Thursday 19 December 2013

Nordmann Fir Blues: Friday, December 20th

A language is never in a state of fixation, but is always changing; we are not looking at a lantern-slide but at a moving picture. -Arthur Lloyd James, phonetician (1884-1943) 


All men are brothers, we like to say, half-wishing sometimes in secret it were not true. But perhaps it is true. And is the evolutionary line from protozoan to Spinoza any less certain? That also may be true. We are obliged, therefore, to spread the news, painful and bitter though it may be for some to hear, that all living things on earth are kindred. -Edward Abbey, naturalist and author (1927-1989)
 

Chloe Alexis Dunn

More from Gramps, his Christmas collection of Snowmen!!

  • Patrick James Dunn Buddha Snowman! Love the Christmas tree!

    Our early morning pool Hearst Pool closes today until mid-January. Off to a last morning swim with my friends in the darkness beneath the moon and stars, then a month of sleeping in until Hearst reopens....good? bad? Like so much in life, a puzzle with myriad perspectives as the days roll along....happy laps to all my swim friends and joyous holidays....
    Patrick James Dunn I was up at just after 5:00 am this morning as well, Cactus. To a marvellous Winter Wonderland as Vancouver had a reasonable amount of snow over the course of the night. Light flakes started to fall around 10:30 pm, just as Chloë was heading back to her loft. She had come over earlier as she, Flamin' and Cora Lee were wrapping presents for the family we, (along with Sutherlands, Grogg/Lurch, Clara/Dusty), have sponsored for a Christmas hamper, one of Aunt Leah's' Christmas programs. I take it that you did not have to break the ice covering Hearst Pool in order to do your laps. If so you are well on the way to ready yourself for the Polar Bear Swim at Kits Beach on New Year's Day! Cheers!
Standby for the 1010 flight to Vancouver. Hoping that the snow stops at yvr — at Edmonton International Airport

Hi Nora and Laury!

Lovely to hear from you. Enjoyed hearing all about your busy lives and knowing what Elene and Lindley are doing. Congratulations on your retirement Nora! Very pleased to learn that you have plenty of time and room for visitors as we are certainly keen to explore your part of the world. Close friends had invited us to stay with them in Florida this coming January/February and I wanted to drive, visiting the kids in LA and then friends in Mesa and Dallas, and Gail and Jack, of course, along the way. 


However, we had promised other friends on Vancouver Island that we would house/cat sit for them for last three weeks of January. As well, Corinne didn't want to be away from her parents for the time it would have taken us to drive. Of course, being away for three months this last holiday, we have to refill the coffers. However, do plan a visit in the not too, too distant future.


All the best to you both for a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year. Fondestos from Cora Lee and Cheers from An Older but probably Not A Wiser Nor Kinder, Gentler Patrizzio!


Pics: Some of Dusty's Christmas paintings/door hangings, for family and other friends. The elevator is painted from memory, of one near Dauphin, Manitoba, where he and Clara grew up!                                   it'd be great to see you!


Hi Vail People!

Congratulations on latest real estate acquisition! Chloë, not to mention the two of us, can hardly wait to visit you there! Great snaps of Miranda/Adrian and their significant others! Lovely to hear about your latest tome, Randy. Congratulations indeed! Enjoyed the details of your busy lives and knowing what Miranda and Adrian are doing. Congratulations on your retirement plans, Ruth! Very pleased to learn that you will have plenty of time and room for visitors as we are certainly keen to explore Colorado, for the first time, and Dallas, again! However, do plan a visit in the not too, too distant future so please start renovations on dated bathrooms!


All the best to you four, (Buona Fortuna with coming road-trip!), for a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year. Give us a phone call over hols as we'll be here for both Christmas/Boxing Day and probably New Year's Eve as well. Cheers Patrizzio!



Chloe Alexis Dunn Are adults allowed to have a SNOW day?
Patrick James Dunn Only if you live near Granville Island!

Hi Jean, thank you for sharing Tess's story. She is lucky she has such a wonderful caregiver.
We will be over in Nannoose Bay again cat sitting for Greg and Francesca. From the 10th of January until the 24th and was wondering if you and John could join us for a couple of days or even for a night if that works.

Having a quiet Christmas. Combining Christmas Day dinner with the Sutherlands so we will have 18 here for dinner. Otherwise no big party planned. We've been volunteering selling Christmas trees for Aunt Leah's, the non-profit that Chloe works for. I also volunteer there on Fridays at their store the Urban Thrift. 

Mom and Dad are here and still in pretty good health. Mom will be 89 next month and dad 90 in May. We are having a family reunion in August at Falcon to celebrate birthdays and their 69th wedding anniversary. Love to see you guys. We'll call soon, Love, Corinne

A winter wonderland in Granville island
Bev Power So true Patrick James Dunn! This freeloader would love to make a visit
Patrick James Dunn You cannot be any worse than Clan Sutherland. They have taken freeloading to new heights!

Hi Ski and The Great Ronaldo!

