling, in Dreamsville, to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Cornelius! What a wonderful cross-country trip you have planned. I took the train to Vancouver in September 1974 when coming to Library School. Had never been west, farther than Melville, Saskatchewan, at that point, on the railroad, but had been east, as far as Ottawa/Toronto/Montreal on many occasions, first on trips back from Cyprus with my parents and then on extended high school field trips in the '60's.


Must away as we are off the the Farmer's Market shortly. Started last week but today's is supposed to be the first full-blown affair. Need to be back to be ready for Sip and Savor at Pentâge Winery, at noon. When is Olivetti emigrating? Just himself, this trip, I take it. Best wishes to him from us. Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to you, Bob. How is Anna? Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hello Lower Mainland Goils! Lovely to hear from you Laura. I understand that you are in Florida, Little Eva and the Imperiales. Trust all goes as well as can be expected, under the circumstances. Lady Darjeeling said she was going to reply to your message, Laura, so I assume you now realize that our anniversary celebrations will be in Vancouver, at Chloë's place. Hope this means that we might see you there! 

We strolled down to the Farmer's Market this morning. Started last week but today's had a few more vendors so gradually building up to the first full-blown affair. Needed to be back to be ready for Sip and Savor at Pentâge Winery, at noon. We went along with good friends, Lynne and Peter. Only Peter had been before, just south of town, off Eastside Road. It was their inaugural wine & hors d’oeuvres spring event. Nibbles created by Joy Road Catering, (a wonderful local business), and paired with their wines, all the while mingling with the Pentâge Team! "The ultimate tasting – experiencing the art and science of pairing.", according to their own hype!

Day couldn't have been any more glorious. Same needs to be said for the stunning setting, winery itself and wonderful, wonderful product. Catering by Joy Road was more than delicious so we four were most impressed with everything. Met a number of acquaintances so it was fun to visit with people we knew through other social circles. Event ran from 12:00 to 2pm and afterwards Lynne and Peter stayed for a drink or two on our back patio. Lynne had reached her tipping point so she stuck to water while Lady Dar enjoyed a few glasses of Upper Bench Riesling, their current release. For our part, Jugos Dom Pedro and I had a taste, over ice, of Legend Distillery's Sour Cherry Vodka, (Naramata Bench), neat, as Peter had not tasted it before. This, followed by a snort of  Dubh Glas Distillery's Virgin Spirits, 50.1%, (Gallagher Lake), an unflavoured, clear spirit akin to Grappa but far smoother than many offerings of the latter. Nicely whetted, we proceeded to enjoy a fairly stiff G/T made with Dubh Glas' Noteworthy Gin, a remarkable product showing an amazing array of aromatic botanicals.

Thanking the Naramatians for suggesting and arranging the Sip and Savour event, we waved goodbye when it was time for them to depart. Lady Dar is now snoozing on her recliner, on the back patio, her head shaded from the late afternoon rays by the built in cover, snoring charmingly, almost blissfully. I'm rather sleepy myself but have too, too much correspondence screaming for attention so I must digitate away.  Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling, in Dreamsville, to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!


Pics: Market this morning; Sip and Savour this afternoon. Group shot with many of the folk we met over course of afternoon. Back home!

Hi Pat, Now I am Cornelius, as in Cornelius Van Horne? Well, I want to be Cornelius Krieghoff instead. I am better off doing genre painting then laying track. Oliver likes the perks of life over there more, but maybe here feels like a second home, although Vancouver might have been all downhill since the Kits Hotel closed the hostel wing. Out here, it's more like an army camp: bugle call at dawn, dish washing duties galore and absolutely no access to world class soccer. Of course he carries his weight these days. He is also acting as an art supply mule for Ellie and I. Soon paints will be fortified with Schminke watercolours and gouaches. Just him this time. We will go over to Ellieland as well as Seattle, as you already know.

Had guests from Germany in April and now Werner, confirmed this morning, that he is coming around June 3, for two weeks. You and Corinne met him in 2007, when we made a flypast, to the Island Inn. Bob See you soon on Wall Street. Bob
Dear soon to be millionaires, Fingers and toes crossed that you win and Corinne gets her jewels and we get a fully paid business trip to Penticton! Could you take a photo of the front side area where I pruned the grasses, I would love to see if the plants responded? We are still desperate for rain, had a measly 5mm last night but the temperatures are still around 28C! Must go as Trevor is cracking the whip for brekkie. Love Tina xx

Hello Teens and Starving Trevorino! Sorry to hear that you have not yet received the First Class air tickets yet. Should be arriving by courier any minute!!!  Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling, in Dreamsville, to you both! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: Results of pruning!

Hi Robert! Trust you are well. I continue to enjoy Beer Crafty News. While you were at Rail Brewery, or some other watering hole, we visited Pentâge Winery. Best wishes to Bridge Lads. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick, Good to hear you news and glad that you are enjoying the finer things of life: alcohol, food and sunshine. I will pass on your wishes to the Vancouver bridge bums on Monday. All the best, Robert.

Light Sensor Swaying Ladder Blues: Friday, April 29th!

