New Year's Eve Round Midnight Blues : Tuesday, December 31st

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. -Carl Sandburg, poet (1878-1967) 

Hi Patrick & Corinne. Thank you for the lovely Xmas e card - the grandchildren especially liked it! All is well here in Cheddar as we hope is with you and yours.
We have had a very wet and windy winter so far with lots of people on flood alert. Tonight we will be seeing the New Year in at a rock'n'roll dance! Wishing you a very happy New Year, Sue & Roger    

Hello Sue and Roger!

Trust you are both well. From your lovely Christmas picture that seems to be the case. Thank you for it and the New Year's wishes. Wanted to wish you both all the best before the New Year as well. We are, at the moment, in the Sunshine Valley, (heading east, just past Chilliwack/Hope), probably till around noon today.

  
Once again, all the best for a Healthy New Year to you and family, Sue and Roger. We trust our paths will cross in the not too, too distant future and we would love to have you stay with us when you visit Vancouver. Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS: Glad your grandchildren liked the Christmas card. Perhaps they will enjoy the balloon game which comes with the New Year's card I'll send along once I've posted this message!

Pics: Sunshine Valley on a stroll with Al and Colleen.

A Healthy New Year to
    you and Cheryl, and family, Allan,
    from Corinne, Chloë and Patrizzio!

         Cheers to one and all!   A Healthy New Year to  Krissy, Mark, Chloë and all their Snowshoeing, Big White, Teapot Friends from Cora Lee,(Mom), and Patrizzio, (Dad)  Much Warm Love and Cheers to one and all! 

Hello Sunshine Valley Folk!

Just a quick note to thank you both for such a lovely visit! Must away as I'm only one not upstairs but wanted to send along snaps. Will be in touch, in more detail, later! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!


Stats for today's ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/422590040#.UsPWHqopluU.email 

Thank You Patrizzio and all for the lovely card. My neighbour and good buddy Steve and I went to an early movie, dinner at Swiss Chalet and home again. I had an incredible view of the fireworks, which, for a small city, were very impressive.. It is now 1am and after a very late night last night, I am off to bed. All the very best you you and your family in 2014... Thanks again... Bill 

Wayne Sutherland

Happy New Year from Dartmouth NS — at Celtic Corner

Thank you sir Patricio All the best Livingstone 

Hi Joey, Chandler, et al!

Trust your feline New Year's eve was as pleasant and as food/hootch-filled as ours. We had been invited to a dinner party by Joanne, good friend and neighbour, upstairs in our building to bring in the new year. After Cora Lee and I returned from the Sunshine Valley, (beyond Hope!), where we had spent the previous night with close friends, Colleen and Al, at their comfy cabin right on the Sumallo River, about 1:30 pm Tuesday afternoon, I managed to get in a great ride to and around Stanley Park, leaving the Islay Inn just after 2:00 pm. Not too, too many people about but those that were walking or jogging were certainly enjoying the day as it was dry, although quite cloudy. Temperature was poifect for riding and there was but little wind. I was home around 4:45 pm. 

Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/422590040#.UsPWHqopluU.email 

I was just putting my bike away and wishing Herardo, the janitor for our building, all the best for coming year, when Cora Lee came out of our door with the yummy potatoe dish, (mashed potatoes smothered with a topping of grated, smokey Cheddar and green onions), she had made for dinner. She was on her way to take it to Joanne's apartment and then she was planning to take a walk along the Seawall.  Once I'd readied my steaming mug of java I sat down to send out New Year's greetings to friends and family across the world. Coriandre returned about an hour later and we proceeded to phone close friends to wish them all the best for 2014 as well. 

After a number of calls, Coramandel went to ready herself for the evening's festivities and shortly after she had showered, Ayn phoned. We had a lovely chat although I was upset to learn that both she and Alejandro were feeling under the weather, (One of our friends, Ricardo, in Squamish, was also laid low with a nasty flu/terrible cough.), so would be spending the evening at home. Xavierino, however, was hale and hearty and at work at Sound so we presumed he would be raking in huge tips over the course of the big night!
 

For her part, Ayn was going to curl up in bed and watch both Inside Llewyn Davis and Nebraska, as a friend/colleague, a voting member of the Academy, had let her borrow her screening copies. I was quite jealous as I do want to see both films. Anyway, I handed the phone to Corinne and went to self-beautify! Once I's showered and pomaded I called for fashion advice as I needed Cora Lee to give the go ahead on my choice of shirt and the matching bow-tie. By the time this critical outfitting was over, Clarisse and Dusty had arrived bearing Rosita's spicy shrimp, one of the appetizers we were contributing.
 

Coriandre had put together a plate of gluten-free crackers and an incredible Truffo, (Truffle Triple Cream from Benton Brothers Fine Cheese on GI), a "soft surface ripened pasteurized cow's milk cheese", so laden with these dishes and bottles of wine, the others made their way upstairs. I wanted to finish sending a few messages so after I'd done that I followed them, bearing the bubbly we intended to drink at midnight.

Other two guests, Maxine and Dave, both friends of Joanne, were there by the time I walked in the door. I'd met Dave this past summer but hadn't met Maxine before. Had a most enjoyable time, nibbling and sipping, visiting with everyone until Dave and Coriandre were dispatched to bbq the pork loin while Monique helped Joanne with other dishes in the kitchen. Durstons and I flipped TV channels to try and find one that everyone could agree upon to watch as countdown to 2014 approached. Assembled company was divided between coverage at Times Square and show in Niagara Falls. I opted for latter, (All things Canadian), but Cora Lee insisted on the former as she wanted to see the famed crystal ball dropping on freezing New Yorkers!

Once everything was deemed ready, we served ourselves from the heaping platters and casserole dishes arrayed on the kitchen bar counter and our plates were soon piled high with slices of the aforementioned pork loin, wedges of the Tourtière I'd helped make the previous Saturday, Coriandre's fabulous smashed spuds and a divine broccoli/red onion salad. We sat down at the table and Corinne gave thanks for the sumptuous feast and the friends and family fortunate to share in this plenty. 

Maxine, unfortunately, had to leave by 10:00 pm so Joanne served a wide selection of home-made baked desserts for the sweet-toothed among us, with room enough left to savour the wonderful confections of sugar and chocolate. Wishing Monique an early "Happy New Year" we bade goodnight to her and repaired to the living room where we continued to flip between channels, watching the various live performances, the breathes of all the parka clad commentators  and scantily clad female vocalists quite visible in the frosty air!
 

