Friday, 3 January 2014

Sophia Loren Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow Blues: Friday, January 3rd

Sin is geographical. -Bertrand Russell, philosopher, mathematician, author, Nobel laureate (1872-1970)


P, would enjoy a ride today but not sure what has been planned for me without my knowing. Sisterhood has undefined expectations of course -- that goes without saying. Speculation on shopping expeditions may offer me a break in the action.  
 
Daughterhood is in town to commiserate with the newly fatherless and has suggested a midday rendezvous.



Weather looks promising. I play a match at 6:PM tonight so would need to keep the ride under 1000 kms. More soon I hope -- when the slumber-hers arise, W
  • Patrick James Dunn I suppose that is why you are in such good shape Cactus, standing when you knead your bread dough!
  • David Kessler Patrick, did you see my email message from a few days ago about the David Coffaro?
  • Patrick James Dunn Yes indeed, I noted your "stumbleage", dear Wine Thief!
Hi Giorgio!

I looked at the forecast as soon as I was up, about an hour ago. Looks pretty good for the entire day so we should be able to log 999 km without much difficulty! Basically, I'm ready to go whenever it suits you. If you wanted to swing by here when you have been given dispensation to do so, we could do A SP Loop and then I'd probably head out to UBC afterwards. Let me know if this might work. Cheers, Patrizzio! 


Hi Derek and Gayle!

Hadn't heard from The Snowshoe Crew since New Year's Eve when Chloë phoned. I was out on a ride, (described below), so didn't have a chance to chat. However, viewing the pictures she posted, looked like a grand time, from teapot wine decanter to wonderful snow! [Teapot made us chuckle as when we were first in Puerto Vallarta, in the early '90's, Clara and Dusty discovered a restaurant called Ernesto's and it was just a hole in the wall, literally. Owners didn't have a liquor license for wine so we brought our own and Ernestos poured contents into a teapot and served it that way!]


Since Sutherlands had prepared the turkey for Christmas dinner Clara wanted to have ours on New Year's Day. We had invited close friends, Kirsten and Alastair, and their two daughters, Margot and Lise, along with the Swedish Twins, Vittorio and Patrizzio.
 

As I mentioned, Clara roasted a turkey and prepared all of the fixings while Cora Lee put together a Caesare Industriale and steamed garlic broccoli. Rosita's mince and apple pies for dessert so it was a sumptuous feast! Neighbour, Joanne, who had hosted a lovely New Year's Eve dinner party, dropped down to say hello and we convinced her to stay for supper so it was loads of fun. Grand way to finish off holiday season.

Very wet day yesterday so spent most of day putting away Christmas decorations. We moved our tree outside and will take it to be chipped on Saturday at Kingsgate Mall by a group that helped promote Aunt Leah's tree lots. Will have quite a load as will take Chloë's tree as well as the Sutherland's. Forecast predicts sunshine all day today so am planning a ride with Giorgio.

 


Need to take my Trek in to have a part replaced. Have known about this since just before I left for California but hadn't had any gear slippage since then so never got around to taking it back in. Want to do this this weekend, at latest, as I'm off to Parksville on Thursday of next week, until 27th. Looks like we will be having quite a few friends visiting/staying while we house/cat sit so a bit like Sydney House!

Time to suit up so must away. Fondestos from Cora Lee to you both as we embark into 2014. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Big Al and Marilyn!

Thanks again for lovely visit. Had been planning a ride with Giorgio. However, when push came to shove, he was bound with Sisterhood Shopping Shackles so had to bow out. Phoned Robo Man but he said he simply didn't have the energy. His heart rhythm has been acting up of late so that is a bit worrying, of course.

Anyway, will head out shortly. Not quite sure in which direction but will make a decision once I'm out the garage door. Looks like we will be having quite a few friends visiting/staying while we house/cat sit so a bit like Sunshine Valley! Cheers, Patrizzio!


