Bye Bye Gold Coaster Blues: Saturday, May 10th!

If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don't have to worry about the answers. -Thomas Pynchon, writer (b. 1937) 

Hi Lads!

Has been pretty busy these last few days so do apologize for not being in touch. As things turned out, Elly and Antonio were more than happy to wander around downtown, by themselves, yesterday. They felt they'd rather do that than visit MOA as they plan to do that when they return after their cruise. 

Ski finally called and I collected her at Sophia and 16th where she had spent the night with her friend Tanya. Interestingly enough, Tanya frequented Heartwood when it was Rhyzome and she has a number of suggestions about the restaurant so Cora Lee was pleased to make contact with someone in the community who can offer an informed opinion.

Drove back to our place and changed into cycling gear. Lowered the seat on my Brodie and we headed out to UBC. Ski wanted to see what had been done on Point Grey and I also felt Seawall would have been too, too busy. 

Spent a very pleasant couple of hours showing her around campus as Wesbrook Village had barely started when she was last here, about eight years ago when they were here, living on campus, during Ron's sabbatical. Once back in Kits, (We really didn't have time to pop in to see either of you so hope this didn't inconvenience anyone.), I suggested we ride over Burrard, once again, to show Ski changes to bike lane, etc. We then took Seawall back to Science World and home. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/496300515#.U21s8rlaDNE.email

That evening Cora Lee hosted a so-called Circle of Friends gathering for Aunt Leah's. People, (mainly The Sisterhood!), who attend as asked to donate any "high-end" clothing/shoes/jewelry for the Thrift Shop.

Gale Stewart, the Executive Director, Karin King, a colleague of Chloë's and Chloë were there as well. Evening went very well and there was a mound of bags of clothing, almost as high as the electric fireplace, by the time all the donations were deposited in the living room. Cora Lee had baked some tasty mini-pizzas and had set out all sorts of other appetizers so there were plenty of tasty nibbles. Picked up a mixed case of some very decent whites and one red, all for under $12 so even hootch was quite quaffable.

Tony and Elly were back from downtown as they wanted to meet many of our friends. Ski's brother, Al, a lawyer in White Rock, drove in to collect her and they both stayed for event. Colleen and Big Al were along as well so it was fun to see them both. 

Tony "da Lip" Goodson, with Bruni, attended. She is in same Book Club as Cora Lee and Flamin'. Things wound up just after 8:00 pm so once everyone left, we, along with Ski/Al, Colleen/Big AL, went downstairs for dinner. Latter had another function to attend so they just stayed for a drink, as did Ski and Al. (Plan to see her next week so perhaps we can orchestrate a ride once I know her schedule.) Great steaks in the bbq by Sarge and lots of chatter with the Queenslanders. Had been quite a full day so we said goodnight and came upstairs to read in bed for a bit before turning out the lights at 10:30 pm.
 
Up at 6:00 am this morning to tidy up place and then at 9:00 am we all went to Sophie's Cosmic Cafe for breakfast. I drove Flamin' there as we were worried about a possible line-up. Rest walked and after I parked a block or so away and made for restaurant, gang arrived shortly after I did. Everyone enjoyed their scrumptious breakfasts. I had Florentine Eggs Benedict, (spinach), and home fries! Tony treated us so I regretted not having the Steak and Eggs! Cora Lee had more work to do on her presentation so she came back with me while four window shopped along 4th.
 

Short visit with Elly and Tony before Sarge drove them to Canada Place,a t 1:00 pm, to board the cruise ship. They return to YVR on Thursday, May 22nd, flying out of Anchorage. Cora Lee left at same time and I did a few more chores before suiting up and heading out. Although it had rained reasonably heavily while we were enjoying our breakfast, by 2:00 pm it was lovely. I headed back out to UBC as I didn't wish to fight hordes on Seawall. Did my "standard" campus loop/dipsy-doodlage and it was a grand outing. Almost perfect cycling temperature and not all that much traffic, etc. Stats for today's ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/497011844#.U27Mbl7tJ98.email

Back by just before 6:00 pm to find Coriandre watching  Y &  R! Her presentation went very well so pleased for her as she puts so much time and energy into Heartwood. Looking forward to a fairly quiet evening tonight, catching up on a few of our recorded shows, Blacklist and Call the Midwife. I'm keen to ride tomorrow so am open to any suggestions if anyone is interested as well. Let me know. Cheers, Patrizzio!
 

Pics: Ski across the street from Branko's Dad's place. I picked up my laptop after collecting Ski. Benson "twins" downstairs on Sutherland's patio; Big Al and Colleen with Flamin'; Cosmic Cafe and hungry patrons! My "light" breakfast!

P, sounds like a happenin place at the Highland Inn. Tomorrow I play a match at 4PM. Motherlode celebrations may cut into my day although there are new developments at this time that may open up my schedule. Let me know what you are thinking and when. Forecast looks promising for nexter week. W

"Invitation to the Basil Stuart-Stubbs Book Prize Reception- June 5 2014"
Nancy Forbes will attend.

Andre, I saw this obituary in this mornings Globe & Mail. I thought you would like it. Gerard & Tony, let me know if attend the wake this Wednesday.

http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/a-connoisseur-of-the-strange-and-bizarre-crad-kilodney-railed-against-hypocrisy-of-the-world/article18594961/?service=mobile -Ross 

Hello Curmudgeon Man! Liked obit. Takes one to know one. Trust you are over your dyspepsia! Cheers, Patrizzio!