Science is built with facts as a house is with stones, but a collection of facts is no more a science than a heap of stones is a house. -Jules Henri Poincaré, mathematician, physicist, and philosopher (29 Apr 1854-1912) 

Sorry we can't be there to celebrate your ruby wedding anniversary - hope you have a great party and that Corinne can lift her hand under the weight of the stone! Much love Penny and Mike xx  

Dearest Pénélope and Mad Cap! So sorry that you won't be able to join the anniversary celebrations, especially as I'm currently in negotiations, via an attorney in Panama, (to maintain anonymity, as you can well imagine!), after just winning the Lotto Max jackpot of CDN$34 million, to buy something from Liz Taylor's ruby-set pieces, notably "a ring set with an 8.24 ct gem that broke the 'price-per-carat' record for rubies ($512,925 per carat, i.e. over $4.2 million in total), and a necklace that sold for over $3.7 million." Unfortunately, "the Liberty Bell Ruby, the largest mined ruby in the world, was stolen in a heist in 2011." Any thoughts, Madcap? Fallback is to pickup the Sunrise Ruby, "the world's most expensive ruby, most expensive coloured gemstone, and most expensive gemstone other than a diamond, which, in May 2015, sold at auction in Switzerland to an anonymous buyer for US$30 million." Hope one of the above will finally make Lady Dar happy! Fondestos and Cheers, Filthy Rich in Love, Patrizzio!

Pis: Lady Darjeeling's tulips. Planted last Fall with bulbs she and Dusty selected! I no longer have to hike to see wildflowers. I'll just sit on the settee on front porch, sip G/T's made with Noteworthy Gin, (fab craft distillery in Gallagher Lake, ten minutes south of OK Falls/Noble Ridge), and not have to worry about blood-sucking ticks, only vital bodily fluid draining members in the Sorority of The Sisterhood!

What a milestone! We are so sorry we can't be there to help you both to celebrate. We will raise a glass or two in your honor! Have a wonderful day.
Love and best wishes from Gayle and Derek X X  Dearest, Favourite Cornwallians! Thanks for toasting us at long distance! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Happy 40th Anniversary Pat and Corinne! We look forward to being with you to
celebrate this monumental event. Rick and Ruth Dearest, Favourite Squamoids!
Thank you for the good wishes and absolutely delighted, of course, that you will be able to join the anniversary celebrations! Cheers, Patrizzio!  Hi Small Slam Michaelo and Spumoni! Great that Sunday is on. What time? Cheers, Patrizzio!
How about 1:15pm? Gives me a chance to come home from church and have some lunch beforehand......Pam

Hi Guys, My address is in Summerland. Good bush walkers you are I am sure you will find it with no problem. But just in case you can call me at home Cheers
Mike Wow, another midday game? I was rather thinking about more afternoon/evening type of a game. Given, the game is rather sedentary activity, and you need to preserve your strength for the Monday's hike, I would say 5:00 pm gives us plenty of the game before your bed time? Mike

Dear Chicago Fiends! The date, Sunday, May 1st, at 2:00 pm has now been writ in stone. Jos will join us, wearing scanty tennis garb, from 2:00 pm- 3:30 pm, or thereabouts, depending on her bidding, cards and how much Copper Moon she knocks back! Spumoni will bring a salad, Lady Dar marinated chicken, probably, to bbq herself, (She feels she is the Undisputed Queen of the Grill!), using Michaelo's snazzy, smokeless Weber, while our gracious host will prepare exotic vegetables of one sort or another. Patrizzio will take pictures and pretend, (Note the verb, "pretend"!), to be a Dummy while The Babe from Bali is bidding Grand Slams and  Pearly Whites is serving ace after ace in doubles play.

After Martina Navratilova waves goodbye we will continue with the game until we see fit to eat. After the meal we will resume bidding and continue until such time as Spamela feels it is approaching her bedtime. Trust this meets with everyone's approval. Until Sunday then, at the appointed time and place, Arrivederci! Cheers, Patrizzio!  

I am quiet excited to host such promising event. It will be my privilege to have party like that in my hose. Cheers everyone Mike.... spelling mistake???? the word "hose" is german for pants .... party in your pants, be carefull with sex & bridge, they may not go together well !! Ida AarturoWell....depends on who is holding cards, and who has free hands :-) Mike True!

Dear Etymologists! For the record, I duly noted the party "in the hose" found and remarked upon in Michaelao's original message but refrained from commenting for fear of offending the overly sensitive host. However, when I read the recently returned guttersnipe's lewd comments I could hardly refrain. I must admit that my initial thought, upon reading Michaelo's first message, was "Oh, you hoity-toity, uppity Summerlandians are just like Texans, everything there is bigger and better than anywhere else in the world. Here in Penticton, our tiny, but millimetres in diametre, garden hoses can barely dribble water on our parched vegetable gardens while you Oligarchs in Upper Summerlandia host more than grand gatherings in your tunnel-sized tubing!

Then it occurred to me that perhaps there was more than met the eye in the comments, a distinct hint of deep subconscious repression, unparalleled frustration needing any outlet to vent itself. Perhaps there is something in the water, in The Kingdom of Summerland, after all. Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: Lady Dar and I will be bringing bottled water for the party in the hose!

