After 72 long hours of labor Avery Sheila Ann Sutherland was born via C section at 8:24pm on June 6th, 2013. Avery weighed 8lbs 9oz and is 20 inches long. Corey William and I love every inch of her and we are so blessed. She is absolutely amazing!!!
Patrick James Dunn Wonderful, wonderful news! Fondestos and much warm love to the new threesome, Patrizzio!
Hi Big Al!
Sorry that I've not sent along a message earlier. No excuses but plenty of reasons! Thanks for tip about Road Assist but I did know about it. Trust I never have to use it but great to know that service is there. As well, I did take a look at Google Maps for Sunshine Valley and environs when we had first talked about a ride thereabouts. I'm still keen to try it from Hope but we should chat about that, well beforehand.
Foist and foimost, thanks again for being such a willing sherpa! Grand time indeed at Dram! Luckily, in particular, for two sherpas, all downhill so quite pleasant, while I clutched, at times, the Silent Auction malt, Ticks All the Boxes, apparently from Dufftown’s oldest distillery, Mortlach, 26 years old, 60.1%, a bargain at $310, (most expensive bottle I've ever bought but for a great cause, of course), only $65 more than retail price!
The rug is another matter, however. Cora Lee was not at all amused or pleased as she claims it doesn't "go" with our decor. Fortunately, I'm off the hook as close friend and neighbour, Joanne, wants it for her place on fourth floor. Cora Lee told her about it last Sunday evening when she, Flamin' and Sarge were there for dinner. I popped by later, after cycling back from Horseshoe Bay, just after 9:00pm.
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Not sure if I had mentioned it on Friday evening but Whirlygig, Marcus Aurelius and I rode out to HB on Saturday morning. Left the Heartbreak Terrace at just after 10:00am to meet up with Marcus at Science World. Bit cool and cloudy but otherwise fine. Caught the 12:50 ferry and read, chatted on way to Nanaimo. Weekend was planned around our Non-Readers Book Club. Kurt, close friend of Giggenheimer's from back east in the '80's when they both worked at same publisher, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, moved there about a year ago now. He has come to Vancouver a number of times for NRBC gatherings and at last meeting it was decided to convene on VI.
Three of us went over a day early so that we could play bridge on Saturday afternoon/evening. Met Natalia, Kurt's lovely wife, for first time, and they both made us extremely welcome in their gorgeous home. Patio off front of the house looks out towards Departure Bay and since they knew which ferry we were on they watched us dock and then were able to track us as we made our way down fairly steep hill, (Clocked 57.8 KPH and know I could have done over 60 KPH but was worried about car in front of me!), to Departure Bay Beach/Village. From there just a very short ride to Hammond Bay Road. Just past the beach front one turns right off Departure Bay Road, (Have taken the latter numerous times when I've ridden to Grogg's/Lurchesca's place in Parksville.), and then left onto Friar Tuck Way, a fairly steep, short hill to Sherwood Drive. Their home is built into the side of Sugarloaf Mountain so even the short driveway itself requires a bit of effort.
After we had been introduced to Natalia we took a short tour of their property and were delighted by the "resident" doe and fawn, literally bedded down in the tall grass on the hillside right outside the dining room windows. Kurt brews is own beer and the Lads pounded jug after jug over the course of the afternoon/evening. I suppose I was still saturated from Dram so I was actually happy to drink orange juice for most of the weekend. Had two glasses of wine, (home brewed Malbec but quite tasty), with the sumptuous dinner: divine bbq'd salmon, on cedar planks, with a fantastic aubergine parmigiana and a delicious mixed lentil, rice, currant salad.
Whirlygig crashed at 11:00pm and Nalalia followed soon thereafter but rest of us chatted and sipped until 1:30pm! I had a fingare of Finnlagan as I'd not had any in some time. I didn't know anything about product when I first tried it so in case you don't either, here is a short blurb:
The
man who set up in business to "produce" Finlaggan whisky (also sold as
Ileach whisky) was formerly employed by one of the Islay distilleries.
He purchases production from whichever of the Islay distilleries
offers the best deal at the time of the purchase. This means that
subsequent bottles sometimes do not
always contain the same whisky as a previous bottling Since it is sold as a single malt, they are not blended together.
However, most Finlaggan does come from Coal Ila and Lagavulin, but also sometimes from Laphroaig. Finlaggan seems to be a pure commercial product. The result is a good single malt at a low price. The problem is that you will never know for sure which single malt is in your bottle.
