Arena Corinthians, São Paulo Blues: Monday, June 23rd!

Language is a skin: I rub my language against the other. It is as if I had words instead of fingers, or fingers at the tip of my words. My language trembles with desire. -Roland Barthes, literary critic and philosopher (1915-1980) 

2014 FIFA World Cup, Group B

 
 
The Netherlands national football team represents the Netherlands in international association football. It is controlled by the Royal Netherlands Football Association, the governing body for football in the Netherlands.

The Chile national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions and is controlled by the Federación de Fútbol de Chile which was established in 1895. The team is commonly referred to as La Roja.
 

A note of music gains significance from the silence on either side. -Anne Morrow Lindbergh, writer (1906-2001)

Hello Joanne et al!

Just a quick note to thank everyone, (I don't know if I have Gillian's correct email so if anyone has it, please forward this message to her.), for such a lovely evening.  Thank you for being the perfect hostess, Joanne, thank you for fabulous job on the bbq'd steaks, Sarge, and thank everyone else for the wonderful, wonderful food, (appetizers, salads, buns, dessert, and wine, of course!), and delightful conversation on the patio and at the dinner table. Cheers, Patrizzio!                 Thanks Patrick. Craig

Hi Patrick, this is the only email I received,  Pl. check my email address.  Should e jgtjo@yahoo.ca tks.

JT: This is email I sent earlier to a different address for you! Have changed it now. Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Patricio, Hope all is well. Hadn’t heard from you in a while so I hope everything is alright although I’m sure you’re very busy training for upcoming grand Fondo’s and or entertaining out of town guests etc. 

I have been busy trying tom get my travel trailer fixed up for sale this week but have a leak in the roof which is making life difficult but I hope to resolve this today. Otherwise we were invited out on a friends beautiful Ski boat yesterday so were out on The Pitt River / lake area. I was quite proud of myself as I had no problem getting up on the board right away and even did some jumping over the wake back and forth! 

All in all a really beautiful day with some really nice people . Finished off the day by going over to my Mom’s for a swim and a visit last night. And now back to the grind. 

I’d love to get out for a ride again before you have to head off on your summer holidays in Manitoba. Have a great day, Love to Corrine and we’ll talk soon. Cheers, Al
 
Hi Water Board Waldron! Great shots of you surfing! Guess you didn't have to worry about any stanchions so you were relaxed! Most impressed!! Will need to ride 200 km soon so let me know when you'd like to ride!  Talk soon. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick or should I say Iron Man! Thank you for your email and photos. Everyone looks like they were having a good time! Also thanks for your kind offer re visiting with you while you are on the Island. That sounds like a plan to me and we could probably manage a couple of days over with you if that's ok. Can firm up the dates later on.

We actually just returned from Southampton. Ant took Marnie to Branscombe for a few days to celebrate her birthday. We went up on Thursday to look after the two boys and returned last evening thoroughly exhausted! We are up there again in a couple of weeks to so the same thing when Marnie and Ant are off to the Chanel Islands (Sark) for a music festival. We will then return to Cornwall to recover for a couple of days before heading off to Italy.

We are having wonderful weather so far this summer. Blue skies and warm temperatures. Perfect cycling and walking weather. We are packing a picnic lunch tomorrow and doing the Fowey, Lantic Bay circular walk. Probably one of our favorites since it takes in the Fowey river, ancient woodland and a most wonderful section of the coast. Part of the walk requires taking a small boat across the Fowey river. I think the total walk is about 4 hours with sections of strenuous climbs but well worth it!
 

We are supposed to get rain on Thursday and Friday but clearing for the weekend so will try to get Gayle out on the bike on Sunday. The garden could now do with a good downpour but I have to say everything is looking at its best at the moment. Even our fruit bushes are giving us a bumper crop this year.

Just popped into my sister Audrey who's birthday it is today (82). We are taking her out for lunch at the Pavilions in Falmouth on Wednesday. Thanks again for your invite. Now off out to enjoy a bit of gardening before making Gayle and I a spritzer! Best wishes, Derek

Hi Spritzer Man! Glad you think you'll be able to join us for part of house/cat sitting stay. Spudnik will be jealous! He'll shred your entire garden before you are back home from Canada! Your berries look simply mouth-watering. They look similar to what we might call a Chokecherry on the Prairies. British name? As you say, we can work out details/dates for Madroña Manor once you arrive, or shortly beforehand.