Coriandre had her way and so we settled on CTV to watch the festivities in New York and with a minute to go I popped the cork on a bottle of Josẻ Dhondt Rosé de Saignée, a very, very tasty Brut Champagne, as it turned out, and poured everyone a glass in Joanne's attractive flutes and when the ball dropped to announce the birth of 2014 we toasted one another and then made the rounds of kissing and hugging each other. Polished off the terribly good bottle by 12:30 am and by then it was time to go for the first sleep of 2014! Healthy New Year World!   

Colleen Teahan Waldron

Thanks Corinne Durston and Patrick Dunn for the lovely visit, delicious stew, bridge lessons and engaging conversations We miss you already xo

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EITHER DATE WORKS FOR ME AT THIS TIME. HAPPY NEW YEARS TO ALL!--Kurt

George, February 9th would better for me.  

Best wishes to everyone for a happy new year! GBR

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/12/31/256596253/nothing-focuses-the-mind-like-the-ultimate-deadline-death
 

 

 

Burning Man Sunshine Valley Blues: Monday, December 30th

Nothing so soon the drooping spirits can raise / As praises from the men, whom all men praise. -Abraham Cowley, poet (1618-1667)

Up at 6:54 am to have a quick shower to ready myself for Day 4 of Efudex application, around 9:00 am when Coriandre rouse her tousled head. Egg Nog infused java so all is well with the waning year! 

Hi Big Al and The Hole-in-the-Wall Gang!

Glad to hear that the Sunshine Valley Outlaws are well, relaxing instead of terrorizing local populace! Think you predicted arrival time pretty closely as Coriandre has to conduct an interview for individual applying for job as accountant for restaurant that Trinity has transformed itself into owning, Heartland, near 12th/Kingsway, at 10:30 am. We should be packed and ready to roll before that so once she has finished interview she'll call me and I'll collect her and we'll head for the hills to join up with Butch and The Kid!

Die Direktoren has decided that a Moroccan tagine, (beef, chick peas, chunks of squash, cherry tomatoes), is to be our offering to the bandits. It's pretty much a meal in itself but rice or potatoes, of some kind, would make a good "soppage" side dish, if the nasty varmints need even more from their feedbags. A simple green salad is always welcome, from my point of view. We are more than happy to bring any of latter with the chuck wagon, so let me know. If I haven't heard from you, in the next little while, I'll call you on my new cell: two tin cans and a long piece of baling twine! Might be a bit of interference going over Port Mann Bridge but otherwise seems to work just dandy, pudnah!
 

In case yer moonshine has run out and yonder hills have you snowbound, I've included a little larnin' material for you while you twiddle yer shoooting fingers in front of the pot-bellied stove. So let us know about any other vittle fixin's we can mule. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrice,

Wonderful to hear you will be coming and bearing such delicious sounding cargo!  Hopefully you don't get ambushed by the Othello tunnels gang on the way but if you do just tell them the hole in the wall gang will head them off at the pass! Maybe you can throw some Calona red wine blend to keep them occupied while you make good your escape to the Hope Hilton!

We have everything covered foodwise besides what you are bringing up other than perhaps a newspaper for fire starting purposes so if you happen upon a pile of old ones please grab some so we can fire up our stove. Cheers, drive safe and look forward to seeing you soon!

Dear Saloon Manager, Concierge and Stable Boy, Hope Hilton!

Nice ploy about needing newspapers to start the fire. We know that you really need them to give to the Upstairs Maid to stuff the matresses as I gather from the last visit that you guests were not at all impressed with the horsehair filled ones! Might be good enough for the Othello Tunnel Gang but they are louts and tosspots.
 

Still waiting for Mme. Coriandre to call to provide instructiones for last few errands I'm hoping to accomplish on my bike before her interview is over. One way, or another, I think we are pretty much on schedule for a departure around noon so then it's blazing saddles! Cheers, Patrizzio "El Loco" Dunn!

Patrick,

Great letter! However, I agree with Corinne that you vastly over-praised yourself with the "I must have been a very, very good boy this year." We wish Corinne and you a very Happy New Year. Mike  

Hello Michaelo!

Always terrific to have friends and relatives to keep my hubristic tendencies in check.Once again, best wishes to you and Marilyn for a Healthy New Year! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio/Agamemnon "With Overweening Tendencies to Insist on Walking On the Red Carpet" Dunn!

Hi Sheila and Des!

Trust you are both well. Have been meaning to send along a message for ages. No excuses but plenty of reasons! Furthermore, Wanted to wish you both all the best before the New Year. Once again, all the best for a Healthy New Year to you and family. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Missing any wine?

Our sewer has backed up and we have plumbers rooting around (haha) in our basement. In my explorations I literally stumbled upon 26 bottles of David Coffaro which according to the documents nearby I picked up on 22 Aug. 2009. I regret to note that they were stored tops up-not sure how that happened. In any event, I righted them and write to remind you of their existence. Perhaps they are "over the hill" and I should start testing them? They are nowhere near our sewer problem, I happily note, so the bottles are fine out the outside and I hope on the inside....Back to the plumbers who are still investigating....Cct.

hi ! Thank-you for the card All the best for the New year Ania

P, My steam powered computer could not run these cards. But my phone could. I won't tell the sisterhood. W

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=4587492516015&source=jl999&utm_medium=internal_email&utm_source=pickup&utm_campaign=receivercontent

 Great shots! Nana looks Scandinavian....I like your blue jacket and love that you took your matching new pot with you on holiday!! Those icicles are huge!!! Happy new year to all!!! 

thanks for the card Patriciio and famiglia. All the best in the New Year,
GBR and Nancy Pants.  

Thanks Patrick, Nifty card, we are just having a quiet one at home this year and looking forward to Claire finishing work probably in September. Thanks for your thoughts and we hope you all have a relatively fine NYE we have noticed that the US and Canada have been having some rather frosty weather a little east of you guys I think.  So have a good NYE and we will chat in 2014. Cheers Greg and Claire

Thanks Guys Have a great New Year and a fantastic 2014 xxxx 

Watch Video 1 first then Video 2
================================================
 

The real commercial:
1.   Molson Canadian | The Beer Fridge 
 
 
The parody:
2.   22 Minutes: Beer Fridge Ad Spoof  



both days work well for me as well Happy new year everyone by the way! VL
Patrice, Thank you for your NY greetings. Lovely day down here (29c) and hope to get to the beach.  Later I'll lunch with my mates Scott and Dominic (I'm sure you met them) and will be seeing in the new year at a Harbour front home.
Tomorrow I suspect I'll be checking into the Sydney branch of the Betty Ford clinic!!! Love to the Dunn gang Tiptoe

Hi Pat, Sorry for the delay - we had a long and fairly unremarkable drive yesterday. I was thinking of you when we passed Sunshine Valley - unfortunately there wasn’t much sunshine there yesterday, but it looked rather cozy in there all the same.
 