I drew the straw for the couch in the study but was more than comfortable there, particularly as I suspected there would be horrendous snorage emanating from all three bedrooms. Turned out I was correct but I was shielded from wind tunnel experiments and slept like a baby until 7:00am. Before going to bed Kurt asked me if he would disturb me if he ground coffee at 5:30am, his usual rising time. I told him I would probably wake up but would go back to sleep without any difficulty. Turned out that I was up well before anybody else, emptied dishwasher and scrubbed a large serving dish left to soak overnight before any bleary-eyed folk stumbled downstairs at 8:00am!
Fabulous breakfast of Natalia's homemade blintzes, topped with fresh raspberries and dusted with icing sugar. Two other members of the NRBC arrived shortly thereafter. Misha came by ferry and Kurt picked him up at DBFT while Guy drove up from Victoria where he had been visiting his sister. Guy arrived shortly before noon so once greetings/introductions were finished we repaired for another sumptuous feast: crackers, dips, (homemade baba ganoush, humous), a variety of cheeses and a wonderful, wonderful stuffed, (homemade soft cheese, chopped red onions, dill), salmon, lox, roll.
Repaired to deck to discuss The Sisters Brothers, our current book, and had some heated arguments, as usual. Still, great good fun. Misha and Guy left just after 4:00pm as they were hoping to catch 5:20pm ferry and didn't know how busy/full it might be. We saddled-up and gave our thanks to our more than gracious hosts at 4:30. None of us were looking forward to the hill we had zipped down day before but once we made top rest of ride was a breeze. We were at ferry terminal by 4:55pm and read/chatted while waiting to board. Found our seats once we'd stowed our bikes and about half an hour into voyage both Guy and Misha came by to say hello. Obviously, everyone was pleased that they were able to make same ferry.
Once we docked at HB we girded our loins for steep ascent ahead but even that seems to become a bit easier the more times one climbs that particular hill. On the ferry I had mentioned to Marcus Aurelius that ride back into Vancouver was much easier than coming the other way but he argued that it couldn't be. At any rate, evening was simply gorgeous. It was 7:00pm when we disembarked. Little traffic and light/temperature were almost more than one could ask for: a perfect summer evening! View of city/Lions Gate from a few open stretches about two or three kilometres before Dundarave Village were simply spectacular.
Ambleside was fairly crowed with people out strolling, dog walking so we had to be careful at times. Slight wind behind us as we crossed bridge. I had to circle at Prospect Point as by this time ride had taken a bit of a toll on Marcus's sea legs. He has not ridden much, if at all, in last few weeks as he was away boating, all the way to Alaska and back! Anyway, we regrouped and were soon at English Bay. I was a tad concerned that there would be hordes near Davie and Denman but actually we zipped right through that potential bottleneck.
Whirlymeister peeled off at at the curve on Beach to head over Burrard so we waved goodbye there. Aurelius intended to catch Sky Train at VCC so we made for Science World. Just by Aquabus Dock, across from GI, his rear tire went flat! I circled while he tried to re-inflate it, suggesting we might take mini-ferry and then I'd put his bike on my bike rack and drive him to VCC, if he couldn't effect a temporary fix. After he had pumped for a bit he thought he could make it although, en route, he decided to take Sky Train from Main Street Station. I was glad to hear this as his rear tire seemed to be getting flatter and flatter as we rode towards Science World. I followed him all the way, the better able to watch and let him know if he should probably stop. Anyway, we limped along and made SW without incident. Waved adieu about 8:30pm and proceeded home. Asked him to let me know if he made it home safely and had a message later on to say he was back in Burnaby and all was fine.
Not only was it a terrific weekend but rides were delightful. I had 83.4 K over 4:46:41, AVG 17.4 KPH, MAX 57.8 KPH, for the cumulative figures for Saturday and Sunday. Roughly 35-36 K to Horseshoe Bay from the Heartbreak Terrace, then about 4.1 K to Resedenza di Natalia from Departure Bay, to give approximately 40 K for one way trip. Figures are a bit more for me as they included some dipsy doodling on the fringes of Sherwood Forest, (I went along Hammond Bay Road ahead of others and when I turned around they were nowhere to be found! Kurt and Giggsters came to collect me in Kurt's car and led me to the house!), as well as the circling while Marcus attempted to fix/re-inflate tire.
