Summer Olympics Blues: Wednesday, April 6th!

Conscience is a dog that does not stop us from passing but that we cannot prevent from barking. -Nicolas de Chamfort, writer (6 Apr 1741-1794) 

The opening ceremony in the Panathinaiko Stadium

On 6 April (25 March according to the Julian calendar then in use in Greece), the games of the First Olympiad were officially opened; it was Easter Monday for both the Western and Eastern Christian Churches and the anniversary of Greece's independence. The Panathinaiko Stadium was filled with an estimated 80,000 spectators, including King George I of Greece, his wife Olga, and their sons. Most of the competing athletes were aligned on the infield, grouped by nation. After a speech by the president of the organising committee, Crown Prince Constantine, his father officially opened the Games:

"I declare the opening of the first international Olympic Games in Athens. Long live the Nation. Long live the Greek people."

Re: Absolution! Patrick, Don't take this as a sign I'm getting soft. There's no room for complacency. Peter Dear St Peter! I know full well, that I must be ever vigilant, with respect to back-sliding! To this end I have instructed Lady Dar to use a scourge on me, (She already administers many lashes each day!), whenever she senses I have troubling thoughts about re-doubling. I know, in my heart of hearts, that I will be a better bridge player for this whipping! "Spare the rod and spoil the bidding!" according to our beloved Jesuit Fathers! Cheers, from the torture chamber, Patrizzio! 

Hi Patrick, Thanks so much for the awesome bridge afternoon at your place. Thanks to my good luck with my partners, not so bad carts I was getting, and thanks to such a fantastic companion, I had real blast (including phenomenal taste of Scotch).  I am always ready for good game with good companion, so the only question remains; what time are you planning to play? Sunday evening I am available, but I will be busy in afternoon hours. Thanks again. Regards Mike

Hi Michaelo, The Hustler! Glad you enjoyed yourself as did everyone else! Peter is not available to play this coming Sunday afternoon but I think Pam might be free in the evening. I'll contact her and let you know as soon as I hear back. Lady Dar and I are keen to play in the evening so once I know I'll be in touch and we can plan accordingly.

With respect to louvered roof, lads came on Monday to begin process, take measurements, etc., and dug a small hole for concrete footing which will support, with a single post, the southwest corner of the structure. Everything else will be attached to the garage/house walls. We expect structure will be up by the end of this week or early the following week. You are more than welcome to pop around, at your convenience, at any time, although I suspect, later in the week would allow you to see more of the process and final structure. If you are making a special trip you might want to call ahead so that I'll have time to hide the malt cabinet! I mentioned your interest to Brian Simpson, owner of Suncoast, and he was pleased, of course. Chat soon. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Spumoni! Peter is not available to play this coming Sunday afternoon but Michaelo, Lady Dar and I are keen to play in the evening. Would you be interested? Let me know and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Sure! That sounds great! Not too late, though. We have a big hike to do the next day..... Pam Hello Bidding Fiends! Spamela can play so game is on! Lady Dar and I are happy to host but we don't want to insist on our place if others want to stay at home. Let me know your thoughts and time you'd like to start. Pam requests that it not be a late night with hike the following day. Fine with us. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Marian and Tim: Was finally able to pin Lady Dar down with respect to Mother's Day outing. She feels the hike might be a bit too strenuous for her so she won't join in. However, I'm keen to see this territory so please count me in. I'm happy to walk or cycle so just let me know what you decide, once you have a better idea about what others might care to do. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick, We haven't heard back from the others yet but at this point Tim and I have decided that we are going to walk. Hopefully we'll get to discuss things with Pam, Al, and anyone else interested on Monday's hike. Cheers, Marian 

Hello Walkers! That is just fine with me! Just let me know how you'd like to organize things once you've heard back from others. Thanks again and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Team Black Widow! Wine selection looks terrific! However, I note from the invoice that you have our former Vancouver address. We now live in Penticton. We will pick the order up when it is ready. Is that on or after the 11th or anytime you are open?

On another matter, close friends are looking for used wine barrels for planters. I'm sure you have many requests for same but was wondering if, in fact, you do dispose of them, from time to time. Of course, they'd be willing to pay.
Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick,I have made those changes in our system. Pick-up orders will be ready April 11th - however we are only open Saturday's 12-4pm in April. If you would like to come pick up outside of that time, just call or e-mail us to let us
know the time you will be here and we can meet you in the winery! Sorry, at this time we do not have any spare barrels. Thanks! Shannon
 
Hi Shannon! Thanks for speedy reply. Understand completely about barrels. Just thought I'd ask on the off chance that some where available.

