Day 18, Post-Op, Freeloader Overnight Blues: Sunday, October 2nd!

No metaphysician ever felt the deficiency of language so much as the grateful. -Charles Caleb Colton, author and clergyman (1780-1832)

Hello Salish Sea Folk and Burnaboids! Had a grand, if brief visit, with Marcus Aurelius last evening. Even though he walked over from his in-law's house, I couldn't twist his arm to have any malt after we polished off a 2014 Painted Rock Syrah, 15.1%, and a shot of Noteworthy Gin! Lower Mainlanders are heavy duty lightweights when if comes to hootch, obviously! Sorry Susan didn't come along as we could have played a few rubbers of bridge had she done so!

Earlier, around 1:00 pm, Louise and Henryk, couple who house-sat for us last year, popped by to collect a number of things they'd left as they didn't want to mule them to Arizona where they own a home in Sun City. At any rate, Henryk had installed our in-house vacuum system while we were in India. Over the course of this summer I noticed that the suction became ever less powerful so I was quite concerned that something was blocking the hose which retracts into the tubing in crawl space. Not something I felt I could fix, especially now, with new hip! I wanted to ask Henryk how to disassemble outlet, to remove hose, before I buggered something up!

Probably could have done it myself but he, very generously, did it in far less time than I could have managed since it is at an awkward level, given my current bending limitations. Documentation suggested pushing a garden hose through vacuum hose to dislodge any blockage. We tried to do this, on back patio/driveway but could only get garden hose through about two thirds of length of vacuum hose. Henryk suggested a "fish line", something one uses to string wire. We could tie the garden hose to such a thinner "snake" and if that didn't dislodge blockage then we could pull the larger hose though the vacuum hose. Decided I'd ask Stormin' Norman, across back lane, if he had such a tool. He did but didn't know where it was as his garage is in worse shape than ours!

At any rate, he came over and after we removed garden hose determined that there was no blockage in vacuum hose by simply blowing through it! [I could feel his breath 50' away!] Then the two highly paid, skilled craftsmen went to work inside and Stormin' decided it was the O seal on the end of the hose which was causing the problem. Through shrinkage, probably, it was not providing a close seal and hence the loss of suction. Couple of layers of electrical tape and bingo, system hoovered Trump's toupée right through TV screen! Since they'd solved this nagging problem, I outlined next issue since I felt I was paying them exorbitant rates anyway!

Chloë reported that the two outside plugs, under and beside the patio steps, had stopped working while we were away at Folk Fest. Big Al took a look on GranFondo weekend but we didn't really have time to see what was wrong. Temporarily, I used an extension cord from plug which feeds juice to my chop saw and we could have light on patio as well as power to vacuum which worked exceeding well from the outlet next to the unit itself. [This was another reason I thought that the main hose was blocked.] Having described this to the lads, Henryk said he'd come back, in a couple of weeks, [He is away on business, shortly.], with a circuit tester. He had put in the new plug, in garage, to feed vacuum, and had used the outside plug, which is now under the stairs and same one Dusty and I used to power the outlet which is more accessible.

Until then, we have this "workaround", a bit klunky as we can't vacuum and have dehydrator on at same time. This, of course, is an indication that some of the wiring has probably not been done properly or at least without much foresight. One of my top projects is to have an electrician take a close look at all the wiring as there are a number of other "issues". Outlet in guest bathroom doesn't work unless light is on so one cannot charge a toothbrush, per esempio, unless one leaves light on. Not a big deal, but silly. As well, on a number of double light switches, one of toggles doesn't seem to activate anything. More concerned about overloaded circuits, obviously. In inspection report it was suggested that some upgrades would be worthwhile, although no safety concerns were detected. Anyway, just want to let you know that we have our own DIY issues here in Penticton, not limited to Gabriola! Speaking of which, do you happen to know Phyllis Reeve. She lives on Coats Drive and was a colleague at UBC. Just saw her address in a response to a Library Emeritii message.

