God gives every bird his worm, but he does not throw it into the nest.
-Swedish proverb
There is no doubt that I have lots of words inside me; but at moments, like rush-hour traffic at the mouth of a tunnel, they jam. -John Updike, writer (1932-2009)
John Vogt Obit Final draft…oy vey
John Friedrich Vogt
John Vogt died at V.G.H. in Vancouver
after an 18 month battle with lung cancer. He was born in Steinbach,
Manitoba, on June 26, 1946, the youngest of the 6 sons of Peter Vogt
and Susanna Reimer, who have both predeceased him. Three of his
brothers have also predeceased him and he is survived by his
daughter, Ayn Prince in Los Angeles, by her two sons, Pierre and
Alexander, by his brother Peter Vogt in Minneapolis and his brother,
Erich Vogt, in Vancouver.
Most of John’s life was spent in his
native Manitoba. Perhaps the most gifted academically, and the most
well read, of the six brothers, John did not follow the path of his
siblings who, mostly, became successful academics. He could have
succeeded in any profession of his choice. Instead, as a rebel of the
sixties, he chose an independent path which made him eschew family
and took him, on casual labor, to many interesting places. For two
decades he drove a taxi in Winnipeg and became an entrepreneur in
soft drugs. He spent much time, as he later said, in mindless
leisure in beer parlors. Six years ago he gave up substance abuse
completely, except for smoking. Three and a half years ago he
arrived on the doorstep of his brother Erich, in Vancouver in whose
home he spent his remaining years. He was warmly embraced by Erich’s
large family and came to discover and value family. He even came to
express his affection for his daughter and his stalwart grandsons, of
whom he was always proud, even though his love had eluded expression.
His Vancouver family was lucky to spend a happy week with him at the
wild beaches of Tofino, just two weeks before he died. It was also
fortunate that his daughter, Ayn, and his brother, Peter, were able
to participate in the bedside vigil of his final days.
By request, there will be no memorial
service.
Today's ride: Today's weight: 80.5 kg = 177.472 lb
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/378107720#
Planning
to stitch together a 100 km+ tomorrow if winds abate. Today was simply
incredible. I see from AccuWeather.com that the wind was gusting at
32km/h, out of the northwest, but I'm sure it was more at times,
especially when I was descending Mont Neffiès, (Not really its name but
the pretty good hill our village is nestled into.), because I think
there is a real wind-tunnel effect as the gales are funneled between the
hillsides onto the valley floor below with such a fury that one needs
to experience it to believe it. I was very concerned, at times, that I'd
be blown over, so fierce and unrelenting were the gusts. Didn't
complain, however, when the wind was behind me as I sailed along, on the
slight downhill grade out of Péret, over 40 km/h at times, without
having to do anything, almost all the way to Pézenas.
Soon as I turned
back to Nizas, however, I had to fight my way, literally, all the way
to Roujan, going little over 10km/h, if that, at times, as the wind
howled across the vineyards and into my face.
Quite something and I've never, ever experienced riding in such
circumstances. Though Wednesday's ride was blustery, and it was, but
nothing compared to today's hurricane!
Back home I had a quick shower and then walked over to make a reservation, Thursday, September 26th, 7:30 pm, at Les Goutailles. Looks like a lovely place and was almost completely filled with what I took to be British couples. Strange to hear so much English spoken at one time, in one place. Haven't had any real difficulty with language since arriving and in fact quite like having to try to converse in French, to the extent that I am able to do so.
Snapped a few pictures of the full moon on way home and once I was upstairs I served myself a brimming bowl of the cassoulet I'd thrown together earlier in day. Tasted delicious, if I do pat myself on my culinary shoulder, and followed with are tasty green salad with tomatoes and last bit of Jaimie's cheese. Worked away at The Diaries until just after midnight. Brushed and flossed and then read until 1:00 am before snuggling down, listening to the wind rattling the shutters a I drifted off. To be continued...
Aunt Leah’s would like to thank the following donors and volunteers for their kind and generous support of Aunt Leah’s Trivia Extravaganza! We raised over $8000! To everyone who participated – WE LOVE YOU!
Up at 7:47 am to the cooing of doves, or pigeons, perhaps, outside my bedroom window. Fortifies with my first hit of Instanto, I worked on catching up on email and updating The Diaries until around 10:00 am. Then drained the kidney beans I'd
Today's ride: Today's weight: 80.5 kg = 177.472 lb
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/378107720#
Back home I had a quick shower and then walked over to make a reservation, Thursday, September 26th, 7:30 pm, at Les Goutailles. Looks like a lovely place and was almost completely filled with what I took to be British couples. Strange to hear so much English spoken at one time, in one place. Haven't had any real difficulty with language since arriving and in fact quite like having to try to converse in French, to the extent that I am able to do so.