With respect to collecting order we'll probably pop around on the Saturday following the 11th. If not then, the following Saturday as will have friends staying that weekend and they would like to do some wine-tasting. Obviously, we want to introduce them to the best winery on The Bench! Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrizzio,  Thanks for the chuckle! I'm relieved  to hear that the puppies were well-behaved because we would love to return to your wonderful piece of paradise in Penticton. We can't wait to see the new enhancements to your lovely abode. Perhaps we can even make a deal with time at the lake in the near future. Sir Grumpy loosened up after the first winery, lucky for me. Also, since they weren't busy, we were able to get in and out efficiently. Ruth

Hello again, Little White! Pleased to learn that Sieur de Grumpoire can actually loosen up! Must be that Arya and Sansa are having a mellowing effect on him, good puppies that they are! On another matter, I had to send Black Widow a message regarding our next release selection and so I asked Shannon, lovely, competent, knowledgeable daughter of owners, if there were any used wine barrels available. Unfortunately not but we'll keep asking on your behalf.

Lads working on installation have made good progress and seems that the superstructure is almost complete. I gather that the louvres will be the next sections to be installed. Lady Dar is quite pleased with how the roof is taking shape, as indeed, am I. You'll have to return to help christen the new addition! Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: The new louvred roof!

Wow! It appears that things really move fast in the little town of Penticton.
We'll definitely have to return to give the completion of this project our blessing
with the appropriate Naramata Wine! Ruth

Hi again, Ruthless! You hit the nail on the head about returning to give your blessing but we have to think long and hard about which wine to smash during the launch! We don't want to waste anything good! 

Talk about things moving quickly. Jugos Dom Pedro just phoned and he will come by with his utility trailer on Friday morning so that we can collect a load of soil for the two berms Lady Dar has planned for the front yard. Tomorrow we will prepare the sites as we need to cut the heavy plastic that has been laid down, under the stones, to prevent weeds, to conform to planned shape. Must away, as I'm charged with making salad for dinner. Fondestos from Lady Dar, Master Gardener! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Patrick, Thanks so much for all of the fabulous photos, even those from the Jazz Night and Wayne's retirement ( I was trying to guess who, if any of the people in the photos were related to you). Mostly, I appreciated your delightful writings about our last "Al-led" hike and especially your humourous, heartfelt appreciation of what Al has done for us.

Thanks also for supporting our Grandmothers For Africa event and for making the evening even more fun than it would have been without your presence.
Looking forward to many more events together, be they hiking, cultural, or whatever. Having said that, isn't there a Kitchen Stove movie coming up towards the end of April? Cheers, Marian 


Hi Marian! Thanks for your kind words of appreciation. Jazz Night was a blast and, under circumstances, it was wonderful to have been able to spend a bit more time with Al and Mary. One criticism, with respect to GFA, is that you and Tim should learn to play bridge so that Cora Lee and I could partner with you at next fund-raiser!

As far as Kitchen Stove, (I thought it was called "Kitchen Sink" at first!), series, yes, there is a film on April 21st. Unfortunately, for me at least, I won't be able to attend! I will be making a whirlwind trip into Vancouver on April 20th as I have two appointments with specialists, a dermatologist, (regular check-up), and and orthopedic surgeon, (Same one who replaced my right hip in 2010, now to see how left one is doing.) Managed to conflate them to same day, (originally one was on 29th!), as I need to be back home by 22nd when friends of Spumoni's from Denman Island will be staying with us for weekend.

