As to conforming outwardly and living your own life inwardly, I do not
think much of that. -Henry David Thoreau, naturalist and author
(1817-1862)
An impressive ride Pat!
Not to put to fine a point on it , but it seems to me that 163.4K over 7:15:59 constitutes extreme cycling in its own right. (My knees rebel at less
than half that distance!)
Also
struggling to understand why you didn't shorten the ride by 100 metres
and 2min, 26 seconds. The odometer would have been much more
photogenic...
cheers, Mark
George/Pat,
I'm good for a ride in the morning
of up to 3 hours. Gentlemens's hours - 9:30 start? Open to suggestions
although perhaps the Queensborough Bridge would suitable? Ray
Ray,
I
am good to go then as well. Should be able to easily get a paltry one
sixty on the odometer in three hours and keep the pace above
30.
G
George/Pat,
Shall we meet at King Ed/Maple at 9:30 and go from there? I'll check my e-mail in the morning.
Ray
Hi Lads:
See you at 25th and Maple at 9:30am. My first VIFF shift is at 2:00pm so I'd like to be home by 12:30pm. Cheers, Patrizzio!
See you there. G
Hello SLAIS Alumni
You are cordially invited to the 2012 Annual General Meeting of the
Alumni Association of the School of Library, Archival and Information
Studies, The iSchool at UBC. Please join your executive committee and
guest speaker 2011 Distinguished Alumnus Dean
Giustini, who will share his thoughts on “Living our professional values in disruptive times”.
Thursday, October 25th
Vancouver Public Library - Central Library, Boardroom
350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
6-8 pm
The committee is seeking nominations to fill one
member-at-large position for a two-year term. Graduates of any SLAIS
program may fill this position. If you are interested in being nominated
for this position, please contact the Nominating
Committee chair, Michelle Mallette.
Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but
they have never failed to imitate them. -James Baldwin, writer
(1924-1987)
P,
Impressive log on the post. You failed to reveal that your
clip-less pedals are locked in by the sisterhood before you leave and
will not release until the odometer reaches the 160 mark thus allowing
adequate time for Bodum shopping...
I will invest in Doodlestrong and recommend subsidiary Noodlestrong.
Amira and I rode up Galiano Friday. Great ride, uphill both ways as
she put it. We could do that some day - tranquil like Semo-Demfo. You
could do it three times to unlock the pedals while Ray and I sit at
pub. W
Hi Giggster!
You are the first investor so I'd like a transfer of funds into my
unnumbered Cayman Islands account. However, I must say, that reading
between the lines, I note the undue influence of The Sisterhood, with
respect to the clip-less pedals, as Cora Lee inadvertently sent me a
message intended for Big Al in which she outlines a dastardly scheme to
have him weld my shoes to the pedals, a la The Kingston Trio: "He's the
cyclist who never returned/He may ride forever on the hills of
Semo-Demfo/He's the rider who never returned!"
Furthermore, the undue, deleterious influence of Cap'n Barnacle, the
Latte Lout, is quite apparent, with the suggestion of the pub scenario
you and Raymondo will play out while I struggle, "both ways" on Galiano,
much to your besotted amusement. I take it that you actually think that
the subsidiary should be renamed Weak-in-the-Noodle and I am not
amused!
Speaking of pubs, perhaps you and Robo Man should consider taking the
bus out to Horsehsoe Bay and be sitting on the patio at Trolls, laughing
uproariously, on Wednesday, when I return to tackle the hill out of the
village. In preparation I plan to do The Fairwinds Loop early this aft.
Heard from Grogg that they should be on the 8:30am ferry so imagine
they will be a home around 11ish. This being the case, I'd better make a
quick run to the Recycling Depot in Parksville to get rid of all the
incriminating evidence of all the hootch of his we have consumed since
being here!
With regard to the NRBC, I will be finished with the River of the
Brokenhearted shortly so you are welcome to my copy, should you need it.
Any of the other non-readers as well, of course. That way everyone
won't have to read a word, as per usual! Cheers, Dipsy Noodlenik Dunn!