Snowshoeing!!!

We would love to join you for New Years if the offer still stands. When would you like us, and what could we bring? We don’t have too many crazy plans for New Years’ Eve, except for a neighbourhood get-together with a drop or two of bubbly. 

Talk soon - thanks for the update and the pics - mine are still on the camera; I’ll get around to dealing with them some time in the summer, as all good photographers won’t use their images until they’re just right (or when they remember about such things). -A.

for those dates, are we staying in town or still going to Winterfell aka the Island? VL

Victor, sorry for the confusion. The next gathering will be somewhere in Vancouver. G 

We have spent the whole afternoon popping balloons. Why didnt' we have the sense to pop open Champagne bottles instead! Thanks and have a safe and wild New Years! Cactus and Donna F. 

Patrick, Agamemnon, eh? as the Canadians would say. When we went to the Queen Charlotte Islands in 1989, we stayed the first night of the trip in Cache Creek, but earlier had stopped in Hope to buy some beer. They had an attractive band box in a shady park; it looked nice. The latest correction for the German word is "Die Direktorin" as the feminine of Direktor. Keep up the faux humility. Mike

Both days are fine with me. And happy new years to all. Cheers Moe

Chloe Alexis Dunn

Big White 2013 - 

Burning Ground Efudex Flurouracil Blues: Sunday, December 29th

Stability in language is synonymous with rigor mortis. -Ernest Weekley, lexicographer (1865-1954) 

A Healthy New Year to
    you and Cheryl, and family, Allan,
    from Corinne, Chloë and Patrizzio!
         Cheers to one and all!

Thank you, my friend. Best wishes to you and yours for a healthy & happy New Year.

Al 

Patrizzio Sr,

Thank you very much for your hospitality this evening. I am so pleased to have the opportunity to spend some time with you. I felt that this was the best way to get to know each better. Also understanding where we come from. Delighted to hear your stories as usual and it was very interesting. I have so many more questions to ask and we got off on a good start. We'll talk soon and safe travels. Patrick

Buon Giorno, Patrizzio den Yngre!

"Mutual, I'm sure!" (Please identify line. Said by whom to whom. No Googleage!!! Hint:  Christmas movie)

Coramandel and I both enjoyed your visit. You are a very, very interesting young man and it is more than a pleasure to spend time together and certainly to get to know one another better. I too, still have a myriad of probing questions so the journey continues!

Coriandre suggests you and The Evil Twin arrive anytime after 5:15 pm on New Year's Day. We will probably eat around 6:30 pm-7:00 pm so that gives you both a bit more flexibility should you have other commitments beforehand. Otherwise come at aforementioned time and we can sample some malt, bourbon or rye whuskeeeee! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio den Eldste, men sikkert ikke nødvendigvis Klokere!

Pic: Il Conduttore pontificating last Friday evening! 

Hi Janet!

Too, too bad we couldn't connect. How went your visit with friends from Ireland? For my part, the Tourtière making went very well indeed. In terms of getting together, our social calendar seems pretty empty after New Year's Day so perhaps we can arrange a time to get together before you return to work. Take a look at the days towards the end of this coming week and let us know what times might be convenient.  

Hello Old Oakites and Nouveau Vancouverites!

Trust everyone is well. Have been meaning to send along snaps taken the evening the Bright Young People were over. Thank you, Zoe, and Matt, for the lovely Gingerbread Men. (I feel terrible every time I bite off a limb but they taste so good I block out their screams!) Cora Lee and I both enjoyed the evening immensely and it was a delight to have the opportunity to visit and really have a chance to chat.

Thank you both for the lovely card, (Isn't reading my bastardized Italian enough of a lesson for Stefano to make him fluent?), and very, very entertaining Boxing Day email, Kathleen. We knew about the snakes in paradise and felines brought in to control same, from Zoe, also the snake-oil car salesman. However, I thought one usually went from conning unsuspecting buyers to holding political office, not vice versa, yer honour da Mayor! Mornington for New Year's, The Lives of the Rich and Famous, indeed!

In closing, trust our paths will cross, as you say, Kathleen, this coming year. You know you are always welcome and we truly wish to have you stay on our fancy, smancy inflatable mattress. (You can use it to river raft as well!) Fondestos and Cheers and Best Wishes for a Healthy New Year to everyone Down Under and in Kits!

Pics: Mr BMW and Ms Medical Mediator! Dinner, Christmas Eve; Santa's elf, cited for drinking/sleeping on the job, Christmas Eve of all times! Christmas morning brunch and a few presents.

Hi Darling Marilyn and Jokester Michaelo!

Thank you for your lovely Christmas letter. Know precisely what you mean about Valentine's Day delivery! In closing, trust our paths will cross this coming year. You know you are always welcome and we truly wish to host you for a change! Fondestos and Cheers and Best Wishes for a Healthy New Year to everyone!

P, hope you and Roboman got out lasterday. We had a good ride to Evergreen and a barnburner of a match that Dennis and I stole in the final point of the 5th. Looks like we are not riding today. I have another match at 4PM. Weather looks dodgy tomorrow and I play Tuesday... How is Ray? W

Hi Giggenheimer!

Congrats on last minute victory! Well done!!! Decided to play it cosy today so just enjoying life inside. Might even give up riding and take up malt sippage and DVD watching instead! Actually, far, far more demanding than a ride out to Iona bucking a fierce head wind.  Janet, friend who has made three trips to Inja, to date, popped by earlier and we had a wonderful chat about her experiences there. (Served her a cup of java and was a tad upset that she wanted a hefty pour of Irish Cream stirred into it!) She will be our "expert" for proposed 2015 trip. We worked together at the Curric Lab at UBC and she then went on to Dal for Library School. Is now Head of Children's Library at Main, VPL.

Backstory to your quesion about Robo Man: When back, Cora Lee informed me that Patrizzio Due was coming by around 7:00 pm. He had sent a message along, earlier, mentioning he wanted to have the opportunity to spend some time with me, without Vittorio! He felt that this was the best way to get to know each other better as his cousin seems to do all the talking when there happen to be the two of them present. Quite touching actually!

Anyhow, he had not appeared by 7:45 pm. so close to 8:00 pm we decided to sit down to dinner. Coriandre had whipped up an omelette, using some of the cherry tomatoes and bocconcini we had left over from a salad. Warmed up some of Chloë's fabulous dressing as well so my mouth was already starting to water when Patrizzio The Younger arrived! Perfect timing of a seasoned Freeloader!

