IIDD, Try: Thursday, September 6th

We should tackle reality in a slightly jokey way, otherwise we miss its point. -Lawrence Durrell, novelist, poet, and playwright (1912-1990)

Nadienka Wyss

Went to the Ben Nevis Destillery yesterday and gonna visit the one in Oban tomorrow. Thought of you while tasting it but still can't stand the taste of Single Malt Scotch! Cheers 
from Scotland!

 I'm more than envious as I've not been to either! On the other hand, I'm more than glad that you can't stand the taste of Single Malt as I won't have to worry about my cabinet when next you visit! Fond Fondestos to my Travelin' Host Daughter!

Thanks for all the effort you put into dinner Wednesday. We enjoyed the company and food.  Will call if it looks like we might be on the island.  Polly

Hello Pat & Corinne,

Many thanks for a wonderful get together last night for Kevin & Bev! Cheers, Richard & Julie

Hi there

Thank you for the gorgeous gold earrings!  They’re amazing and my co-worker wanted to steal them immediately when I opened them!

Loved the small frame with my picture in it…I was so darn cute as a baby!! Ha ha ha

Love to all at home! Ayn

 Lads,

Great ride today, thanks. I expect the km count for you two to be no less than 100.33 on the day.

I will have to pass on the Velocity trade fair tomorrow if you intend to go. It might work for me on Friday. W

George,

    I baled out at 73-75K depending on whose odometer, for reasons of fatique, hunger. Pat, of course, continued to complete the 100+.

    Friday for the bike show is fine with both Pat and I. We're thinking of a short ride around the Park starting at HBH 9am and on to Bike display. Ray

Hi Horseshoeless Joe Riders!

Fab ride indeed! Just for the record book, no stinkin' 100.33K BUT 102.3K over 5:03:31, (Please note "3's"!), for an AVG of 20.2kph, courtesy of dipsy-doodling at UBC, after wholesale abandonnement by les domestiques!

I'm up for 9:00am take-off at the HBH domani so let me know if this is agreed, settled upon. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

The next gathering was scheduled for next Sunday, the evening of the 9th of September. The Islay Inn and the Inn keeper appear to be double-booked that evening.  It has been suggested that we meet in the afternoon next Sunday OR on the evening before, the 8^th of September. Please let me know if either of these times are preferable or even workable for you.

The book is Ithaca, by David Davidar (George). The title to follow the Davidar is to be chosen by Dave if he is willing.  

With probability I can come to 8th. Cheers Moe

Is that the sun on your face of the glow of Single Malt? 

P,

Looks like Sunday afternoon is the time at least for the four of us that are gracious enough to respond.

Shall we say 3PM, 2PM? You tell me. What time do we need to vacate the Inn? W

Hi Giggster!

Why don't we start at 2:00pm so that we have time for another Horseshoe Bay run beforehand! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Lads,

9AM at the HBT. See you there.

The exhibition is Velospoke: (not Velocity as I had recalled)

Vancouver Convention Centre East 999 Canada Place, SEPTEMBER 6th and 7th, 2012
Hours of Operation Thursday, September 6th – 11am – 8pm Friday, September 7th – 11am – 8pm G

I'll be there on my old yellow bike. Ray

Thus Velosprachen: HBT 9AM!

I'll be on my old white bike in my old biking shorts, wearing an old T-shirt fit for cleaning bicycle chains if dabbed in porch climber, mumbling non sequiturs in Middle to Old Velosprachtliflugelkeitheim, in rhyming quatrains. Ye Olde Conduttore!

Saluton Fellow Velosprachers!

Mi estos en mia malnova blanka biciklo en mia malnova biciklo mallongaj, portante malnova ĉemizo adapti por purigi biciklo ĉenoj se dabbed en portiko escalador, murmurante ne sequiturs en meza al Old Velosprachtliflugelkeitheim, en rimo quatrains. Ye Olde Conduttore!

The next gathering will be this Sunday, the 9th of September, starting at 2PM.  

 

P,

Thought that you or Corinne may be interested. W

 This might be something for Pat and Corrine.

The SFU and Vancouver Public libraries received funding from the Vancouver Foundation for a six-day community summit, which is where they’re holding the “Big Ideas for Libraries in Communities” event. It’s on the VPL Facebook page but I’m not a facebooker.

