Blackwater Blues: Tuesday, August 20th

Syllables govern the world. -John Selden, historian and politician (1584-1654) 

The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I thought, and attended to my answer. -Henry David Thoreau, naturalist and author (1817-1862)

Procrustes:

MEANING:

noun: A person imposing conformity without concern for individuality.

ETYMOLOGY:

After Procrustes, a giant in Greek mythology, who stretched or cut his victims to make them fit his bed. He was killed by Theseus. From Greek Procroustes (stretcher). The word is more often used in its adjective form procrustean. Earliest documented use: 1581.

Theseus slaying Procrustes

USAGE:
"But is not almost every man a Procrustes? We have not the power of showing our cruelty exactly in the same method, but actuated by the like spirit, we abridge of their liberty, and torment by scorn, all who either fall short, or exceed the usual standard."

Hi Patrice,

Another enjoyable, entertaining read. I am so sorry to hear about your friends daughter that is horrible indeed and I wish them all the best that one possibly could in dealing with that tragedy. All parents worst fears imagined and I keep it constantly in mind and remind my own to be incredibly careful especially in this day of more and more distracted drivers!. Today is one of those days as Jesse and Jacob are driving up to the Sunshine coast to visit a family with a cabin on Sakinaw lake which is absolutely gorgeous with clear warm waters and a floating trampoline among other fun water sports.

Colleen and her sister Maureen are heading up to Tyack Lodge where Jeremy has been working for about 3 months so everyone is on the road while I toil in the city. Not too bothered by it all as we have been spending a lot of quality time at the cabin having a very nice summer enjoying the pool , hiking, biking etc. 

I love the paparazzi pics of Corrine and I’m sure she was quite pleased to discover you skulking about trying to get the money shot as it were..lol!. Glad you’re enjoying all your biking adventures as well and that you’re getting to know the area so when we come over some time you will have it all figured out for us.

I’m afraid I was not able to pack liquor with me as I had to travel lightly on our charter flight out to Pincher creek. I did have a great time out there seeing some old work friends that I missed and everyone from the director (Brad Bird of The incredibles and mission Impossible , ghost protocol fame ) to the Hutterite owners of the land where we were shooting were very friendly and enthusiastic about the project. the scenery was amazing with giant wind turbines dotting the wheat fields and the rocky mountains forming and beautiful backdrop.

i am working this week while the rest of the family is away and then we are going to head up to the cabin for the better part of next week and into labour day weekend. We will look forward to having you up there again upon your return and hearing more about your adventures. Take care, xo Al and  Marylin

Pics. : wheatfields of Alberta, The Sunbeam Alpine at Alpine estates, Jesse enjoying the Sumallo river, in between takes of the tumble rig in the wheatfield.

Hi Big Al! Up at 6:59am to creep out of the bedroom. Didn't need to be overly quiet as The Battle of the The Dueling Wind Tunnels was raging, punctuated by sudden, startling bursts of whooshing sound, produced by the vehicles hurtling past, on the road just below the bedroom windows, (We leave the windows open at night but early morning traffic can be disturbing until one gets used to it.), but I tip-toed into the kitchen, nevertheless, ever considerate individual that I am! 

Glad to hear you are as busy as ever, working and playing! Thanks for great snaps. I've entered the remarkable one of wheat ears into an international photo contest under my own name. When I win first prize, (€1,000,000), I'll buy you a bottle of expensive malt! Trust all continues to well with you folk! Fondestos from The Sisterhood to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Michaelo!

Delighted to learn that your ancestors are from this part of the world! Must account for your taste in ale!  Don't really know anything more about the "Prayer Book Rebellion" other than what I found on Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_Book_Rebellion
 
Since receiving your message inquiring about same, I have been asking in all the second-hand book shops and charity/church shops, of one sort or another, we regularly step inside, on our meanderings, about any works which might deal with this topic. No luck to date but will keep a weather eye out for anything related. Have been continuing to enjoy a more than wonderful time in the more than wonderful home we currently inhabit and fascinating, beautiful Cornwall! Trust all goes well with you folk! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Poor cat......so sad:(

Chloe Alexis Dunn Her thoughts, she would prefer the lap of a certain Y&R fan and her island pathway but since she was abandoned by her grandparents she is making do on the mean streets!!