We invited him to join us although we only had a few snorts of Schnapps, (Red, red wine for The Sisterhood!), with our food as Patrizzio was driving. (Plus a couple of shots of Poitin, The Original Spirit of Ireland, weighing in at 61.5%, a veritable porch cleaner if ever there was one!) Had a great conversation about all sorts of topics. Cora Lee left us to watch TV, at some point, but we
both enjoyed his visit. He is a very, very interesting young man and it is more than a pleasure to spend time together and certainly to get to know one another better. I still have a myriad of probing questions so the journey continues!

Talked to Raymond earlier this morning and he said he was off to the gym. Mentioned his hips were a tad sore when he clambered out of bed this morning so not sure if this is ride related or not. Anyway, he seemed in good spirits so I think his heart "condition" is not an issue, at the moment at least.

Perhaps a ride on New Year's Day to clear away the cobwebs. anyway, we'll chat! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Dear Patrick and Corinne,

Here is a photo from our recent festivities -not the greatest but as in Julius Caesar "tis enough, twill serve" (describing Brutus' sword wound) Thanks for coming and we hope to connect on Vancouver Island. Happy New Year, Bill & Denise.

Hi Wild Bill and Decorous Denise!

Thank you both for the lovely evening and simply delicious bison, not to mention the tasty ancient grain! And the wines stellare, it goes without saying. (Before I forget, if you still have empty of one I brought could you supply me with label details as I meant to record them but forgot to do do. Not a big deal if already recycled.) Terrific to meet Jennifer and Robert, as well, of course. Thanks very much for photo, (only received one, not two), as well.

I had hoped to send along snaps I took of the evening but one thing led to another and now it is Sunday afternoon! Once more, thank you both for most enjoyable, delightful evening. Do hope you can visit us at Madroña Manor. Until then, Cheers and a Healthy New Year to you both from Cora Lee and Patrizio!

Patrizzio, Sorry about the confusion re subject line on my email; it was meant to say "dinner at Grossville", not two great Iphotos. In the narrative text it said "a photo" which was correct. And many thanks for the cute and clever New Years card! best regards Bill.
Bonjour Monsieur Patrick!

I will let my Evil Twin know about the time. I have never heard about this movie. White Christmas is apparently a classic movie. Unfortunately I had to google. Bob Wallace asked Doris "How do you do?" and she responded "Mutual, I'm sure". It must have been some attraction between those two in the movie, I assume. We will see you soon and Happy New Year. Cheers, Patrick

Hi Roma and Leonard!

Thank you for your lovely e-Christmas card. Had a newsy Christmas card from Julia as well. Trust everyone is well.  Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patricio,

Hope all is well, we're having a really nice relaxing time up here and
look forward to seeing you guys tomorrow. Let us know if anything has
changed otherwise we'll expect you around 3 ish. Cheers, Al and the gang. Xo

P, Malt and DVDs -- a laudable resolution for the New Year. We sell all our bike hardware and buy sippage... Good to know Robo was back in form. A ride may be a necessity on the first day of the year. Interesting that the other twinkie showed for a visit. W

Due to the underwhelming uptake to the Island wine heist gathering, I will suggest two alternate dates: February 2 or the 9th. Venue TBC. Please let us know if either of those dates work for you. And a happy new year to all, G

Most Gracious Greetings Commander of the Islay Inn,

first of all, sorry to hear about Michelle and Wayne's situation. It's even worse given the time of the year. I wish them the best and hope they manage well during this time.

Yes, indeed, I think the young and switchy cub is trying to lose his older, wiser, and handsomer benefactor cousin. I can only surmise for two simple reasons:

1. Whenever, we're out together, I get all the women;

2. he wants all of the good malt to himself! (and leave me at home, by myself, with the 12-yr old chivas blend aka "porch cleaner", mama mia!)

But thank you for exposing the devious and cruel plot to overthrow the royal house of V of the Southern Richmond Tundra. Believe me, I will deal swiftly and heavily with the young offender. For starters, besides the initial 30 lashes, his share of malt for the rest of the holiday season will automatically be transferred to my own glass whenever dispensed where it will be consumed solely by said benefactor cousin. The gall of this little devil, I tell you, despite everything I've done for him since birth, this is how he treats me? With an insurrection, no less!

On to other matters, I would be absolutely delighted to join the Dunn Clan of the Islay for New Year's Day. Thank you again for generously extending your home to two lost lads, one of which is still being house trained. Please, let me know what the appropriate time is to arrive for the festivities and frivolity. I am sure the young cub has already responded to your kind invitation in the affirmative. Given the recent revelation of his treachery, do not be shocked to see him dressed in medieval stocks on January 1st. Feel free to make the most of your expiring vegetables as projectiles when you see him.

Please find attached some pictures from the past few days from mine and the younger's movements, some including yourself  Salut! VL 

 
 

Mid-Morning Tourtière Blues: Saturday, December 28th

Danger and delight grow on one stalk. -English Proverb

Thanks to a lunar eclipse on the longest night of the year, tonight we'll be experiencing the longest, darkest night in a very long time. It's been nearly 500 years since the last solstice lunar eclipse. 

Lads,

love to join you but I am playing a match this morning at Evergreen and will probably ride to Evergreen on the north shore. Sunday morning may work for me although the forecast favours today. Enjoy, W

Hi Giorgio!

Buona Fortuna with Earthworms! Hello to them and a Healthy New Year on my behalf, please. Give me a shout later today and we'll chat about Sunday's ride. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hello, Patrick (quick note!) . . .

Would this afternoon work, 2ish? Alas, I have to decline your kind invitation for New Year's Day -- as is her custom, my mother is hosting a family dinner. This is in no way a stretch or a strain, as we all enjoy these get-togethers. But I would otherwise have been happy to join you too. Another time! Janet

P.S. Apologies for brevity, bordering on terseness. Busy morning

Hi Janet!

Sorry you will not be able to join us on New Year's Day but understand, of course. All the best to your family so gathered there.

Again, you are welcome to pop by today BUT not sure, at  this point, what I'll be doing, regarding Tourtière making with Joanne. She hasn't called in yet, as she said she would so I'm planning to call her as soon as I send this message. Funnily enough, she just, this minute, sent Corinne a message saying she is just off to the store for ingredients and will call when back. For her part, Cora Lee is off to VPL for more Friends work, processing donations, I believe.