Stats for today's ride:


http://connect.garmin.com/activity/424119536#.UsdXKMB3DKQ.email

Hi all. Happy new year. Feel free to respond to this request for news for the Emeriti Newsletter. Nadine 


Thursday, 2 January 2014

The Party's Over/YVR Blues: Thursday, January 2nd


Never confuse motion with action. -Benjamin Franklin, statesman, author, and inventor (1706-1790) 

A 1918 promotional postcard showing (from left), drummer Tony Sbarbaro (aka Tony Spargo), trombonist Edwin "Daddy" Edwards, cornetist Dominick James "Nick" LaRocca, clarinetist Larry Shields, and pianist Henry Ragas
Hi If you are still able to pick us up my flight gets in at 8:40 Wayne is flying on a different flight and gets in 30 minutes before me . I am on AC195 from Montreal. If that is a problem let me know and we can walk home !! M

I have two differnt emails for u so not sure what is correct. I am flying in AC 195 from Montreal if u can pick us up. Gets in 8:40 if that is a problem let me know 

Headed back to Vancouver. Glad to escape the cold and snow. Let it rain and bring on the February flowers. Will be glad to be home — with Michele Darrow-Sutherland at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

Bumped to Business Class leaving Halifax. Air Canada Michele is flying through Montreal — at Halifax Stanfield International Airport
  • Patrick James Dunn Don't worry, you'll have plenty of rain when you arrive!
  • Bev Power Enjoy Wayne! I will always fondly remember February 2010 when I watched the flowers outside your building bud, bloom a glorious pink and last the entire month!
Hi Flamin' and Sarge! How about I pick up Sarge and you walk home!
Simon, Sabine and Lia
Let me know Sarge's flight and I'll collect him outside Departures and then we'll dipsy doodle until you arrive. You can reach me on my new, emergency cellulare. One way or another, I'll be at YVR. Trust you are managing under such very difficult circumstances. Travel safely. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Dinner last night, (Clara roasted a turkey and prepared all of the fixings. Cora Lee prepared a Caesare Industriale and steamed garlic broccoli. Rosita's mince and apple pies for dessert!), with Joanne, Flash and family and The Swedish Twins!


My flight is not due in until 8 15 so I will wait for Michele and we will meet you upstairs at Departure around 8 50. If any time changes we will call. Wayne

Hi again, Sarge! See you both around 8:50 pm! Cheers, Patrizzio!

On the piano my Highschoolfriend Hermann
10-4. Wayne Sutherland CDRO "E" Division. 

Dear Cousin Corinne and Patrick,

Thank you for your amusing, colourful and very entertaining cards.
I hope you had a lovely Christmas and would like to wish you a Happy New Year too. Mandy was ill with Flu or Bronchitis during Christmas, but is much better now.


We have lots of exciting projects for 2014 starting with the alterations to the house. After involving four different architects we think we are finally decided on a plan. When he gets back on Monday we are going to meet to agree some details.
 

Lia
Did you hear from Ian Durston-who is also a third cousin to both of us? He also lives in BC. Love Chris and Mandy Durston 

Hello Corinne and Patrick,

Happy New Year. Did you receive my reply to the card? Best wishes Chris Durston


Hi Chris!

Yes, we did receive your reply. Glad to learn that you enjoyed the cards but sorry to hear that Mandy was ill over Christmas. Glad she is on the mend now.

The plans for your house do sound exciting. We 'll have to return once alterations are complete just to see results!

Corinne hasn't contacted Ian yet but I know that doing so, now that busy holiday season is over, is a top priority, especially while Clara and Dusty are here in Vancouver, over the winter. [I've replied, on her behalf, as she is out for most of the rest of the day with various meetings having to do with her volunteer work. Another reason why she simply hasn't had a moment to correspond with Ian.]
 

Nicolas with his girlfriend Nina, Mike and melting Eveline watching Lia
Once again, a Healthy New Year to you both. All the best. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Happy New Year from the Seymour household. Marnie Ant Tris and dog here over New Years so rather hectic! Managed to skype the crew at Kelowna. They all looked pretty hungover but in very good spirits! 

Hi Giggster!

I sent this yesterday but gather files were too, too large so I've reduced number of snaps! [Didn't have time to resend right away as The Swedish Twins arrived and we started working on the patio with porch cleaner!] Cheers, Il Conduttore!


Hi Flash!

Great to see you and all The Babes last night! Thanks very much for sending along Downton files BUT I don't know what to do with them as far as downloading them. I've signed up with Copy.com but can't figure out how to get a downlaodable file from web addresses you provided. When I drop a given episode into a new tab Copy.com website is invoked and then I'm stymied! Any help/advice much appreciated! Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Thanks as well for setting up group picture! I think I drank more malt after you left than I did on New Year's Eve!