Lady Dar will bus her ladyship-self into The Big Smoke on Friday as she is to attend baby showers and book clubs and power shopping sprees over the course of the weekend and following Monday! Since I won't be home on Thursday she has invited Michelle Dunn, (A Flatlander! Do you know her?), to the movie! Gad! All these damn Dunns everywhere you look and none of them considerate enough to be related to me! Cora Lee plans to attend the 4:00 pm showing so you will probably bump into them if you are going to that sitting. Cheers for now, Patrizzio!

thanks for the lovely welcome to spring! I am inspired to get out into my garden right now, and the sun is shining! have a great day Patrick! Hanneke Hi Hanneke! Glad you enjoyed the card. We missed you on Monday's hike. What a wonderful outing. Sad, however, as last one where Al will be so involved. Lady Dar is out with the walking group and I'm wondering if you are with the Flatlanders as well! Lovely day for it. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick, do you know if and where we are hiking tomorrow? Thanks so much for the info. your great pics and super company! Hugs, Olly

Dearest Olga Polga! Funny to receive your message as I just sent one to Jim French asking him the same question! I'll certainly let you know what I learn once I hear from him. Thanks for your kind winds and your wonderful company! Cheers, Patrizzio!
 
Hi James! I was wondering if you could include my address in list for the hikes on Thursday. Just Had a message from Olly and she was wondering if there was anything on tomorrow. Lady Dar was walking with The Flatlanders this morning and enjoyed the outing immensely. I gather Carol was there too. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Patrick, I have not planned a hike for tomorrow. Rick has one planned, and I believe it is going to be a really difficult one. He has limited the number of people he has contacted and also the number he will take.

I have added your name to the list (although it is out of alphabetical order if you are trying to find it). And I have attached a copy of the list as I have it. It is in Excel….just highlight the column, copy, and paste into BCC (I would ask that you use BCC so that the list has a limited visible distribution).

I am leaving Friday and will be gone at least 2 weeks, perhaps more. When I return, I am hoping to lead hikes for a few weeks, and I will be mailing to everyone on the list. But they will possibly be fairly challenging outings, either in time or terrain. Anyway, I will see you in a couple of weeks or so.

Hi Jim! Thanks for adding my name to list as well as sending a copy along. Much appreciated. I also appreciate your comments about difficulty of future hikes, limiting numbers, etc. Enjoy your coming visits. Say hello to Jim Hillson, from both Lady Dar and I, if you have the chance. Travel safely. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Rolly Polly! Just heard back from Jim and I guess there is nothing planned, at least as far as for people such as ourselves. I've plenty to do at home so I'm not overly disappointed. However, I am going to talk to or send messages to some of the other "GB regulars" to see what we might come up with, in terms of leadership for coming hikes. From what I've seen, to date, individuals like Paolo, Jud, Bad Boy, Jake,Anthea and Jim, and St Kilian are certainly capable of leading moderate hikes if they have the time/inclination. I wish I was able to take on a leadership role but I need a few more years worth of experience to even think about it.

I'm playing bridge, on Sunday evening, with Michaelo and Spumoni, so I'll see what they think or suggest. Will keep you posted as things develop. Fondestos, Olga Polga. Cheers, Patrizzio!

See you on Monday then. Have a great rest of the week! Hugs, Olly Hello Huggster! Wouldn't miss hike or you for the world, Olga Polga! Going to be busy rest of the week, let me tell you! Jugos Dom Pedro, a Naramatian friend, just phoned and he will come by with his utility trailer on Friday morning so that we can collect a load of soil for the two berms Lady Dar has planned for the front yard. Tomorrow we will prepare the sites as we need to cut the heavy plastic that has been laid down, under the stones, to prevent weeds, to conform to planned shape. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!  
 
Hi Patrick, Too bad you'll miss the barber turned serial killer on the 21st! Unfortunately, we'll probably miss Ms Durstan and Ms Dunn as we will attend the 1:00 show. Have to be back in time for Tai Chi at 6:00. Good luck with the appointments! Will have to discuss bridge at another time. Cheers, Marian

The Legend of Barney Thomson:

Scotland’s own Robert Carlyle makes his directorial debut with this delightful jet-black comedy about a downtrodden barber whose mundane life is turned upside down when he accidentally turns killer. Carlyle also plays the lead role as mild-mannered Barney Thomson, an old- fashioned barber who is slipping down the pecking order in the Glasgow barber shop where he works. After an accidental killing, he turns to his hilariously fierce mother (a quite wonderful Emma Thompson) for help.

Based on a novel by Douglas Lindsay – the first of seven books about Barney Thomson – the film was shot in Glasgow, with the city a vibrant and vital backdrop to the hilariously black story. Locations include the East End (where the barber shop is located), Shawfield dog track and the Barrowlands, which doubles as the bingo hall where Barney’s controlling mother Cemolina spends quality time. Emma Thompson is a revelation as the mother, complete with Glaswegian accent and a serious amount of make-up to help transform her into a truly memorable character.