Wonderful to hear from you from Ireland. Sounded like a terrific holiday/visit. Glad that medical school is going well for Sam. Thanks as well for the birthday wishes and Russian ice drummers present! As I'm sitting here watching the snow fall, Lake Baikal doesn't seem so far away. Coincidentally, Sarge is "stranded" in Edmonton at the moment. He has been there since last Saturday on RCMP business. Couldn't get on 10:10 am flight and is hoping for one around noon. Snow is wreaking havoc with busiest travel weekend of year.



Had been thinking of you in LA as Ayn has one of the painted wooden hangings which we bought when at the weekly market, hanging on her downstairs bathroom wall. Furthermore, I'm working one of the bottles of local hot sauce, balsamic, that I picked up. Had it on my fried potatoes this morning for breakfast. With muleage I brought back from California I "smuggled" in one of the two bottles of Old Man Guavaberry Brand Republic Rum I had had stashed in Portland after last year's trip. I was already over my Duty Free limit with three bottles of wine so I wrapped it in my cycling gear that was nicely fermenting itself, by the time I crossed the border, and the guard couldn't get rid of me quickly enough!

We will be here in February so look forward to your visit. You are more than welcome to stay with us when in Vancouver, should that be convenient for you. Easier to plan rides as well! Anyway, let us know as we'll inflate blow-up mattress. It's very comfortable. Lynne and Peter, (Same couple we were with in New Orleans before we flew to St Martin.), slept on it for two nights running this past summer and we had to kick them out after that!

All the best to you Cape Breton Folk for a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year. Cheers, Patrizzio!
  Pic:  It's snowing at The Islay Inn!

Hi Sara Jane!

Trust you are alive and well and riding in the snow with your chains on!
All the best to you three for a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year. Give us a phone call over hols and perhaps we can organize a visit/meal/ride, whatever suits. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Simone!

I guess we are taking turns apologizing. No excuses, but plenty of reasons on my part. First of all, let me offer extremely belated condolences on the death of Aunt Mary. I did appreciate the copy of her obituary and the facts, as you knew them, surrounding her demise. I can only imagine how much more difficult and painful her death must have been given Ron's seemingly conscious efforts to be so callously indifferent to Aunt Mary's stated wishes with respect to her burial and distribution of possessions. I never cease to be amazed at the cruel, unfeeling behaviour of some individuals, towards relatives, particularly in times of bereavement.
 

Like Mom, Aunt Mary had a very full, long life and I have nothing but extemely fond memories of her, from both childhood and adulthood. I mourn her death but I cherish the fact that he was such a vibrant part of the family that she will always be with us. Her indomitable spirit and forthrightness still make me smile as I think about these wonderful qualities of character. Again, deepest, heartfelt sympathy, Simone.

With respect to single malt, the term usually refers to single malt scotch whiskey so they are, in fact, the same. I could suggest endless numbers of brands but I think Cory/Shanna should really ask their friend if he has any particular favourites. Some taste more of peat and/or smoke, (Islay malts), whereas others, (Speyside), taste, relatively speaking,
quite mellow, sweet, and particularly fruity/nutty. Unless the friend has a very specific label in mind, they should be able to buy a very decent bottle at Duty Free on way to Costa Rica. If this doesn't answer the question let me know and I'll try make a few more suggestions. 

All the best to you, Simone, for a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year. Fondestos from Cora Lee and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Patriçio,


That brings back memories.  Hilarious!



Here is some motivational material for you.  Imagine if this guy had a carbon fibre bike!




Branko Todos mueren. No todos viven/Everybody dies. Not everyone lives
Hi Guys,

 I unfortunately have to report that Steve from Rainbow did not return my
calls today.. I phoned the sandblasting place next door and asked if they
knew what was going on and they said that they thought the desk was being
worked on by Steve. I asked them to tell Steve to call me when they saw
him. I also asked if they were open tomorrow and the feeling was that they
were not.
There is a possibility that he will get in touch with me tomorrow and if
so we can carry on with plan A. Otherwise I'm afraid that we will have to
delay until further notice.

 
I am sorry that this happened as I know we were all looking forward to
having it done, unfortunately some people lack the integrity that we would
like them too. I will inform you later tomorrow one way or another if I hear anything. Cheers,  Al



Hey Al, that's too bad and yes please keep us informed. But not the end of the world. On a brighter note it's Friday!!!!!  Thanks for all your work and time thus far, you'll be getting sick of us all too soon. :) Chloe


Here is a website I was talking to mom and dad about re a way to move Papa John and to use at the Church. Pat

http://ems.stryker.com/products/stair-chairs


Dear Friend

Our 2013 “Stay At Home and Read a Book Ball” fundraising campaign is well underway. Hope you enjoyed a warm cup of tea with friends.  Thanks to all of you who have already contributed. 

This is a gentle reminder that you have 11 more days to support our fundraising campaign to receive a 2013 tax receipt.  Of course donations are welcome in the New Year as well. We're pleased to announce that it is now possible to donate online.  You can also renew your membership from our website. Happy holidays!
P.S.  If you didn't receive an invitation (and tea), it is because we don't have an up to date mailing address for you.  Please let us know so we can update our records. 

Hi Patrick, Corrine and Chloe, thank you for the lovely card. I wish we did have snow as it then feels more wintery and like Christmas. Wishing you all a good celebration. We shall raise a glass or two to all in Canada. Best wishes Gudrun and Stephen
 


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