Have had some even better rides this past week. On Tuesday I managed 110.2 K over 5:16:44, AVG 20.8 KPH, MAX 55.5 KPH with six PPH loops. First circuit was on the Seawall, just below start of hill as there was some tree work going on and road was closed. Since I couldn't touch the ground I opted for Siwash Rock instead! Lovely, lovely day so distance seemed to almost whiz by.
Great playing bridge on Tuesday evening at Giggster's pad with Ragin' Bull and Mick Carter. He underwent knee replacement surgery about two months ago. Polly, his wife, dropped him off and he walked home, with ski poles, after bridge was finished so he is doing well in his recovery process.
Bit of a busy errand day on Wednesday, shopping at Costco, (Bumped into close friend, Ted Keating, with his youngest daughter's, (Laura's), prospective father-in-law, Alex, (from Mornington Peninsula, Oz), buying a heavily laden dolly's worth of provisions for coming wedding this Saturday at Olympic Village, Creekside CC. We are going as we know most of the wedding party.), readying our place for the arrival of Cora Lee's sister, Patti, and brother-in-law, Gavin, who arrived from Shanghai at 1:00pm. They were on a small group tour for two weeks. Did a few errands on my bike after we returned from airport and then we sat on deck and finally enjoyed the wonderful weather. Really one of the first times we've been able to sit outside without sweaters and blankets and hot water bottles!
Cora Lee did some truly delicious lamb ribs and chops on bbq, along with brown rice mixed with rice/feta and mint, pan fried cherry tomatoes and a mixed bean salad, "boughten" but still very tasty, from Costco. Fresh raspberries with ice cream and gluten-free macaroons, vanilla and chocolat, for dessert. Gavin and I started out the evening with a some hefty snorts of Laphroaig Triple Wood, 48%, so we didn't really notice or pay attention to the Gatling gun bursts of disapproving looks and comments from the assembled Sisterhood, literally!
Yesterday I had another grand ride with Alex, one of Ted's other son-in-laws. He and Christina, Ted's oldest daughter, are in town from Brooklyn, for wedding. When I chatted with Ted at Costco, he mentioned that James, groom, to marry Laura, youngest daughter, and Alex had been riding a number of times since arriving in Vancouver. I popped by Keating's place on Bayswater and 7th after I'd done some shopping at Young Brothers on Wednesday, and arranged with Alex to ride next day. James, unfortunately, couldn't join us as he was involved with wedding plans. We headed out to UBC along Spanish Banks and then made our way along Marine to Arthur Laing and then Iona. Bit of a blow on way out but Alex is a very strong rider, (His longest ride is 157 miles, 12 hours, on Long Island! He did Cypress earlier in week but found it very, very taxing, as you can imagine. One of my goals but guess it will have to wait until after we are back from Europe now.)
He stopped to fill his water bottle while I circled in parking lot and then we made for Steveston, opting for the No 6 Road return route so that we could come back over CSTB, a bridge he'd not been on before. Then up Cambie to 57th where I instructed Alex to push pedestrian/bike button while I circled until light changed! Back up Heather and then along 37th out towards UBC. We hit 41st at Dunbar and then took Camosun back up to Imperial Drive and then along 16th to Blanca.
Down 7th to give Alex a view of city. Waved goodbye at Highbury as I was hoping to keep my non-stop record intact and I knew it would be risky if I accompanied him back to Bayswater. Very understanding domestique, (much more so than kranky regulares!), who had thoroughly enjoyed ride. We said goodbye saying we would see each other again, at wedding, on Saturday. Unfortunately, he and Christina fly back to New York on Monday so probably not time enough for another outing, what with wedding, visiting relatives, etc. Too, too bad as Alex simply raves about cycling here and he is very good company. Be wonderful to ride with him on Long Island and/or in a park he uses, about a 5K circuit, in Brooklyn, at some point.
I zipped along Point Grey and by the time I had clocked 100 K I was only three seconds shy of 20 KPH so I felt I could maintain that pace for rest of the ride. Horror or Horrors, I was unable to do so as lights wouldn't cooperate on Burrard and 1st and then again at entrance to GI but I did manage to reach the Heartbreak Terrace with 102.6 K over 5:09:06, AVG 19.9 KPH, MAX 43.9 KPH so I was very pleased with wonderful outing, in spite of thwarted goal. You see, I'm in training for Sunshine Valley trek! Let's chat about timing, etc., over this coming weekend/week. Cheers, Patrizzio!P, sorry I missed your calls today -- I was driving during both your calls. Spent the day running about picking up stuff for our fishing trip tomorrow. Also had to pick up the MT and her Granny from the ferry. Would have dearly loved a ride. Hope you had a good one. I am gone early tomorrow morning, back Thursday. Let me know if you have any suggestions for the next NRBC date. Maybe you are too booked to contemplate that before your holiday. Just bought another Jack Reacher novel: A Wanted Man in so-called mass pb format. Can hand it off to you for your trip if you want it. See you late next week. Ride safe. Regards to C, W
Hi Giggster!