Glad to hear you are enjoying lovely weather. (For the most part, so are we!) Your walks/hikes sound delightful, as well. You need them to recover from even more strenuous grand-parenting duties. I won't be able to keep up with you, while riding, you'll have so much excess energy!!! Happy Belated Birthday to Audrey from both Cora Lee and I! Hip Hip Hooray! For She's A Jolly Good Fellow!!! Talk soon. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi all, just sending an email to give an ups up on the party.

Marlo and I have been talking and she is going to head up the planning for the actual party on Saturday, August 2. She is going to book a caterer and we have put the community centre room on hold (same place where we had their 65 anniversary dinner) as this year the bugs are bad and if it rains, we are covered. Thinking we could have drinks and appetizers at the house first and then head over to the community centre, but Marlo will plan and then let everyone know what task you have been assigned to help out, closer to the party.

I need to know the dates when those that are traveling in will be arriving. I am trying to start to plan the menu/meals when everyone is there and need to know exactly how many meals we need to cover. It was suggested that every family take a night to do a meal. So you would tell me what you want to make, give me a grocery list and then I would make sure you have what you need. Once I get dates, I can determine how many we need to feed on different nights. Greg and I thought that we would cook a couple of turnkeys on our night so that we could have left overs the next day for lunch.
 

Toyopet!

We have not talked about a gift, I don’t think mom and dad want or need anything and those of you travelling are already spending a lot to come, but if we did anything I would like to suggest we get a photographer to take family pictures. BARB – do you think we could hire Madison to take pictures and then she would give everyone a disc with the shots and then we could print out what we need? 

Mom and dad booked 2 cottages when everyone is home and the thought was that we would put all the grand children there and the adult couples would stay at the house. Does anyone have suggestions or questions? Looking forward to seeing everyone soon! Pam We can do whatever meal is needed. Pam are you planning a day maybe Sunday or Monday at your place? We could do lunch there. Corinne

We arrive August 1st Friday in the AM, and leave August 9 th Saturday. Everything sounds good so far. We could do ribs, I start them in the oven and finish on the BBQ With salad? Pat

We fly into Fargo at 12noon on Wednesday, July 30 and will be at Falcon around dinner time after we get car and cross the border. We leave back for Fargo on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 5th as we have a morning flight to LA on 8/6/14 out of Fargo. We were going to do tacos, I would bring the fresh corn shells from LA myself, so I’d just need: Lean Ground Beef or Turkey, Iceberg Lettuce, Salsa, Sour Cream, Sharp Cheddar, Oil, 3 White Onions, 6 large Tomatoes, Cilantro, Fresh jalapenos or serranos…or in a can, sigh, 8 limes  WE ARE SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU ALL!!! XOXOX  

PS: these leftovers are amazing the next day with eggs and chopped tortilla and the ground beef. Lean Ground Beef or Turkey (more is better, the boys will eat 6 tacos each LOL)

Dear Los Horridos et al! What overlefts might I ask, pray tell!!! Cheers, Patrizzio "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Giants!"

We've not decided what we will make yet. We are having a grave side service for Anne on August 1st at Chapel Lawn by Assinibone Downs. It will probably be around noon and then will have lunch somewhere and drive back to the lake.

Great that the grandchildren are taking charge. Chloe comes in on July 31st and Ayn and the boys on the 30th. Let me know what we can do, Love to all Corinne

I will help Ayn and or Mom/Dad with meals, i will be a slave. xx So looking forward to hanging with everyone!!! we need some major card game playing!!!! 10 pennies all round!! Chloe

The younger sisters have to do all the clean-up! I plan to win big at Up the River!!!

