Shameless indeed, Flash! Might have to revoke your Press Card for such crass behaviour! Cheers, Patrizzio!
Say happy work anniversary!
Hi Chloë! Congratulations! Hip Hip Hooray! Cheers, Dad!
Hi Patrick Sorry if these photo downloads take ages- I couldn't remember how
to edit them down in size. Each time I download photos it seems to use
different software.
When we returned we had arranged to visit our ex next door
neighbours in Kenilworth in the Midlands including a trip round the
Cotswolds. We then travelled on to Stoke to see Anne Thomas whose
husband died two weeks ago after suffering for 11 years after
his stroke. Ivor was a close footballing friend of Ray and mine who
turned his hand to other activities such as squash, table tennis and
snooker.
Although we had a light frost on the cars this morning the worst
weather we have had were the gales of last week and high seas, like
1953, but with less disastrous effects due to improved sea defences.
I did manage 30km the other day on the bike in reasonable
conditions- after my fall last year I shall be avoiding icy days if
possible.
Did some mixed running and walking yesterday- Fartlek by another
name if I was being generous to myself. Tendons after the physio
treatment are standing up well. Exercise bike and weights today followed
by a two hour Skype call with Dave Arnold in Perth-
again a friend of Ray's.
We are still struggling through the third series of Homeland (US
Marine sergeant is rescued from terrorists - played by UK actor Damien
Lewis) on Sunday evenings- becomes more and more unlikely- do you have
this? Christine has been watching the second
series of Last Tango in Halifax starring Derek Jacobi and several other
well known UK actors and actresses.
I always cycle with my mobile phone, with Chris as my rescue
service, of course. Fortunately I haven't had to call on her assistance
for a couple of years- usually thorns in tyres. My longest walk/jog
home with the mountain bike has been around 7 miles
though I cycled 12 miles somehow on a flat front tyre on the road bike-
didn't do much for the wheel.
We hope you are both keeping well and enjoy Christmas and New Year. Best wishes Jim and Christine
Hi Chris and James!
Great snaps of the Rich and Famous lollygagging in a tropical paradise! You both look extremely well. Glad you had such a lovely break from what I gather has been quite stormy weather. Funnily enough, just had a message from former VRC squash friend, now living in Perth, and he mentioned that they were looking forward to a cooler 37ºC, as opposed to 38ºC and 39ºC, drop in temperature.
Ray had mentioned Ivor's death, last week in November, I believe. I popped in yesterday, to say hello to Stella, at her store on GI, on my way back from downtown. I had been to have my flu shot. She said Arthur is not doing well. Much as expected, under circumstances. She mentioned that Ray had been around to visit him. Tough situation for both of you, with respect to close friends.
Glad that you are not bothered by nagging tendon issues. Have not watched Homeland and, unfortunately, we don't have Last Tango in Halifax, yet. Quite by chance, I listened to an interview, on BBC 2, with Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid, I believe, a few weeks ago. (I still listen to BBC on my laptop!) Sounds like something we'd enjoy. At present only series I watch, (Cora Lee has a whole raft!), is Elementary, a modern take on the cases of Sherlock Holmes, with the detective now living in New York City, starring Jonny Lee Miller, Lucy Liu and Aidan Quinn. Must say that character development is exceptional. Both of us are looking forward to next series of Downtown.
In
the summer of 2008, 24 climbers set out to make the final ascent to K2,
the world’s second highest and arguably most dangerous mountain. Eleven
never came back. It was a disaster in
a sport accustomed to tragedy. And it was by no means clear what had
gone wrong. About the only thing all the survivors agreed on: the
weather had been perfect; bright, warm and clear.
Nick Ryan’s film—written by Mark Monroe, who structured such acclaimed documentaries as The Cove and The Tillman Story—draws on interviews with the remaining climbers, sherpas and bereaved relatives to piece together an idea of the fateful events from myriad perspectives. Mixing digital footage shot on the ascent with dramatic reconstructions à la Touching the Void, Ryan puts us in the climbers’ boots to show how the compulsion to reach the summit—married with the frighteningly volatile nature of K2 itself—combined to turn small misjudgments into fatal errors.