Event announcement: http://www.lib.sfu.ca/node/11389

Summit description: http://www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/community-summit.html

Event description: http://www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/community-summit/summit-events/libraries-in-communities.html

Hi Kids!

Thanks very much for thinking of us. Unfortunately, we'll be in leading the lives of the Rich & Famous in Parksville on September 19th! Cheers, Donald Trump!

The next gathering will be this Sunday, the 9th of September, starting at 2PM.

The book is Ithaca, by David Davidar (George). The title to follow the Davidar is to be chosen by Dave if he is willing. 

I am back in Vancouver and I will be there at 2PM. Cheers, Moe

Hi All! Ayn asked for some more photos of the little bundle...I miss him sooo much. Gosh- he is so damn’ cute and charming. You guys should try and skype with Tommy to get a better look while he is at this wonderful age! Laura xoxox

I f you would like to see photos from my Cambodia trip here they are!

Christina

http://bit.ly/Q1ND2f

IIDD, Try: Wednesday, September 5th

The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult; the day he forgives himself, he becomes wise. -Alden Nowlan, poet, novelist, and playwright (1933-1983)

 

Belly dancer at Bodega Septima, Mendoza

 Amanda Barnes is a British journalist living in Mendoza and wiggling her Malbec-filled belly at every opportunity. Pictured with Bianca Lucchetti, tour guide at Bodega Septima.

Lads,

Great ride today, thanks. I expect the km count for you two to be no less than 100.33 on the day.

I will have to pass on the Velocity trade fair tomorrow if you intend to go. It might work for me on Friday. W

Hi Lads

I can make it on Saturday (will be a little late running from another appointment). Misha 

Michele Darrow-Sutherland

Starting my own private practice! Really excited to begin clincial work with adoelscents and adults who have complex mental health and addcition issues.

Dearest Perfect Son!

I remember vividly your Mum saying this when we last met and I endorse her words!  You were the best son she could have had - it is always difficult to cope with one's mother dying irrespective of their age so I will say a few prayers that she rests in peace and send you my deepest sympathy and condolences.

Thank God you were around at the end as you could have easily been half way round the world.  How amazing that she was nearly 100.  If my mother were alive she would be 105!

We had a fabulous time in Norway and I will send some pics when I can.

Much love to you all from all the Doorbars

Penny  xx

                 First Annual Wittwer BBQ 
  

Kev & Bev

Ricardo & Wild Bill

  




Federico, Juhli, Sylvia & Julie

  




Robo Ray & Mick "The Hearse"

 Denise & Coriandre

Brenda, Kev, James & Bev

 Bev, Sylvia & Kev

 Bev, Raymond & Kev

Mick The Hearse, Devil Incarnate!

Hi VRC Folk!

Great gathering indeed! Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful food and drink. Terrific to walk, (hobble!), down memory lane! Don't hesitate to pop by if around GI. Cheers, Cora Lee and Patrizzio!

PS: Please pass along snapolas to Brenda and James as I don't have their email address. Thanks.

Dearest Perfect Son!

I remember vividly your Mum saying this when we last met and I endorse her words!  You were the best son she could have had - it is always difficult to cope with one's mother dying irrespective of their age so I will say a few prayers that she rests in peace and send you my deepest sympathy and condolences.

Thank God you were around at the end as you could have easily been half way round the world.  How amazing that she was nearly 100.  If my mother were alive she would be 105!

We had a fabulous time in Norway and I will send some pics when I can.

Much love to you all from all the Doorbars Penny  xx

IIDD, Try: Tuesday, September 4th, Ayn's 45th Birthday!!!

Ah, good taste, what a dreadful thing! Taste is the enemy of creativeness. -Pablo Picasso, painter and sculptor (1881-1973)

 

 my favorite part of my birthday today is where everybody has to do whatever I say...LOL!

 Mask

"He stares at himself in the mirror, the curls now grey, the crow's feet deepening like grooves worked into wood."
C.B. Forrest; The Devil's Dust; Dundurn; 2012.

 Quizzical

How is it possible to be even pushier than you already are? Happiest of Happy Birthdays, Ayn! For She's a Jolly Good Fellow! For She's a Jolly Good Fellow!! For She's a Jolly Good Fellow! WHICH Nobody Can Deny! Hip Hip Hooray!!! Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray! Much Love, Dad!!!