Patrick, there is plants of excellent Summeland's water in "the hose", so no need to bring anything at all. :-) Mike Hi Michaelo! Perhaps I should bring an English-Polish dictionary as I'm a bit flummoxed by "plants of excellent Summerland's water"! Do you grow succulents that we can chew on while bidding? Let me know and we'll plan accordingly! Cheers, Prickly Pear Patrizzio!

 
Keremeos columns is our next destination. This is normally a Thursday hike and has taken 5 hours in the past without dawdling. We won't be going as slowly as our White Lake hike..... Right now Chuck and I will be your leaders. Jim French might join us if he is feeling OK. We will still leave Home Hardware in Penticton at 9am. Bring lots of water and protection from the sun. It is an exposed site! Summerlanders can carpool at the IGA parking lot at 8:40am. See you Monday! Pam 

This concerned daughter just wants the best party possible so as many people as possible can drink all your good Okanagan wine!!! Just had breakfast with Jen and the kids up from Whidby after 7 am yoga then off to work on my course!! xx Hello On-line Student! Pleased to hear it! Just off the phone, both your Mother and I, having had extremely long chats with Erika Kinn, (Amy's mom), in Winnipeg. We plan to see them when there in June as they won't be back in Summerland until July. Love, Okanagan Copper Moon Dad! Better not be Copper Moon more like Integrity!!!!! Only Integrity for Anniversary Couple! Sorry, Baby Duck is the best it gets for the rest!!! Not even old school Henkel wow!!!! Rough times!!! Too, too many Freeloaders!

Hola Patrick & Corinne, Thank you for the long email! Yda and I exchanged notes on it too last time we saw each other.You too seem as busy as ever with visits and trips. Amazing. We never have much exciting stuff to share anymore: work work work. Yda is in the plane to Florida now to see her Mom as she does every few months- not necessarily to funnest trips but with the occasional laughs at least.

How are Chloe and Ayn doing? I haven’t heard from them in a long time either. I sent them my Jamaica email as well and wondering if I had their current email addresses. Are they working like crazy too? When are they coming out to see you next? 

I saw your invite to your 40th Wedding Anniversary party! Congratulations!!! I think Yda will be still in Florida and we need a long weekend for mini trips otherwise we will be so tired we might not make it:( I’ll ask her when she is back if we can plan something together perhaps, and we will save up in order to afford the raised Burn Street Boarding House admission fee...

I think the next long weekend is Victoria Day weekend, and Tommy & family will be at the YVR airport for Dim Sum. By the Way, I think Henning is going to be back in town here June 12, 2016. Next time you guys are in Vancouver though, see if you have time to see Yda and me for a Sunday brunch or weekend lunch. Would be lovely. Hugs and Kisses, Miss Chai Latte. 

Hi Pat, The invite is now in my iCal. I was so distracted by the video and music that i missed the details of your 45th anniversary invitation. Now that i know you will be sharing some of the spare change, from your huge lottery win, i will be sure to be there. Amazing how mountains can be moved with the use of just a few words like “Lotto Max Jackpot” and “Panama” – even with a humble copy and paste job, like the one below.

Speaking of jet set lifestyles, i am going to join Ellie in Halifax, on Sept 19. Before that i will take Via Rail, from coast to coast. Have booked “The Van Horne Wagon” – for the first leg of the journey to Winnipeg – well, actually, it is only an upper berth (because i never seem to buy lottery tickets). Will finally visit your hometown, for the first time, from Sept 4-8, where i am renting a little studio apartment for the visit. It is in the West Broadway neighbourhood and on Sherbrooke Street. The tour will resume, with another rail journey and five days in Toronto. After that comes a few more days in Montreal and finally the last leg of the journey, but with no sleeper, to the Atlantic. Home with Ellie on Sept 30.

Prior to that, Ellie and i are leaving for the Cypress Hills, on June 21 and in my old beater. In Eastend, Saskatchewan for two days. This will be a ten day road trip. Will visit Jim too, for an overnighter. Can’t take more days unfortunately, as Ellie works part time.

This is turning out to be an Oh Canada kind of a year. Will skip around the rattlers in Grasslands National Park, stay with Ellie’s family Down East, sample West Indian fare in Kensington Market and watch Pow Wow dancing at the Forks. Frankly, i am getting quite excitied to see what the rest of the country looks like, after all these years.

Hope you are all doing well. Best, bob ps: Oliver arrives on May 18. We head to Seattle after that. Live music at the Tractor Tavern (out in Ballard), a visit to some notable graves (Bruce Lee and Jimi Hendrix) plus some camping should be fun before heading to Ellieland, for a round of conviviality.