Lastly, I do hope to ride as today is supposed to be the last dry day for a spell. Here is Joanne's number so you could call her if nobody is home at our place if you do decide to swing by. I suppose, not the very best time for a visit, given everyone's schedule/activities but you decide, based on your own errands, commitments, etc. Anyway, let me know what you think and we'll try to plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi, Patrick:

Like you, I am not yet sure how the day will unfold -- so my query was of a tentative nature. I am expecting friends from the Island around 11:30 a.m. -- not sure how long they will stay. Odds are seeming long that we will connect today, but I'll call if I do head in your direction. Hope the tourtiere turns out well! J.

Hi Patrick, Tonight sounds good. What time? Patrick

I enjoyed a lazy sleep-in until just before 9:00 am this morning and then was up to have my latest favourite, java with egg nog! Worked away at messaging until Joanne called to say she was back home with all the necessary ingredients for the Tourtière I was going to help her prepare. Cora Lee was going to go downtown to work on processing donations made to Friends of VPL so I bade her adieu at about 10:45 am and took the elevator upstairs to Joanne's suite on the 4th floor.

She had already started some of the food preparation and had the ground pork/beef simmering on the stove. My first task was to dice four oniones and I used her new PamperedChef fancy, smancy Food Chopper. I love cutting oniones of any kind and was soon an expert with the FC. Funnily enouhg it was Joanne who was soon weeping but the onions didn't affect me at all!
After this I was dispatched to the opposite counter to slice the lard into the flour which would eventually become the pie crust. Used a wedge-shaped masher to work the lard into the flour and when it has reached an "oatmeal" like consistency I folded in the liquid agent: one egg and a tea spoon of vinegar, I think, and then the remainder of the cup topped with water. Much like mixing cement but with a fork, at first. Once all the liquid had been added, gradually, about a fifth of a cup at a time, I used my hands to accomplish the final kneading. When I had formed a large ball, Joanne asked me to divide it into about five or six smaller balls and as I formed each one, she wrapped them in Saran and put them in the fridge to chill.

Joanne is a very harsh task mistress and immediately commanded me to repeat the same process again and wouldn't even let me sop to take a sip of java! Once I'd discharged this task I was ordered to mash the yellow potatoes which were to be added to the meat mixture, once both had cooled sufficiently. Mashing complete, I covered the bowl containing the spuds with Saran Wrap and placed it just outside the patio door.

By this time the meat was starting to smell pretty good and I was to be a guinea pig for the first taste test. To my palette the admixture had cloves aplenty but I admitted that I wouldn't be averse to more cinnamon. Once this spice was sprinkled over the meat, Joanne and I both allowed that a bit more salt might make the taste even better so we shut our eyes to to all the bad things that are said about sodium chloride and she added a couple of heaping tablespoons!

With taste now to her liking, Joanne planned to let the meat simmer on a low temperature for a couple of hours. After that she cools it down completely before she adds the potatoes. This being the case, all that could be accomplished, with my help, was finished and so she offered me a bite of lunch. While she carved a roasted chicken I did the few remaining dishes and by the time they were done, we served ourselves pieces of the bird and helpings of a quinoa salad she had on hand. Everything was delicious and I enjoyed the lunch, particularly since I was to go for a ride with Robo Man in little more than half an hour.

Thanking Joanne for the introductory lesson on how to make Tourtière, and for the lunch, we made plans to chat about New Year's Eve, (She is hosting the gathering for dinner which we have been invited to attend.), over the next day or so and then I made my way back to our place to suit up for the coming ride. Once I was dressed, I took my bike out onto the patio and cleaned the chain, as well as removing most of the sand which the frame had picked up during my last ride. I was just about to put on my cycling shoes when Robo Man arrived and a few minutes later we set off, making for Stanley Park.

Seawall was quite busy, almost the entire way to SP so our pace was slower than it might otherwise have been but it was such a lovely temperature that we couldn't really complain. Had not ridden with Raymond for some time, since before I went to California, so I was glad to be able to visit as we rode along. Ray hasn't been riding of late as he suffered a nasty chest infection before Christmas and it has taken him some time to fully recover. He mentioned that he was a bit worried about the Prospect Point Hill but I didn't notice any weakness on his part during the climb. He admitted, once we were back on the Seawall that he felt pretty good on the ascent so I was pleased to hear that, of course.

As we made our way back to The Islay Inn I asked Robo Man if he was planning to head for home once we reached Macdonald and he indicated that was what he would do. I had about 35 km on the clock by the time we reached Point Grey Road so I decided I'd head out to UBC. Waved goodbye to Ray, thanking him for the company, and set off for campus. I've not been on this route, again since before I went south, so it was fun to be back on what was has been a very, very regular route.

Not much head wind o speak of so I enjoyed Spanish Banks. Decided I'd ride to Crown, along Marine, and then I dipsy-doodled back through Musqueam to come back out on Marine but this time turning left on Crown to cross 41st and head back towards UBC. Knew I'd have just about 57 km on my odometre by the time I'd ridden up 16th and around the roundabout leading to Wesbrook Village and then back down to Marine. Was just before 4:00 pm when I approached the student residences along Marine and I had the necessary mileage to give me 70+km by the time I was home.

Swooped down the UBC Forseshore Hill and even managed to break 50 km/hr on the descent, although I couldn't better the 54.2 km/hr I'd reached zipping down the hill after Propsect Point. Still, very pleased with ride and now that the days are starting to lengthen it was still fairly light as I made my way back. Switched on my two led lights as I made my way along Locarno and before I knew it I was turning into The Heartbreak Terrace!

Stats for today's ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/420960048#.Ur-CXv5YVzA.email

Had a nice steaming mug of java, infused with more egg nog, (Don't know what I'm going to do once this container is empty and season is over!), and enjoyed a hot shower, although I must say that I was never uncomfortably cold at any time during the course of the ride.


Cora Lee informed me that Patrizzio Due was coming by around 7:00 pm but he had not appeared by 7:45 pm. Close to 8:00 pm by now so I think we'll sit down to dinner. Coriandre is to make an omelet, using some of the cherry tomatoes and bocconcini we had left over from a salad. Will warm up some of Chloë's fabulous dressing as well so my mouth is already starting to water!

Pre-New Year's Build-up Blues: Friday, December 27th

There comes a time in a man's life when to get where he has to -- if there are no doors or windows -- he walks through a wall. -Bernard Malamud, novelist and short-story writer (1914-1986)

Hi Pat, 

Thanks for the note - the kids seem to have suffered few ill-effects from our exploitation of them. In fact, they might even go so far as to suggest that they enjoyed the exercise. 