Dear Older Sisters, et al: I'm afraid that although the Older Sisters avoid doing "all the clean-up" this is so because they will be sent beyond The Wall! Have fun, Goils!!! Cheers, Patrizzio, King of the Seven Kingdoms!             Dear Slave, et al: In case you are not really aware of your place in the social hierarchy, (Watch Game of Thrones to learn more about a slave's status!), you will not be allowed to mix with the family, either at meals or at card games. You'll be too, too busy doing dishes, making beds and running errands to even think about 10 Pennies, let alone sitting at the same table with the hoi aristoi! Cheers, Patrizzio of the Iron Throne!

Dear Spelling Bee Drop-outs, et al! While we will be burying Mom's ashes next to my Father's coffin, Chapel Lawn is across Portage from Assinboia Downs, not Assinibone Downs, Cora Lee and Dusty!!! Cheers, Patrizzio! (As an inside aside, I spit on The Pemmican Society, Mighty Grigor!!!)

Shatktooth Annie's Memorial Service! What tooth? Which tooth? Two upper, front Vampire teeth!

Your subject line here says Shatktooth I thought it was normally Sharktooth! 

Just checking to see if anybody actually reads my messages!!! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

The boys will do a reading with me from Maya Angelou’s The Tree…xoxo      Hello Tinsel Town! The Tree sounds terrific. Could you send me a copy of excerpt so that I can send it to Karen, along with other readings we choose. Thanks. Love Dad/Poppa/Patrizzio!

All those named Patrick/Poppa will be doing all the dishes….the wine will not flow until the last fork is polished!

Dear Older Sister and Slave Girl: I beg to differ, the wine will be flowing freely as the cutlery is being polished, in the scullery! Cheers, Tywin! 

Hi Glasgow! Glad you made it home safely and soundly. Give us a shout when you have de-compressed! Nice life travelling Business Class!!
 

Escofier!

For our part we enjoyed a pretty sumptuous meal last night, ourselves. Every year the Harbour Terrace Strata has a dinner for the executive and significant others. Hosted by friend and neighbour, Joanne, on fourth floor, we enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and drinks on her lovely patio before sitting inside for wonderful steaks, (courtesy of Council funds!), bbq'd by Sarge, with salads, vegetables and dessert contributed by everyone. Not to mention plenty of wine! Will need to ride 200 km today! Talk soon. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Hors d'oeuvres; Cora Lee, Flamin' and Gillian; Craig, Joanne, Kathy, Craig's wife; Sarge; patio plantings; dinner; coffee and Bourbon on patio after dinner! 

Hi Patrick: Thanks for putting us up this coming Thursday night. Paolo's flight
arrives at 5:30 so I'm not sure what time we will arrive at your place. Can you give me the address to your house so I can go on google maps and find the route from the airport?
 
How are things with you? You won't recognize Alex when you see him! He is so grownup. Turning out to be a pretty good kid. Excited about his Italian trip. What a cool opportunity. Life is good with me here in Powell River. Putzing along with the magazine, keeping busy. Hugs Iz 

Hi PRLiving Person! Looking forward to you visit with Alejandro, (grown young lad that he is), and Paolo from Palermo, I believe. I was there in 1970, having taken an overnight ferry from Tunis. My girlfriend, Irene, at the time, and I hitch-hiked all the way around Sicily and then up to Napoli. Grand that Alex will be going to this wonderful island. I take it that this is an exchange of some kind.
 

We live on Lamey's Mill Road. Google, of course, but basically just follow Granville all the way towards downtown. After 25th, (aka King Edward), start thinking about getting into curb lane as you should veer to the right at lights at 16th to find yourself, for but a short distance, on Marpole Ave. Turn left at first set of lights, (turning signal there), onto Hemlock. Follow Hemlock across Broadway and then move into left-hand lane as you will bear left instead of going straight ahead over Granville Bridge. Stay in right lane and bear left at lights on 4th/6th at this point, to stay in curb lane for exit, with lights, to Granville Island. Stay in curb lane and then turn right at the lights under the bridge onto Lamey's Mill Road. 

Proceed east, (in the direction of Cambie, Science World), and turn into parking lot outside Harbour Terrace, our building, technically the fourth possibility on your left, but a block or so past entrance to GI. If you see Dean's Store, on your left, you have gone too far. Turn around, (There are a number of self-evident places to do this.), and look for sign for Harbour Terrace. Wait until a servant arrives to let you in to the garage!

