Post-Tinsel Town Bourbon Drinker Blues: Wednesday, November 6th!

As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. -Abraham Lincoln, 16th US President (1809-1865)

Wed Nov 6th
 
Not much to report. No definitive word on the surgery date although Friday continues to look likely. I'm told that the surgeon will come by for a briefing tomorrow. I feel like I could pass the BCIT diploma exam given the number imaging examinations I've been through.
 
It will be good to get things underway if for no other reason than these messages will get shorter and then soon become redundant as I am propped up at home watching the final episodes of Breaking Bad and receiving visitors.
 
Thanks to everyone for their good wishes and support. Best Wishes....Paul 

Patrick,

Any preference for time slot: 7:30, 8:30 or 9:30? Kathryn

Hi again, Kathryn!

I don't really have any preference but if something is still available for the 8:30 pm reading that would be fine. Otherwise, slot me in as is easiest for you. Thanks. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Patrick,

You are assigned to the 8:30 session, reading #5, the last one! Kathryn

Jawohl, Mein General!  

Hello Maple Ridge Rider and Brownie Powered Burnaboid!

Hello Maple Ridge Rider and Brownie Powered Burnaboid!

How wonderful to receive your message even if mine seem to be disappearing into the mysterious ether! Grand to know that things are going so well for you on the cycling front.  Congratulations on the distances involved. Yes, we are back. More below.

Thank you very much for your more than kind words about my posts. I took the liberty of reading what you wrote to Cora Lee and Flamin', (neighbour along on canal barge), and their eyes rolled. They both give me nothing but grief about writing, at length, about travels, daily event, etc., insisting, and vehemently so, that from their perspective I don't actually experience anything. They simply cannot understand that I enjoy trying to describe what happens around me and, in fact, make better sense, understand more completely, events and chance, serendipitous connections through the reflection which putting things down on electronic paper allows.

Of course I would be more than delighted to hook up for a ride together. I am nothing but honoured to be invited by a Gran Fondo-ite! However, not sure if this will be possible over next little while for a variety of reasons: weather, your inconsiderate working life and our next trip to Tinsel Town. I assume weekend is best time and see, from forecast that this coming Sunday and/or Monday look promising in terms of no rain. Let me know if either might work for you. (I'm pretty flexible about timing as well so suggest a few possibilities and we can plan accordingly. Haven't been to Seymour Demonstration Forest for some time now so that might be a possibility. I like to go over Lion's Gate and then along Spirit Trail in North Van to approach Lillooet, (past Capilano U), Road that way. Or out to Deep Cove first and then back to SDF.

Not sure if I mentioned, in one of my messages, that this year's Tour went through Roujan, village about 4 km from Neffiés where I had rented the house in Languedoc. On one of my rides I made for Faugères, via Gabian, as this was part of route to Albi, final stop on that particular stage. Wanted to see Faugères as this was region which produced many of the robust, fruit forward wines I became so enamoured of. Good long, long steady climb all the way out of Gabian but not nearly as steep as I had feared/thought it might be. Didn't have the courage to continue on to Bédarieux as I had, inadvertently, driven there, getting lost on way to Neffiés after first arriving in Béziers, and knew it was situated amidst pretty steep hillsides. Next time! 

Dinner with non-riders is a wonderful idea so keep that in mind as well. Be pleased to have it at our place. Of course Jake is more than welcome to join us, should he wish to do so. This weekend might be a good time for that if ride is convenient on either Sunday or Monday. At this juncture, Cora Lee would prefer Monday, if that is possible, so let me know what you think. Much more to tell but need to finish this missive. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Friends, Part of bringing joy to the Christmas season is the tradition of giving back! By volunteering at our Christmas Tree lots this winter, you can give back to your community. Volunteers like you provide more than just a shopping trip when helping people look for that perfect tree – you provide a family tradition. Volunteers like you bring the Christmas spirit to our customers year after year and we wouldn't be able to do it without you! Last year, thanks to you, we raised over $79,000 to help prevent youth homelessness. Be part of the change we are making by volunteering again this year to help families find the perfect Christmas tree for their celebration. What do I need to do as a volunteer? We set ourselves apart from the other lots by offering the best possible service to our customers. As a volunteer you greet customers, show them around the lot, explain the different tree types, help with transactions, assist with trimming, let people know their money helps youth at risk and moms and babies and much more. We want you to enjoy your experience so we will fit you in where you think your skills work best! Individual volunteers will be paired up with others and if you come as a group, you can do your own 4 hour shift with your friends and family. What are the benefits for the volunteers? The tree lots have dry tents with heaters, hot chocolate, coffee and Christmas goodies to keep our volunteers in the spirit! To thank you and recognize your dedication and hard work, we host an appreciation party in January. It’s a lot of fun and many volunteers return year after year. This year’s volunteer appreciation event will be held on Thursday January 16, 2014 at the Scandinavian Community Centre in Burnaby. Join us at our meet and greet for Tree Lot Volunteers and Tree Lot Staff on November 14 from 5-6pm at our New West office - all are welcome!! In the spirit of Leah, Gale Stewart Executive Director Tree Lots and Hours All of the following are open from November 29, 2013 until the trees are sold out! If you would like to give your time this season, we are always looking for more volunteers. Working one volunteer shift for us is the equivalent of donating over $170 to Aunt Leah's Place! Contact Chloe at 604.525.1204 ext 224 or cdunn@auntleahs.org to get involved. Lonsdale tree lot - Th - M : 12pm - 8pm Coquitlam tree lot - M-Th: 1pm - 9pm/ F/S/S 10am - 9pm Burnaby tree lot - M - Th 1pm – 9pm, F/S/S 10am – 9pm Vancouver tree lot - 7 days a week 10 AM – 9 PM