We missed Marcus' call yesterday afternoon as we were taking a look at a view property in Naramata. It is right above Sandy Beach Lodge, (where the Carters stay each year), and views are simply spectacular, no question. House is one of best, in terms of size and condition/appointment/maintenance, etc., but still, together with yard, too large as far as I'm concerned. Also, I really don't wish to live where we have to drive absolutely everywhere. Would be more than fine as far as cycling goes but I still prefer Burns by a long shot.

On way home we stopped at Lock & Worth as we wanted to pick up some cheese from Poplar Grove Cheese which is where the former has their tasting room. I had never been since original owners of PG divorced but both Chloë and Lady Dar had been earlier this summer. Unfortunately, wine was sold out as the production is fairly small. Still, picked up four different cheeses as they were all delicious. On the way home, just before Township 7, I noticed the sign for Kanazawa, a winery we'd not been to before. [Had always been closed when I'd driven by this summer.] Chloë and Wild Bill Gross had talked about it before. Chloë had read about the wine and Wild Bill had tried some since some of the product was available in Vancouver.

Tiny, tiny place but a hidden gem. Richard, the owner/winemaker was pouring and we had a wonderful time. A young woman, a 4th year medical student from UBC, doing an elective, in a clinic in Summerland, was there when we arrived so it was fun talking to her, Lise, [Her mother is French.], as well. Richard played rugby when he lived in Burnaby so he knew or knew of some of lads, (Cudgel Man's friend Rod, per esempio.), I mentioned. He attended the Sevens tournament this past February, in Vancouver, and apparently the first Canadian team to play in this tournament was introduced, at some point, (I didn't witness this.), and apparently one of the best, if not the best player, lives in Naramata! Richard knows him. Even got a few tips on where he would eat Japanese food in both Penticton and Kelowna. I really liked his 2014 Malbec, 13.6%,  so picked up three while Lady Dar was partial to the 2014 Sakura, 13.5%, 100% Pinot Noir Rosé.

Back home to open a bottle of Terravista's 2015 Albariño, 14%, fabuloso, while we watched a couple of episodes of Luther on Netflix, munching on two of delish Newton's from Jugos Dom Pedro, with a round of Naramata Bench, a soft blue from Poplar Grove. Had cored, peeled and sliced most of the ones he brought by on Friday, and I put them in dehydrator reasonably early on Saturday morning. Lady Dar tried them about 6:30 pm and they were just right. Going to try some of the peppers we've grown over the summer. Filled a small bottle, (recycled one, with a ceramic stopper, used by Balsamic Bliss, vendor at Farmers Market.), with them, in olive oil. Hope my "infusion" will give a bit of bite to anything I might fry!

Must away as now I have been charged, by Lady Dar, with vacuuming! No excuses now, unfortunately! Lynette, Maya's mom, will be staying tonight, en route, from Vernon, where she was visiting family, to Vancouver Island where she recently purchased a place near Courtenay. She said she'd be here around 6:00 pm so we'll have dinner together. She and Lady Dar will probably walk some of the KVR tomorrow morning before she heads back to Vancouver. She mentioned she'd like to take us to lunch so my vote is for Isshin Sushi on Front Street. Fondestos to one and all, from Lady Dar, at Oasis, praying that I'll change my mind about moving! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: View from Rosebud Avenue. Funnily enough, I've ridden by here many times, on way back from Indian Rock, community at the end of Naramata Road. View from Lock & Worth; Kanazawa; Marcus Aurelius and Lady Dar!

Hi Vittoria and Jake! Sorry that it has taken me so long to reply to both your email and phone messages. Thanks so much for your good wishes. Much appreciated, of course. Best wishes to you both from Lady Dar. All the best and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Arrived safe & sound. Sunny, 13C. No wind. Green grass. Beautiful fall day! Nice to have no responsibilities now!! M

Hi Vinnie! Funnily enough, as I was listening to Eleanor Wachtel, host of Writers & Company, on CBC Radio One, [on, as I scribe], interview Viet Thanh Nguyen, author of The Sympathizer, I came across this, "A Weekly Compendium of Feedback on the Words in A.Word.A.Day and Other Tidbits about Words and Language Subject: harebrained:  

"This was a favorite word and phrase for those of us involved in the Vietnam War. We applied it to all the harebrained schemes promised to win the war, e.g. making rain on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, Mcnamara’s Fence, and many, many more. They were all accompanied by briefers who enthusiastically promised that this or that project was a winner that turned out to be dreamed up by non-combatants working in broom closets at the Pentagon. Harebrained indeed. We laughed, but it really wasn’t funny." David Steiner, Thornton, Colorado 

I assume you could listen to the podcast of this program if interested. Must away as Lynette, latest freeloader, just arrived! Cheers, Rizzzo!  