I suspected something along the lines of what you reported. I had completely forgotten that you were going fishing. Where again?
Called Raymond this morning and he wanted to wait until around 11:00am to see if weather improved. It was drizzling quite heavily, at least at his place, although not as much here. He called back at 10:30am to say things looked pretty promising and he was keen to ride. However, he forgot tha the had a loaf of bread on the go so couldn't leave until just before noon. Fine with me as I had plenty to do.
I rolled up at this place right at 12:00am and we set off for Iona. Robo Man wanted to try a new approach to Arthur Laing so we turned left on Marine Drive at Cornish, (Cypress Bikeway), to go to Granville. Negotiated the set of lights at that intersection and then at Milton, without much difficulty. This avoids the stop sign at Milton and not knowing which way the vehicles from Granville are turning, right or straight through. As well, being in the curb lane as one comes around the curve which leads to Arthur Laing, one is positioned to ride straight onto the bridge deck without having to worry about cutting across a lane or two as is necessary if one comes along the continuation of the Cypress Bikeway. Anyway, it seemed to work well, perhaps even better earlier and on weekends.
Once we were over bridge and headed for Iona, knew we were in for it when we saw our first plane landing towards us! In fact, I think this is the only time I can remember not having to ride into the wind. Naturally, we made the most of it and sailed along, catching up, side by each, as traffic was very light. Had high hopes that wind direction would change on way back but no such luck! About 12 KPH difference, from 28 KPH to 16 KPH so we had to work. Took turns drafting and took little noticeable effort to ride behind at 18-19 KPH but was really a taxing struggle when out in front.
Nevertheless, it had turned into a gorgeous day with plenty of blue sky by this time. We were both glad we had dressed for coolish temperature/cloudy, overcast conditions at start but regretted layers by the time we were crossing CSTB and then up Heather. Said goodbye to Raymondo at his place and then made my way home, via Macdonald. Did two loops of Kits Point to up my distance and made it back home with 51.8 KPH over 2:53:00, AVG 17.9 KPH, MAX 48.1 KPH. Had thought of it as a "stretch" ride from the outset so was quite pleased just to have ridden and not felt overly tired.
Raymond won't be able to ride, (tutoring, as you might expect!), until next week so perhaps we can organize something for when you are back. Would you be interested in bridge on Thursday, (at our place), as Patti/Gavin and girls are here until Wednesday. If not, I'll try for Wednesday first and see who can play.
As far as NRBC dates go, June 30th or July 7th are best for me. However, if others prefer an alternate date I think you should go ahead. I leave it in your more than capable, capable hands! Bye the bye, do you own a copy of Pnin I could borrow? Would be keen to read your proffered Reacher now that you are hooked. Guess you ain't no stinkin' highbrow!!! Have a grand time and hook plenty of sustainable fish! Cheers,Il Conduttore!
Pics: pre-Maltage, Maltage and Swedish Masseuses for France!
Dear Board Chair of the VWF:
I am more than delighted to accept the invitation to the reception in honour of Jeannette Walls. Thank you very much indeed. Cheers, Patrick Dunn!
P, Sounds like I missed some good rides this week. Alas, poor Yorick!Better not plan for bridge this week, but thanks. May be home late that Thursday even, fish laden and bushed. Don't have Pnin. Will see if I can find us a used copy.Will put forward the two dates to the unread, unwashed and unresponsive NRBC. In other words, choose your date.W
Hello all,Monday – June 3 – “STRIKE!!” Not the best start to a travel day. Took the shuttle bus into Sorrento from the hotel and arrived at the Circumvesuviana station to be told there was a wildcat train strike. Fortunately, they are required to give limited service in such situations, so we finally were on our way by 12:40. Got to Naples – no strikes on the regular trains, so it was on to Rome. Got to Termini in the late afternoon and caught the bus to our hotel. After check-in, it was off to the conference site so Jo-Anne could register. It is less than a block away. Then it was back to our favorite little deli for meat and cheese and buns and wine, and then a balcony picnic at the hotel.Tuesday – First full day of the conference for Jo-Anne. I decided to walk to the Termini station and catch the Metro from there. First went to Piazza di Popolo and looked around, then went across the Tiber to see what was there. Came back to the Spagna stop, and wandered out to look at the Spanish Steps. Went the other direction from the station towards the Borghese Gardens. Found a Carrefour on my way, so stopped in to buy some wine, and then headed back to the hotel. After dropping off my purchases (and putting the prosecco in the fridge), I went out to explore the surrounding area. Found some interesting restaurants and a lavaria - a laundromat!! When one reaches the raunchy gaunchie stage, that is a godsend. Then back to the hotel for mortadella, cheese, bread, and wine.