We’re up in the Kootenays for the next few days - back on Sunday - it was a great Christmas, if somewhat thin, snow-wise. There is only about a foot of snow on the ground when there is usually three times that. However, my brother-in-law has built a luge track and it works rather well, even with the lack of snow.

{Up at 6:30 am to put Egg Nog in my first cup of java!}

[In the 15th century, a group of people in Yemen first cultivated coffee beans and brewed a drink from them. That drink -- coffee, of course -- was originally used in religious ceremonies, but within one hundred or so years, the drink's popularity -- secular and religious alike -- had spread throughout the Middle East and well into Europe.]

I hope your Christmas was relaxing and low-key. If you would like to get together over the next few days we should be around. We have New Years plans which involve an early evening for the kids and then everyone in bed by midnight. Talk soon, -A.

P, not sure how this day will unfold but let me know if you intend to attend the big screen today. W 

Wayne Sutherland

On the flight in Toronto. Upgraded for the second leg.

• Patrick James Dunn God speed!

Hi Flash!

Love how you are still able to rationalize ill-effects of exploitation. "They enjoyed" what they were subjected to is the classic abuser's response! Truth be told, The Goils did seem to be having a fun so I guess I won't drop the dime on you, Jimmy Olsen, back when a  phone call cost even less!

Have been kept abreast, via Chloë, via Facebook, relatively speaking, of your ski-getaway in Rossland/Vermont! Would love to see everyone but unfortunately it will probably have to wait until 2014. We are off to the Sunshine Valley on Monday, for the night, with Big Al and Colleen at their new cabin there. They purchased it about a year ago and we have visited them once, at the beginning of July, before we left for overseas. It is a lovely, lovely situation.

At any rate, we are back next day to celebrate New Year's Eve with a good friend and neighbour, Joanne Trueman. She lives on the fourth floor and is hosting a dinner party, along with Clara and Dusty and some of her friends and family. Flamin' and Sarge were to have joined us as well but very sadly Flamin's brother-in-law died on Boxing Day and so they flew back to Halifax last night to help support her sister and niece. Certainly a difficult time all around as she and Linda lost their Mother this past July.

On a brighter note, if you don't already have plans for New Year's Day, we'd like to invite you all for dinner. The Sutherlands provided the Christmas turkey so we are doing one for NYD. We'd love you to join us if you don't already have other engagements and can suffer yet another large drumstick! Let me know and we'll plan accordingly.
 

On the riding front, even though I wasn't able to squeeze in a jaunt, even an errand one, on Christmas Eve Day, I went for a good outing on Christmas day itself, after we has set up table for 19. Typical SP/PPL but it was such a lovely, precipitation-free afternoon that I relished every moment. Stats are skewed by the fact that I somehow didn't turn off Garmin Goil and she continued to tick over until I loaded ride at about 9:45 pm that night! Pleased to say that I logged 21.1 km/hr over 51.51 km close to 2:32:?? as I looked at odometre once I'd stopped back at Heartbreak Terrace, in spite of damning evidence!
 

On Christmas Eve the Jazz Vespers at St . Andrews-Wesley was really a wonderful service with the We Three Queens, Karin Plato, Jennifer Scott and Kate Hammett-Vaugh, on vocals, backed by Jillian Lebeck, piano, Rene Worst, bass and Tom Foster on drums. Rev. Kathryn Ransdell and Rev. Dan Chambers were the Liturgists and read/commented upon the Christmas Story as found in the Gospel of Luke, the Reflections interspersed with traditional carols, both secular, (Happy Holidays, Christmas Time Is Here, Winter Wonderland, We Three Queens), and religious, (O Come All Ye Faithful , Silent Night, congregation; La Jornada, (Venezuelan Carol), The Babe, (Mexican Carol), Some Children See Him and Mary Had A Baby, WTQ, all with an incredible jazz arrangement/interpretation by the marvellous vocalists. The Candle Lighting, (Without mishap! "The lighted candle is to remain upright!" we were told a number of times!), was truly magical. St Andrew's Wesley is a lovely church, as you probably know, so to see it illuminated, with glittering candles, by a bursting-at-the-seams congregation, was a sight indeed.
 

Home by 5:15 pm to prepare for traditional, more or less, Ukrainian Christmas Eve dinner. We had invited the Swedish Twins, (Vittorio/Patrizzio Due, two cousins, of Chinese origin, born in Sweden, whom I met volunteering at VIFF two years ago.), and they arrived around  6:00 pm. Started with Clara's borscht, with sour cream, and then moved to perogies, (Alenka European Foods, Ukrainian owners, on Fraser and Kingsway. We have made our own, in the past, but simply ran out of time this year!), and Coriandre's delicioso fish cakes. Finished off with snowballs, (Combined Sisterhood effort led by Rosie-The-Riveter with much protestation, at every step of the way, by both daughter/granddaughter when criticized for various departures from technique of dipping, rolling, etc.) Nevertheless, final result was mouth-watering morish.

Around 8:00 pm we donned our own Freeloader hats and headed downstairs to invade Clan Sutherland. They were hosting their own traditional Newfoundland Christmas Eve fare: cod au gratin as main course. I wasn't aware that although potatoes, prepared "au gratin", are often locally referred to as "scalloped," this classic dish contains no seafood, crab or scallops, other than cod. Had loads of fun visiting with various family members and although we had just eaten a fairly filling meal of our own, didn't stop us from "nibbling" on all the wonderful appetizers/dishes that they had prepared. Around 10:00 pm Vittorio and Patrizzio had to leave to attend yet another Christmas Eve gathering so we bade our friends goodnight and trundled back upstairs, Clarisse and Dusty going to their own place as they were tired by now.
 

Had a quick taste test of two Aquavits, a comparison of the Norwegian Linie which Patrizzio had brought earlier in week, (He is currently working as a cook at a gastropub in Oslo and is home for a visit over hols.), and the Swedish Herr Gårds friend Kjell had given me a visit or so ago. Hard to say which I liked better, almost apples and oranges. Thanking Lads for their other gifts, we sent them on their merry way and set about stuffing stockings. Chloë returned from Sutherlands before we were finished being elves and did her own distribution before she made for the loft. We had suggested she stay overnight but she really wanted her own bed so we said goodnight, arranging a 9:00 am open presents time on the morrow.

Last presents carefully arranged, I sent a few ecards and then it was time for bed, shortly after midnight. Could only keep my eyes open for a few pages of Strange Shores before I was ready to join Cora Lee in Sugar Plum Land.