Aunt Leah’s would like to thank the following donors and volunteers for their kind and generous support of Aunt Leah’s Trivia Extravaganza! We raised over $8000! To everyone who participated – WE LOVE YOU!
Hello Oregon Video Journalist!
Sorry that I've been remiss in replying to your latest message but life has been even busier with friend Jamie here for a week. He left yesterday and I quite enjoyed his visit as you will discover!
Very relieved to learn that Cora Lee's coccyx is becoming less painful. (Not sure if you knew that she took a very,very nasty, backward flip down the stairs at our friend's home in London, two nights before she flew to Rome. Extremely lucky that she didn't break any bones, let alone her neck, as you can well imagine!) Seems as if the villa abode which The Sisterhood inhabit is most comfortable and that they are getting to know the countryside even if Cora Lee can't spell "Montepulciano", although drinking the place dry!
She is to arrive in Béziers on Sunday, September 22nd so I am free to ride and scribe, unfettered til then! Quite a day, on Tuesday, with Fumble von Bumble.Got him to the station on time yesterday but that is a story for next message. Back to my hermit monk existence and not minding my solitude one iota. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Everyone;
It has been a long, long time since i was in contact with some of
you — perhaps since late last spring. Here is a fresh update from some
recent meanderings with my girlfriend Ellie.
The unpredictable weather resulted in a 180º change in our travel
plans. From the Pacific Ocean we headed far inland to the
Southeast corner of Oregon State. Once in the high desert we camped at
Crystal Crane hot springs, a lovely setting for a sleep under
a canopy of stars. The next day we soaked in the warm waters before
driving to the Frenchglenn and Steens Mountain. There we ascended a
gravel road to the East Rim to 2966 metres (9730 feet) where the views
were stunning. The descent down another route was
quite precarious, given the steep grades and sections of washboard.
Another dusty stretch of road took us to Hart Mountain National Antelope
Refuge where we saw herds of antelopes, where some of the pronghorns
even crossed the road in front of the car. We
spent the night at another hot springs, on federal land, where the
camping was primitive but the hot mineral water a total treat. At night
the temperatures plunged to 2ºC. We still managed to stay warm, wearing
triple layers of clothing. The next morning Ellie
and i left the main road, driving over a dreadful rutted and rocky
track to nearby Petroglyph Lake. There we spotted more pronghorn
antelopes and viewed aboriginal images scratch on the surfaces of
basaltic rock. Once back on the main road again, we descended
to the Warner Valley and back to civilization. In Lakeview we did
laundry and had a restaurant lunch, after a few days of really roughing
it.
Here are some pictures and links from the drive through the sublime high desert in that region. All addresses are blind copied.
Photos:
• Crystal Crane Hot Springs off Highway 78 near Burns
• Highway 78 – last gas 193 kilometres!
• Kriger Valley on Steens Mountain
• on the 95 kilometre (59 miles) loop, a gravel road on Steens Mountain • On the East Rim with a view of the Alvord Desert • Big Indian Gorge on Steens Mountain • Byway to Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge • Our wilderness camp near the hot springs, at 1,707 metres (5,600 feet) on Hart Mountain • Pronghorns at Petroglyph Lake • aboriginal rock art Petroglyph Lake • Descent to Warner Valley
 |
| Hart Mountain |
Sorry that I've been remiss in replying to your latest message. I do shake my head every time I upload a ride. Hope to become more proficient at manipulating data once I've time, (When will that ever be?), to sit down and try to master Garmin more completely. Sorry to hear about the death of your adopted elephant but I admire your selfless commitment to help endangered species. Bravo! Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Dennisovitch and Ragin'!
Sorry that I've been remiss in replying to your latest message, Dennis. I do shake my head every time I upload a ride. Hope to become more proficient at manipulating data once I've time, (When will that ever be?), to sit down and try to master Garmin more completely. Perhaps either of you can offer some assistance when I'm back as I can't figure out how to invoke certain changes, protocols, etc. Enough to keep me busy for now, however.
Wow Patrizio. What an adventure. Thanks for keeping me in the loop. The little store is a wonderful place with wonderful owners. You really should take the time to get to know the store and them.