At horseshoe bay-should be on 8:30AM Will call from Ferry G
Good Morning Early Birds!
Cora Lee and Cimcky should just be crawling out of bed as you pull down driveway! Quite a lazy pair. No wonder they bond so well!!!
P,
Let
us know when you are coming in on the ferry. Maybe Ray & I could
meet you in our limo, using our new expense accounts from Doodlestrong
and Sisterhood Affiliates Ltd. We can heckle you from the plush
environs of the stretch Bentley as we sip our Newcastle brown ale and
watch you struggle up the HB agony climb. W
Hi Bentley Brigands!
I plan to catch the 10:40am ferry out of Departure Bay tomorrow. Since
I'll be riding, the 8:30am sailing would mean quite an early start. If
all goes well, I should be disembarking around 12:20pm. Let me know if
you might be my welcoming committee, streamers and all! I'll keep an eye
on Trolls' patio for the drunken and disorderly or a stretch limo
idling curbside. Don't worry if timing doesn't work as I a hardly need
the aggro of soccer hooligans mocking me as I make the tortuous climb up
the agony, certainly not the ecstasy, hill! Cheers, Cayman Conductor!!!
Hi Margareta!
Must apologize for not replying sooner! Thank you for your kind words
and condolences. Happy Belated 50th Birthday! Hip Hip Hooray! Glad the
boys' speeches went so well and that Johan is doing well. Give them our
fond regards. When are you off to the Canary Islands? Hello to Cecillia
as well.
Hi Karin!
How are you? We have spent a lovely time here in Parksville. Went on two
of the longest rides of my "professional" career while here: 143.3K
last Friday and 161.4K yesterday. Back to Vancouver tomorrow. Fondestos
from Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Joan!
How are you? Back to Vancouver tomorrow. Will give
you a shout, when we have dispensed with our volunteer duties at the
VIFF and VIWF, and we'll have a Winnipeg re-Union! Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hey Pat!
Sounds like you're having a ball! Want
to hear all about the trip.. All is well here and we're getting fall
weather now.. without the rain!! Look forward to the Wpg Reunion ! Thanks for the email!Chat later gater!P. Flower.
Hi Rosemary!
How are you? Fondestos
from Cora Lee to you and Andre. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Pat,
Can't make it tomorrow as I have
tutoring at 1:30. Owen Laukkenan is a graduate of the UBC creative
writing program. He was a pro poker player for 3 years and has worked as
a commercial fisherman - from his web site.
Ray
P,
I would have joined if it were an earlier sailing. Hope to ride Thursday and or Friday. Safe riding, W
As you can see below I have to fight for everything, just like with you lot!
I
always ask for revenues below to be allocated to my channel for more
movies and am often accused of “whinge-ing” too loudly…hence the teasing
below!
But in the end….I win! Ha ha ha
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 9:06 AM To: Ayn Prince Subject: RE: Time to Remember
Directly to the Ayn Prince fund for underprivileged movies…
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 7:52 AM Subject: Time to Remember
Guys
- Retirement Living will take this title for 2 non-exclusive runs in
November for $20,000. We want nothing. I can paper this in your name
if you want and send it to
you for signature? RSVP.
Hi Whinge-er Extraordinaire!
Thought that I would share yesterday's ride with you, the better to help
you understand what it really means to fight! Cheers, Poppa "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Underprivileged Movies" San!
Whinge-ing works outside the family!!
We are at last day at the Madrona Manor. I will no longer be a cat
slave. Constant demands for brushing are getting in my reading time.
Lovely sunny day here! Expecting Grog and Lurch anytime now.
Looking forward to undemanding Maggie! Lv Mom
Hey, Jean it was great to see all three of you. The cat has finally emerged from the bedroom, with more demands to be brushed.
Greg and Fran arrive this am as got in too late last night to come home.
Must admit that I'm ready to get back to the city. Life is just a little to slow here for me. Hope to see you this winter and meet Tess. Enjoy your American sojourn. Love Corinne
Maggie likes having the bed to herself...she says stay another week!!
Hi Goils!