The strong cast also includes Ray Winstone (as a fish-out-of-water London copper exasperated by his Scottish police colleagues), Martin Compston (as one of Bobby’s hairdresser rivals) and veteran actor Tom Courtenay (as the police chief baffled by a serial killer who is mailing body parts from a series of different Scottish tourist spots). The Legend of Barney Thomson is a deliriously dark comedy to be cherished...plus, make sure you stay on for the hilarious outtakes over the credit reel.

Hi again, Marian! In fact, I'm quite distraught to have to miss the film! I have always adored most Scottish films and I almost worship Emma Thompson! I trust I'll be able to see it somewhere, sometime, in the not too, too distant future.

On another matter, do you happen to know if there will be any hiking activity tomorrow? Olga Polga asked me and I was wondering myself. Would appreciate knowing if you happen to be aware of any proposed treks. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio! Not that I know of.

Hi Hustler Michaelo! Apparently Spumoni and Lady Dar, (on their Flatlanders' walk today), decided that bridge will be at our place, on Sunday evening, starting at 7:00 pm. Let me know if that is fine with you.

Lads working on installation have made good progress and seems that the superstructure is almost complete. I gather that the louvres will be the next sections to be installed. Lady Dar is quite pleased with how the roof is taking shape, as indeed, am I. You'll have to return to help christen the new addition! Cheers, Patrizzio! Album: Construction begins on the new louvred roof!

Hello Patrick! Tell me the story. Did Victor mess up? Seems like you are teaching him a lesson in English.

Hi Patrizzio The Younger! Trust all continues to go well in Oslo. Vittorio didn't really mess up but rather insists on speaking sloppily, at times, at least from my point of view! I have no illusions or desires about trying to reform the way individuals speak but there are certain situations when "mistakes" in current, lazy usage, again, at least as far as I'm concerned, are so glaring that I bristle. I detest, spit on the use of "good", (an adjective), for "well", (an adverb), per esempio. How are you Vittorio? He would probably reply "I'm good.", instead of "I'm well, O Great Patrizzio!"

I feel much the same about the use of "quote", (a verb), and "quotation", (a noun), and pointed this out. Victorino later argued, by sending me a dictionary entry, to prove his point. Again, common usage has become so uncaring, so pervasive, so corrosive, (Social media, texting, etc., certainly doesn't help.),  that many of the subtle distinctions which make language, any language I would argue, such a thing of wonder and beauty, are blurred, (One for the other, what does it matter anyway?), and finally, usually, trampled into oblivion. What is even more upsetting is that too, too many people haven't the slightest idea of their manglings, even worse, don't care!

As I think you know, I love to play with words and language and I delight in breaking rules of all sorts BUT I also feel one should at least try to know what the basic rules are to begin with. We debase ourselves and the language we speak when we don't shoulder the responsibility to at least try to communicate effectively, clearly, creatively. Our words should be like bird-song or the rustle of the breeze in the trees, like waves crashing against the fjords or the purring of a cat, like the drowsy, narcotic buzzing of bees on a sun-drenched afternoon or the gentle whisper of a kiss on a loved one's eyes. Take nothing for granted. Always pay attention, especially when dreaming. Always ask. Be ever curious about simply everything. Be gracious. Be kind. Find your own way and follow it, tenaciously, with courage and compassion. Onward! Fight! 

So that's the story, or part of it! Didn't want it to be a lecture, just some of my thoughts and feelings. Cheers, Patrizzio The Older! 

Hi Patrick  You guys are always on the go! What a life! And very exciting about ‎you renos! Will be very nice to be sheltered from the sun. The wineries he suggested are: Herder, La Frenze, Van Western, ‎Kettle Valley, Road 13, Hester Creek and Fairview Cellar. Soooo many to choose amongst, hard to know where to start! Luise Ps i'm off to help care for my ailing mother, so will only be on the Internet sporadically. 

Hi again, Luise! We know all of these wineries. Herder is now Corcelettes but still producing wonderful wine. Located in Keremeos, however. Road 13, Hester Creek and Fairview Cellars are all out of Oliver. Rest are off Naramata Road. Depending on your time/interest you'll need to decide which micro-regions you wish to visit. If you drive up on the Hope-Princeton you could hit Corcelettes, Clos du Soleil and Orofino in Keremeos before coming to Penticton. 