Sorry that I've been remiss in replying to your latest message. Quite enjoyed your Winnipeg update. While I only knew or knew of a few of the people mentioned, I found it fascinating to learn of all the interconnections. Not sure if I ever asked if you knew Mary Keyes from Silver Heights. She now lives in Westport, on the Rideau Canal, and is a close family friend.
Our parents met when my Dad worked at the mine in Favourable Lake, Northern Ontario, my Mom was a nurse there and Merv, Mary's Dad was the company geologist, back in '44-'47. We've stayed with her and her husband, Terry Cowan, (a U of M PhD in Agriculture, Mary in Home Ec as it was called at the time!), over the last few visits to Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa. They own The Cove Country Inn there and have done quite well, although the work and hours are unending, as you can well imagine. Susan, her sister attended United/U of Wpg but died about 10 years ago now. Alison, the youngest lives in Coquitlam and we see her and her husband, John Casey, a lawyer, from time to time, usually when her Mom, Vera, still on Aldine in Winnipeg, visits. She was much younger, (10 years or so), than either her husband or my parents. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
I knew Mary Keyes and her family, not her Dad, but Mom and sisters, very well from back to age 5 1/2 in 1952 when we moved to Wpg from Edmonton. They lived in the Deer Lodge area and she attended St. James Collegiate for high school. I knew them from Deer Lodge United Church on Portage Avenue at Guildford I think. The church closed many years ago and has recently been torn down. Vera was probably a Sunday School teacher and certainly an Explorers and CGIT leader too, like Brownies & Girl Guides, but sponsored by the church. Mary and I were in SS and Explorers, CGIT Choir and Youth Group (Alpha Omega) together until we finished high school and after. There was quite a group of us: Kathy Lauder, Margaret Ann Harry, Candace Lawson, Marjorie & Joan Porteous (cousins I think), Bob Williams, Nancy Ann Kelly, Gayle Rutherford and on and on. I remember Susan and Allison very well although they were younger. I had heard about Susan passing, so sad!! Is Vera still living? She must be in her 90s by now! I always liked that family and especially Mary. She was so nice to everyone and very pretty, still is as I see her photos on facebook. I coveted her red, lambswool/mohair, short sleeved sweater. What a small world that you knew the family!
You are certainly having a fabulous holiday in France. Hope Cora Lee is doing better after her fall! She may be sore for some time!! Stay in touch.
Oh, big news, we have decided to sell our apt/condo and have finally listed. It is too big and costly when we are gone for half the year and longer. We have not yet decided what we will do if it sells quickly. It doesn't matter too much unless the buyers want a quick possession. If we are south, we would have to fly back to pack up and put our possessions into conditioned storage. We can make further decisions on our return in April. We do have options! We intend to stay in AB for a couple or three years to be close to the grandchildren while they are little. We might even consider co-op living with one of our girls and family, but only if we can work out a suitable mutually agreeable arrangement. I am very close to all three girls but with sons in law to consider, we must have respect for everyone's privacy!
Bonjour, Maggie
Hi Giggenheimer!Sorry that I've been remiss in replying to your last message. I do shake my head every time I upload a ride. Hope to become more proficient at manipulating data once I've time, (When will that ever be?), to sit down and try to master Garmin more completely. Perhaps either you or Ragin, (perish the thought!), can offer some assistance when I'm back as I can't figure out how to invoke certain changes, protocols, etc. Enough to keep me busy for now, however.Will also try to scope out the waitress at Le Chat Noire in Roujan. [Tip from Dennisovitch!], but have to be careful not to anger Freja, especially before her twin sister, Garmina, inputs ride data!
Your annual Republic Ride sounded terrific. However, I'm not in Provence, ("Province"!), either, Coriandre, but Languedoc-Rousillon! Guess you would have joined me if you knew where I was staying! That being said, it would be grand if you can join me but I'll understand if the ties that bind cannot be severed. I'm committed to the trip but don't worry if events prevent you from enjoying sunny skies, limitless quantities of wine and more California Girls than you can shake a bicycle pump at! Maybe I'll be shackled with Captain Barnacle or else I could fly Fumble von Bumble, (see below), over! Fondestos from my spartan cell to your Sisterhood. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Ricardo!
Trust you are well. Sorry that I've been remiss in replying but thought you might be curious to look at the following ride:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/377724540#.Ujn16MTSfSo.email
Hope to stitch another 40 km on to a variation of this tomorrow. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Wild Bill!
Sorry that I've been remiss in replying to your last message. What has surprised me most, (not necessarily the countryside and its topography, vegetation, etc., as I've been close before, (2003 and 2010), and lived in Cyprus for 9 years as a child), is the unbelievable quality of the wine which suits my palate and taste, both red and white, and the simply ridiculous prices charged for the wonderful, wonderful quaffage!