Lurch and Grogg just walked in the door and after Grogg saw all the hootch we'd consumed he doesn't even want us to stay until tomorrow! Nana may go into Nanaimo this afternoon. If she does she'll scope Jar. I plan to go for a ride. Grogg is going into Parksville to play ball. Lurch will be bonding with Cimcky! Cheers, Dad/Patrizzio!
Dear Patrick, sad to hear the news about Annie. At age almost 100,
she had a long and exciting life and I will remember her as the lady I
met in 1998, when I visited Vancouver last time. I hope and trust, that
you feel that you have said goodbye to her
in the right way. Tomorrow would be her birthday - will send her my
warmest thoughts.
Life here goes on. Biggest event this summerwas
my 50th birthday. I celebrated with af big dancing party nearby
Hjortshøj, and on the day itself, in Sweden, at the summer resiidence, I
held a dinner party for relatives, who could attend,
Little by little I realize,and accept that I am a 50+ woman. Greatest
of all was Johan and Peter's speaches , each of them making a very
personal speach about their and mine various joys and troubles in life.
Very brave and very touching.
Johan is feeling better and I hope this school
year will be easier for him. Life for us is concentrated on daily
activities, soccer , home work and skate boarding. I work and I am not
energetic, but keep up swimming and flute playing
as always.
Next thing to look forward to is a holiday on
FueRte vEntura - a Canary Island - with my sister CHi Rosemary!
How are you? We have spent a lovely time here in Parksville. Went on two of the longest rides of my "professional" career while here: 143.3K last Friday and 161.4K yesterday. Back to Vancouver tomorrow. Fondestos from Cora Lee to you and Andre. Cheers, Patrizzio!ecilia and her
family. Place for lots of sports etc . BIG HUG FROM MARGARETA Dear Patrick Dunn
Sorry if I answer only now, even though we knew little, I keep a good memory.
I've been too little time in Kyoto, but enough to understand that a civilization is interesting.
About Winnipeg let me know if in 2013, there are any conferences exhibitions, interesting technology or biotechnology in the food industry. See you soon, cheers Giovanni Spagna
Hello Giovanni!
How delightful to hear from you! Must apologize for not replying sooner!
Has been a very busy time, for us, ever since arriving back in
Vancouver, at the end of May. At present, we are near Parksville, on
Vancouver Island, house/cat sitting at Madroña Manor, Il Palazzo di
Millionaires. Cora Lee went over on Saturday, September 15th to meet
with lady who had been there ever since Grogg and Lurchesca left in
early August. I attended a Memorial for former UBC Librarian, Basil
Stuart-Stubbs on Sunday. When I received notice of memorial service I
decided I'd like to attend. Since, (weather permitting), I'd planned to
ride to Horseshoe Bay and then to Parksville from Departure Bay, I knew
I'd not be able to make the two-stage bicycle journey during daylight,
given timing of service. Having to be on the Island Highway between
Lantzville and Nanoose Bay, in the dark, (let alone GI to HB), isn't a
good idea!
At the end of the stay, I'm going to have to be home by tomorrow,
September 26th, as my first Vancouver International Film Festival
volunteer shift, (orientation), is scheduled for that evening. As things
eventually turned out, Lurch and Grogg came home a day early, (They
just walked in the door a few minutes ago!), as they were able to obtain
a more direct flight from London. This being the case, Cora Lee will
return to Vancouver tomorrow, as well, as she has a number of meetings
with volunteer organizations that she can attend now that she is not
required to stay to take care of the resident feline, Cimcky. For my
part, I really would like to stay and find it a bit frustrating that I'm
not able to do so. Ironically, my next shift, after the 26th/27th,
isn't until October 5th! Then the Vancouver International Writers
Festival. Never a dull moment at the Islay Inn, our nickname for our
home near Granville Island, in Vancouver!!!
At any rate, we don't live in Winnipeg, rather Vancouver, as you might
have gathered. That being the case I'm not really familiar with what
conventions/exhibitions might be taking place in Winnipeg in 2013,
particularly those involving the food industry. I did a quick search and
only came up with the Winnipeg Wine Festival, in May, 2013, I believe.