Patrick,

Very interesting.  Two errors were encountered however.  The first is in the third paragraph from the end when you said that you retired at 1 p.m.  The second is a conceptual one.  Considering how you appear now, it is impossible to believe that you were anywhere near as cute as the little boy in the picture.  We all try to glorify our past, but that is beyond anyone's imagination. Anyway, you certainly write well. Best wishes, Mike

Hi Sarge!

Trust all goes well. I assume you didn't have any luck finding my address book. No big deal. Just means I can't send any illegible post cards! Carry on living La Dolce Vita! Fondestos from my Sisterhood to you and Flamin'. Cheers, Patrizzio!  

No luck on the address book.  I have gone through the top to shelves in the scotch cabinet and not located it in the bottom of any of the bottles that have been polished off.  I will continue to search tonight.  Going to the PNE with Nicole Marvin Jill Michele and Joann on Wednesday to listen to Great Big Sea.  Should be fun and then off to Osoyoos on Thursday for the weekend. 4 more weeks to Paris. W 

Hi Rosemary and Andre!

Trust all goes well. Sorry I've not replied sooner. With respect to our visit with you we finish the canal trip on October 12th and hope to arrive on your doorstep that Saturday evening. We need to be back in London by October 17th at the latest. Given that you will be organizing closing the house we won't impose on your hospitality for more than that night, or perhaps one more, (only if convenient.), before we make our way to Paris/London. Let us know if this timetable works for you and we'll plan accordingly. Thanks!

Carry on living La Dolce Vita in Chabeuil! Fondestos from my Sisterhood to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Goodie-Two-Shoes and Stefano!!

Trust all goes well, under the difficult circumstances. Sorry I've not sent along a thank-you for the lovely day on Camel Trail and at CVV. What a magical time! Thanks again, so much!  Hope you can rest and relax over the remainder of your holiday. Fondestos from my Sisterhood to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Lads of The Iona Peloton!!

Trust all goes well, under the difficult circumstances, of unbridled good weather!  Fondestos from my Sisterhood to you and yours. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Mick and Polly!


Trust all goes well with you and your busy lives! Are you home yet? The Power Shoppers left around 11:30am to catch bus into Truro to spend the day. I'll be heeding out shortly to "attack" the surrounding hills. Trust all continues to well with your knee, Mick, and that it doesn't impede you from enjoying La Dolce Vita in sunny Vancouver! Fondestos from my Sisterhood to you both. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi Kjell!


How goes your busy life? What plans for Canada? Elsewhere?  Trust you continue to enjoy La Dolce Vita in Sweden, or anywhere else, for that matter! Fondestos from my Sisterhood to you and Jane. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Flash and Super K!
 
How go your busy lives after 15 years along? Thought of you and your Goils this past Saturday morning! (Read on, Dear Reader!) Both Ayn and Cora Lee chortled out loud as "Elise" went straight for me!  Trust you continue to enjoy La Dolce Vita in Vancouver, or anywhere else, for that matter! Fondestos from my Sisterhood to you four. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Today's ride to Mithian and More!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/362250647#.UhOtVqH86Wg.email   

Hi Chloë and Sad Maggster!

Just about to sit down for dinner and watch Game of Thrones! Nana is calling that dinner is ready so have to go as she will be very fussy if we don't help ourselves to the risotto with shrimp and scallops and peas!

Love, Dad!

Pics: The Flowers amidst the flowers before they left for Truro this morning! Spud saying goodbye! Cider, (Henry Westons 2012 Vintage Oak Aged Herefordshire Cider, 500ml, 8.2%), Nana spilled all over herself when back from Power Shopping! Reading before dinner! Napping before dinner! Spudnik boycotting everything! 

Dinner:

Coriandre prepared a very tasty cauliflower/cheese dish, (soft goat cheese), and a marvelous shrimp/scallop risotto. Ayn provided three of her precious Kit Kat bars for dessert and we licked our fingers of every last trace of chocolate as we sipped drams of Macallan, toasting the Starks in their deadly battle against the Lannisters in our on-going Game of Thrones viewing marathon!!

Stamford Brook, South East Australia, 2012 Chardonnay, 13%, ripe melon and peach with hints of citrus on the finish, not bad for its humble origins, (this wine-growing region of Australia is really not one of the country's most noteworthy), and Sainsbury's 2x£12 pricing! 

Hi D, Do you love Game of Thrones??