The 30 Day Plank Challenge will send your core strength through the roof! Yes, all you have to do is HOLD this position, nothing else! It looks pretty easy, but it isn't!


Day 1 - 20 seconds
Day 2 - 20 seconds
Day 3 - 30 seconds
Day 4 - 30 seconds
Day 5 - 40 seconds
Day 6 - REST
Day 7 - 45 seconds
Day 8 - 45 seconds
Day 9 - 60 seconds
Day 10 - 60 seconds
Day 11 - 60 seconds
Day 12 - 90 seconds
 

Day 13 - REST
Day 14 - 90 seconds
Day 15 - 90 seconds
Day 16 - 120 seconds
Day 17 - 120 seconds
Day 18 - 150 seconds
Day 19 - REST
Day 20 - 150 seconds
Day 21 - 150 seconds
Day 22 - 180 seconds
Day 23 - 180 seconds



Day 24 - 210 seconds
Day 25 - 210 seconds
Day 26 - REST
Day 27 - 240 seconds
Day 28 - 240 seconds
Day 29 - 270 seconds
Day 30 - PLANK FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE!!




Dearest  Corinne  Pat  Chloe  and families



All of us wish you a happy, healthy and successful  New  Year  !!  We hope that you are all well. We are happy that we can say the same from us.
 

Thank you very much for your kind mails through the year ( and we have to apologize for not quick answering ), we love very much to read your interesting field reports, it is like traveling with you a little bit wile we have to stay home. Especially also we love the pictures so we are even closer, which has the prize that we are getting jealous but its still preferable so we can for instance see your handsome and successful grandsons - congratulations!

Also great pictures are the freezing Polar Bears on the beach or the Bridge and winetasting team, relaxed Corinne - the Sutherlands, please give them kind regards from us.

It seems you had an interesting and pleasant time in Lanquedoc, Paris and London meeting friends and sites some of we have not seen yet. We do not know Jo Nesbo.

I will ask  Hermann my Highschoolfriend who is my music expert, he is since many years our guest over christmas for a few days beeing our housemusician and bringing along CDs and Vinyls from old Jazz to all periods of classical music -  also this year.

The new year will make us from February onwards every Friday to babysitters for Lia, we look very much forward to that because Sabine will start teaching 5th grade again 20% to keep in touch. So our traveling plan has to follow schoolholidays this will be a limit which we are pleased to accept. For the moment we have no bigger travel plans but we can imagine you do!

With our warmest regards to you, your families and our common friends. Eveline and Heinz


Pictures: Simon, Sabine and Lia / on the piano my Highschoolfriend Hermann /  Lia / Nicolas with his girlfriend Nina, Mike and melting Eveline watching Lia

P, thanks for pics and show. Sorry to have missed the ride with you and Ray, New Years Day. Did a short ride with sisterhood to the Anchor at Locarno and froze our butts off -- and got wet. Those are all the stats. Weather is supposed to improve tomorrow. Hope we can ride. Just running off to a match now, W 

Great stats!
Hi Patrick,

Happy New Year! Wow, you've described a whirlwind of activity ... we we're busy over the last few weeks, but mostly with mundane stuff (primarily, for me, helping my parents with a move from their large family home into a one-bedroom, fairly microscopic "independent living suite." This will be an ongoing process, so weekends that could be spent cycling or skiing, will likely see me otherwise occupied ...

I did manage to get out for 30km of riding yesterday ... not exciting (out Kingsway, to the Killarney neighbourhood that my folks have moved to) but refreshing nonetheless.

The big news with me is that I've applied for a "retirement preparation leave" that, if granted, would see me taking a year off from Libraryland (or at least VCC Library), beginning in mid-March, 2015.

What I need to do is make a concerted effort to do some planning before that happens ... otherwise it will come and go as a wasted opportunity and lots of lost income.

Anyway, 'glad to hear that you're keeping as active as ever in your retirement - inspiring!
Bill.

Wednesday, 1 January 2014

New Year's Day and The Livin' is Easy Blues: January 1st, 2014!

The art of progress is to preserve order amid change, and to preserve change amid order. -Alfred North Whitehead, mathematician and philosopher (1861-1947)


Stats for today's ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/423025983#.UsSUckA8dn4.email

Hi Patrick, 

Thanks ever so much.  We enjoyed the read.  Nice to hear you both are faring well.  The pictures are great and both of you look great.  We have our grandkids here for the week but when they're gone I'll drop you a note.  The Garmin links are fantastic.  I vividly recall my bike ride with you and Michelle and can't thank you enough for your encouragement and patience on that occasion.  I have nothing but respect and admiration for your stamina and dedication.    Regards to Corrine & family.  Talk soon. Des!