Might be interesting, especially if you can obtain funding to attend!
However, if you are interested in coming too Vancouver, (a far more
interesting city than Winnipeg!), you could attend:
EAT! VANCOUVER 5/24/2013 - 5/26/2013
Venue: BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, Canada
Categories: Bakery, Confectionery, Food Processing
Celebrity chefs, popular local restaurants, wineries, food and beverage
manufacturers, cookbook authors, retailers, artisans, and many others
from the culinary world will come together for a three day public
extravaganza at the new Vancouver Convention Centre. EAT! Vancouver
encompasses unique food experiences, opportunities to learn
behind-the-scenes culinary magic from professional chefs, dynamic
entertainment through celebrity chef cooking demonstrations and culinary
competitions.
You are more than welcome to stay with us, should you care to do so. We
will probably be in Winnipeg sometime next summer, dates not yet set, so
let me know if you have information about a conference there. At any
rate, let me know what you think and we'll plan accordingly. Fondestos
from Cora Lee to you. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Patrick,
I
want to say thanks again for your investment in ForestEthics. This has
been an extraordinary year for our organization, and with more exciting
initiatives and announcements on the horizon, I want
to make sure I keep in touch with you in the best way possible.
This
means finding out some things about you, especially your campaign
interests and communication preferences. Do you prefer a quick email
every now and then; specific news from our Sacred Headwaters
and Enbridge Campaigners; or something else entirely?
Please take a few minutes to respond to this survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ForestEthics_Investor_Survey.
I put together a few quick questions (10 to be exact) to help me learn
more about you. It’s an anonymous survey (with an option to include your
name if you’d like). I would love to get your candid feedback.
Take a moment now to fill out the survey. I look forward to hearing from you by Friday, October 5.
Thanks in advance for the taking the time to do this!
A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands
and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his
brain and his heart is an artist. -Louis Nizer, lawyer (1902-1994)
Nadienka's mini scones!
Sounds like you are having fun. When do you get back home. Wayne
Hi Sarge:
Sorry, I know I forgot to mention when we return to Vancouver. Not sure if I told you, in an earlier message, but Grogg re-booked their flights to get direct passage to Vancouver, thus arriving two days earlier than originally planned, this afternoon. I was always leaving on Wednesday as I have a VIFF orientation session in the evening and a shift the next day, the 27th. Cora Lee was going to stay for a day to visit but with them back earlier she decided she'd return on Wednesday as well. She has a number of meetings she wasn't going to attend but decided that since she could, she would. At any rate, this just in from Grogg:
Flight delayed until 10:00PM. Re booked to Toronto, then Van, so now best chance is 7:30PM ferry from Horseshoe Bay. Eta will now be around 9:45PM. Will be ready to pound a little red and /or malt upon arrival! Will call from airport or ferry this evening...G&F
So much for the joys of Air Miles and airing out the cellar! Depending on connections, I think they might even stay overnight in Vancouver. Off for a ride to Union Bay now that the fog is lifting and the sun is attempting to break through. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Grogg!
Sorry to hear about the delays. What a drag!!! Hope you don't run into
any other snags. I had a message from Sarge wondering about when you
were back. Flamin' was in Newfoundland at Juliette's wedding this past
weekend and he was working himself, on Saturday, I beleive, so he wasn't
able to come over. Buona Fortuna with connezzione. Cora Lee had planned
a mixed grill for dinner tonight, (chicken breasts marinating in
buttermilk, beef sausages from SF), corn-on-the-cob, but we'll probably
just eat overlefts for supper and have today's menu tomorrow! Cheers, Patrizzio!
PS: Cimicky is being brushed on the patio as I scribe. Fog is lifting
and sun is starting to break through. Headed to Union Bay, (I hope!),
shortly. Now that you won't be back til late, I think I'll go all the
way to Port Hardy!!!
Hello Lads of the Mainland Peleton!