His Urologist called and gave him the all clear on the 6 mo CT scan results! Yippee. F Hello Island Folk! Great news indeed! Hip Hip Hooray! Onward!! Fight!!!I guess that this means you be visiting soon! Must away as I'm driving Lady Dar to the doctor as she was finally able to get an appointment for her terrible cough! Fondestos to you both, from Mme Coriandre. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Denman Islanders and Copper Moon Woman! Sorry that it has taken me so long to send along these snaps. (I did a rough edit but figured you can fine tune ones you'd like.) No excuses but plenty of reasons. Glad you didn't suffer any mishaps on The Connector. Buona Fortuna with your own set of Freeloaders/visitors! Fondestos to you both, (and you as well, Spumoni!), from Mme Coriandre. She too, trusts she'll meet you soon. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thank you, Patrick and Corinne, for the invitation to your party. Unfortunately we have to decline as I am committed to attending the Celebration of Life for a high school classmate that day. I am sure the party will be memorable; we hope to see you in your new home sometime soon. Congratulations from Bruni and Tony  Hi Bruni and Da Lip! Understand completely but sorry that you won't be able to join the anniversary celebrations. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Bristle Brush Man! In 2009, when we were in Santiago, we took a number of day trips, wine-tasting. First outing was north of the city to Los Andes and San Felipe. East of the latter, near Panquehue, we visited the 345-acre Vina Errazuriz,  original estate, founded by Don Maximiano Errázuriz in 1870. Tasting we had, (only the six of us), took place in the incredible 146-year-old house. Hills surround the property, the lower slopes filled with vines and then avocado trees above the vineyards! Grogg, a recent millionaire by this time, bought the most expensive wines available but we, (Flamin'/Sarge, Cora Lee and I), didn't taste many, if any of them! At any rate, Duas Quintas is Portuguese.

With respect to red carpet, all went well, at least for me. Collected Lady Dar from the bus terminal Tuesday evening. She had a grand time, although very, very busy, with all the events she attended and friends she visited. Unfortunately, she seemed to have contracted something over the weekend and has now come down with a nasty cough/head cold so she's been laid low. On the brighter side she was finally able to get an appointment with our doctor this afternoon. He reported that her lungs are clear and so didn't even prescribe any medication. She seems to be on the mend so trust she will be ready for Sip and Savor at Pentâge Winery tomorrow, with the Naramatians, Lynne and Peter. Just south of town, off Eastside Road, it is their, inaugural wine & hors d’oeuvres spring event. Nibbles created by Joy Road Catering, (a wonderful local business), and paired with their wines, all the while mingling with the Pentâge Team! "The ultimate tasting – experiencing the art and science of pairing.", according to their own hype! We shall see what we shall see. Event runs from 12:00 to 2pm and I hope to ride afterwards if not too, too juiced!
Must away as I've been summoned to the kitchen to prepare a salad. More episodes of the Night Manager as we dine!  Fondestos to you both from Mme Coriandre. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Now you have to tell me otL......on the level....did you actually win the vast amount....and if you did; can I possibly hang around to take pictures of all the celebrations that ensue........wow......Oh yes,,,a very Happy Aniv......what a great couple.....and from Panama....you guys are something special......A & S We understand the problem.....those lawyers take so much off the top....but do understand; that your place here in Steinbach is still here; we were able to get a loan after we puchased that huge plot of land north of the town after we heard about your fortune....then, tried to cancel everything recently; but the lawyer said there would be a huge cost involving the transfers, etc.....so we decide to sell everything and move out to Vita; south of here and move in with immigrants from Poland.....but they would not let us move into the vacant lot with our tent.....So....we are here for awhile until we can get help from our newly formed government, or from you....which might take awhile....but our phone is still on, and we might be here until mid May.......A & S

Hi Vital Vita People! Lovely to hear about your relocation! Fewer neighbours to complain when your noisys Freeloader friends from Penticton arrive to raise the roof for months on end! Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling to you both. Cheers, 
Patrizzio!

Ah,ha! You are too funny - but you know, I thought it was possible!! Happy Anniversary! Hi Patrizzia! Thanks for the anniversary wishes. Glad you realized I was tickling your funny bone! Fondestos from Lady Darjeeling, to you both, luxuriating on East Dry Creek Road! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Tom Sawyer Fence Painting Blues: Thursday, April 28th!

If you don't turn your life into a story, you just become a part of someone else's story. -Terry Pratchett, novelist (28 Apr 1948-2015)

Up at 6:30 am after a very deep night's sleep, in spite of poor Lady Dar's nasty cough. She said she feels as if their is a lump of concrete pressing on her ample bosom! Repaired to the study to work away on correspondence while I sipped and listened to radio, one of the most enjoyable ways to start the day!

Hello Fellow Bridge Aces! Any interest on a game this Sunday?  Let me know and we'll plan accordingly. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Surveillance shots from last Friday at the Hooded Merganser! Hi Patrick, Sounds great, the bridge I mean, you just read my mind. So I am in, it could be at my place, in Summerland, because Mariola is gone to Hawaii and I am alone :-( Cheers, Mike PS Your report/diary from the hike is unbelievable. When you are going to publish a book?Hi Patrick and everyone; Nice idea! I'm in! Thanks for the photos! Pam

Dear, Dear Friends and Family! You are invited to celebrate Corinne's and Patrick's 40th Wedding Anniversary, to the day, on May 14th, at #208-2001 Wall Street, from 2:00 pm 'til 5:00 pm! Call 604-341-0291 to gain entrance.
No presents, please, as your presence will be a present beyond compare!
Hors d'oeuvres and drinks to be served. RSVP's appreciated as we would certainly like to know how much Kraft Dinner, porch climber and Jello to buy! Cheers!