Thanks Poppa!!! Love to all and I will be bossy all day!! 


FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnE!!!!!! We'll call this evening!!!
             

                   Oma

Femme Fatale

Pat and George,

    Either of you gents riding tomorrow? Not 100% sure I can at this point but interested if things work out at my end. Ray 

Ray,

I’m in. Do I need to come over there with my tools tonight to allow you to ride tomorrow?

Let me know what time might work for you. G

 

George,

    Job is nearing completion,  so I'm definitely available tomorrow. Wouldn't mind a 50K or so road ride. Maybe we can tie up with Mark in the Burnaby area. 9 am start? Flexible on the time. Ray

I suggest we meet at 9:00 at the Heartbreak Terrace and head to the LGB and parts north.

If Mark wants to join us then maybe we can ride out the central valley, meet him, and do a tour of New West.

Any route and time is fine by me. G

I''ll have to pass thanks gents - out of the blue my back is giving me some grief. Mayhap I haven't done enough post-cycle stretching of late...Mark

Hi Marcus Aurelius, et al!

Sorry to hear about your back Mark. See everyone else at The Heartbreak Hotel at 9:00am, Wednesday! We can tailor ride en route to LGB. Cheers, Il Conduttore

See you there.  

Oh Sugar Babyyyyy....your BFF is taking me to Sammy's for the Messy Sundae for my birthdaaaaay!!!

My birthday sundae!

Thanks for letting us know.  99  It just seems such a long time.  It was so nice that she was almost next door to you.   Easy to drop in and keep current as to what was going on.  Of course we will be thinking of her on her birthday for years to come.

As many keep saying "getting old isn't for sissies"  but then again watching someone you love getting older isn't easy either.  I think you & Corrine have done a great job.

We will keep in touch.  I was hoping we might come your way b/4 we went to FL.  Time is going by too fast.  I guess we will try again next summer. Gail

Hi Pat,

I just sent my friend Christer packing at 5 o'clock this morning, so now a different life starts after two weeks, which have been hectic and great fun at the same time. He has now seen everything there is to see in Greater Vancouver, and on top of that we spent two days in Whistler and one at the cabin. He was duely impressed.    

Unfortunately, his exchange partner, Ms Anne Brand of Illahee, does not seem to have had a great time in Stockholm. Worst weather in a century, all on her own, no Internet in the house, and a collapsed telephone! She will be staying in Christer's flat for another ten days while he spends time with his old mum in Gävle. After that she will hopefully have a great time in England with her daughter.

Are you home yet? Any bike rides planned? Best to you and Corinne, Kjell

Just on my way out. Sorry to hear about your mother. No matter how old, a parent's death always gives rise to melancholy feelings. And after the last parent is dead, "Who's next?", as Tom Lehrer said.

I'm going into town now. Having supper with Snobby at a grubby Vietnamese restaurant on East Broadway later on. Be back soon. Kjell

Hi Julie/Richard:

First two messages, (hotmail and telus accounts), were not able to be delivered?

Hello Famiglia Martini!

Thanks to everyone for the menu items you have settled upon: Federico/Juhli with sushi appetizers; Mick/Polly a "secret" salad; Robo Ray/Sylvia a beet and goat cheese salad; Wild Bill/Denise a cheesecake. Everything sounds wonderful. That leaves either another appetizer or a dessert from Ricardo/Julie. Please reply to me so that I can post to list so that everyone's mouths can start watering! Cheers, Il Conduttore!  

Hi Il Conduttore,

We can bring Julie's fruit crumble!  See you tomorrow! Cheers, Richard.

Hi Patrick

Thank you very much for your donation,first of all and glad to hear that you had another fabulous vacation.
 

Very sorry to hear about your mother.  It is never easy to see someone sick and suffering but when it is someone you lobe dearly , it is extremely difficult.   We all know that there is a time to say good-bye but it is never easy.  Ironically the longer you have them with you, the more you think they can make it through any episode of ill health.  We will say a prayer for her and you guys to get through this journey.  Say hello to all. Peggy
 

IIDD, Try: Monday, September 3rd

The least pain in our little finger gives us more concern and uneasiness than the destruction of millions of our fellow-beings. -William Hazlitt, essayist (1778-1830)

       Look how cute baby Luca is!! xx

 





Emma is so cute holding him in her little arms

Here he is,our surprise boy! We are all doing really well. Very busy and tired and adjusting to our new life, but happy. Emma has impressed me beyond words with her patience and understanding and love for her baby brother. Love to all xoxo

Mark, see you at 8:15 at Science World. 