Thought that I would share today's ride with everyone. At the risk of
soundingI am pleased to report that I logged 163.4K over 7:15:59 for an
AVG of 22.2kph and a MAX of 48.5kph on my run to Royston, about 75K
north of Madroña Manor. Some of you know that last Friday I logged
143.4K on a similar route so I was determined to better my kilometerage
today, in the main, to see if I could match the Penticton Gran Fondo
distance. I set out about 10:30am and made for Union Bay, my turnaround
spot of the earlier, longest ride ever, for me. It was quite foggy all
morning and when I set out the sun was barely showing through the
overcast. Once again, I was quite pleased that it wasn't boiling hot as I
knew I'd need to pace myself and having to worry about the heat was
just another significant impediment.
Head wind was not as strong as before so I was quite thankful for that.
However, there was a fair bit of traffic on the Old Island Highway, at
least until Bowser, 40K out. I was glad that I was wearing a light
jacket as whenever I was in the shade or along the open water, the
breeze was quite cool. Knowing the route makes quite a difference as I
could anticipate the grades ahead and gear accordingly as well as use
the downhill slopes and flats to try to maintain my goal of an AVG of
20kph, as a minimum pace. In a sense I was pitting myself against the
clock as I could tell whenever I fell below or behind my self-imposed
goal. In fact, it was one way to keep my mind occupied even if my legs
were not all that happy at times!
Felt pretty good by the time I reached Union Bay so decided if this was
the case that I'd cycle another 5K, to Royston, to put my distance at
75K for trip out. I debated about going all the way to Courtenay. I knew
I could go that far but I was far more concerned about the return trip.
Going all the way into Courtenay was only another 5K or so but I was
worried about the wind as I knew that if I had to battle it all the way
home I was going to be in trouble. As well, I didn't want to be on the
main roads after 6:00pm, for reasons of light and safety. Of course, I
could have started out earlier and brought along my new nifty MEC
rechargeable, (just plug it into your computer's USB port), halogen
headlights, but I didn't. This being the case, I decided I'd add the
"extra" 10K on at the end of the ride, if I had the energy and will left
to do so!
Delighted, when I turned around, to find that while the wind was not
exactly at my back, more of a cross-wind, it wasn't buffeting me as
before. Naturally this made things much more pleasant and I could
actually enjoy the scenery rather than putting my head down, gritting my
teeth and forcing myself not to think of the distance yet to travel! I
fairly sailed along the more or less flatlands from Royston south past
Fanny Bay and then up to Rosewall Creek. After that there is a long,
long climb into Bowser but I caught up to a chap ahead of me and we
chatted to the crest of the hill so that kept my mind off the grade. He
lives in Fanny Bay and just got his carbon fibre bike a few weeks ago.
Originally from Leicestershire, I hope I didn't offend him when I asked
if he was from Yorkshire! He asked me if I'd heard about a cycle tour in
the Himalayas. From Lhasa to Katmandu, I believe. Three weeks or so, I
think he said. He almost decided to sign up but decided on a trek
instead. Told him that Seymour Demo Forest was enough altitude for me!
Talk about extreme cycling. However, I spit on mountain biking,
particularly down Everest!!!
Waved goodbye and made for Bowser, quite refreshed by the slower pace,
but frantic that my AVG had dropped beyond recapture! Need not have
worried, Dear Reader, and I felt quite confident by the time I was
skirting Qualicum Bay as I knew I had but one punishing grade up past
Qualicum Landing and then mostly downhill all the way to Qualicum Beach.
Last hill, of any real consequence, there, and it isn't too, too tough,
compared to some of the other inclines, so I was headed for Parksville
shortly after 5:00pm with about 130K on the odometre. Made all the
lights in town and then over the bridge at Englishman River to leave
highway on Industrial Way for the Parksville Industrial Park where I
indulged in my first true dipsy-doodling of the ride, doing a bit of a
loop on Herring Gull Way and Franklins Gull Road to register 151K before
I crossed the Island Hwy E to connect with NW Bay Road.