Thanks ever so much for thinking of us. We wish you good health, prosperity, and happiness in the coming year.  

Hi Big Al and Colleen!

Trust you enjoyed yourselves last night. We certainly did. Before I went upstairs yesterday evening I tried to send you the snaps I took over the course of the visit. Wasn't able to send them, (file too large!), all at once so here are the rest. Thanks again for wonderful visit. Talk soon. Need to have you help me with Aquamail as I'm not sure what it involves and not sure if it will work with my dinosaur of a mobile! Cheers, Patrizzio!
 

Robo Man and I went along Central Valley Greenway this morning, shortly after 11:00 am. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Rest of Sunshine Valley and this morning just before start of first ride of 2014!  Quite an incredible look at our city, in case you've not seen it. 

Hi Patricio,

Thanks so much for the wonderful pictures and for coming up and visiting
as we really enjoyed your company as well as the scrumptious stew, great
wine and the fantastic malt!.


It was a busy day of sledding, shooting and cleaning up the Christmas
decorations and peparing to leave tomorrow. I was glad to see you got out
with Robo man..the ride I'm sure was a great way to start the new year
off. I'll send some pics when I get to sit down at the computer after we
get home. Take care and we'll talk soon. Cheers, Al

 
Pat, The video clip I mentioned on the ride today. Started to rain as soon as I left you. Good omen for 2014 that we got the ride in dry. Ray

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI1N7oelEW0 

Published on Oct 21, 2013 Vancouver City 2 Time Lapse took us 6 months and over 50,000 pictures to complete. We used Nikon DSLR cameras to capture images higher than 4k resolution and some were shot in 8K. It was edited and uploaded in 4K (3840 X 2160 pixels). Video clips are available for licensing. For more information contact us at TimeLapseHD@hotmail.com. Thanks and enjoy!

Time Lapse Photography by David & Dan Newcomb www.TimeLapseHD.com
Music: InnerLife Project - Home (feat. Elizabeth Glover)


Hi Big Al and Colleen!

Trust you enjoyed yourselves last night. We certainly did. Before I went upstairs yesterday evening I tried to send you the snaps I took over the course of the visit. Wasn't able to send them, (file too large!), all at once so here are the rest. Thanks again for wonderful visit. Talk soon. Need to have you help me with Aquamail as I'm not sure what it involves and not sure if it will work with my dinosaur of a mobile! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Robo Man and I went along Central Valley Greenway this morning, shortly after 11:00 am. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Rest of Sunshine Valley and this morning just before start of first ride of 2014!  Quite an incredible look at our city, in case you've not seen it. 


Hi Patricio,

Thanks so much for the wonderful pictures and for coming up and visiting
as we really enjoyed your company as well as the scrumptious stew, great
wine and the fantastic malt!.


It was a busy day of sledding, shooting and cleaning up the Christmas
decorations and peparing to leave tomorrow. I was glad to see you got out
with Robo man..the ride I'm sure was a great way to start the new year
off. I'll send some pics when I get to sit down at the computer after we
get home. Take care and we'll talk soon. Cheers, Al
 
 
Hi Raymond!

Thanks very much for video clip. Spectacular, as you had mentioned. I'll certainly send it along to other friends and family members, particularly those on the Prairies who suggest we'd be better off living in Winnipeg!

 

As well, thanks again for ride. Good to revisit Central Valley Greenway and fix it more permanently in bike route memory. I can't but agree with you regarding rain as I felt first few drops as I made my way back to Kits Point, although there was little if any precipitation after that. From there to the Heartbreak Terrace it was almost completely dry so I was more than chuffed to escape a drenching of any sort. Stats for today's ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/423025983#.UsSUckA8dn4.email

If you look at the stats for ride double click on the green icon and it will move along route so you can track each and every dipsy-doodle! Must away as I finished vacuuming before I sat down to send this message along and have now been ordered to have my shower so that I am squeaky clean by time first guests arrive!

Will be in touch over next few days and see if we can organize an outing with Whirlygig. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Pic: Start of first ride of 2014! Elite of the Peloton! 


Hi Porch Cleaner!