I'll be there. Let me know what I can bring. XXOO Hi Agneta! Great that you will be able to join the anniversary celebrations Thanks for your kind offer to contribute. AN appetizer would be wonderful. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Congratulations! 40 th Anniversary is ruby; just sayin', Patrick....
xo, dj Hi Gran Duggacio! Thanks for the gift advice, however you didn't mention whether you will be able to join the anniversary celebrations. Let me know. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

I'll be there!!! Green jello for me please!!! Dad did you invite Krissy and Mark?? 
Hi Chloë! Yes, I invited them and told Gayle and Derek that you were sending plane tickets for them since we are supplying all the designer Jello! Love, Dad!

Perfect!! And what about Gaelan and John Paul?? Katie said she got her invite but if you invite one of my girls you must invite them all. xx Hello Fussoid! Both Gaelan and Maya have been invited but will not be offered any Kraft Dinner. Only  our friends will get the good stuff! Worry about completing your course not invitee list!!! Love, a Concerned Dad!

Congratulations! Unfortunately, no direct flight Aarhus - Penticton that afternoon. I wish you a great celebration and must say good going! My marriage only lasted 1/10 of that! A big hug to you both 😘😘Margareta  And No flights to Vancouver either 😉! Hi Steel Magnolia So sorry that you and The Lads won't be able to join the anniversary celebrations. Cheers, Patrizzio!

I can never open your card on this email address. Can you send them in future to my gmail account. On the weekend that you are here in May do you have plans for the Saturday night. Thanks Wayne I will attend.

Hi Sarge! I've changed your address. As you will see, our gathering will be over after 5:00 pm, (Who actually knows when!), and we had planned to go for dinner, somewhere, with Chloë afterwards. We'd be delighted if you would care and be able to join us. Chat soon. Cheers, Patrizzio! There is a birthday party at Corey's that night that I am going to try and attend. Wayne

Hope you guys have a fabulous anniversary party. All the best to you both after so many years of connubial bliss. I'd love to get out to BC, but it might take a while before we manage it. We're heading to Europe at the end of June for my cousin's wedding in Finland early July. We'll go to Winnipeg in August so it seems we'll be missing each other again. I may stay out there for about a month - we'll see. Thanks for keeping in touch and for the snaps from your new backyard. Maret, and David Hi Maret! Sorry that we will miss you in Winnipeg, (Have a wonderful trip to Europe/Finland.), and that you won't be able to join the anniversary celebrations. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Wishing you both all the best! Sorry to report that Cactus and I will not be able to make it. We do look forward to making it up to the North Country at some time in the not toooo distant future. Hugs to you and the every stalwart Corinne! Cactus & Florida Hi Donna Florida and Prickly Pear! Very sorry that you won't be able to join the anniversary celebrations, although I'm somewhat miffed that "stalwart" is applied to Lady Dar, not long-suffering, shackle-chaffed scullion Patrizzio!) Cheers, Indentured Servant, Patrizzio!

By the time I had mended a number of spots on the cedar trellis work, atop parts of our fence, (Needed to use tiny finishing nails as the wood is so thin and flimsy that nothing else would work! Finnicky work, in the extreme, but  I think repairs will hold until we manage to replace whole sections. Upright posts are of treated wood and well anchored so at least we won't have to replace them!), brought to my attention by paint-brush wielding Lady Dar, and then reinforced a number of the latches, so that they now close properly and easily, on the back west and front south gates, it was close to 4:15 pm. Suited up, slathered on sunscreen and set off, not long after 4:30 Didn't wish to be too, too late so once I'd determined wind direction and force I decided I'd go for as high an AVG as I could achieve rather than distance.

On my run along Lakeshore I clocked and AVG close to 23 kph and by the time I'd dipsy doodled the side streets around Riverside I was up to 24 kph. Thought I might o be able to maintain this if I made my way to Skaha Lake Park, via Government, as I'd only have to fight the acceptable head wind on return leg. Did just that and was really pleased at how my legs responded on the three circuits of the park and environs itself, but also on the slight uphill slog back home. Lights were in my favour on Government and I was able to keep the 24 kph AVG until I made the turn onto Eckhardt. Then, much to my delight, I noted I'd clocked and AVG of 24.1 kph when I pulled up beside our garage. Absolutely chuffed as this is one of the very best, sistained efforts I've ever achieved, over this distance. Probably says more about the force of the wind, however, than my fitness, although I must admit that I felt pretty strong over the entire course of the ride. Onward! Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1146085950#.VyLFF27WaFs.email
 
Hello Patrick and Corrine, We made it home around midnight and started working on our to do list right away.Since my phone isn't working I try to communicate online and ask you kindly if you have bought your tickets already for the folk festival? I understand that you and us? have fabulous accommodation to enjoy, and we would be more than happy to drive.
 