Coriandre and I still had our nightcaps on when Clarisse and Dusty came over at 8:15 am. Know you are aging when your parents/in-laws are up well before The Kids! Dusty went back to their place to paint while rest of us set about getting ready for breakfast. Slow Dunn, (Chloë's nickname at summer camp!), arrived at 9:30 am and by that time we had table set, mushrooms and bacon, (double cured/smoked from GI), frying, and scrambled egg mixture ready to go. Pop went the Champagne, (really a Spanish Sparkling), cork and we toasted one another "Happy/Merry Christmas" and set about plundering our stockings. We have taken to limiting our family gift giving to stuffers, ($50+/- total), but we all did very well indeed.
 

Once stockings were empty we sat down to a glorious meal. Had croissants as well. I stuffed mine with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Had more Freixenet, with OJ, this time, and toasts continued. After this scrumptious brunch, Chloë elved large presents under tree, (most from family members elsewhere), to the cleared table and the unwrapping continued. Once again, we all did very well and we certainly can be both grateful and  thankful for the abounding plenty we enjoy, given what so many, across the wide world, cannot even begin to imagine.

After we'd muled collapsible table, (originally Mom's), from next door, we rearranged living room furniture to accomodate our table, with all its five leaves, to put the two together, to seat 19 and then chairs from various rooms and next door/downstairs completed setting. Was around 1:00 pm when I suited up and went for aforementioned ride. back close to 4:00 pm, in time to shower and change and then guests started to arrive. Most of food preparation had been accomplished downstairs but we contributed other dishes as well. Clara did her fabulous turnip puff while Coriandre prepared squash, (I did all the peeling, boiling and mashing, but was not permitted to even think about seasoning/butter, etc!), and a really wonderful baron of beef.

At Chloë's inspired suggestion, we had decided to set up a cafeteria at The Islay Inn so that people could serve themselves before taking a seat. With so many people this seemed like the best idea and it turned out to work exceedingly well. We have a large warmer so we used that to keep gravy, mashed spuds and dressing hot while other groaning platters held the carved bird and beef, and Chloë's cornbread stuffing. Smaller dishes with the vegetables  and salads were placed at intervals along the table, the easier for people to reach, so long was the extended configuration. Coramandel said grace and we all tucked in to the wonderful, wonderful feast.

We sat down at just before 6:00 pm as Kid Chelene, (F's/S's), had to work the evening shift. He is an RCMP Constable in Surrey. He wanted to call in sick but jeered his whining, sending him off with a large take-away for his early morning "lunch-break", wherever/whenever he would managed to take it. Lots of fun and chatter around the table, as you can imagine, and the hootch flowed freely. There were the five Durstons/Dunns so thirteen form Clan Sutherland and three Mercados: Melvin, Nicole's fiancée, and his parents, Bella and Bert, are from the Phillipines. Five Sutherlands with their offspring's significant others, not already mentioned: Beckster and Avery, six months, (Corey, aka KC); Megan, (Prince Valiant/Ryan); Aaron, (Sarge's nephew), and Akiko, his wife and Jesse, Beckster's sister.
 

Around 8:00 am those who had wanted seconds or even thirds were finally sated and we cleared the table. Took down the one from next door to give room for the charades which followed. Chloë numbered people off and the "1's" were pitted against the "2's" . I was a "2" but managed to help out the opposition, unwittingly. I was doing final kitchenclean-up and rest were so loud that I couldn't figure out which team was up! Anyway it was an incredible hoot and everyone, but Aaron, participated. The assembled gang were quite surprised that Akiko, normally quite shy and retiring, was one of the best at acting out her book or film or words of wisdom.

Earlier, the desserts which had been entered in the "contest", (Gang decided to hold a Best in Show to put an end to the on-going bickering about whose dessert was best!), were arrayed down the centre of the remaining table and people tasted each one while the game went on. Much in the same spirit as bridge prizes when we host a couple of tables, in the sense that everyone manages to win some sort of prize. It had been decided, unanimously, beforehand, that Clara's pecan tarts were so good that she had already been awarded First Prize before the contest even began! Cora Lee was in charge of vote counting and distribution of prizes and somehow she managed to weasel First Prize in the cheesecake category. Funnily enough, hers was single entry! Still, very, very tasty for a first time, gluten free effort, so crowd reluctantly allowed decision. More laughs as awards were presented: "I'd like to thank my Mom, for making this award possible, etc., etc.", so great good fun right on top of some of the side-splitting efforts of the really inept charadists. Tears were rolling down everyone's cheeks when the clock finally ran out and it was revealed what the film title, for example, in question happened to be. Nowhere short of a country mile close to any of the gestures, flailings and increasingly desperate gesticulations the poor charadee had vainly attempted in order to lead the howling audience to the truth!
 

Since evening had started relatively early and many of the folk had distances to go the party started to wind down around 9:30 pm. We thanked everyone for all the wonderful food and drink and sent them on their way, wishing all the merriest of Happy Christmas's. Once everyone had left Cora Lee and I sat down to watch a recorded episode of Elementary, enjoying the quiet after the boisterous evening. Once the dishwasher had finished most of the dinner plates we emptied it and loaded it with remaining dishes and then repaired to bed to read.  Really was a lovely day, culminating with wonderful, wonderful food with wonderful, wonderful friends and family. Again, hard to express how privileged we are to be able to enjoy ourselves with the plenty that so many are without. Not to be  a Grinch but I do believe, and strongly so, that we need to continually remind ourselves how unbelievably fortunate we are, living as we do, where we are. Not that that is necessarily enough, but at least it is start. A glimmer of awareness, one trusts, can lead to action, however small and seemingly insignificant, to be concerned about and to care for others less fortunate. Here Endeth The Lesson! Cheers, Pastor Patrizzio!

Pics: Christmas morning; Santa's elf, cited for drinking/sleeping on the job, Christmas Eve of all times!

Season's Greetings

Hello, Patrick:

Thanks for your e-card and I hope that you had a very happy Christmas!

I have been off since last Thursday (19th), returning to work on January 6th.  This down-time is very welcome, as India and then the end-of-the-year at the Children's Library were both HARD WORK.
 

I am likely to be coming to Granville Island at some point in the next few days or week and am wondering you are around?  I still have prints for you of photos that I took at our get-together with Eyob . . . and it would be nice to see you in any case.

Let me know your movements! Best wishes, Janet P.S. Did you read Janet's India Blog yet? :-) 

Hi Janet!