Thought that you might enjoy this video clip since you are unable to ride around city! Raymondo forwarded it to me.

We had a terrific ride. Went along Central Valley Greenway this morning, shortly after 11:00 am. Good to revisit Central Valley Greenway and fix it more permanently in bike route memory. Very quiet and so not much traffic so was able to avoid stopping at numerous traffic lights and save myself from searing the soles of my feet on the Burning Ground!

Will be in touch over next few days and see if we can organize an outing with Robo Man and perhaps even arrange a social event. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Pic: Sunshine Valley; start of first ride of 2014! Elite of the Peloton!



Carol Riera with Colleen Teahan Waldron

  • Colleen Teahan Waldron i always loved you in that sundress
  • Carol Riera We had so many fun gatherings on that patio!!

  • Carol Riera Thanks to Corinne Durston and Patrick James Dunn's grand hospitality! xoxo

  • Sylvie Roy T'as bien raison Carol! Corinne et Patrick et leur grande générosité
  • Patrick James Dunn Hotel Kits! What a grand time! Healthy New Year everyone!


    • Sylvie Roy Yes Hotel Kits! One of the best time in my life!
    • Patrick James Dunn Your stay made it one of the best times in our lives as well, Sylvaine, aka "Your So Vain!"
    Sylvie Roy 
    Patrick Dunn Healthy and Happy New Year, Sylvane! Cheers!!!

    Sylvie Roy Same to you Patrick!

    Dear Corinne & Patrick,

    We are so looking forward to our visit with you
    Our Christmas and New Year’s was quiet due to Tess’s seizures
    John’s niece Kris & her husband Todd will be in town on Jan. 7th for dinner
    That is Ukrainian Christmas so I will leave up the tree and all of it magic charm
    They are passing through on a skiing trip so it will be good to see them

    I always enjoy hearing about your gala dinners, Christmas should always be with lots of people
    It gives one a sense of their own humanity
    Ours was quiet with Tess having seizures once again around the Full Moon and Half Moon

    When we visit we will bring food for Sunday night.
    Tenderloin, roasted vegetables, and for dessert Chocolate, almond Based cake, yummy!!

    You will like this video it is so endearing!
    Received it from one of my dog walking friends, Robin & Diana who are a gay couple.
     They were once both in a traditional marriage with children and who were close as friends & couples. 
    However in the interim they fell in love and the rest is history.
    They are always telling me about their love affair
    The video is about their dog Aries and their cat Nabi
    Enjoy!

    Friends after taking their dog Aries for a Christmas walk came home to give their cat Nabi a wonderful gift  ~ and he received a  wonderful massage!  

    Here's the link for you to enjoy: http://youtu.be/q2WcN8vrh90

    LOTS OF LOVE,
    Happy New Year!
    Jean, John, Benson & Tess
    HI PATRICK Thank you for the card. We let you know,we going in Mexico for  2 weeks all inclusive on the 6 of feb. at the Kristall hotel in IXTAPA. From Kelowna. Ciao rose - joe 

    Happy New Year Pat! Best wishes to you Coreen and Chloe!Healthy, Happy and interesting 2014! Thank you for your card, here are mine :)
    http://misha123.blogspot.ca/2013/12/and-very-happy-holiday-season.html
    http://misha123.blogspot.ca/2013/12/blue-horse-by-franz-marc.html
    http://misha123.blogspot.ca/2014/01/s-novym-godom.html
       
    Misha 
    Lucky you in the sun. Mind you weather has been decent here. Patrick is off for a bike ride and I'm cleaning up my office.

    Our friend Janet dropped in and left a map and list of Indian world heritage sites. The company she uses to plan her India trips is Luxe India. Their are at www.luxeindia.in. Check them out and see what you think. Look forward to seeing you when your back, Lots of love, Corinne
    Thank you very much for the partyish new year greeting! wish you all the best for 2014. Hope to see you in 2015.. be patient 'till then. Much love, Margareta  

    Loved the snaps - D+C look terrific, obligatory shot of Cora asleep will join the collection of same pic for the last twelve years.  You look great y'self, must be either the grog, the cycling or the grog and the cycling.  Thanks for hospitality to Z & M.  

    We're back from the beach, pleasant, not too hot.  Millie travelled with us - behaved surprisingly well - slept in our room and only leaped up for licks after 7.00 am. Keep well. Love, S + K