Home was in sight so once past Craig Bay Estates I had but the small
hill up to Beaver Wharf Road to negotiate. My legs were feeling pretty
good, I must say, but I indulged myself and geared down til just past
Arbutus Drive, the crest of this particular hill, and then it was left
off NW Bay Rd onto Wall Beach Road. Down to Acacia Road, ringing my bell
at the deer munching grass near the intersection, paying me the
scantest of attention, unlike the dog in the yard at the top of the
street who barks at me each and every time I pass! Left onto on Ballenas
Road then right onto Brunt Road which becomes Craig Drive. Halfway up
Craig Drive, left onto Madrona Drive and, hell bent for leather, all the
way to the end. Passed neighbours, Nancy, (chatting with a dog walker),
and Annabel, (unloading Rana, their dog, from the back of her car), as I
made my way along the thoroughfare. Puzzled looks from both as I didn't
turn into our own driveway! Needless to say, I needed to do one more
complete loop of the straightaway and then, glory of glories, I glided
into the driveway, with the desired distance registering, in flashing
neon!
So there you have it , Lads! I plan on putting out a line of bracelets:
Doodlestrong! Do you think they will catch on? Reduced prices for those
members of the Peleton, in good standing! Please find notarized
evidence attached. Cheers, Il Conduttore!!!
Pics: Trusty odometre; pickerel filets for dinner and remainder of this
cake for dessert. All washed down with a bottle of Grogg's 2008
Burrowing Owl Chardonnay, 13.5%. They were to be home tonight but flight
was delayed so they are spending the night in Vancouver, at the GI
Hotel. I will toast myself with a goodly snort of his Doorly's Barbados
Rum, a truly delicious sipping spirit, well suited to life, here in the
monied enclaves of the east coast of Vancouver Island, insulated and far
from the hoi polloi, The Great Unwashed, of Nanoose Bay and Nanaimo.
Until we ride again!!!
PS: Please don't tell Ragin' Bull that my feet never touched the ground,
once, during the entire ride! His apoplexy, notwithstanding, I feel I'm
a far, far better person for it.
That's one hell of a ride, Pat - well
done! Very good average speed and you know you are capable of the
Penticton 160 and perhaps a better ave. speed so perhaps under 7 hours
is a strong possibility. Haven't done much myself
other than a few easy functional rides. Had Mike and Pauline on
Saturday night. They told us about the riding in the south-east corner
of Washington around Walla Walla which sounded very good. Checked their
web site and ave. temps for the month of Sept. were
78 degrees! Looked at some carbon fibre hybrids on-line from the US
which looked very reasonably priced. There was also something called a
'cafe' bike, supposedly faster than road bikes but with straight
handlebars. The site also listed the geometry of the
bike. Reading 'The Professionals' by Owen Laukkanen, a Vancouver
writer. This seems like a very good start for a first novel. Wondered if
either you or Corinne had come across him? Ray
Hi Raymondo!
Glad Polly and Mick enjoyed their trip to Walla Walla and environs. I
noted that Whirlygig included you in his last message. Perhaps the
"cafe" bikes will be perfect selection for you both when you are sitting
in the pub quaffing while I, hamster-like, ride around and around in
ever diminishing dipsy-doodle circles.
Furthermore, I mentioned to Giggster that I noted the undue influence of The Sisterhood with
respect to the clip-less pedals as Cora Lee inadvertently sent me a
message intended for Big Al in which she outlines a dastardly scheme to
have him weld my shoes to the pedals, a la The Kingston Trio: "He's the
cyclist who never returned/He may ride forever on the hills of
Semo-Demfo/He's the rider who never returned!"
And, speaking of pubs, perhaps you and Giorgio should consider taking
the
bus out to Horsehsoe Bay, (now that you are no longer riding but only
belittling those who do), and be sitting on the patio at Trolls,
laughing
uproariously, on Wednesday, when I return to tackle the hill out of the
village. In preparation I plan to do The Fairwinds Loop early this aft.
Heard from Grogg that they should be on the 8:30am ferry so imagine
they will be a home around 11ish. This being the case, I'd better make a
quick run to the Recycling Depot in Parksville to get rid of all the
incriminating evidence of all the hootch of his we have consumed since
being here!