A couple of examples that I'm wild about:
At the Saturday Market in Pézenas, I took in weekend after I arived, I first encountered Domaine Terres en Couleurs 2012 Rousanne,14%, €8/$10.98). Not quite as bold as I thought/hoped it might be but was curious to try it again to see if I missed something. (Having had a number of bottles at home, by now, I relish opening the next one! Perhaps a more subtle version of expression I've had at Dobra Zemyla. Perhaps more subtle than the expression offered at Dobra Zemlja, a winery owned by a Croatian, (Why isn't Milan related to Ragin' Bull? Guess he knows Branko better than or as well as we do!), in the Shenandoah Valley, Amador County, but about a third of the price!
Alain, charming, knowledgeable owner of Cave Alain Reinaldos, in Pézenas, suggested these wines; 2011 Gravas, 100% Mourvedre, Walter Van Aalderen, Vigneron Œologue, Nizas, 14.5%, €8.50/$11.77! Still cannot believe what an extraordinary, octopus ink fruit bomb it is. And the price! Almost criminal, simply stunning!
La Croix Gratiot, 2012, Picpoul de Pinet, 12.5%, €6.50/$8.93, was a mouthful of citrus and pear. Extremely well balanced acidity, (Typical of this varietal, I have come to learn and/or understand: "Picpoul de Pinet is a designation or cru which may be used within the Languedoc appellation for white wines made exclusively from Piquepoul blanc in the communes Pinet, Mèze, Florenzac, Castelnau-de-Guers, Montagnac and Pomérols. The wines are green-gold in color, full-bodied, and show lemon flavours."), with a long, lingering finish showing appealing spice and minerality.
All are incredible, unbelievable "steals" and I simply cannot imagine buying wine of this quality for less than double/triple the price, or more, whether in Vancouver or The Okanagan or Healdsburg! I picked up six bottles of the Gravas and the Liquière, yesterday, while waiting for Jaimie to return his rental bike, for canal barge, if they last that long!
Cheers, Patrizzio/Nanny/Chauffeur and Psychiatrist all rolled into one tasty chocolate croissant, with a magnum of malt on the side!!!!
Pics: The SNCF TGV is now leaving on Track D!
Just a quickie to say what a great time I had with you in
Neffies,sorry
this computer does not have facilities for accents! The whole week was
like a dream.Tranquillity,visits, lovely food,houch,cycling,computer
lessons and of course lots of
fun and laughter!You were great company and very hospitable and I
appreciated everything you did for me washing, cooking, emailing etc!
You mentioned planning ahead. I certainly do, especially in market
research eg oct18 your last night in UK.I am still waiting
to hear from my friend to see if he is available.I shall let you know
asap.
The
journey home went well. Your marvellous picnic kept me well sustained
up to Paris. I had some nice chats with various French people and had a
little time in Paris and enjoyed looking
around.Long delays on tube but got home eventually and glad to see Pat
and Mandy.Must dash and pick up Pat. Fondestos to you both.Sir James and
Lady Patricia.
Terrific that all went well on journey home and are back in the bosom of home and family. I'm more than impressed with your message, given how taxing it is for you gain access and then to compose, type. Well done! Bravo!! Onward!!!
Thank you for the kind words and sentiments. Am so pleased you enjoyed yourself. I certainly did and already miss your singing and whistling, among other things, of course, although I have stuffed the clothes you left behind and have an effigy of you propped up on the couch beside me as I scribe! I call him "Boy" and funnily enough he doesn't make "horrid smells!" However, when I read him my blog entry, Sunday, September 15th, on the subject:
With my Instanto at my side I plan to work on the sorely neglected Diaries until Baron Fumble von Bumble wakes to fill the place with snatches of song. Rather pleasant, indeed, to hear him sing and whistle, the sound of his deep, rich bass baritone reverberating throughout the abode. His explosive flatulence, however, is another matter altogether. "Boy, will you stop making those horrid smells!" This line, a classic, was uttered by his father, for obvious reasons, when Jamie was a young lad of nine or ten. I, of course, Dear Reader, never break wind with such stentorian relish, preferring to adopt Cora Lee's discrete approach, coyly feigning ignorance of the waves of noxious vapours, her own particular greenhouse emissions, the rival of any odoriferous piggery I've ridden past, here in Languedoc, or elsewhere, for that matter. But enough, Battistini awakes and his minion/valet/batman must begin preparations for another breakfast feast, featuring, courtesy of Yannick Nardini, fresh kidney purchased yesterday.