Pat, see you at Heartbreak Terrace parking garage at 8am. Please confirm. W

Triathlon is happening in Stanley Park so we want to stay away, me thinks.

 

Taken from my shower LOL...Cali summer nights....Summer Lovin', had me a blast...Summer Lovin', happened so fast

Hello Pat,

Just got your email with the sad news of your Mum’s passing.

Please accept Tina and my heart felt condolences – we are all at that age where our elderly parents are slipping off the twig; all we can do is thank whatever God we believe in that we have had them for so long!

Your Mum was quite a lady and, like my Dad, didn’t deserve the hand that was dealt her late in life; at least she had a loving family around her – so many of our old folk slip away without anybody caring for them.

We will reply in more detail a wee bit later – just wanted to rush this off to let you know that we are thinking of you all at this tough, tough time. Love to all Tina and Trevor

I think you came very close to the perfect son, testimoney is your attentiveness in later years, and the love you demonstrated. 

Vale Annie. 

Be comforted by the great life she had; her own transitions clearly enriched her and you. Thinking of y'all with love.  S. 

pre-birthday brunch with the Prince men...whee! Alex paid and we had a coupon so you would be proud! Then Pierre hit us up for rent money LOL! Family!! Serenity now!!

Isle of Skye!

Islay Inn under construction!

The pens read "SKILCRAFT-U.S. GOVERNMENT." And if you have worked for an American government institution, you know that they are everywhere. At roughly 50 cents each (if you qualify for government pricing), the pens are the only ones you will see, officially speaking, at most government institutions.

Which makes you different than the people manufacturing the pens themselves. Skilcraft pens are manufactured by blind workers.

IIDD, Try: Sunday, September 2nd

Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. -Joseph Addison, writer (1672-1719)

Chloe Alexis Dunn

Locarno Beach — with Gaelan Rescigno and Brie Marriott.

sally & i send our condolences to you & your family. we're happy to know that while your mother grew older & was unable to look after herself, she received great personal care & support. 

we hope that while you grieve, you understand that your mother, having lived to such an old age, has provided you w/ great promise for your own future life, one way & another.

we're both glad to know that you were able to be w/ her & show your love for her @ the end of her long & meaningful life. best regards, sally & filmer.

Mark,

Pat and I well start our ride near my digs (MacDonald and Point Grey Rd at 8AM) if you care to join us.

We are also amenable to meeting you at Science World if that works better for you. G

Science World at 8:00 or 8:15 would be great, thanks. Let me know tomorrow morning - I'll Skytrain in to VCC and then meet you at SW. I too need to be home by 11:00 to go to a ball game :) 8^) cheers, Mark 

Are you permanently in transit from Falcon Lake to Vancouver?  Such a fate is earned by the gifted, the special, the laffin' and the learned:  y'all.

Hope things OK.  In NZ we've a lovely house In Nelson overlooking the Cut, staying also at Blenheim and Picton (not sure who was born at the latter).

Springing here.  Love.  S.

Nicole Marie

Hey all,
So we are planning a surprise 60th birthday for Bella. The party will be at 5:30 Saturday October 6th at the RCMP mess. Just wanted to send all an invite so save the date. I think I'll need your help setting up before Bella arrives (we are going to tell her to come for 6 and have said it is for the opening of dads new building)!
Pat we were wondering if you could possibly MC. Just a few words ! Thanks all.

Mary Carmen Graham

Dear Patrick,
I just talked to Michele and she gave me the news about your Mom's death. John and I are sorry to hear that you are having a sad time with her passing away. Our thoughts are with you and please let us know what funeral arrangements you have in place as we would like to be with you during this time if this is possible. We send you a big hug and we hope we will hear from you. With all our sympathy, John and Marycarmen

Riders,

Great ride yesterday. Too bad the elite riders of Islay chose to abandon the peloton in favour of the No 6 Orange Street route and leave us poor domestiques to hobble thru the bush land.

I am going to ride in the morning on Monday if anyone is interested.

We are attending a Canadians baseball game in the afternoon tomorrow so I would like to return by 11AM - ish. G

Sorry, gentlemen, I have work - somebody has to. Ray

Greetings from The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby!