Wednesday – Said goodbye to Jo-Anne after breakfast, and then headed to Termini. Took the Metro to the Colosseum and then went by the Forum up to the Victor Emmanuel monument. After that, I followed the Via Corso until I could head to the Pantheon. Then it was on to the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps (again) and back on the Metro to Termini and the bus to Viale Ippocrate. Jo-Anne had an early day of it at the conference, so at 2:00 PM we headed to the Colosseum and Forum, the Victor Emmanuel monument, the Via Corso (and some shopping), and the Trevi Fountain. After some pizza and gnocci at at place in the Piazza Barberini, it was back to the hotel and to bed. -Colin
The phrase "canary in the coal mine" means to serve as a warning to others. The phrase's origins date back to coal mining's best practices from the earlier parts of the 20th century. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration, "canaries -- and sometimes mice -- were used to alert miners to the presence of [carbon monoxide]. Following a mine fire or explosion, mine rescuers would descend into the mine carrying a canary in a small wooden or metal cage." Because the canaries were much more sensitive to this poisonous, odorless gas than humans, "any sign of distress from the canary was a clear signal that the conditions underground were unsafe, prompting a hasty return to the surface."
Margot Wolk was a canary in that sense -- she was an early warning system designed to detect poison, even at the cost of her life. But she wasn't protecting coal miners. She was protecting Hitler.
Wolk was born in Berlin in 1917. Throughout her childhood, she and her family attempted to avoid becoming Nazi facilitators. Her father refused to become a member of the Nazi Party and Wolk herself was not a member of the League of German Girls, the female equivalent of the Hitler Youth. Her childhood was otherwise typical, and she married by age 25. But soon after her husband was called to military duty; she soon lost contact with him and presumed him dead. She left her hometown after their apartment was damaged by Allied bombs, and moved in with her mother-in-law in an area of Prussia which is now modern day Poland.
Her mother-in-law, though, lived not far from Hitler's base of command in that region. That bunker, known as the Wolf's Lair (the entrance is pictured above), is where she'd soon be ordered to go. Her job, and the job of fourteen other young women, was to taste delicious foods rarely available in the region -- "only the best vegetables, asparagus, bell peppers, everything you can imagine. And always with a side of rice or pasta," she'd later tell the Associated Press. (There's no meat on the menu because Hitler was a vegetarian.) But she and the others weren't there as a guess. Their job was, simply, to not fall ill. Because if they didn't, the theory went, the food wasn't poisoned, and therefore safe for Hitler to eat. And with rumors rampant that the British were trying to taint the Nazi leader's food, Wolk's role and the role of her compatriots was critical.
Wolk served in this role for the last few years of the war, but for some unknown reason, was sent back to Berlin by a German lieutenant as the Soviets advanced on the Wolf's Lair in 1944. The other fourteen tasters remained behind and were killed by Soviet soldiers. Wolk, though, suffered a terrible fate as well. When Berlin fell, she was captured by the Soviet army and repeatedly sexually assaulted over a two week period. As a result of these brutal attacks, she was left unable to have children. She did, however, manage to be reunited with her husband in 1946. For understandable reasons, Wolk, kept her story a secret for decades. In December of 2012, at age 95, she finally opened up to the press, after living out most of her adult life (post-war) in relative obscurity.
Bonus fact : Visit a vineyard and you may notice roses planted on the end of the rows of vines. The reason isn't just for (or even primarily for) aesthetics, but -- like the canaries and food-testers above -- to act as a warning sign. Both grapes and rose bushes are susceptible to microbes called powdery mildew and downy mildew, which, while treatable, are easier to treat if caught quickly. The rose bushes are more susceptible to these mildews than the grapes are. As a few bloggers note, this flowery early warning system feature are the roses' main purpose in the vineyards.
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