How are things in the south of France. I at YVR waiting for might flight to Montreal and then on to Paris arriving at 9 30 Friday. Meeting Grogg and Fran for dinner tomorrow night.
Hi Sarge
Grand to hear from you. I have arranged to return my rental car to Agen so that will make things simpler getting from here to there. I looked up Locabaot location there, (Quai de Dunkerque, Agen, France), and will drop off Cora Lee and our stuff, (Before I forget, I plan on bringing a lot of stuff that I know I'll have left from my stay here so perhaps you should wait to see what I bring before you go shopping. Not a big deal but thought I'd mention it anyway.), there and then return car to Europcar, (120 Boulevard du Président Carnot, 47000 Agen, France), afterwards. It's only about 1.4 km away so an easy walk but I'll probably take my bike and ride back. Depending on when we take possession of boat and which route we take to Neffiès, (Either 3 or 5 hours. I prefer latter as I'd like the tiny villages and countryside and I can see more when driving on the good roads which link them as opposed to the toll highways. However, this will depend on how Cora Lee is feeling about sitting for that long as I gather her tailbone is still very sore!), and when we leave Neffiès, we should be in Agen some time between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm, all going well and not rushing. Let me know if I have right address for Locaboat, (I assume you are renting from Europcar as well), and when we take "official" possession and I'll tailor our arrival accordingly.
Got him to the station on time on Wednesday but that is a story for later. Back to my hermit monk existence and not minding my solitude one iota. Went on a grand ride after I got back from Béziers:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/377724540#.Ujn16MTSfSo.email
and then a shorter one today: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/378107720#
Patrick
Anne Dunn's birthday is on Sunday September 22nd. Anne will be 100 years old.
Click below to choose one of our specially recommended birthday greeting cards and we will send it on Anne's birthday...
http://www.BirthdayAlarm.com/eCard/93872752a2b307933820c21954956?MID=1955
Kind Regards, BirthdayAlarm.com
In the next three minutes you could help solve the water crisis:
https://waterforward.charitywater.org/b3/
Are you starting to pack for Cyprus yet? Sorry that I've been remiss in replying to your last message but life has been even busier with Jamie here for a week. He left yesterday and I quite enjoyed his visit as you will discover!
With respect to e-card for Lisa I did send it back in May but noticed that it had not been read then! Ayn's biological father, John Vogt, died this past Monday, in Vancouver. Very difficult situation all around, particularly since he had never wanted to be involved with Ayn, or his grandchildren, until a year or so ago, when he was first diagnosed with cancer. At any rate, Ayn flew up when her Uncle Eric told her that John was failing more quickly than expected. She had planned to visit towards the end of the month but was able to change her flights and re-arrange her work schedule to fly up a week ago today. He died an hour after she left the hospital to catch her plane back to LA.
Ayn suggested I send this account of a Day in the Life of Jamie Gairdner along so you have her to blame! Fondestos from my spartan cell to you, your Sisterhood, Mad Max and Madcap. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Derek! Grand to hear from you.
Sorry you've had to field calls from Amex. I'm not going to bother
trying to contact them until I return, if then. Something seems off. It
may not be a scam but it feels like one. Anyway, please don't spend
anymore of your valuable time and energy on this matter.
Glad all is well at The Islay Inn. Time is marching on as I'm sure I need not tell you! How was dinner with Chloë? Cheers,
Patrizzio!
Hi Kathryn!
Thanks for offer of complimentary tickets but we'll be meandering down the Canal du Midi on October 3rd, sipping wine! (Even Sainsbury's, with fab Summer Specials, is put to shame!) The Missive continues, should you have time, patience and interest!
Hi Kathryn!
Thanks for offer of complimentary tickets but we'll be meandering down the Canal du Midi on October 3rd, sipping wine! (Even Sainsbury's, with fab Summer Specials, is put to shame!) The Missive continues, should you have time, patience and interest!
Fondestos to you, Big Hal and your VWF Sisterhood. Cheers, Patrizzio/Nanny/Chauffeur/Psychiatrist and Meteorologist
all rolled into one tasty chocolate
croissant, with magnums of Pastis and Single Malt and an IV drip on the side!!!!
Wow Patrizio. What an adventure. Thanks for keeping me in the loop.The little store is a wonderful place with wonderful owners. You really should take the time to get to know the store and them.
Wow Patrizio. What an adventure. Thanks for keeping me in the loop.The little store is a wonderful place with wonderful owners. You really should take the time to get to know the store and them.
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