Great to be back in the Peleton even if we had to jettison the Riders o f the Purple Sage in favour of No 6 Blueberry Hill! In fact, Sarge and I headed east on River Road, instead of trying to cut you whinegers off at the Shell Road Pass, making for New West and the Queensborough Bridge. Terrific, easy access to bridge deck and then into downtown NW and out towards Coquitlam, via a designated, separate bike path, for part of the way, on and off demarked surface streets onto Columbia. Lost our way down Columbia so turned left on Lougheed. Wide shoulder so not too, too bad, in spite of reasonably heavy traffic. Wasn't sure where to kick over to find Central Valley Greenway but did so, eventually at Holdom and then it was smooth sailing all the way home. Ended up with 86K on the trusty odometer. Same head wind which plagued us on the dike out of Steveston tormented us much of return so AVG was a 18.3kph over 4:40:58. Another reason not to record this as an "official" statistic!

However, every one should be proud of me as my feet touched the ground so often that the ride definitely cannot be entered as a "legitimate'" outing! Need to confer with the local Burnaby "scout" to find out where we should have turned, either earlier in New West, or later once on Columbia, to have avoided Lougheed. Nevertheless, a most pleasant junket on a gorgeous day so thanks to everyone.

I'm certainly interested in riding on the morrow so let me know time and route. Cheers, Il Condutore!

P,

Nice riding stats after dumping us and all with police escort. I think we need full security with helicopters and gun ships.

As you suggest, we will have to get Mark to help us retrace the route thru New West and back along the various green belts in Burnaby thru to Central Valley -- that is a great ride.

Let me know how early you want to ride tomorrow and I will provide the route and the starting gate. Gate schnell! W

Cornwall anyone? 

 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/9482256/Britains-best-beaches.html#?frame=2312834

 Hello Everyone!

Thank you for your speedy responses and generous offers to contribute to the Annual Wittwer BBQ. In consultation "With the "Shes" Who Must Be Obeyed", it has been decreed that The Island Inn Management, (Cora Lee), will be doing pork loin on the bbq while the Reviled Scullion, (Patrizzio), will be creating his fabulous Greek Potates. This leaves the rest of the menu open to the guests and I have been instructed to request submissions for the following: two appetizers, two salads and two desserts. There will be at least eight couples, one cat, (Maggie), and possibly a Freeloader Dog, sans owner, (Molly), plus walk-in trade from the path beside our patio. Please post your intentions to the group email so that we don't end up with three cases of wine and no salad! (Actually, not a bad idea!) Let the Menu Games begin and allow the kale chips to fall where they may!! Cheers, Il Conduttore!!!

Hello – quickly wanting to be one of the FIRST respondents to the group: Juhli and Fred, gypsies of the North (Vancouver)  Island, will provide Sushi as one of the APPETIZERS.

Since our move, two years ago, we’re missing some of the bright lights and delicious dining experiences offered in Vancouver. More importantly, as my little Asian spouse says “I get my fix of sushi!”

Hmm, pork loin and Greek Potates sounds delicious...

Looking forward - more and more each day, to see each et al...Freddy

Hi Everyone,

How about if we add a cheesecake dessert to the mix so that we can all watch our waistlines expand. Cheers, Bill and Denise.

The Carters will bring a "secret salad", sertain to satisfy the select souls selebriting a summer sojourn .

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday. Mick and Polly

Beet and goat cheese salad - should appeal to Fred from the culinary wasteland Ray Banks

Nicole Marie

Mary Carmen Graham

Island Inn Diaries: Try to remember the kind of September Diaries, Saturday, September 1st

A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. -Antoine de Saint-Exupery, author and aviator (1900-1945)

Oma Vogt!

• Patrick James Dunn Is this an outtake from Mrs Doubtfire?

  
  
• 
  

  Ayn P Something like that Poppa...it is apparently me in 2045
• 
  

  Patrick James Dunn I suggest you stop having birthdays IMMEDIATELY!
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  

  Isle of Skye, Scotland.
  
  

  Hello Kenton, Winnipeg, Brantford and Kingston!
  