Nick Ryan’s film—written by Mark Monroe, who structured such acclaimed documentaries as The Cove and The Tillman Story—draws on interviews with the remaining climbers, sherpas and bereaved relatives to piece together an idea of the fateful events from myriad perspectives. Mixing digital footage shot on the ascent with dramatic reconstructions à la Touching the Void, Ryan puts us in the climbers’ boots to show how the compulsion to reach the summit—married with the frighteningly volatile nature of K2 itself—combined to turn small misjudgments into fatal errors.
We
will probably never know the full story behind this tragedy—the Korean
climbing team’s leader refused to participate, and some of the survivors
offer flatly contradictory testimony—The
Summit will leave you in no doubt about how the majesty of this
peak continues to entrance adventurers, and the enormous demands it
makes of them. As one sign lower down the slopes puts it: “Respect the
mountain.”
Pics: Skating rink near Art Gallery; Burrard Bridge and Aquabus on way back from downtown; remains of a crab, on ferry dock, after a seagull was finished with crustacean; desk fitting, towels are to prevent floor from being scratched; Colleen, Bi Al's wife; in elevator, taking pieces back to truck.
Hi Rosemary!
Trust all goes well and that you and Andre are enjoying the pre-Christmas season. Busy times here as were are volunteering at Aunt Leah's Christmas Tree lots, (Chloë has been working with this non-profit organization since last March), for next two weeks or so. Fairly cold weather for Vancouver over past few weeks, frost and snow, although rain is supposed to return today. Guess I better go for a ride shortly if I want to beat a drenching! Fondestos from Coriandre. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Yael!
Trust all goes well and that you and family are enjoying the pre-Christmas season. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Trust all goes well and that you and Andre are enjoying the pre-Christmas season. Busy times here as were are volunteering at Aunt Leah's Christmas Tree lots, (Chloë has been working with this non-profit organization since last March), for next two weeks or so. Fairly cold weather for Vancouver over past few weeks, frost and snow, although rain is supposed to return today. Guess I better go for a ride shortly if I want to beat a drenching! Fondestos from Coriandre. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Trust all goes well and that you and family are enjoying the pre-Christmas season. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Chuckerini!
Trust all goes well and that you and family are enjoying the pre-Christmas season. Enjoyed a number of very pleasant visits with Marilyn and Mike when I drove down to Tinsel Town to celebrate American Thanksgiving with Los Horridos! Fondestos from Coriandre. Cheers, Patrizzio! Hi Karin! Trust all goes well. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Everything is going well. Tomorrow our Christmas tree will be arriving. The girls are fine too. Both are going to do a study, nurse and pedicure. The weather is cold, fog and rainy. Not funny. We wish you very merry Christmas and a lot of health. Greetings from Tjerkwerd.
Hi Zoe! Trust all goes well and that you and Matt are enjoying the pre-Christmas season. Give us a shout as we'd love to see you both. Fondestos from Coriandre. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Stats for today's ride:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/415071522#.UqowW7EBqrk.email
Can't remember who all I told about the legal case but here's the result. Cheers! Deborah
Hello! I am very pleased - and relieved - to report that, at 10 a.m. on December 5, 2013, the Crown Attorney agreed to withdraw the Application against me!
My only concern here - in terms of our justice system - is that the fact there was a context for my behaviours seems to have dropped out of the picture. Hopefully, from here in on, my neighbours will keep a lid on things. Just wanted you to know - -one less thing on my plate! Deborah
Glad to learn that you have one less thing on your already full plate! How go things for pre-Christmas fairs, etc? Cheers, Patrizzio!
Everything is going well. Tomorrow our Christmas tree will be arriving. The girls are fine too. Both are going to do a study, nurse and pedicure. The weather is cold, fog and rainy. Not funny. We wish you very merry Christmas and a lot of health.Greetings from Tjerkwerd.
Maybe you should pick
a date or dates that work for you -- maybe a Saturday night, allowing
the working stiffs amongst the Unread some time to get over and back.
By the by I did get on the court with one G
Dawes for three games Tuesday -- plenty of disingenuous humility. He
played well in spite of appearing to be in the late stages of gestation. We could get some hands of bridge in on the island if Coralee is willing to put up with us. W
Hi Whirlage!