Owen Laukkanen isn't familiar to either of us. The last name sounds
Finnish. Do you know if this is the case? I'm quite taken with David
Adams Richards' The River of the Brokenhearted, our next Book Club
selection. Do you know him? He's from New Brunswick. We heard him read
last year at the VIWF. I find him to be the Canadian equivalent of
Thomas Wolfe or William Faulkner. Cheers, Patrizzio
Dear VIWF:
I am delighted to accept the invitation to the Festival's Opening
Reception. Cora Lee Durston will be my guest. Thanks very much. Cheers,
Patrizzio!
The strength of a language does not lie in rejecting what is foreign but
in assimilating it. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, poet, dramatist,
novelist, and philosopher (1749-1832)
Juliette of the Spirits
Sitting in a Circa 1530 beautiful pub having last lunch with cousins.
Have seen many wonderful pubs, but none better than "The Five Bells".
In a truly remote, single road access in the middle of the Kent region.
Will head from here to Sandling Station, then into Charing Cross, then tube to Heathrow for last night.
Today is 1st day we actually had to wear our jackets in the 5 weeks!
Storm coming in, so fires are going in the pub, with an incredible assortment of local, organic ingredients.
Many specials, but looks like most will lean to local Leg of Lamb, with fabulous recipe and trimmings!!
Will collect a couple of duty free single malts tomorrow before flight, so will look forward to a taste tomorrow evening.
Will update eta tomorrow once we arrive in Vancouver.
Hope Cimcky & Benson are doing OK! Cheers, Grog
Hi Pub Crawling People!
Had a lovely meal last night with Jean and John. Started with olives and
John's home-made focaccia, dusted with kosher salt, dipped in
balsamic/olive oil. Rosemary sprigs from their herb garden Wonderful
beef roast from Springford Farm on bbq, feta stuffed zucchini, (again
from SF), with roasted yams and a red/green cabbage salad with
yogurt/garlic and cumin dressing. Fabulous chocolate cake for dessert.
2007 Nota Bene from Black Hills, 14.7%, went down exceedingly well.
Thanks indeed! John and I sipped both the Laphroaig and the Caol Ila
while The Sisterhood enjoyed poundin' Grand Marnier.
Annabel and Robert are coming over for brunch this morning before JJ
return to Victoria. Fog bank over the island across the way but sunny
here. Enjoy your last bit of England and see you tomorrow. Safe journey.
Best wishes from the Victoria Freeloaders and Cora Lee. Cheers,
Patrizzio!
Hi Kids!
Thanks for the more than lovely visit! Terrific to see you both, as well as Bad, Bad Boy, (courtesy of John Fogerty!), Benson! Cimcky is veddy, veddy happy to finally have Madroña Manor back in feline paws, so to speak!
Thank you again for the desserts el supremo, vino tinto/blanco, and all the expert help in kitchen, John, and the invaluable psychological and emotional counseling, Dottore Jeanne Sue! Will be off to ride the Fairwinds Loop, both counter-clockwise and then clockwise, shortly, with forays down to Red Gap, in betwixt, while Coriandre and Cimcky bond on the sofa, watching TV or snoozing! Fondestos and Cheers, Cora Lee and Patrizzio!
Did not see Cimcky, but assume he is challenging Benson by his expression.
Sipping on a Tim Adams Shiraz in the room-very tasty indeed..
Hello to all! Grog
Dear Corinne and Patrick,
Thank
you too for a lovely weekend, I am so glad we finally got to together
and realized we are as close as ever and even more so now that we are
moving into the next stage
of our lives. It is truly comforting when we are allowed to say what we
feel knowing that the relationship is grounded in trust, respect and
love. Thank you for the intimate moments we shared. It is not only that
we learn something new about each other we
also learn a little more about ourselves.
Our trip back was smooth and we talked of how glad we were of the visit.
Perhaps
in the new year do consider coming over perhaps the new Scottish
couple could join us too with their pup. Or bring over Michelle and
Wayne for a weekend of fine food,
wine tasting and the joy of sharing our most deepest thoughts.
Thank you both for treating us so royally, we will keep in touch.
Much Love,
Jean & John & Benson
Hi again, Jean!