  Sad to report that Mom died this past Wednesday around 1:00. It was a bit of a shock inasmuch as Corinne and I went over in the morning to see her and staff reported that she was very much improved. She had eaten most of a bowl of porridge, (One of her favourite foods as all the Prairie Folk will appreciate!), and downed a full glass of juice. Delighted with the news, we went to see her but the staff were changing her so we decided to deliver Vancouver International Writers Festival programs on Granville Island, (one of our volunteer duties), before coming back. Finished around 12:30pm and came home for a bite of lunch and shortly thereafter we received a call to inform us that she was slipping away. We dropped everything and hurried over to find that she has stopped breathing moments before we arrived. Staff were very considerate and left us to sit with Mom after they had changed her gown. Even though we knew things might well happen like this, at any time, it was still tough, as I'm sure you can appreciate. Just very glad that we were home to be with her for even a few days.
  
  Just to back up, Lodge phoned Monday morning as she had been sent to VGH for an x-ray. I visited her there and in discussion with doctor we agreed that it was best to return her to Broadway Lodge. He said he couldn't say for sure but he didn't think she would last more than a few days, if that. I visited her again, in the early afternoon as I had asked to be phoned when she arrived back in her room. I came home around 4:30pm to pick up a few things to read while I sat with her and held her hand. While her breathing was extremely laboured, her grip was very firm.
  
  On a slightly lighter note, I told her that she looked like Mother Teresa when I walked into her room. The staff had wrapped her up as she was shivering when she was delivered by ambulance. Coriandre came with me when I went back and she dabbed her forehead with a cool cloth while I cut her nails. Cora Lee had a release party for Jim Byrnes, just up the street from us at a recording studio on 1st, a block before Burrard. She really liked the cuts that were performed off I Hear the Wind in the Wires. Invitees were each presented with a copy of the CD so I'm looking forward to hearing it.
  
  I stayed at Mom's bedside and spooned her an enriched drink. She seemed to relish the thickened liquid and I was very pleased to see that her swallowing reflex was not impaired. As well, she drank about half a glass of juice through a straw. If she could continue to take in such liquid nourishment the staff planned to give her a course of antibiotics. Given her state of health and age, (She was to turn 99 on September 22nd, as you might know.), IV's were not be used but if she could manage to take in food orally, mixed with the medication, everyone felt she might well fight the pneumonia. In the recent past she had demonstrated just how tough she was, coming back from a heart attack while we were in Australia, this past April. Nevertheless, keeping her as comfortable as possible was really our main concern.
  
  I spent about three hours at her bedside on Tuesday morning/afternoon and was very pleased that I was able to spoon her all of her protein shake and a full glass of thickened juice. Her blood pressure had gone up from the night before when Chloë visited so that was a good sign. Her breathing was still laboured but she seemed quite comfortable when sleeping.
  
  Cora Lee hosted a Friends of VPL bbq that evening and it was a lovely affair. We went downstairs to The Cave afterwards to visit with Flamin' and Sarge, just back from California that afternoon. Chloë came down after visiting Mom, once again at the end her shift, and reported that her blood pressure was holding in spite of her difficult respiration. Everyone was heartened and we all went to bed not dreading a call in the middle of the night.
  
  As I mentioned above, given her seeming "rally" in the face of the very serious pneumonia, I suppose we all felt that she might pull through, much as she's done last April. I don't know for sure but I surmise that her poor heart may simply have finally not been strong enough after putting up such a valiant fight.
  
  We spent most of Thursday morning removing all her possessions from her room. Simpler to use a large dolly to wheel all the cartons from the Lodge to our place. The Annexe is now filled with boxes of pictures and ornaments that we will need to sift through when we have time. (Bev/Kevin Wittwer, friends from Perth, arrived this afternoon, for two weeks, and Greg, my brother-in-law from Winnipeg left on Wednesday night, after being with us for almost a week.) After we had finished, Chloë and Corinne took four large boxes/bags to the Salvation Army Thrift Store on 4th and Mom's TV to their outlet on Broadway and 12th. Corinne had saved some of the nicer items of clothing and jewelry to give to Dodie, Mom's friend there. Once home, I was on the phone to Affordable Crematorium & Burial Ltd., the funeral home nominated by the Memorial Society, Canada Service, Manitoba Civil Service Superannuation Board, to make all the necessary arrangements, cancellation notices for pensions, etc. All of the service personnel I dealt with were extremely considerate, efficient and helpful so I have managed to accomplish much of the needed paperwork.
  