If you want to visit wineries around Oliver you should probably expect to spend most/much of the day there, what with drive, etc. Of course it all depends on how much tasting you'd like to do. There are more than enough wineries on The Naramata Bench for an entire weekend. If you have any questions, fire away! Sorry to learn that your mother is ailing. I trust things go as well as can be expected. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick, I did not go walking today, as it was my last day of visiting with my good friends from Whitehorse! We hadn't seen each other in over 20 years, and it was such a good visit! I will try harder to get to the hikes from now on, as well as out on my bike! hope to see you soon, Hanneke Hi again, Hanneke! Glad you had a terrific visit with your friends. Do you have any thoughts on the Thursday hikes now that Al will not be involved in organizing them? Cheers, Patrizzio!

Dear Corinne and Patrick, Thanks for writing back, both! Lovely to hear from you, and news of Naramata life. Where are you travelling in June? Back East or somewhere exotic and overseas?

Corinne, I wanted to let you know that we are preparing for the Friends AGM at the end of April, and it turns out we have had a great year of fundraising and volunteering - the most ever raised! So glad we are able to carry on the work you started, and hopefully in the original spirit of Friends too!

Patrick, good looking photos, and good luck with the outdoor roof installation - sounds very luxurious, and the best and only way to enjoy those long summer nights on the patio, bbq blazing and wine flowing. I did not know that Lynne and Peter lived in Naramata. I am not sure that they would remember me in particular, however Jessie had a long friendship with their daughter Caitlyn. It would be lovely to reconnect them one day!

Thanks again for generously hosting! we are thinking to stay overnight in Merrit on Friday as we knock off work pretty late and we are not confident about driving the whole way in one go. But I imagine we will roll into Naramata around midday on Saturday 21 May? Does that work for you? Have a good late-week and I hope the sun stays out! Best wishes, Zoe and Matthew

Hi Patrick! It is always a treat to stay in such a high class accommodation! I know that our back deck has been a blessing with the cover. So nice to be able to BBQ in the rain and have the deck furniture covered.... Only difficulty has been with the wind and rain coming sideways at times!

Now back into the swing of things at work. Feels like the break was weeks go and I have only been in my office two days. Glad you had a nice time in Vancouver. Now a nice place to visit after so many years!

I am trying to sort out water usage now and am putting money into our sprinkler system. New efficient heads and a timer that is controlled by an app.
Supposed to reduce consumption by 30-40%. Timer looks at a weather station and they put the soil type, slope and face to the sun. Also what it is watering into the system. Timer/App will regulate how much water to give on the watering day, if needed. Also looks at the weather and expected weather. Will automatically rain delay if it has rained. Hoping this will be a good thing.

Also looking at the small fortune of doing home renovations. Wanting to change the siding to hardiplank so that the warped cedar of 36 years can go.
Not really interested in painting it every 10 years. Have watched my parents do that too long. Doug had an estimate for gutters. That is about a $1200.00. I am also at the point where standing on my head to get things out of cupboards is no longer entertaining. Really wanting to redesign the kitchen. We did a lot in 2001 to make the place liveable but that was just painting over the old age of the 1980 design. Now I am ready to fix things properly.

Doug said he was going to build a house or buy a rental this year. He bought a rental. Now he has bought another one. So... I guess we are going to be in this house for a long time. As my Dad says... It is just money and you can't take it with you.

Dad is still struggling with getting his health back after his year of treatments. He told me last week that the plan now is to sell all the cows this fall. It was so hard to hear. But... I know they can't keep going on like this. It is just so hard to watch them right now. One more summer of making hay and then I guess they will sell it all to other ranchers in the valley. Not sure what they are going to do with the property. Time will tell. Lots of memories. Will be so hard to walk away from it all as it has been in our family since my great grand parents bought the land. Anyway... Up to my Dad right now. I do hope I can make it to see you this summer! Your home sounds lovely. Hugs to you both xoxo Take Care, Ariane ��������

Hello again, Ariane! Sorry to hear about your Dad's health. Sad, indeed, about the property that has been in your family for such a long time. Congrats to Slum-Landlord Doug! Still a banker at heart, obviously! We applaud you own water conservation efforts! Cheers, Patrizzio!