Thank you for the lovely reply and for the generous invitation to visit.
We'd certainly like to do so and will try to arrange our busy lives to
make such an attractive weekend happen. I'm sure Flamin' and Sarge would
be keen to see you both, as well. I'll mention
the possibility of a trip to Victoria to Annabel and Robert too. I took
back the coffee grinder to John and Nancy and then walked across the
street to obtain Robert's email. Rana, their dog, showed me one of her
toys and I told her how bad Boy Benson had eaten
one of Cimicky's favourite play things! She mentioned that "those
Victoria" dogs are not as well well behaved as their up-country cousins!
Buona Fortuna with Tess!
While you were here, (and earlier, by email), I kept meaning to thank
you for the very thoughtful and comforting card you sent after learning
of Mom's death. It was so heartfelt that I couldn't really be sad but
rather cherished her wonderful life even more.
Again, thank you for your care and empathy.
Time for dinner of "overlefts", (can hardly wait for dessert), so will
say goodbye for now. Fondestos from Coriandre. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Tim Adams Swilling People!
We had a grand tasting there when in Clare Valley with Flamin' and Sarge
this past March. I even rode by the next day when I was cycling the
Riesling Trail!
After everyone said goodbye, I cleaned up the kitchen and then headed
out for my ride, leaving Cora Lee and Cimcky bonding on the couch,
watching TV. I headed for Red Gap and the Petro Can station and then did
the Fairwinds Loop counter-clockwise.
Have decided that this direction
is easier after making my way around and then back to Petro Can and then
the Loop, once more, clock-wise. Just about the same in terms of
climbing but a tad easier in the middle section, I think. Anyway, it was
a gorgeous day once the fog had dissipated. We had eaten on the patio
and while we enjoyed the simply scrumptious brunch, (bacon and beef
sausages, (latter from SF), home fries, omelette with garlic scapes,
fresh mozzarella/Swiss cheese, (Cora Lee), and huge strawberry
topped/glazed almond tartes, (gluten free, JJ), for dessert), the fog
obliterated any trace of the island opposite!
Once up from Red Gap and the next hill after that, I "raced" home as I
was hoping to keep my AVG above 20kph, and even bucking the strong head
wind, with the downhill run from about the Rocking Horse Pub road I was
able to go at a pretty good clip to end up clocking an AVG of 20.3 over
2:31:26 for 51.3K. Pleased as it was a good warm-up for tomorrow. If it
doesn't rain, (forecast doesn't look all that promising, unfortunately),
I hope to ride back to Union Bay. If I leave by 8:00am I should be home
in time to welcome you back to Madroña Manor!
Trust all goes well with coming flight! Cheers, Patrizzio!
I
love that you were home listening to music on a Sunday afternoon and
your mind wandered to me...we have ties that surpass the waves of
destruction that sometimes fell all signs of life in the paths of
unions...we were just kids
We have been having a marvellous time, here in Parksville, house/cat
sitting, as Cora Lee may have mentioned, at some point, at church.
Friends, Jean and John Anderson, from Victoria, came up yesterday to
spend the night, along with Benson, their Dalmatian. Cimicky, the
resident feline, was not amused! I forwarded the video, [Kitten
vs. Two Scary Things. [VIDEO]], to Cimcky's
owners, telling them he was practicing, getting ready to do serious
damage to Benson's cojones!!!
If it doesn't rain tomorrow, (forecast doesn't look
all that promising, unfortunately), I hope to ride back to Union Bay,
70K north of here. (I did it on Friday and managed quite well.) If
I leave by 8:00am I should be home in time to
welcome The Millionaires back to Madroña Manor, home from France and
England!
Fondestos from Cora Lee, the Cat Whisperer! Cheers, Patrizzio!
Here are a few snaps from today and earlier in our stay. Had an email
from Jean, safely back in Victoria. She hopes we will visit them in the
new year and mentioned that"perhaps the new Scottish
couple could join us too with their pup. Or bring over Michelle and
Wayne for a weekend of fine food and wine tasting!"
At any rate, do keep in touch. Cheers, Patrizzio!
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