Let us know Corinne when you are feeling better again, it would be great to share some of our Adventures in Indonesia with you. Sorry to let you know that we will be be travelling in Washington for 5 days with our trailer while you are celebrating your anniversary. Thanks for all your lovely stories, pictures, updates, invites, and above all our growing friendship. Healthy and Happy Wishes are coming your way from Jos and Aart

Hello to our Favourite Summerlandians! Wonderful to learn that you are back safely after what I'm sure was a marvellous holiday. Yes, we already have our tickets to the Folk Festival. And yes, you are included in accommodation, although Aarturo will have to sleep in the bike locker under the front stairs! Thank you for the offer to drive. That is very generous. However, we might need to take separate vehicles, depending on a number of things. The FF is from July 15th-17th so we need to decide when to go into Vancouver and when to leave city. As well, I want  to take my bike so wonder if your rack has room for at least three bikes. Ours only holds two. As far as dates away, when travelling to Vancouver, we usually go one day earlier, if schedules allow, so that things are not quite so rushed and errands can be run, etc., leave on the Monday after a weekend, per esempio, for same reasons. Not sure what your own busy schedule might hold so we should chat about this as soon as you have managed to reintegrate yourselves back into the real world as opposed to your mindless, carefree existence in Indonesia!

To this end, Michaelo and Spumoni are keen to play bridge this coming Sunday. Michaelo has offered to host so we could play in your neck of the woods if Jos is interested and available. Lady Dar is on the mend and could play but probably should rest. Anyway, let me know what you think about these matters and we'll chat. Again Hip Hip Hooray that you are back! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pis: Lady Darjeeling's tulips. Planted last Fall with bulbs she and Dusty selected! I no longer have to hike to see wildflowers. I'll just sit on the settee on front porch, sip Genièvre and not have to worry about ticks!

Dearest Pénélope and Mad Cap! So sorry that you won't be able to join the anniversary celebrations, especially as I'm currently in negotiations, via an attorney in Panama, (to maintain anonymity, as you can well imagine!), to buy something from Liz Taylor's ruby-set pieces, notably "a ring set with an 8.24 ct gem that broke the 'price-per-carat' record for rubies ($512,925 per carat, i.e. over $4.2 million in total), and a necklace that sold for over $3.7 million." Unfortunately, "the Liberty Bell Ruby, the largest mined ruby in the world, was stolen in a heist in 2011." Any thoughts, Madcap? Fallback is to pickup the Sunrise Ruby, "the world's most expensive ruby, most expensive coloured gemstone, and most expensive gemstone other than a diamond, which, in May 2015, sold at auction in Switzerland to an anonymous buyer for US$30 million." Hope one of the above will make Lady Dar happy! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

That is a great e-card.. one of the best! Sorry i won't be able to come because I will be in England visiting Jenny. Have fun and a great party. Congratulations to both of you!!  Hi Sylvia! Glad that you enjoyed the card. So sorry that you won't be able to join the anniversary celebrations but know that you will have a wonderful trip to England. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

40 years and still in love - how wonderful! Enjoy your anniversary. Wish we could be there! Patrizia and the Grumpy Winemaker! Hi Patrizzia! So sorry that you and the Grumpoid won't be able to join us. Cheers, Patrizzio! I can't tell if you're serious or not! Please don't keep me in suspense any longer. I do have a feeling though that if you have won the lottery, you wouldn't have time to be communicating with me! Pat Hi again, Puzzled Patrizzia! I thought that my Panamanian lawyer would already have been in touch about the hostile takeover of your winery. This way I won't have to worry about ordering wine every year! We'd like you and the Grumpster to stay on, to run place, make wine, handle accounts, bake pizza, etc. You can continue to live in the house but we will be taking over the fabulous suite above garage/storage area! Tesla Man can keep his car if he agrees to continue kneading dough! We can finalize details when you visit this summer. That, at least, is no joke! Cheers, Patrizzio the Prankster!

Now you have to tell me otL......on the level....did you actually win the vast amount....and if you did; can I possibly hang around to take pictures of all the celebrations that ensue........wow......Oh yes,,,a very Happy Aniv......what a great couple.....and from Panama....you guys are something special......A & S
Hi again, Sour Grapes Steinbachoids! I thought that my Panamanian lawyer would already have been in touch about the hostile takeover of your luxury condo in the burg of Steinbach. This way we won't have to worry about a place to stay if we are too tired to drive all the way to Falcon! However, we'd like you and the Bridge Whiz to stay on, to take of the place, make the beds, bake bread, vacuum and the like. You can continue to live there but in the garage, on cots! You can keep your car if you promise not to spit sunflower shells in the driveway! We can finalize details when we visit this summer, in June. That, at least, is no joke! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Dusty's daughter at work. Even after winning the Lotto I can barely afford to pay her minimum wage! Now that steps are finished, fence is next!

We understand the problem.....those lawyers take so much off the top....but do understand; that your place here in Steinbach is still here; we were able to get a loan after we puchased that huge plot of land north of the town after we heard about your fortune....then, tried to cancel everything recently; but the lawyer said there would be a huge cost involving the transfers, etc.....so we decide to sell everything and move out to Vita; south of here and move in with immigrants from Poland.....but they would not let us move into the vacant lot with our tent.....So....we are here for awhile until we can get help from our newly formed government, or from you....which might take awhile....but our phone is still on, and we might be here until mid May.......A & S

 



The very best wishes, Corinne and Pat, on your 40th anniversary. Congratulations. bob Hi Snobby Bobby! Thank you for the good wishes but am wondering if you'll be able to join the anniversary celebrations? Cheers, Patrizzio!