Glad you hooked up with The Millionaire and his "disingenuous humility." I gather that he may well have been on the winning side as if not he is usually grumpy!
You will have seen the proposed dates for the NRBC so let me know what you think.
If you "chaps" are free tomorrow evening, Cora Lee is up for some bridge. She is feeling much better so let us know if that might work. Wouldn't have to be overly late if Tia Maria would be accompanying you.
Managed
to squeak out a ride today. Left around 10:20 am for my SP regulare.
Think I only encountered a total of two or three cyclists over course of
my outing. Quite pleasant to have Seawall/SP Prospect Point Loop all to
myself. Bit of but spittting rain for first two loops and then a light
rain started, heavier, of course, heading into the wind. Nevertheless,
nothing to fuss about and I was so pleased not to be having to deal with
ice-cubitis that I spat on the precipitation! Stats:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/415071522#.UqowW7EBqrk.email
Felt
really great to be back out as I'd not been able to ride for last few
days. Yesterday, worked at Xmas tree lot, as you might recall, and
pleased to say it was loads and loads of fun. Far busier than I ever
imagined it would be, given day of week and shift time. Must have had
something to do with glorious day. Started out my shift by collecting an
urn of coffee from Starbucks on Granville and 64th. Pleased that they
are supporting Aunt Leah's. Later on, noticed a Skate Canada logo on one
customer's parka and I asked if she knew Flamin' and Sarge. In fact she
did, as well as Peggster and Mr Fixit, ("Those Newfies" was her
immediate response!), one of the other couples on canal barge, as she,
Margot Delorme, had volunteered with them at the 2010 Olympics!
Another
woman came in and we actually put her tree stand on her pick and then
plopped it into the back seat of her Mini Cooper! She said that she can
only come looking for a tree when it isn't raining as she obviously has
to put the convertible roof down. Other volunteers were interesting
individuals so when we did have a few spare minutes it was fun to chat.
Before I knew it, shift was over. Think sales, overall, are going very
well so I know Chloë is pleased.
Have a reprieve from tomorrow's
scheduled shift as Chloë called to say that Anne, supervisor at lot,
said that she was overstaffed. Supposed to be cloudy from 11:00 am on so
wondering if a ride is something you might be interested in. Let me
know about an outing as well as bridge. Cheers, Il Conduttore!
Glad you hooked up with The Millionaire and his "disingenuous humility." I gather that he may well have been on the winning side as if not he is usually grumpy!
You will have seen the proposed dates for the NRBC so let me know what you think.
If you "chaps" are free tomorrow evening, Cora Lee is up for some bridge. She is feeling much better so let us know if that might work. Wouldn't have to be overly late if Tia Maria would be accompanying you.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/415071522#.UqowW7EBqrk.email
P, Thanks for invite to bridge. Sounds very appealing to me. I will
put it to the sisterhood as soon as her babysitting (children of a
colleague) stint is over. I would enjoy a ride tomorrow but it may only work early for me. Amira has just arrived in town and is coming by late morning. We will talk in the morning. W
Dear Chaps:
Hope you are both well. As George knows, Natalia and I will be heading south for the holidays:
Portland(1), Eureka(1), San Francisco(4), San Diego(2), Sacramento(1), Portland(1) = 10 Days
I'd
appreciate any input re: good restaurants, pubs, music venues, etc.
that either of you could recommend. This would be greatly appreciated.
Best, Kurt
Dear Chaps! (Funny how Mr Nicotine's salutations become ever so chummy whenever he wants something as opposed to raining castigations down upon our already overburdened shoulders when the vitriol then flows freely!)
http://www.granzellas.com/restaurant_deli/restaurant.aspx
Also an motel associated with enterprise but I stay at The Stage Stop Inn as it is half the price and only a block or so away. If you take CA-20 out of Williams you can end up in Calistoga, top of Napa and then make your way to Sonoma, via the Alexander Valley, to Healdsburg. Wineries wherever you look, of course. Only stop in Calistoga to eat at Cafe Sarafornia, (1413 Lincoln St, Calistoga, CA 94515), and then make for Healdsburg, stopping at Soda Rock, (Drop my name as I'm a Cellar Member. May not help as I'm supposed to be along for umbrella but you never know what doors will be opened!), David Coffaro, (7485 Dry Creek Rd, Geyserville, CA 95441. Here you can barrel taste, if that is of interest. Pat and David and their staff are lovely people so make sure you mention our connectione. I stopped in on my recent trip south for American Thanksgiving but they were away from winery day I popped in.), Kokomo, (4791 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448), and on and on and on!