Hi Patrick I have been meaning to tell you that I borrowed from our local library the 3 seasons of the “Outlander” We thoroughly enjoyed them and were sad when we had viewed them all! Since everybody else has watched “Game of Thrones” I have just borrowed that series from library and have started to watch, I think I am hooked!! Keep up the good work re your rehab. We have been housebound today as the rain is pelting down , can’t even go for a walk it is so bad, we are developing webbed feet. Cheers Tina

Hello Webbed Footed People! I know you seem to be suffering from incredibly inclement weather but I'm wondering if the amount of precipitation is good or not. Will this help the water tables or will the deluge simply become destructive run-off? At least you can watch some wonderful series, [Bravo Public Library!], if you can't even go for a walk! We have seen all of both and are waiting impatiently for next season!

Lady Dar had a yoga class at 9:00 am this morning and after I made a pot of coffee, Lynette walked some of the KVR. She had mentioned, earlier, that she'd like to take us to lunch s when they were both back we piled into our car and drove to The Bench Market on Vancouver Avenue and enjoyed a very tasty brunch indeed. I ordered the Bench Club: oven roasted all natural Bradner Farms turkey, Fraser Valley bacon, Canadian smoked cheddar, crushed avocado, fresh tomato & lettuce on grilled multi-grain; Lynette, the Sicilian: thinly sliced capicollo ham, Genoa salami, marinated artichokes, organic Gouda and sundried tomato spread on toasted baguette while Lady Dar had their Classic Egg-Salad Sandwich.

Back home to snap a few pictures before Lynette was off. She wanted to be back in Vancouver before rush-hour so thanking her for the great visit and tasty lunch we waved goodbye. Duke and Etta have been relishing their freedom as we let them out, without leashes, once Lynette was gone. Second day of freedom and they've been busy continuing to further explore both front and back yards, making complete circuits of the house then dashing inside for a few moments before dashing out again!

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Will be a bit of a quiet week until Friday when Chloë will be back for Thanksgiving weekend. Her friends, Katie and Brian, along with Emma and Luca, their children, will be here as well. Chloë will take care of them while the parents look at homes in West Kelowna and Kelowna. They feel that Vancouver is far too expensive for them. They own a one bedroom there but are currently renting it out and living in a larger, rented place themselves as the one bedroom is simply too small now. Job prospects, they feel, at least for them, are better in and around Kelowna. Sooner they relocate the better, as as far as I'm concerned, as there is already a steady "migration" to this part of the province, both from Lower Mainland and Alberta, and prices are rising accordingly.

Haven't heard from the React program yet but hope to start the program later this week as my incision is almost completely healed and I'm itching to start riding on the stationary bike, Duke and Etta loping alongside me as I spin the pedals furiously! Fondestos from Lady Dar, about to head out to the front yard to do a bit of tidying and rest of fall weeding. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: View from Rosebud Avenue. Funnily enough, I've ridden by here many times, on way back from Indian Rock, lovely, small community at the end of Naramata Road. View from Lock & Worth; Kanazawa; Free at last: Etta sunning on back patio; Duke doing tricks for neighbours, Amanada and Kayla. Duke wanting a snort of Lynette's malt! Passed out after a sip so there is still plenty for you, Trevorino! They love to chew this grass. Exploring the berms!

Lynette stayed overnight. She arrived around 6:00 pm and we enjoyed drinks and cheese around the fire pit as days, and evenings, in particular, are starting to become reasonably, yet comfortably, cool. Enjoyed stuffed chicken thighs which Lady Dar bbq'd to poifection, with heritage carrots, and two salads, beet/Feta and tomatoe/red onion. Snort of malt for Lynette and I and then The Sisterhood retired to read while I watched a couple of episodes of Luther and loaded dishwasher.