Gorgeous card; we thank you very much.....do hope your renno is comming along without any hitches......we always had some; when doing diff things in repair or change; at the summer home.....oh boy......don’t work too hard; enjoy the spring.....you folks have had some nice weather......A & S

Hi Favourite Steinbachians! Glad you enjoyed the card but sorry that you won't be able to join the anniversary celebrations. Thanks, as well, for best wishes on on-going home improvements. Looking forward to more fence painting shortly! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Dear Patrick and Corinne Than you for this wonderful invite, unfortunately due the submarines taking many years to complete we will not be able to make it on time. We will certainly be there in spirit and will raise a glass or two for you both on this prestigious occasion. Lots of love Tina and Trevor xxxx  Dear, Dear  Sub-Mariners! Sorry that you won't be able to join the anniversary celebrations. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Wow! 40 years already! Time does indeed fly by. Enjoy your party - sorry we won't be attending as somehow you live a bit too far away. Cheers! Roma & Leonard Hi Roma and Leonard! Sorry that you won't be able to join the anniversary celebrations Cheers, Filthy Rich in Love, Patrizzio!

Patriçio, I too, apologize for being remiss in gloating over bidding and making a small slam! Of course Ted made up for that with his ridiculous bidding and that one disastrous hand. I have been fussing over my and my Dad’s income tax returns, which are now thankfully filed, leaving me drained of all energy and emotion. I am also having the house painted, then going on a road trip to the Whitecaps game in Portland.

I have always been fascinated by women’s shoes. It is with great enthusiasm and anticipation of success, that I hope to design the most ridiculous and uncomfortable shoes on Planet Earth. Once the profits start rolling in, I expect to expand to uncomfortable, lacey and functionally useless women’s underwear - and Victoria what’s-her-name will be a blip in the past.

On another note, congrats to Lady Dar for putting up with you for 40 years. I take it your anniversary celebration is in the now snowtireless-accessable Penticton? Will try to make it. Uh, how many cots do you have in Stalag Burns? I hear the honeymoon suite at the local motel 6 is awesome - the bedbugs are all lazy! So that’s an option!

As for a construction and hopefully a bit of the KVR cycle, I have a couple of windows. Hope they coincide with yours: 1) After June 6th (our squash group Victoria Cycle) 2) After July 31 (or so) when I return from the Whitecaps game in Dallas. Let me know of any “projects” that need to be done. I will bring my bike and a tool box. cheers//bjp Oops, Just realized your party is on Wall Street! I will cab over. cheers//bjp

Hi Ragin' Great that you will be able to join the anniversary celebrations. Glad you finally realized where bash will be held! With my recent windfall, I'm keen to invest in your new company as I really like the direction you seem intent on taking new products towards!!! However, I don't take all that kindly to your congratulations to LD, (not, Lady Dar, but rather Little Dictator!), on her resilience. I'm the one who has needed, and continues to require armadillo skin until your shoe designs go into production!

I am delighted to see that, like Grogg, on the court, you take full credit for your wins and lay the blame, for defeats, at the feet of your partner! Buona Fortuna with house painting, (We ourselves are only faces with our fence!), and have a grand trip to Portland! With respect to a snow-tireless visit, we will probably be away for much of June so sometime after July 31st would probably work best, for us, at least. My list includes shelving, in living room, for stereo equipment. Already have basic design and measurements, (drawn up by Dusty during Jan/Feb visit.), and outside bike lockers on sheltered side of house. I'm sure this will be more than enough to occupy you and Lady Dar while I'm cycling to Osoyoos! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Enamel Dental Centre Blues: Wednesday, April 27th!

Taught from their infancy that beauty is woman's sceptre, the mind shapes itself to the body, and roaming round its gilt cage, only seeks to adorn its prison. -Mary Wollstonecraft, reformer and writer (27 Apr 1759-1797) 

Tummler, you gotta love the words this week. Hammer fest building the deck this week - need the Swedish massage. Getting more livable by the day here - when are you coming? Lemme know how you two are doing - how your trip to the big smoke went. Love to all, W

Hello Hammer-Head and Sledgehammer Slinger! Terrific to hear from you, amidst sawdust, bent nails and nastily bruised thumbs. [I thought of you as soon as I'd seen this week's words!] I'm surprised you can even text, given the bandages on your every digit! Funnily enough, just had a message from our close friends, Jean and John Anderson, in Victoria. They own a lovely power boat, Commitment II, and have invited us to sail the Salish Sea with them when next we visit so we might well arrive on the beaches of Galiano in style!

Sadly, I fear that a visit this summer will not be likely. We are almost fully booked for the next month or so and then we are off to Winnipeg/Falcon, (Departure date not yet set in stone but first week or so of June, I suspect.), to celebrate, among other things, Rosita's and Dusty's 71st wedding anniversary. Back just before the beginning of July as we have a clutch of ex-Swiss boarders descending! And on and on and on! Not complaining, just reporting the facts, "Just the facts m'am!" Sad to say, I just discovered that Joe Friday never said this on Dragnet. Another misattributed quotation but why let truth get in the way of a terrific catchphrase!