  We intend to have a memorial service at Trinity United, here in Vancouver, the church Mom attended ever since moving to Vancouver, later in September. Her wishes were to have her remains buried beside my Dad in Winnipeg, Chapel Lawn, so we will organize a service next summer. We were planning to return to Winnipeg to celebrate Corinne's parents' 68th wedding anniversary so will know more closer to the time, in all likelihood, sometime in July
  
  Will say goodbye for now. Trust everyone is well. Signing off as Patrizzio, "The Perfect Son"! Mom actually squeezed my hand when I said those words when I first saw her after our return from Winnipeg. Whether by coincidence or not one cannot say, of course. However, it would be wonderful to think that she could hear and understand a few things. A number of years ago, at the dinner table, this is how she referred to me, causing quite a furor, as you can well imagine, among those friends and relatives at the table, engendering particularly hostile responses from Cora Lee and Chloë!  Cheers, PPS!

  
  

  Very sorry to hear your news, hope you are doing as well as can be expected.Happy that you made it home and had a few days to spend  with her.Bill was here having supper when kimberlee texted us to give use the news so he sends his condolences as well.Thinking of you all love the Grays at the Farm.
  
  
  Hello Patrick,
  What sad news - our deepest sympathy to you and your family.   How good it was that you were home for these last days of your Mom's life - am sure it was comforting for her as well as for you to be there at her end.  No matter how prepared you might have been it is still a tough time when death comes and am sure you will miss your Mom very much.  I think when a parent dies, especially when both are gone, it is like a door closing on that part of your life or relationship with the person.  At least that is how I felt when my Dad died.
  As you know, our Moms shared the same birthdate - the 22nd of September - and often used to phone each other on that day.  I did call Mom to let her know - she sends her condolences as well.
  
  Thank you for letting me know and our regards to Corrine.
  Love,
  Roma & Leonard
    

  Hi Jim!
  
  Trust that the Triathalon went well. Sorry we weren't able to connect in Naramata/Penticton.

  
  

  I am so glad to let me know of Annie's passing. I am glad her dying was as peaceful as it was. I appreciate that we are never really ready to lose the ones we love. It was good of her to wait until you were home to take her leave of this life. 

  
  There was a saying years ago that pneumonia was the old persons friend. I think it may still apply when people are ready to go and nature has to find its way to accommodate the wish.
  So thoughts and prayers are with you. 

  
  

  Thank you for letting me know and our regards to Corrine. Love, Roma & Leonard  

  
  

  Dear Patrick, Corrin, and Cloe
  
  My deepest sympathy to all of you. As much as we think we are prepared for the inevitable it is never easy.
  
  You have been blessed with so many more memories than the average person. We are all so lucky that longevity runs in our families!
  
  Will write later. On my way to a garlic festival and will be thinking of the good time the 4 of us had a few years ago.    

  
  

  The Sutherland family would like to invite you and yours to we and ours to celebrate the life of Annie beloved mother of Patrick cherished grandmother to Chloe and loving mother in law to Corrine on monday night for dinner Michele

  
  

  Hi Patrick. 

  
  

  We arrived on one piece and , as expected, have been working hard at the kitchen.
   

  Very sorry to hear of your mother Patrick but I understand it was not unexpected.
   

  Helping the kids out on Sunday and we are off to Sechelt on Monday for a couple of days so perhaps we can arrange to catch up either next week or the following.  Best wishes 

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  OK, the date is settled and quite fine with us. We’ll see you on Wednesday.

  Now, what’s needed for this celebration? In addition to personal drinks to imbibe -  would you also like us to bring-along that which we intend to BBQ?  Salads and sundry?

  Let us know and we can prepare and appear accordingly.

  
  

  Thanks for getting this gathering organized and set-up – I’ve decided to bring-along some historical surprises...

  
  

  PS: The photo is the wheelhouse or bridge of the MV Klitsa, plying the waters between Brentwood Bay and Mill Bay, Vancouver Island. It’s a user friendly way to avoid going up and over the Malahat Highway.

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Attention Il Conduttore,

  
  

  That is great news re the date change. Just a question; can we bring any food supplies, meat etc? Of course we will be accompanied with some fine grape juice.

  No email for the surveyor, but an old phone number may help.

  Looking forward to seeing you all. cheers, Bill & Denise.