From there, 101 will take you right into SF. Again, on your own here, as far as restaurants are concerned, as we usually stay in Berkeley with friends. However, an ABSOLUTE MUST is David Hockney: A Bigger Exhibition at the de Young in Golden Gate Park. (http://deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/visiting/getting-de-young) I took it in on my way back from Tinsel Town and cannot say how much I thought of it.
Giorgio tells me that you are up for an NRBC meeting in Parksville. I suggest January 11th or 18th. Perhaps the 25th but I'm not sure, as of this writing, whether the Millionaires are back by then. Let me know what you think. If you have other questiones about my suggestiones, send along your queries. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Pics: Stage Stop; Sports Bar at Granzella's. Last few times wasn't even charged for corkage! Soda Rock; Cindy at Coffaro.
Dear LSD Advisor:
1. Inciteful re: salutations. Depends on the flow of the juice I s'ppose
2.
As you know, I'm of the same mind re: cheap lodgings and free trip
advisors. Will take your sage advice and move onto Reddings and check
out Jack's Grill
and Jack's wife while I'm at it
3. May look into Godzilla's in Williams as well but not shore
4.
VERY reluctant to tell anyone in the world (some 6.7 Billion people)
that I know you for fear of being lynched but thanks for the offer. I
noticed, too,
that Pat and David of Soda Rock made sure that they weren't there when
you
"popped in" on American Thanksgiving
5.
Up for Parksville providing that you guarantee that we can drink the
owner's complete collection of hard liquor and what's in the wine cellar
Appreciate the pics but where's Waldo? All kidding aside, thanks for your input--greatly appreciated. My best to you and Corrine. Kurt
Hello again, Dr Timothy!
Since you were obviously tripping before your coming trip, Pat and David own Coffaro, not Soda Rock. I assume your egregious spelling errors are intentional but you need to remember that Cora Lee spells her name "Corinne", one "r" and two "n's" but I presume I waste my electronic ink. With respect to the NRBC Plonk Fest I have forwarded your message to Groggenheimer. I'm sure he will leave the keys to his cellar after reading your missive. Forced inventory reduction, of sorts!
All kidding aside, STOP SMOKING! Fondestos to NNatalliaaa. Cheers, Il Conduttore!
Looking forward to seeing you both then. Merry Christmas! Bill.
Hi Bev and Kev!
Congratulations on new car and lounge suite, Bev! Don't think you deserve even a pair of socks, Kev! Spoke to Bill Gross earlier today and he said to be remembered to you. We are having dinner, at their place, on December 27th. Bravo to Lisa! Wonderful accomplishment. Sorry to hear about David not wishing to remain in touch. Thanks for kind words about Maggie. We have her ashes on a shelf, together with Mocha's, so our girls are still with us! Cheers, Patrizzio!
Yo,
Patrick and Corrine. Good to hear from you! The Cossack and I played
Michaelangelo and Derrick Cameroni on Tuesday. Surprisingly, he didn't
mention hosting your highnesses at his castle. But he has been a little
forgetful in his senior doterage.
We're looking forward to hosting our daughters and their
significant others at Christmas, as well as Laurel's in-laws
(also neighbors of ours) and other random revelers. Looks like we're
also invited to dueling Solstice parties next weekend. Of course
in Portland, there are more Pagans than Christians, so not a surprise.
The Cossack and I are playing in the Pac Coast the last week in
January, so perhaps we'll see you if you wander over to the courts. I
believe the VRC is the host club. The Chuckster
Young Patrick, Thanks so much for a most enjoyable email. I love reading
of your travels and exploits. Thanks as well for the large print. I
could read perfectly without the magnifying glass.. Hi to Chloe and have
a great Christmas Season...
Your old friend... Bill
No comments:
Post a Comment