Lovely to hear from you and know that you are enjoying your welcome holidays. Not sure if message was passed along but I popped by Children's Library a week or two before Christmas. Cora Lee dropped me off at our doctor's office on Burrard/Davie for a flu shot and I walked to VPL to look for stocking stuffers at the Bookmark. Anyway, please do stop by but perhaps best to phone and/or arrange a time. Cora Lee is volunteering at Aunt Leah's Thrift Store until 6:00 pm today and I'm off shortly to see Inside Llewyn Davis with friends, Kerry and Whirlygig. I'm helping friend and neighbour, Joanne Truemann, make Tourtière tomorrow morning. Not sure what Cora Lee is doing. Supposed to be sunny so I'm hoping to go for a ride in the afternoon but depending on your schedule, that can wait. Don't believe we have anything on, other than a ride, for me, at some point, on Sunday so that is a good day, to be around, at least for us. If you do come by, other than on Saturday, we will have a parking spot for you as Chloë is off to the Okanagan for six days with friends for New Year's.

If you don't already have plans for New Year's Day, we'd like to invite you for dinner. No, Miss Third Grade Teacher, I have not done my homework on the Indian subcontinent but please, please Miss, I have been ever so busy helping old ladies across the street in the snow. You could help me with the research it you come for dinner, though!

Let me know what your schedule looks like/allows. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Dear Friends,

Rather than a trip to the print shop, addressing envelopes, and heading for the post office, I am opting for an email this year.  Our greeting is no less sincere, and I hope you all understand that otherwise, it is likely to be Valentine's Day before I get these in the mail. 

 All in all, 2013 has been pretty good to us.  We were sorry to bid goodbye to my mother, but grateful for the good long life that she had.  Grateful too, for the good health that we are currently enjoying, and for living here in wonderful Portland with our daughters and grandchildren close by.

If you cannot read the attached PDF file, please send me an email, and I will print it out and mail it back the old-fashioned way.

Best to you all in 2014 Marilyn

Hi Patrick,

Thanks again for the wonderful Christmas dinner. I don't know what your schedule look like before the new years. I'd like to come over and hang out with you. I'm pretty much free. Let me know what works out for you. "I trust you are well", Patrick Sr. Cheers, Patrick

Hei, Patrizzio, sou kokk ekstraordinært!

Delighted you enjoyed yourselves on Christmas Eve, We were certainly pleased to host you and thank you both, again, for your more than generous, thoughtful gifts. Much appreciated.
Be great to see you again, either with or without Vittorio. (Are you trying to dump him? Don't blame you as older guys can be a drag!!!). If we weren't off to have dinner with friends this evening I'd say come on over. Am taking a Chateauneuf-Du-Pape I picked up this past October when we visited this wonderful village/appellation. 100% Mourvèdre, (One of my favourite varietals as it tends to produce tannic wines that can be high in alcohol.), this 2010 Secret de L'Ange weighs in at 15% so I'm really looking forward to tasting it.  Quite unusual for it to be sold as a single varietal as it is often blended with Grenache and Syrah. Bill and Denise, our hosts, are lovely people and Bill really knows what he is talking about when it comes to wine. I wish I had his knowledge, nose and palette as far as wine goes. (Bill and I played squash together at Vancouver Racquets Club. He still plays.)

If I've regained consciousness tomorrow, I'm planning to help friend and neighbour, Joanne Truemann, make Tourtière tomorrow morning. Not sure what Cora Lee is doing. Supposed to be sunny so I'm hoping to go for a ride in the afternoon but depending on your schedule, Saturday evening we will be at home. I'll be chasing Cora Lee around the place, nekkid, so be sure to phone ahead so as not to embarrass her! Don't believe we have anything on, other than a ride, for me, at some point, on Sunday so that is a good day, to be around, at least for us. If you do come by, other than on Saturday, we will have a parking spot for you as Chloë is off to the Okanagan for six days with friends for New Year's. Just phone and we'll let you in and show you where to park.

We are off, ourselves, to the Sunshine Valley on Monday, for the night, with friends, Big Al and Colleen at their new cabin there. They purchased it about a year ago and we have visited them once, at the beginning of July, before we left for overseas. It is a lovely, lovely situation. Might even do a bit of snow-shoeing if there is enough snow.
 

At any rate, we are back next day to celebrate New Year's Eve with Joanne. She lives on the fourth floor and is hosting a dinner party, along with Clara and Dusty and some of her friends and family. Flamin' and Sarge were to have joined us as well but very sadly Flamin's brother-in-law died on Boxing Day and so they flew back to Halifax last night to help support her sister and niece. Certainly a difficult time all around as she and Linda lost their Mother this past July.

On a brighter note, if you don't already have plans for New Year's Day, we'd like to invite you, alone or with uncool, older cousin, for dinner. The Sutherlands provided the Christmas turkey so we are doing one for NYD. We'd love you to join us if you don't already have other engagements and can suffer yet another large drumstick! Again, you are always welcome to drop by for a drink and a chat even if  you can't stay for meal. Let me know about this and we'll plan accordingly.
 

Not sure of any firm social plans after that so pretty much anytime should work for us/me. Cora Lee may well have some volunteer activities/meetings but she doesn't knock back malt or Akvavit like The Brotherhood so we can amuse ourselves without her, if needs be!!! We'll try to make the best of a difficult situation. No Sisterhood to tell us, ad nauseum, what to do and what not to do. Not sure if I can choose a malt without her around. Hope you can come to my assistance!

Anyway, let me know what might fit with your holiday schedule. Look forward to hearing more about what you and Jo do for kicks in Oslo. Cheers, Patrizzio The Elder!

Pat,

Sorry I missed your call this morning. I did phone back in the late afternoon without success. Think I fancy the kale stew with cornmeal dumplings.
I am about to finish the Reacher novel, 'Never Go Back' if you are interested. It's a bit unrealistic at times but plenty of suspense. There's about 2 weeks left on the hold. Are you planning a ride tomorrow or Sunday? I wouldn't mind a spin if we can catch some decent weather. Ray

Hi Raymond, (and Llewyn)! 

Just returned from a wonderful evening with Denise and Bill Gross. Enjoyed a lovely meal and met a couple, Jennifer and Robert, who are close friends. Both are from Glasgow but didn't know Matt Garrey! And I thought everyone knew everyone else there, just like West Hartlepool, no?

At any rate, I'm hoping to ride tomorrow, myself, so perhaps we can hook up. Be great if we can. Have you talked with Whirlygig. He might  be up for a jaunt as well. I'm committed to helping friend and neighbour, Joanne Truemann, with the making of Tourtière in the morning. Not sure when we'll be through but I could call when I have a better idea. Otherwise, Sunday is pretty free. Let's chat in the morning and see what might work best. Cora Lee would like you to bring the cornmeal dumplings along if we ride this way. Hold the kale! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: The indignity of not being able to put on your own socks! Earlier tonight!