Adding manpower to a late software project makes it later. -Fred Brooks, computer scientist (b. 19 Apr 1931)
Hi Jean! Sorry I've not replied sooner but life has been a home renno and social whirlwind of late! Don't worry, my Darling, I'm never annoyed with you. We tough Ukes have to stick together against the overly sensitive around us!
Yesterday, I was back from my regular Monday hike by 1:00 pm and after showering and changing we took off for Naramata to do a bit of wine-tasting. Stopped at Poplar Grove, Black Widow and Deep Roots. Andre used to pick fruit at Deep Roots, (when land was planted with apples, peaches, etc.), during the summers in high school so we had a lovely time with Bryan Hardman, the owner. Also met Will, his son, the wine-maker. He convinced his father to plant the vines! Their Syrah is stunning and almost as peppery as our once favourite Petite Syrah from Granite Springs in Amador County, foothills of the Sierras, east of Sacramento. Original owner, Les Russell, eventually sold winery and the wine wasn't nearly as exciting after that, at least in my opinion.
Back home we invited a new neighbour, Norm, a retired dentist from Spruce Grove, across back lane for a drink. Got to know him as he was re-roofing his garage and over the course of the work we'd chat, he atop the roof, we in our back patio. Lady Dar bbq'd delish ribs for dinner and we washed them down with a bottle of the aforementioned Syrah as well as one of Merlot, again from Deep Roots.
Lazy morning this morning and after The Sisterhood take a walk downtown wewill drive to Gallagher Lake as Andre has a friend there. Plan to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it, en route, as the view of Vaseux Lake is stunning from a number of wineries overlooking it.
Rosemary and Andre will return to Vancouver on Thursday morning BUT on Wednesday morning, sometime after breakfast, probably by 10:00 am, at the latest, I will be heading into Vancouver myself. Have two appointments with specialists, (Six month check-up with dermatologist as well as seeing my orthopedic surgeon to see about a possible replacement for my left hip. Starting to exhibit some of the tell-tale symptoms I experienced prior to having my right side done. Will know more, of course, after consultation.), on Thursday. Delighted that I could arrange to have them on same day, let me tell you!
Chloë and I will have dinner that evening and then attend a VWF event at VPL. Nick Bantock, author of Sabine and Griffen Trilogy so should be interesting. Back to Penticton on Friday morning as another set of visitors will appear on our doorstep! Luise and Dave, friends of Pam, from hiking group, from Denman Island. Have never met them but Pam's place is too small so I offered our place. Ironically, Lady Darjeeling will not be here as she will, in fact, be in Vancouver for the weekend! She is taking the bus on Friday morning as she has a baby shower, christening and book club gathering to squeeze in. Won't be home until Tuesday, day latest guests leave! Unfortunately, she had made plans before we knew they would be staying.
While composing this missive had a phone call from very close friend, Ted Keating, also a Winnipegger, originally, [He and Elaine live on Bayswater and 8th, but a few blocks from where we lived on 12th and McKenzie.], to make a "reservation" for May 8th. He and friend, Jim Gere, another Peggster, as well, are on a golf-trip and need a spot for the night. We often stay with them when in Vancovuer so delighted to be able to host them for a change. Anyway, trust you and John are well. Fondestos from Paintbrush Woman to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!
As mentioned, Andre the Giant and I spent a lazy morning morning and after The Sisterhood returned from their walk downtown we packed our picnic cooler and drove out Eastside towards OK Falls. Stopped at Noble Ridge as we wanted to show them the stunning view of Vaseux Lake from the Tasting Room patio. Winery was actually closed as staff were having a development seminar at a picnic table in the gorgeous garden, (Day was phenomenal, 29º!), below the Tasting Room. I asked if we could show our visitors the view and we were welcomed with open arms so we ended up having our picnic lunch there, drinking in the gorgeous view, along with a bottle of their Pinot Grigio!
One of the senior Tasting Room staff, Judy Ritcey, is also a lay minister at Oasis United so Lady Dar knows her quite well. She is simply terrific. Rosemary ended up buying quite a bit of the attractive pottery they have for sale in the Gift Shop so their hospitality paid for itself! Judy also said that they sell their used wine barrels and gave me a number to call. Friends, Ruthless and Ricardo, want some for planters at there gorgeous place on Little Shuswap and none of the wineries I'd talked too, thus far, had any available.
Thanking everyone, we set off for Gallagher Lake as Andre has friends there, Dan Atkinson and his wife, Val. Dan's father started Ace Cycles on Broadway, right beside Young Brothers, as you might know. Long story but upshot is that they moved to Gallagher Lake about six years ago and have two houses on the lake itself. They live in the smaller one and rent out the larger one as a holiday property. Dan used to come to the campsite next door, starting in his teens, I believe, and was always enamoured of the hamlet. Funnily enough, their son, Ryan, works for Bridge Brewing Company, in marketing, in North Van, owned by close friends of Chloë. The parents own a spectacular home in Trout Creek, (Summerland on the flats.), and we had Thanksgiving dinner there, last year, with Lynne and Peter and Louise and Henryk, couple who house-sat while we were in Inja!
Great visit with them and around 5:00 pm we drove across the highway to stop at Dubh Glas Distillery. Grant Stevely, the owner/distiller was there and he welcomed us in. Wonderful chap we'd first met at the Farmer's Market last summer. Malt is his passion and he is working towards his first release, in a couple of years, I think, but until then has to earn money with Gin, (His Noteworthy is one of the best I've ever had!), as well as a new product, (Dan gave us a taste earlier and then we had G/T's with Noteworthy while we sat outside at their picnic table overlooking lake!), and a new release, Virgin, an unflavoured spirit, (50.1%), an extremely smooth, tasty white lightening! Great visit and then we had to head back home as Brian Simpson of Suncoast was coming by to do an inspection on louvered roof and we also had to pay him the remaining amount!
Another wonderful meal with plenty more of Deep Roots hootch. By 11:00 pm everyone was pretty tired so we said goodnight. Must away to finish packing! Cheers, Patrizzio!
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