I assume you have a cell so call us when you are close, (Or lost. If lost just ask for directions to Granville Island and that will get you close enough to shout for help!), and we'll come to parking lot to let you in to parkade as we have an extra spot, underground.

From past experience, Paolo will not clear Customs, etc., for about an hour, probably, so if his flight is on time you can figure you will be together by 6:30pm-7:00pm and then you still have half an hour drive to get to our place. (Traffic shouldn't be too bad by this point.) All going well, you should be here between 7:30 pm- 8:00 pm. (Sooner the better!) We will have supper for you but will prepare something that doesn't have to be eaten at a given time so don't worry about when you arrive, should flight be delayed, etc. If this happens just call to let us know and we'll adjust accordingly. (Might be a good idea to send along your cell number so that we can contact you as well.) All very flexible so don't hesitate to let us know about food preferences, who will sleep where, etc.
 

Anyway, I'm sure you won't have any trouble finding our place. As I mentioned earlier, we are quite looking forward to seeing everyone as it has been ages since we've seen you, in particular. New Year's Eve when Lurch and Grogg first moved into Madroña Manor, if memory serves me well, about four or five years ago! In case you don't remember what we look like I've attached a few snaps from last night's dinner party where we were treated to a pretty sumptuous meal.  Buona Fortuna! Travel safely. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick and Corinne! Looks like you had a fabulous day! Thank you again for having us over, and for entertaining us all so generously. We had a very early start yesterday but because of bus delays didn't actually get to UBC until 10 mins before race start time.

We crossed the line earlier than anticipated, with a time of 2:15, which was certainly an achievement for us. We sadly could not find Aunt Leah's tent at all, so I'm sorry we did not look hard enough. Matthew had to go to work pretty soon after we got home (it took us almost an hour to get home from Stanley Park because of more delayed buses; it would have been easier to walk if we hadn't been so stuffed!), so it was a very tiring and jam-packed day for him, but we both have today off work, so that's a relief.

Have a lovely summer and enjoy this delightful warm weather. Hope we can see you again soon! Love, Zoe and Matthew

Hi Marathon People! Congratulations on your race time! Bravo! Hip Hip Hooray!!! Terrific to see you both, with Myra and Ron, but too, too bad it had to be so rushed, what with their time constraints and race next day. Still a delightful evening. Thanks for lovely, lovely flowers. Unfortunately, chocs are all gone! Rather delicious I must admit!!!

You are always welcome to pop by whenever around GI. Not sure if we mentioned it or not but we will be heading to Manitoba on July 22nd so if we don't connect before then it will have to be sometime in late August/early September as we are not back until August 19th. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pat, Continued north on Macallan until reaching the water. Stayed on the road for a short distance and then up onto the path in front of the Olympic Oval finishing up at the casino before crossing the Canada Line and up Heather.
Let's see what the weather looks like in the morning. I'm pretty flexible. Wouldn't mind watching some of the England/Costa Rica match (8:45am) but I can tape it if the weather looks better earlier. Ray 

Hi Raymond: Still curious to know how you rode from Oval to Casino. When I did that stretch with Sarge, a while back now, we had to leave trail on dike and cross over a fairly busy street to get to near River Rock. Is that what you did? We can chat tomorrow. I'm fine with waiting until after England/Costa Rica match as it should be a good one.

I didn't go out until about 6:30 pm this evening and in spite of the fact that it started to spit about 7:00 pm and then drizzled a bit more heavily until I was home close to 9:00 pm, it was actually very pleasant. Wind wasn't too strong and first part of ride was really quite balmy. Just did one UBC Forshore Hill and spent rest of time dipsy-doodling through campus. Very quiet so had place virtually to myself. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/527434604#.U6kkaqtfrb0.email

Call me shortly before match starts and we can see how things look. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick, Well that was one hell of a barbecue! I had to give an introduction for a speaker Friday morning and I was for sure a bit green in the gills. Thank you so much for the invitation and all the generosity. We will need to get together soon at Chateau Collins for reciprocation. Cheers,Colin, Wesley and Yumi