Have had a houseful of guests ever since last Sunday. Rosemary and Andre, (Believe we told you about them when you were here. Sumptuous dwellings in both London and Chabeuil, a charming village about two hours southeast of Lyon, about an hour north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape!), were here until last Thursday, (In fact, I was, by then, in Vancouver, as you knew, having driven in on Wednesday.), but Lady Dar was able to keep the Freeloaders at bay all by her lonesome. I blasted back on Friday morning while she bused it to the Big Smoke for the weekend to attend a baby shower. a christening and her Book Club! I needed to be home to receive Luise and Dave, from Denman, for the weekend. They teach at MUN but are on sabbatical. They are close friends of hiking companion, Spamela, but her apartment is too small for them to stay. When she told me that they would probably book a motel I invited them to stay with us, not knowing, at the time, that Lady Dar would be away. Didn't really matter but I know they would have enjoyed meeting her and vice versa. 



Must away as I want to go for a ride before I head o the dentist, at 4:00 pm, to have another crown replaced. Fondestos to you both form Lady Dar. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Jo-Anne and Colin; Rosemary and Andre; Nick; Jake at book launch, with Virginia, his Mexican amore; Dave, Luise, Sanka, Spumoni and adoring Benjamin! Bob showing us Jake's walls; Rhubarb Man; Legend Juiceheads; Fire-pit Freeloaders!

While Lady Dar went outside to paint the top of the outside of the fence next to the garage, I suited up and went for a ride. Left about 12:35 pm and knew I needed to be back by 3:00 pm as I had to take my antibiotics, an hour before dental appointment. This being the case, I decided upon a Flatlander ride, my route regulare but limiting it to PTC/Lakeshore/Riverside and street spokes thereabouts. Not a very exciting ride as I gerbalized my way to desired distance but the positive result of the spinning the cage, so to speak, was that the centrifugal force so generated was that I managed to clock an AVG of 21.6 kph. Very pleased with that as my legs and endurance seem to be becoming more roadworthy for sustained, longer rides. Back home with five minutes to spare before taking my medication. Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1144856122#.VyFww9K_xdk.email

Had a quick shower and change of clothes and Lady Dar dropped me off at the Enamel Dental Centre before she headed out to run a few errands. Although I was about 15 minutes early I didn't even have time to read a chapter of my book as I was ushered into the surgery almost as soon as I sat down. James and his staff are wonderful and although I had two filings, (one to "tighten" up the space between a neighbouring tooth and my last crown), and a replacement, plus a crown, I was finished by 6:00 pm. Didn't even have to time to watch the crown being milled. After paying my bill I walked home along Penticton Creek and noted that the flow had diminished a fair bit from the raging torrent it had been last weekend. Still a swift flow but not nearly as angry.

Lady Dar had decided upon bbq'd chicken and after I'd cut up the tasty bird we sat down to a dinner of green peas, mixed with spinach, (A terrific combo especially when I added hot sauce to mixture!), and a crunchy, tasty coleslaw salad she'd thrown together. Watched a couple of episodes of The Blacklist and Elementary before it was time to turn in. Mme Coriandre's cough had come back with a vengeance and she really wasn't feeling all that well by then. For my part, I was so, so sleepy that I didn't even read a word before turning off my bedside lamp!

Hello Ageless Friends! Sorry I've not been in touch sooner but was quite a busy weekend, once I returned to Penticton on Friday, with house guests, until Monday. Thanks so much for the lovely visit last week. Sorry it was such a brief encounter but it was a delight to catch up, even a little. Thanks, as well, for including Branko. He enjoyed meeting you both and sends his thanks and best wishes.

I managed to pick up six bottles of 2013 Duas Quintas so do appreciate being introduced to it. I plan to taste, over the next little while, a number of the Portuguese offerings available here as I think they are very good value and not yet discovered! Just back from the dentist as I had to have another crown replaced, along with two fillings. Fees are decimating my malt budget! Thanks again for your ever generous hospitality. Fondestos to you both from Lady Dar. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Director Ragin'! I just received this notification from LinkedIn:

Your contact, Branko Peric, just joined LinkedIn Help welcome Branko and get connected. Branko Peric Director at Women's Shoes Desingh

Delighted to note your career change! Really enjoyed catching up and bridge, you Small Slam Rotter! On Sunday, visited Terravista, and owner/winemaker, Sanka, is Croatian so I plan to take you there on your next  next visit to negotiate a discount! As I mentioned, great to see you, Ragin'. Will be in touch about trying to coordinate a visit. Why not send along a string of possible dates and we'll plan accordingly. Fondestos from Lady Dar. Cheers, Il Condutore! Pics: Pre-bridge drinks! 

Hi Patrick Your wine knowledge is indeed remarkable - who would even think a Chilean wine would be associated with a name like Errazuriz unless by some random linkage to eastern European aristocracy? (But yes it is the same wine I referred to as the Max Reserve with a value-cost ratio in excess of 5.0 !). I will certainly sample the Duas Quintas - (a 2013 Chilean?) and calculate the vcr.

It is an odd coincidence that you mentioned Jake Snyder. Not that I know him (or at least I don't know that I know him or have met him) but that tomorrow evening I am attending a mess dinner for former naval reservists (the UNTD) and regulars at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club - and likely meeting a number of former naval cadets and officers I would have encountered over 50 years ago. I trust your preparation for the return of your loved one will meet with complete approval, John